Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sojourner1]

I recently arrived to no apartment or anything, but am told one will be provided when available and that 5 million won is availabe to purchase the furnishings such a bed and washing machine. I'm staying in a love motel that closely resembles a western hotel room with no kitchen or laundry until I get a place to live. (hopefully within a few days) This is not a hagwon, but is PS EPIK. They simply were not ready yet, despite an urgency and rush to get me to Korea.

Can you give me a list of things that might come first after the bed and washing machine as to budget it out? This is not only for me, but the next teacher who replaces me. I know I need to find the other foreigners in my town and see what they have and how they're living to get an idea on what and how to do it the most sensible way. I know not to go out and splurge on a humongous TV or other top class luxury appliance. Can I get a range with an oven? I'm ready to get cooking again, do my laundry, and have a place to organize clothing and things instead of throwing them in the floor.

[Horangi Munshin]

You'll be fine with 5 million to spend.

When I was first in Korea my lousy academy gave me a budget of 500th to furnish a pad!

Most teachers are given the basics. i.e bed, fridge, washing machine, small TV, table and chairs, a closet and cooking stuff.

[rsmm0224]

Go to Costco for the bed. I got a nice big queen size bed from a website and saved a lot of money but always remember the old adage... you get what you pay for! Its hard as a rock and the springs are collapsed in places. The beds you get at Costco will run you a good chunk of money but will be very much worth it in the end! At least in my opinion.

To clarify, I'm talking about the mattress only! Still go online for the cheap-ass frame. haha

As for the rest of it? I would advocate with that much to spend, you get an oven. The stores are starting to carry more oven based meals or even just to reheat some pizza. I am heading home in three weeks (20 days!) and I can't wait to make a nice lasagna.

[Ramen]

Get following:

Microwave oven
Small oven to bake things in
Blender to mix your hard liquor
LCD TV & DVD/VCR combo
Toaster
Rice cooker (if you like rice and kimchi)
Dining table and chairs
Computer desk w/ book case & reclining office chair
Small sofa and coffee table
Closet/drawer chest
Vacuum cleaner
Telephone
Iron & board
Alarm clock
Air conditioner (if no aircon is provided)
Fan (make sure it's fan death proof )
Cooking pots and pans
Silverware (chopsticks if you eat kimchi)
Dishes/bowls
Wastebasket/trash cans
Clothes hangers

[ytuque]

If you have a small place, I would recommend a good futon versus a regular bed. I picked up a nice full size futon from Ikea Korea for 340k won, a nice large office desk for 225k won, and a great office chair from Costco for 229k won. I also bought a good HEPA air filter for my bedroom, 300k won. Those were my major purchases other than home electronics, and they really make the time spent at home more enjoyable.

[blackjack]

don't forget an air con