Korean Job Discussion Forums

saveferris · Joined: 24 May 2004

Hi,

I read through the FAQs, which are great. But I didn't see anything on finding housing on your own.

I would like to know how most people go about finding housing on their own - not through their school. Also, how much does it cost to find housing on your own? For example, do you have to use a real estate agent? If so how much does that cost?

Also if you put down the key money is there anyway of guaranteeing you'll get it back. Like say by putting it in a designated account at a bank...

Finally, I'd also like to know if anyone knows how much a decent two bedroom apartment in Sinchon would cost?

Any help would be great! Thanks!

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

Check out this thread hereMoving to Korea... need an apartment. great post on BTM about it.

UnJef · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Seoul

If yer looking in Seoul, try www.englishspectrum.com -- click on forums, then on accommodation.

Worked for me, at any rate.

canadiana77 · Joined: 21 Apr 2003

My friend and I were in the same position a few months ago, wanting the liberty to choose our own housing.
We had the help of a great korean friend, who accompanied us to a few realtors. We visited a few businesses, settling on the one who seemed the most eager to help.
We saw about 10 apartments, found the one we liked, and then negotiated the rent with the landlord, through our realtor and also our friend.
Apparently there is no fixed price for the realtors' service. They hinted to my friend they'd appreciate 350,000 for their trouble. She suggested giving 250,000, and if they complained, to give them more.
I liked these ppl and genuinely appreciated all the time they'd spent on our behalf, so we settled on 300,000.
Be prepared to lay down a big chunk of cash for key money though. Unless you want to live in Itaewon, you're looking at a minimum of 5-8 million. The more you put down, the less you pay in monthly rent.
On the whole, the experience was no more of a hassle than it would've been back home, just a bit pricier. But I couldn't be happier coming home to my giant, killer pad every day:)
Good luck!

djsmnc · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Dave's ESL Cafe

Go to some realtors with a Korean. Make sure you visit a variety ofrealtors in each area. I found an apartment in Hongdae which the realtor was asking 20 million in key money for on top of 700,000 per month. Went to another realtor who showed us the same exact place. 3 million key money and 520,000 per month....

saveferris · Joined: 24 May 2004

This is all great advice! Thanks so much! If anyone knows about how much rent is for a two bedroom in Sinchon, that'd be amazing!

Thanks again!

saveferris · Joined: 24 May 2004

Oh and especially to Canadiana77, how did you get any guarantee about getting your key money back????

saveferris · Joined: 24 May 2004

Oh and especially to Canadiana77, how did you get a guarantee about getting your key money back????

canadiana77 · Joined: 21 Apr 2003

I think we have the same chance as any Korean getting our money back. The whole process was very legit and everyone involved signed a legally binding lease. We had to produce our alien cards, passports and as much information as possible. They offered up the same and everything went down on paper.
I think the landlords were kind of thrilled at the thought of renting to foreigners and have been pretty helpful and accomodating.
Just make sure to bring a friend who's been around and isn't shy to negotiate on your behalf. Good luck!

Oh, and I also live above my landlord's business.. If at the end of the year we weren't paid back, they'd have a tough time getting us out and there'd be an incredible scene.
We also have a few male korean friends (who somehow manage to sound threatening over the phone), who've stepped in when we've had problems with our appliances, or complaints. I think them knowing that we've got "back up" also works to our advantage.