Korean Job Discussion Forums

mytime · Joined: 15 Oct 2006

Is this the same as yeogwans or are there some difference?
How much does it cost per day/week?
Do some have internet?

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Different. Cheaper, small rooms. Most have internet connection, bring yr own computer, it's free. I think most now charge only per month, can range from under 200,000 up to 500,000 perhaps (for bathroom in room). You can cook and do laundry. Free rice and maybe other things. Many are around Yonsei University (Shinchon) area. You gotta be quiet in them, and not smoke or drink in yr room.

There's an old thread in the FAQ forum about them.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JAxq--kn3I

http://wiki.galbijim.com/Goshiwon

Masta_Don · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: Hyehwa-dong, Seoul

mark.walters2 · Joined: 20 Apr 2009

Looking for a goshiwon/yeogwan near Seoul Station. Anybody knows one?

Robot_Teacher · Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Location: Robotting Around the World

That's a great idea of cheap singles housing. The area around Seoul station looks really commercial with big office buildings or business stuff on a large scale so I wouldn't know if a goshiwon or motel is in there. I'm betting you're going to have to look elsewhere and use subway if you want to visit the area around Seoul station instead of living there. Sorry I can't give info on where goshiwons are located.

I wish we had those in America. It sure would prevent a great deal of homelessness and allow anyone to easily secure a tiny place to stay in a pinch. I used to find rooming houses back in early 90's for like $110 to $200 per month, but they're hard to find and often old, falling apart, bugs, high crime rate, freaks, and most of these properties today are condemned after drug busts and death of owners. Today, motels rent for about $200 to $400 per week which is not an economical option. In the US, you usually have to pass credit check, pay deposit and rent, and sign a year contract to get an apartment. Short term housing is hard to come by which caused me problems. Korea has a good system accommodating young people or just anyone needing a place to sleep and park the bags.

Of course, there has to be strict rules with rooming houses like a goshiwon. No jammin out, partying, talking really loud, or smoking drugs. I don't see a problem with a single guy or gal quitely enjoying a few cold ones in front of the computer or TV, but that's not Korean custom to drink a beer alone. You go out to restaurant for that just as you go out to music rooms to sing and dance and you go out to DVD rooms or Lotte cine to watch movies. Of course, you can use your headphones with your notebook in the room to jam out and watch movies.

It's good to know about this goshwon rooming being available as paying 40,000 a night for a motel would add up too quickly. Never know if you'll need to stay longer to get your money or look for a new job or just want to stay in Seoul unemployed for a few weeks or a month.