Korean Job Discussion Forums

cgroch · Joined: 22 Jun 2006

I'm coming to Korea (Anyang area) in a few weeks, and my boyfriend and I are being placed in a studio. I'm REALLY concerned about the lack of space! I would imagine even a one bedroom (separate living area) would be fine, but everything in one room? I have no idea how small these studios really are, so I was wondering what you all thought? Will we end up killing each other? God knows everyone, even couples of four years, need some peace and quiet to themselves. Will it be impossible to ask my school for a bigger place?

Thanks so much!

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Ask your school how many 'pyung' the studio is. That will tell us just how big it is. (pyung is the unit of measurement used here.)

My guess is, either you or your boyfriend will be up on murder charges before the end of the first month. I lived alone in a shoebox for 6 months and thought I'd go nuts.

Bill Brasky · Joined: 13 Feb 2006

studios are small. in korea, they are very small

seoulsucker · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:18 pm Post subject:

You're a bit outside of Seoul, so the space might not be too bad. In Seoul, I was crawling in my own skin living alone in the place they put me. But seriously, I can't imagine two people sharing an efficiency/studio.

You should press your school for double housing. You've got nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

cgroch · Joined: 22 Jun 2006

In college I had a 500 sq ft studio, but it had a half-wall that sort of divided the room from the living room. I guess that would translate into 50 pyong? Is that even right? I'm guessing thats HUGE by Korean standards. Well, he didn't live with me, but the times he stayed for more than a couple days, it got to be a little tough. I guess I should prepare for the worst, eh?

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

I guess 1 pyeong =3.3 metres squared?I think so..

Expect them to offer you something under 15 pyeong.I'm outside Seoul and mine is 12.Are you going to be working together?Get them to spring for an apartment.I think that wouldn't be unreasonable.

I'm in the same boat and am trying to get a larger place-something upwards of 20,and am even willing to take a small pay cut.

Other than that...."luv...I'm going down pub"

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

Don't let them screw you around. If they're getting 2 teachers and they offer housing, they need to offer housing for 2.

Living together in a studio AND working together sounds like my idea of hell, but then again I don't like living with a girlfriend at all.

Peter Jackson · Joined: 23 Apr 2006

If it is like the "studio" I had in Anyang it will be small. Mine was just under 12 pyong. It had a "loft" which was more like a crawl space. It was new and modern, however.

I had a guest for 6 days and I almost KILLED her...too small.

Try getting a place with at least one bedroom. It will be easier if your boyfriend is also employed there.

Good luck. Smile

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

Some people are saying "try", but seriously, you are looking at 20 pyeong max most likely (tell us when you find out). You guys will go crazy, there is not a doubt about it. Get a big place or find another job. Don't think you can do it for a full year, you almost for sure can not Smile

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I agree with what people are saying, a studio is going to be WAY too small. When I was in Chungdam, my school put me in a 17 pyong apartment that had two bedrooms. At the time I was living by myself, but eventually my girlfriend (now my wife) started staying over more often. I can tell you in Cheongdam the rent was 450,000 plus a 50,000 maintence fee.

When I moved to Mapo-gu, the company gave me a 10 pyong studio and my wife and I had just gotten married (but had not had the ceremony yet), so she stayed with her parents. Since moving on to a public school they rented a 20 pyong apartment and furnished it.

It's unclear whether both of you will be working for the same school, but if this is the case definately push them to get you a two bedroom apartment.

If not say "no thanks."

cgroch · Joined: 22 Jun 2006

That's the thing, we ARE working at the same school, so surely we deserve to at least live comfortably, right?

What are the chances that the school is going to be like "well, sorry, too bad, take a hike"?

I hate to say it, but man, we signed the contract. The housing clause?

"The employer shall provide suitable housing for a couple."

Yeah, real informative, huh.

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

Have you asked them for photographs? Before I came I was promised photographs of my studio.... never got them like, but it was nice thought! If you're really worried, ask your recruiter for contact details of other teachers living close by/in the same block. Perhaps they can give you some info, this certainly worked for me!

manlyboy · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:22 pm Post subject:

"Studio" is very often realtor code for something resembling a tool shed. If you like your space, that word should send up a big red flag.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

There is no way you will be happy with 2 people in an officetel. It's not a studio. It's an officetel.

Let me give you some details about them.

First, there is no kitchen. There's a wall with a counter that has a sink and 2 gas burners, and just a little tiny bit of space to dry your dishes and prepare food. The bathroom will most likely have no counters, but perhaps a little mirror that opens. I can barely fit my stuff in there, and I only have a little makeup.

The main room of the apartment is going to be too small to divide. You'll possibly have room for a chair of some sort, but most likely not enough for a sofa or loveseat.

A pyeong is a square measurement that is 1.8 meters on each side.

As others have said, they are hiring 2 teachers and therefore should provide accommodation for 2. If they're gonna be cheap about money, I strongly recommend you find a different place. It sucks working for a tightwad boss.

Q.

heydelores · Joined: 24 Apr 2006

I'm in an officetel now, and I'd go absolutely crazy if I had to share it with another person, no matter how much I loved that person. Qinella described my apartment exactly. The other foreign teacher at my school has a slightly bigger room than mine, but even that room is too small for two people. If you're going to be working together and living together, you're really going to need more space for your own health and sanity.