Korean Job Discussion Forums

Michlerish · Joined: 08 Jan 2013

I'm probably going to accept a position at a school in Seocho. They provide housing (they're currently looking for a new building for teachers), or they provide 500k a month housing allowance. They will also provide max 5million key money, returned to me upon completion of contract. I would rather not ask for key money from them, so I'd get only 500k a month for rent.

What is housing like in Seocho? Is the employer-provided housing as small as a walk-in closet? Would I be better off taking the 500k and finding my own place? I'd like to live within walking distance of the school, so is it even possible to find some place in Seocho for around 500k a month?

Thanks so much for your help!

PS. Any insight you can give on living in Seocho would also be appreciated!

newb · Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Location: Korea

If you're clueless as to the housing situation around the area of your new job location, just accept the school housing instead of allowance. You can decide on your options again when and if you decide to renew your contract.

John Stamos jr. · Joined: 07 Oct 2012 Location: Namsan

Newb's probably right. I used to work around Gangnam station (technically in Seocho, or parts of it, at least) and it's a very expensive area to live in. 500k isn't going to go far unless you want to live in a goshiwon. Personally, I didn't live there, I commuted, but where exactly are you going to be working? It's a big Gu; I haven't explored it much, but I'm sure there are cheaper places within it. I assume you mean around Seocho station, but I don't know. I know things come small in big cities in East Asia, generally speaking, but I'm not cut out for the shoe boxes they often stick you in. Depending on your salary and how much wiggle room you have, you might be able to search out a decent spot with a quick bus ride. Having a dedicated Korean lady friend who is willing to put in some time on the ground and haggle, could help your situation enormously.

Lazio · Joined: 15 Dec 2010

Seocho-Gu is one of the most expensive areas of Seoul.
If you want to find your own housing than think a bit further. Depending on where your school is (line 2, line 7) you could go only a few stations away and you will find affordable housing in certain parts of Gwanak or Dongjak-Gu.

NYC_Gal 2.0 · Joined: 10 Dec 2010

I prefer renting my own. If you don't mind commuting, it's worth moving a few subway stops away.

watergirl · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Location: Ansan, south korea

I've had that choice and what I did was go check out several areas near the school. It's quite easy if you can find a Korean to come with you. You simply walk in to a real estate office (they're everywhere and each real estate office seems to only deal with apts in the area) and the agent will show you the places available matching your wishes. That way, you know what's out there and honestly, the school is not necessarily going to spend a lot of time searching for places.
Only issue is that 5 million key money is low. I think the norm is 10 million won. Plus, expect to pay a bit higher in rent.
Gangnam is very expensive and considered by a lot of Koreans to be 'the neighbourhood'.
Consider commuting a little. I live in Itawaen, which is actually fairly close to Gangam by bus (only 15 mins), and here you can find lower key money requests probably because the sheer amount of foreigners living there.

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

NYC_Gal 2.0 · Joined: 10 Dec 2010

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Well, had a place up there back in the mid 90s. It was a one room, decent size, and that was 10 million key plus 1 million a month.

Imagine that for 500 and 5 million down you won't get much. Im thinking a 6-8 pyoung one room or goshitell. VERY cramped, kind of like freshman dorms at a crap university with a bathroom somehow crammed in there, too.The school knows this and theresore hopes you'll opt for one of their shoeboxes.

Take the housing allowance and the 5 million key money and get your own place up in Itaewon, about the only place affordable for that much. If could combine the allowance and key money with another teacher, you might be able to get a decent place in the Twon with a bit of elbow room. That is if you don't mind having a roomie.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Well, had a place up there back in the mid 90s. It was a one room, decent size, and that was 10 million key plus 1 million a month.

Imagine that for 500 and 5 million down you won't get much. Im thinking a 6-8 pyoung one room or goshitell. VERY cramped, kind of like freshman dorms at a crap university with a bathroom somehow crammed in there, too.The school knows this and theresore hopes you'll opt for one of their shoeboxes.

Take the housing allowance and the 5 million key money and get your own place up in Itaewon, about the only place affordable for that much. If could combine the allowance and key money with another teacher, you might be able to get a decent place in the Twon with a bit of elbow room. That is if you don't mind having a roomie.