Korean Job Discussion Forums

[taobenli]

This question is not strictly about housing, but I figured I'd keep my subject line simple. I know there's a lot of long-termers on here from time to time (though not as many as the newbies) who might have advice about housing and employment. I'm not a complete newbie to Korea, as I've spent about a year there in short-term chunks and speak a decent amount of Korean. I'll be in Seoul for a language fellowship for a year starting in September, and when the year's up will probably stay in Korea for another year for research, but not in Seoul. My husband, who has no Korea experience, will be joining me and will need to find a teaching job (he has a little bit of hogwon experience in Japan, though he would rather teach in public high schools, private high schools, or well-organized adult hogwon- if those exist?- this time around...university jobs are probably out of reach).

I will be calling on the Korean university contacts I have to advise about any jobs for my husband they know of or good housing deals, but I may be on my own for both. So my questions are:

1) What are the best places (websites, etc.) to look for housing? I have till September so I'm in no rush. My fellowship stipend for the year is quite generous (especially as it's paid in U.S. dollars) and I expect that my husband might be able to contribute a minimal housing subsidy from an employer. We'd want a 2-bedroom at least so I'd have an office, and although I'll be studying at Yonsei I don't really want to live in the Shincheon/Hongdae/Ehwa area. Furnished would also be ideal. I'd rather live a short-ish distance by bus or subway (although if my husband's job ends up being far then it would make sense to live between the two). Glancing quickly at craigslist I saw this: http://seoul.craigslist.co.kr/apa/1095985530.html. That kind of thing seems perfect, but of course won't still be available in September. I also took a look at this type of housing: http://bhouse.co.kr/catalog.html, which is do-able with the U.S. dollars (the Suite) but maybe a bit more than we need. I love the idea of a small house or villa (as in the craigslist post above), but worry a bit about the lack of security that a bigger apartment complex would have.

Any advice on places to look? I'll be doing this search by distance mostly- I had planned to be in Korea for a program in the summer months, but now I'm thinking I won't go (I don't want my husband to have to deal with the packing all by himself).

2) When is it best to start looking for a teaching job for September? How long does it take these days to get all the criminal checks, etc. in order, and how does he start that process? Is GEPIK an option for Seoul city, and if not, where can other public school positions (or maybe GOOD hogwon) be found?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[taobenli]

bump

(Only 6 views? I'm insulted. What sexy title should I substitute to get some replies here?)

[CA-NA-DA-ABC]

Craigslist is not bad, but I don't think it has a lot of listings.

don't trust Korean websites with pictures. Most of them are fake listings used to bait people to call/visit.

decide on what type of housing you want (e.g. apartment, officetel, one-room) and your budget. then visit a bunch of realtors in the neighborhood you want to find a place in.

good luck.

[Otherside]

I don't know about the housing, but GEPIK isn't really an option for Seoul.
GEPIK deals with Gyeonggi province, so it may be possible to get a position that is "just" outside of Seoul, it would be difficult and at best you'd be looking at something of a 25-35min commute to central Seoul, where you'd be located.

Go with SMOE, they are the organisation in charge of Seoul public jobs. Bare in mind, you will have little choice where in Seoul you'll be placed, and your husband could find himself working on the extreme outskirts of Seoul, up to an hour (or more) from where you'll be located.