Korean Job Discussion Forums

[heddydivvydee]

Not going to go into too much detail but...

I recently purchased a non-refundable ticket for a flight to Incheon that arrives on the 23rd of August. Unfortunately, Sungkyunkwan's Suwon campus doesn't allow anybody to move in until the 30th.

Long story short: Can anyone recommend fairly cheap accommodations in Suwon for a week?

Edit: And yes, I am aware that google is good for these sorts of things, but I'd like to hear what Dave's thinks about it.

[dean_burrito]

I don't really think google would help you in this case. I'd get there and look around for a cheap love motel myself. They are usually cheaper than anything else and far more interesting. I'm not so familiar with Suwon but perhaps someone else can steer you towards one. If not just ask for "motel" and someone will point you in the right direction. If by chance you are arriving late just look for what appears to be neon cup of coffee on the sign. That means accomodation.

[michaelambling]

[Otherside]

There are plenty of motels in the Suwon station area (which is 3 stops from Sungkyunkwan University). The cheaper places you can get a rate of about 30,000 per night. If you negotiate for a whole week, you may be able to get a discount.

[climber159]

Since you are posting about this problem on Dave's I'm assuming that you don't really know any other foreigners in Korea. If it is the case, might I suggest you find a place to stay in the Itaewon area of Seoul. Visiting Itaewon early on in my my stint here was one of the best things of done. That is where I've met my core group of friends. Approaching people there is pretty easy and many times they are willing to help you get oriented in Korea (let you know where various places are).

No matter if you head straight to Suwon or opt for Seoul for a few days, you'll be able to find a decent place to stay for less than 50,000KRW/night. I'm not familiar with any hotels/motels in Suwon, but experience has taught me that with love motels the exterior is generally a good indication of the interior.

[polonius]

[Bloopity Bloop]

http://www.couchsurfing.com

[Konglishman]

Have you considered staying at a hostel? There is one in the Jongno area of Seoul. If I remember correctly, it was about 17,000 Won per night. The name of it was Holiday in Korea Hostel.

http://www.holidayinkorea.com/Eng/About.asp

[Clockout]

I got here two days before my contract and didn't have airport pickup or any contacts in Korea. I just took the subway from the airport to what I thought was the closest stop. I just told the taxi driver to take me to the closest cheap hotel. I ended up at a really great love motel and spent the next two days sleeping off jetlag and wandering around a relatively boring area which was still fascinating to me at the time.

It was a crash course in navigating the subway system, taxis, and finding a hotel. It was stressful and draining but I wouldn't trade that experience for airport pickup.

[chris_J2]

Another option in Seoul is "Guesthouse Korea" Jongno Sam Ga . You could use the subway to get there from Seoul Stn & then from Jongo Sam Ga to Suwon Subway station on line 1. Then a taxi to your Suwon venue.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seoul_subway-line_1_oper-map.png

Suwon is near the middle of the right arm of the Y shaped line 1 above, lying on its side.

http://www.guesthouseinkorea.com/Jong-No/?M=Intro&L=1
http://www.guesthouseinkorea.com/Jong-No/?M=Map&L=1

[Illysook]

My pastor and his wife have 2 extra bedrooms and are very generous with their hospitality. PM me and I will put you in touch.

[lille]

I'll second the Couchsurfing recommendation. Not only is it full of interesting, likeminded and trustworthy folks, it's free and a great way to make some pals and get to know your surroundings before you have a support system of coworkers.

[Otherside]