Korean Job Discussion Forums

Petey Wheatstraw · Joined: 28 Sep 2007

I'm considering taking a contract which does not provide free housing. It's an adult school, so it might be worth not getting dong-shimmed, if you know what I mean? Anyway, the terms are these: 5 million key money paid by the company and 100,000 as a monthly housing stipend. There is another option in which one can receive 400,000 per month if one opts for an unfurnished apartment.

Basically, is this bullshit? The money's good, but what can I expect to pay over top of the 100,000 per month? The company assists you with finding a place, so maybe they've got a line on modestly priced apartments. What's the low-end for flats that are not completely shitty?

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the help you seasoned ones provide us helpless dweebs.

rjrs0510 · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

It all depends upon where in Seoul you want to live. In the kangnam area most deposits are now 10mil and a decent officetel, you need another 850/900 for rent, that is unless you want to live in a cube and even that will cost around 700. This, of course, excluded utilities and in an officetel that can run to 150 a month. In the Itaewon area you may get a cruddy old villa for around 5mil and 500 a month. Also, seriously take the unfurnished option (400 am month). You can furnish a place for around 300/400...lots of 'recycle city' stores that sell decent stuff. Also you can buy things cheaply on auction.com, if u have a korean friend. Check the website www.nearsubway.com. He is a realtor and speaks English. Again, it depends where and how you want to live!

StephannieK · Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Location: Gyeongbuk-do

Would you mind checking the link~ have tried to follow it with no luck~

sorry~ figured it out~ had to backspace over the period DoH ~

OneWayTraffic · Joined: 14 Mar 2005

Take the 400. It's far the better deal. Look on the internet forums for people after roommates and go from there. Or get your own place. FYI I paid 450 a month with one months deposit at the place I was in 3 years ago. It had one bedroom but was pretty nice for a single. In Itaewon.

Check the teachers that are at the hagwon you're going into. Good chance that someones looking for a person to take over their lease. Or check out a go shi tel. Basically you'll get a cell sized room for 200,000 a month or so.

ETA: Go shi tel--> goshitel

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

What's the real draw of teaching at this adult school with such a poor housing deal?

rjrs0510 · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

http://www.nearsubway.com/

sorry it took me so long to get back!

bulldogbill · Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Location: Seoul

Petey, the issue here is that if the academy wants to pay you 600,000 or 700,000 LESS than it will cost you for accommodation, they NEED TO be paying you much that in wages OVER and ABOVE the normal 2,200,000 to 2,500,000. I other words if the school is not offering 3,000,000 or better, they are ripping you off.
From my previous thread, it is apparent that some people are here for the lifestyle, but if you are here for the money then you have to consider the total package, and how much you can send home each month!