Korean Job Discussion Forums

[citisenoftheworld]

I am going to Gangwando in September and I am concerned about my living accommodations. For any of the teachers who are there now or where there before, how was the size of your apartment? If you don't like what they offer you, how easy is it to change your apartment?

Thanks

[sojourner1]

Being the first time my school sponsored an EPIK teacher, I was able to choose an apartment and new appliances. At first, I was offered tiny awful apartments with no kitchen or washer hookup, but declined them and then the only other option was a large family sized apartment which I'm more than satisfied with. They just didn't know what they was doing until they were educated on hosting a foreign teacher for the EPIK after I arrived. The utilities might run more than your average bachelor pad when it comes to heating up the giant water heater and extensive ondul floor heating, but it beats a shoe box lacking a way to do some basic cooking and laundry. It's a brand new house with me being the first tenant that includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a large living room, a real kitchen, a back enclosed washer and hot water heater room, a large front porch, and a smallish green grass front yard set in front of a beautiful river that is clean enough to eat fish out of. (if you can catch the buggers) My housing situation is much more than I expected and probably more accommodation than most get so don't expect this much as I didn't. I just lucked out and am very pleased to say the least. I'm very pleased with how well my liaison co-teacher has and is working with me to get everything sorted out since I arrived. I do believe it's common to get more accommodation and better treatment in EPIK than you ever would in a hagwon. I've heard numerous times that the Gangwon EPIK gets high remarks from many PS teachers and it shows as they want to adequately take care of you so that you will be happy and be the best teacher you can be who wants to stay here.

You'll need the washing machine as there seems to be no public laundry facilities and you might not have much for restaurants so you'll enjoy cooking for yourself that much more so when you want it your way or just want to take care of yourself. There is no pizza, big macs, fries, lasagna, spaghetti, etc. in my small town, but I have a kitchen and the people seem more friendlier and laid back. I was amazed to meet the friendliest ajjuma seller at our 5 day street market today as they are usually not that warm and pleasant in my experience.

I met another public school teacher last year in another province in a rural area and he had a huge 3 bedroom place so it's quite common to get a large place or at least something nicer than what you might get in the city or in a hagwon. The other Gangwon EPIK teachers I've met also have nice places with at least 2 rooms. It varies as you never know until you arrive, but there's a good chance you'll be taken care of if you take the initiative to work with them in meeting your needs before getting into something. If given something that lacks with no other option upon arrival, inquire when the lease is up or if it's possible to get out of it to see about getting a new place. Good luck to you.