Korean Job Discussion Forums

Omkara · Joined: 18 Feb 2006 Location: USA

My apartment in Korea was small, but sufficient. I'm thinking about Japan. How are the apartments there generally? Are they smaller? Furnished? With a washer? Dryer?

Dev · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

Apartments in Japan are generally expensive and unfurnished. Sizewise, a bit smaller than Korean - especially the bathroom and kitchen (if your lucky to have a kitchen. Most often your kitchen is a one burner stove and small sink in the hall). Most Japanese apartments are so small that you think you're living in a trailer.

The ESL schools there generally don't provide apartments, but most will hook you up with a guest house where you can rent a room with other foreigners.

If you do want a little freedom and want your own apartment, get ready to shell out big money on deposits. You'll have to shell out 4 months rent ($750 USD average X 4) before you even move in. That's first and last month's rent plus one month's damage deposit plus one month's rent which is a service charge levied by the realtor.

Working in Japan is an expensive affair. If you want to work there, you should shop around for a good employer who can help you with housing.

rocklee · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul

Omkara · Joined: 18 Feb 2006 Location: USA

Thanks for the advice, all. D'ya think it's really worth the hassle to move to Japan and deal with all the expenses of moving there?

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

rocklee · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul

Hmm....for a total newbie, it is not worth it. A lot of people already established in Japan will tell you to bring at least $2000 USD to prepare yourself for the first month and a bit (while waiting for your initial pay check).

There are several guesthouses around the city where you pay 40,000 per month. Those would be the best option for newbies until they have enough money to invest in a proper apartment.

braunshade · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Location: Somewhere better!

The quality of life is much higher in Japan.

Most people do not mind not being able to save as much in Japan as you can in Korea.

Its more exciting and interesting.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

I was in Korea for 5 years and now Japan for 1 year. Japan is definitely more culturally advanced about foriegners, and more technologically advaced too. Way way way more polite in public, and way way way better drivers. It's more peaceful, calm, sane, and feels more normal and more comfortable to live in. I wouldn't say it's more exciting and interesting though.

whatthefunk · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Location: Dont have a clue

i moved from korea to japan three years ago and it cost me over $3000 US to do so. it was well worth it though...had a great time. your apartment will be small, very small. it will come with nothing (unless the previous guy died in it.) you will eat instant noodles and not go out anywhere for two months because even the thought of leaving your apartment will cost you more money than you have. you will sleep on the floor with an ultra thin hundred yen shop blanket until you can afford a futon and a better blanket. you will spend your weekends riding around the block on a stolen bicycle until you can afford to go outside the perimeters of your neighborhood. you will consider hanging yourself from the light fixture. but then you will get paid and everything will be okay. you will spend all of your money drinking. you will use the airconditioner excessively and eat out everynight. you will meet a japanese girl and then you wont have to buy a new blanket, but she wont settle for sleeping on the floor so you will have to do something about that. then, you will meet another japanese girl and you will once again consider hanging yourself from the light fixture. circles, my friend. cricles.