Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PeteJB]

What's this place like? I've only passed through it on the subway so I have no way to judge it. There seems to *be* lots of nicely priced modern apartments available in this district of Seoul. I'm guessing it's not that great a district compared with say, Mapo or Gangnam - But the prices of places are too good to miss and many locations are right on top of the stations. Is it worth checking out? Because I need a new home right now..

[Mr. Pink]

I lived there for years, I like it. Take a bus sometime heading west from Sadang Station towards SNU...pretty much the GU has some great places to live with the mountain to the south. It is expensive but no where near what Seocho-Gu and Kangnam-Gu are.

If you are thinking of buying, why not go to the other side of Kwanak Mountain to Kwachon City (spelling could be off)? The view and nature from there is outstanding...quite a beautiful little gem tucked away near Seoul.

[Seoul_Star]

I lived in Gwanak-gu for a year. Apartments may be cheaper, but they are significantly smaller due to the fact that they are intended for students of the nearby university who simply use the tiny rooms to sleep in. There are a couple of larger apartments in the 1.5 range with 10mil down, but mostly you are looking at student rooms that are around 12 square meters in the 500,000k range with 10million deposit. The area itself is mostly ok, post office and banks near the subway station, mostly small eating/drinking places.

It's not the cleanest part of Seoul (not even close). The population is largely made up of University students. You have convenient access to the airport shuttle bus (stop near the station). Banks and post offices are near the station. There are a decent amount foreigners living in the area. There is nothing really exciting in the area. There are lots of love motels.

Pros:
-It's on the Number 2 Subway line
-Apartments are lower in cost
-If you frequent love motels, there are plenty
-Lots of convenient things right by the subway station
-Population made up largely of Uni. students.
-Access to Gwanak mountain
-Access to Seoul National Uni.


Cons:
-Apartments are fairly small compared to other areas (12sqm was the norm for nearly all officetels within 5 blocks of mine)
-Area is not really clean, but for most people, this isn't a problem.
-Where I lived (near the station) lots of heavy drinking occurred. It's a working class neighborhood. I learned to watch my step on the way to the station each day, piles of vomit often lined my street.

It really depends on what you are expecting. If you are just looking for a cheap place to crash, then it will work for you. If you are looking for entertainment, shopping, etc, that area doesn't really offer it, but it does offer access to Line 2, so you can pretty much go anywhere.

[winterwawa]

My ex-wife and I were living in Gwanak-gu, Sillim Dong when we split up. We lived in a one roon in Green Jutaek. We paid 3mil key and 560,000 a month. The room was full option, which means all untilities were paid and it had a two burner hot plate, washer, fridge, closet, desk and bookcase.

The owner was cool too. When I told him that I couldn't pay the rent because my wife left me and I lost my job, he let me stay there 3 months free and refunded the entire key money when I left. That is one act of kindness I will never forget.

Edit: There are a few other things about Sillim Dong that might be of interest to you 1) there are lots of good resturants, 2) there is a movie theater at exit 7 of Sillim station, 3) there are lots places to buy fresh veggies that are not expensive, 4) there are a few night clubs -- if you are into that 5) there are at least two health clubs within walking distance of Sillim station, and 6) there is a Lotte department store nearby. I highly recommend you check this area out.

[PeteJB]

I checked some apartments today. I found a brand new one, about five minutes from the bus stop (say 15 minutes walk from Seouldae) - Everything is new, however no TV or bed is included (but closet, washer, fridge etc are there). Key money is 2 million WON, monthly rent 400,000 (about 450 including full options). And it wasn't that tiny. Only downside is, it was on a steep hill! Other than that it seems like a great deal. Heck, even student housing costs around that same price per month. Ah and yes, that was Sillim dong. The atmosphere there was better than I expected.

[winterwawa]