Korean Job Discussion Forums

sugarloaf82 · Joined: 21 Dec 2008

I've been in Korea now a little over a month and cannot figure out the heating situation in my apartment. I'm in a small, old apartment building (not many options where I am) and it seems impossible to get and stay warm. When I arrived I had to spend 225,000 won to fill up my oil tank (every apartment has it's own) and I've used about 3/4 of it, yet it's always cold. I've covered my only window with plastic, used the foam tape to seal around my main door... and I'm not sure if there's anything else I can do. I keep my thermostat around 18 when I'm gone during the day and when I get home I turn it up to 25/26 but it takes hours to get there. And last night, for example, I went to bed and it was at 25 and when I woke up this morning it was 16, yet my thermostat was still set for 25 and the light was on saying it was working, but it clearly wasn't, and this is a common occurrence. So, any suggestions? Do you think it could be the boiler not working properly? I've tried to explain this to my coteachers and landlady, and they've been trying to help me, but nothing seems to change and they say it's working properly, it's an old building, etc, etc... I know something's up because when I go to other teachers' apartments they're far warmer than mine.

Any advice would be great.

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

I have to fill my own tank also. I only use it for hot water. I bought a heating fan and I am satisfied with that. I live on the 5th floor so my pipes wont freeze. Get your landlord in your apartment and ask him/her about your problem.

Horangi Munshin · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Location: Busan

Could be a number of things. Old building generally equals crappy heating though. You're better off using a good electric blanket and portable gas or electric heater.

It sound like you will chew through oil and fail to heat your place.

I lived in a house like that here before. I gave up on the boiler.