Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Natebomb]

Which is better/bigger?

[the eye]

The names don't specify how large they are. A Studio is just one room. Korean apartment adverts usually use the term 'one room' for studio.
So, one bedroom could mean the same, or it could actually specify a separate bedroom and kitchen/living area.

the only way you're going to know how large, or how many rooms it has is by asking a current teacher at the school.

[Natebomb]

Cool, what are the accomodations really like? I'm assuming from what I've seen and read that they're pretty small, but are we talking sardine can or what? If my gf and I work at the same school and share accom. will it be much bigger?

[RobinH]

Yep, and try to get pictures if possible.

[tzechuk]

Are you from England and or London?

If so, think of those flats in London. Those that cost around 100-150 quid a week. That's about the size (i.e. small).

Enough for a bed, a TV, wardrobe and a small table. There's a bathroom, of course, just don't expect a bath in it, and there's a kitchenette - except there's no wall dividing it in between.

[Ya-ta Boy]

My Korean friends use 'a one room' and 'a one room' to mean two entirely different things. 'A one room' can be exactly that....you live in one room with kitchen stuff off in one corner and your bed (if you have one) in the living room. The other 'one room' means a one-bedroom apartment with the living room, kitchen and bedroom separate.

Ask pointed questions to get the detailed information you need.

[the eye]

Accomodations differ GREATLY from school to school. They are usually measured in 'Pyung'. 1 pyung=3m squared....about the area of a full grown man lying down with arms stretched out to the sides.

The average place is around 12pyung...which is not comfortable for even 1 person. I live in 20pyung now and I consider it just fine for one person. Usually, studio apartments have no formal closets. You are usually given a moveable cabinet style closet for your clothes.

So, if you are coming with your g-friend, you should not accept a school that isn't willing to put in you in a larger 2-room, or 3-room joint. They are still saving money by keeping the both of you in one place.

[itaewonguy]

a one room usually means..
an older house, usually in a 5 story building.
small bathroom with shower connected to the sink!
kitched and bedroom in the same room, and a small laundry out in the balcony.. this is your typical place..

now a studio apartment.
is an officetel.. which means it is more modern, with a larger bathroom and seperate shower. proper shower!
kitchen and bedroom is usually in the same room, unless you get a two story officetel then the bedroom is upstair..
these are in huge buildings, like 10-50 stories.. with gym, restaurants 7-11 all in the building.. much better place to live!
the one room, are usually in dirty , dodgy areas, in small buildings, noisy, small, old !! most schools will put you here..

[Natebomb]

So, what kind of bargaining power will I have seeing as I'll be living with my gf, thus saving them the extra accomodations?

[tzechuk]

[the eye]

[itaewonguy]

of course you are talking about working at the same school right?
otherwise the school doesnt have to give you a bigger place.. becuase they are only hiring you..so they wouldnt want to pay more money for you just becuase you are bringing your GF with you..
get her to sign with a school and take housing allowance of 300.000
make sure you get a officetel, that will be fine for the both you..
bigger house means bigger bills.. especially in korea!!

[the eye]

[itaewonguy]

[the eye]