Korean Job Discussion Forums

[justin moffatt]

After visiting numerous real estate agents, searching both Korean and English sites on the net, frequenting various apartments, villas, and office tels, I can honestly submit how time consuming and frustrating this process can be. Any tips on how to narrow one's search in finding reasonable accomodation?

Key frustrations:

1) Pictures never appear what they seem on the internet sites to the in person reality. (if they even have pics)

2) Even if you are interested in various areas, you have to attend to NUMEROUS real estate agents in that particular area just to get quotes and view apartments. You would think in a highly advanced technological era, that some real estate agents would videcam the apartment and allow prospective tenants a virtual walk in tour (not to waste our time and theirs).

3) Visiting numerous places recommended by real estate agents that do not fit your requests.

4) Being charged exorbitant fees from real estate agents if you are interested in renting that accomodation.

5) The whole Chonsea and Wolsea issue. Which is better? Why?

6) The ridiculous prices expected to pay rent in Seoul (even outside of hot spot areas like Kangnam or Apujeong).

After searching Dave's FAQ and utilizing the search function, I have found limited links to these issues. Any possible links would be appreciated, along with ideas and reasonable expectations to pay (according to specific areas) with possible examples. Thanks in advance.

[bangbayed]

1) If you want cheaper accomodation, then the internet is not the way to go. Most realtors couldn't be bothered with posting that info. There is a helluva lot of turnaround in the market and most agents don't consider it worth their time. That said, are you checking Korean sites? They tend to be more accurate than the English ones.

2) see 1. Also, even the posted places on the windows of real estate offices are often outdated and only useful in giving you an idea of prices around the area.

3) part of the process, I've found.

4) you mean the finders fee? It's usually around 1% of the deposit, if you pay over 10 million. Under that, it might be 10 percent.

5) Cheonsae is better, if you have the funds. Why? You won't be paying monthly rent and you'll just be pocketing any rental allowance your school gives you. Unfortunately, you'll need at least 50 million just for a tiny one-room, in a cheap area. Most Koreans choose this option.

6) Speculation has skyrocketed in recent years. All over Seoul. If you want cheaper rent in Seoul try areas that are farther away from subway stations or up hills. Haebangchon is not cheap anymore.

For what it's worth, check these out:
http://kr.realestate.yahoo.com/
http://land.naver.com/
http://www.r114.co.kr/
You can usually search first by cheonsae or wolsae and then by area.

[Yesterday]

Check out Korea Herald - http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/index.asp

sign up (register - it only takes 2 minutes and is immediate)

then click on [bulletin board] (down left side) - then click on [Accomodation]

lots of people on there - renting apartments specifically for foreigners..
(with low key-deposit)

[bangbayed]

If you really want to check an English site, English Spectrum has more ads.
http://www.englishspectrum.com/new/board_.php?gid=ACC

[justin moffatt]

Thanks everyone. My wife had already checked out the Korean sites suggested. English Spectrum is how I found my current place. No luck on that site for the past while. Korean Herald site had a few possible options (but somehat limited). If anyone could recommend a good real estate agent in Hannam Dong or Itaewon please PM me. Do they all have access to the same listings?