Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LOVYDOVY]

What did you do your first day in Korea?

I'm little on the neat site and I would like my apart. be spotless. Did you had to clean the place? Do I need to bring anything from here? Or just go the store for cleaning supplies?

And if my memory serves me right it is stated in the SMOE contract that we are not allowed to change the apt. lock. What is your experience in this matter? Any safety issues that I should be concerned about.

I appreciate any advice.

Thank you

[Chicoloco]

[bignate]

The morning of my first day in Korea was spent in the bathhouse with my boss....he picked me up at Kimpo, drove me into Seoul, introduced me to my fellow teachers and took me to the bathhouse....

Less than four hours in country and I was naked in a tub of hot water with my boss.....

[Draz]

[fortysixyou]

Apartments are usually dirty when you move into them.

I think the general norm here is that you clean when you move IN to an apartment, not when you move OUT.

So even though someone might've left you with a dirty apartment, they're moving into a different dirty apartment themselves. And when you move out, you won't have to clean.

[rhinocharge64]

My word another wacko in K land, just what the doc. ordered!!

[ernie]

your first few days with SMOE will likely be spent at the training center in yongin (it's like a hotel/conference center)... you probably won't find out ANYTHING about your school or your apartment until the day before you actually have to start teaching...

your individual school has total control over your apartment, so you could be in an overpriced officetel in a bad location, a tiny dormitory-style place near dongdaemun stadium, or actually get something you really like...

i know it's daunting and it might be too late (you can always ask SMOE), but i highly recommend staying with a friend or at hotel for a week or two and finding your own apartment... you can go to one of the many real estate offices around town and they can hook you up with an apartment (for a small fee, of course)... key money (usually a $3000 - $5000 deposit) can be a problem, but you can often choose to pay more rent per month instead of key money...

if organization and spotlessness is your thing, i'm sorry but korea isn't the place for you!

[orosee]

Also consider that any bed sheets, covers etc. may or MAY NOT have been cleaned after the previous tenant moved out. Get an alternate light source (CSI style), take your sheets to the laundry or buy your own.

[Gaber]

I'm a SMOEr and me and my GF were lucky enough to be moved into a clean apartment. I was actually surprised by the quality of the accommodation. We are both the first teachers at our respective school so the schools got together and bought us new everything. So maybe you'll be lucky

[moosehead]