Korean Job Discussion Forums

[proudman]

So Saturday was my first day of looking at places with a Realtor. One of my coworkers came along, so it made it a good experience. We focused on Apgujeon and Sinsa. I guess I was focused on Apgujeong because of its allure, but you really do not get much bang for your buck there. The places that I saw were really outdated. You're truly paying for the right to say that you live in Apgujeong.

Sinsa was a little bit better, but not significantly. However, I did find a place about a six minute walk from Sinsa station for a reasonable monthly rent. The area is technically Nonhyeon, not Sinsa. If I had to choose from the units I saw on Friday, the Nonhyeon place would be the winner strictly because of the condition of the interior. I can't believe I was seriously considering a place that was subpar on the inside just because it was in Apgujeong!

Anyway, the first Realtor that we worked with kept suggesting the Gangnam station area. I haven't looked there yet, but am wondering if any of you have knowledge of what your money can get you in that area. I'm guessing that even though it's Gangnam station, your money will still go farther there than Apgujeong or Sinsa station areas.

The biggest deterrent for me is that Gangnam station is about a 34 minute subway ride to work and Sinsa is about 21. I would prefer to get out of my living situation much sooner than later, but do not want to make a rash decision. Thoughts would be appreciated.

[Binch Lover]

I guess it completely depends on your interests but out of those 3 options, I would much prefer to live in Sinsa due to its proximity to the river. Gangnam is not going to be significantly cheaper than Sinsa.

Where do you live now, where do you work, and what's your budget? Most importantly... why would you want to live in that area? I lived there for 2 years and really didn't like it. Few interesting bars, expensive food, hard to get taxis at night, traffic, not many parks...

[wishfullthinkng]

[Binch Lover]

[proudman]

I actually work near Myeong-dong and Namdaemun Market, so that's why I am looking to be a little more centrally located. Gangnam station is something that I would consider if I can get something significantly nicer than Sinsa and Apgujeong, but it is about another 15 minutes or so longer of a commute each way.

Does anyone have any recent apartment shopping experience in any of the above mentioned areas? I do like how Gangnam is so vibrant, but would rather have a shorter commute if the quality of officetels are not significantly greater.

[orosee]

Sorry for answering with a "why don't you" but why don't you look for something in Hannam-dong? Next to Hannam O-geori or near Hangangjin Station? Best bus connections and can't possibly be more expensive than Gangnam. A friend of mine moved from "5 minutes walk to Gangnam Station" to "Just up from the Hospital in Hannam" and got a newer, brighter apartment for only 3 mil instead of 6. Including a little piece of garden. Terrible walk up to Itaewon but a gentle stroll to the main bus stop near Hannam bridge. Pretty much every bus will drop you at Myeongdong or Euljiro-some-ga. And for the future: Should you ever move work to Bundang you can get to there in under 20 minutes by bus, too.

Gangnam is exploding with activity but you need to be a Korean to take full advantage of it. Plus, all your friends are in Itaewon already (admit it!).

[PRagic]

Why go Kangnam? There are some awesome places in the Hapjeong-Hongdae-Dongyo-Shincheon area. Donggyo-Dong (the by the roundabout between Hongdae and Shincheon) would be a great location given your area for work.

Close to the Han, subway lines, bus lines to your work, COSTCO, and decent night life and grub.

Sorry, NEVER been a fan of Kangnam!