Korean Job Discussion Forums

[22tea77]

Has anyone ever taken an EPIK Contract and been required to accept the Rent Subsidy in lieu of housing being provided?
If so, or if this was your choice, were you able to find something acceptable for 300,000 KRW a month?? What about "Key Money"?
How is the housing supplied by EPIK, and are they generally willing to be accommodating if you are extremely unhappy (because of major and valid reasons) with the housing they have provided for you?
I am checking out some EPIK oppurtunities now and want to be in a better position to understand this aspect of the contract.
Thanks for all answers!

[cruisemonkey]

Your housing will most likely be the responsibility of the 'school inspector' for your local district. Everyhing depends on the luck of the draw.

[tob55]

In all likelihood, if they are giving you the 300,000 KRW instead of providing housing, they expect you to find your own place and put up the key money for the place you find...It is not so uncommon these days since the schools don't want the hassle of locating a place for the employee, and put up the key money which may be quite significant if they are opting to go this route.

A few simple questions to them about rentals in the area and what the average key deposit is will answer your questions. I suspect that the key money is probably going to be high in the area of the school, so they don't want to deal with out of pocket expenses which they can spend on something else they view as being more important. Ask, it doesn't hurt anything...

[Teufelswacht]

I heard the housing allowance for EPIK was increased to 350,000 Won in February 2007. At least that is what it says on the EPIK contract for Jeju Island. Other locations could be different.

For what it's worth.