Korean Job Discussion Forums

Big Mac · Joined: 17 Sep 2005

I'm just wondering what you all think is a fair maintenance fee for an apartment building.

Last year I paid 15,000 Won a month. I just got my first pay at my new job and the charge was 50,000 Won, which to me seems a little excessive.

I'm thinking of asking to see receipts. However, I learned the hard way last time around that employers in Korea don't like it much when you question their honesty. They will make your life miserable when you let them know you don't trust them. I have to kind of wonder whether this one is worth pushing too far.

Everything else seems to be in line with what it should be...it's just this crazy maintenance fee.

What do you guys think?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

If you know anyone in the apartment ask them what they pay.

If you know anyone who can write Hangul write out the question

How much is the maintenance fee?

then give it to one of your neighbors(take a calculator and have then enter in the amount)

juicyhumdinger · Joined: 03 Jan 2005

mine's around 50k, which seems pretty standard from most folks I know. It includes water, electricity and paying for the soju party the usually sleeping guard booth jockeys have each month.

Big Mac · Joined: 17 Sep 2005

Hey Grotto...

Everyone in my building works at the same school. We're all new teachers and all just got our first pay. We are all paying 50,000 Won and all a little ticked about the amount. Good idea though.

Another poster mentioned that they pay a high fee that includes gas and stuff like that. All those things are separate for me. The 50,000 Won is for cleaning and general maintenance. But I have yet to see anyone clean the hallways in this building. So I'm not really getting my money's worth.

mumblebee · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Location: Andong

I live in a new officetel, and my bill is around 100 000 per month. It is a fairly decent sized loft, and the bill covers electicity and hot water too. I don't use too much electricity...people who run their aircon or heat a lot pay much more. I think it depends on the building, its location, amenities (like parking) and such

poet13 · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:22 pm Post subject:

From another thread I just posted..."She charged me 100k a month for phone, cable, electricity, water and heating oil. Gas bottles were my own cost."

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

depends on the building. Over the last 2 years mine has averaged about 130,000 a month.

VanIslander · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 7:21 pm Post subject:

I paid 50 thou in each of my last two jobs.

Includes the electricity and cable too.

jmbran11 · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Location: U.S.

Our maintenance fees are around 250,000. I live in a very nice officetel building in an expensive area, but it's billed directly to me, so I know it's legitimate. My co-workers who live in this building pay about the same. Last month the janitorial staff went on strike because they allegedly hadn't been paid in over a month.

50,000 is not that high if your building has an elevator, trash service, guards, etc. Though, if you are charged through your employer, you never know. Someone is probably pocketing the money. I wouldn't push it if you are otherwise happy with your job and everyone else is paying the same.

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

mine is 20K and includes nothing.

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

babtangee · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:47 pm Post subject:

Mine runs up to 160k. Billed directly to me. Does not include gas or cable. A year ago it was 120 max and it included cable. I'm gettin' angry just thinkin' bout it.

pdxsteve · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Bundang

I pay 20,000 per month in my villa apartment and it covers the water and sewer bills and common-area cleaning (the owner keeps the halls and stairways very clean).

jmbran11 · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Location: U.S.