Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mtl116]

I am going to be studying Korean at Sogang University in the fall. And I'd like to live in a boarding house walking distance from the university. But the real estate agent, listed on the website, could only find one tiny room for me. Do any of you guys know where I can find more information about boarding houses in the area. Unfortunately, I'd have to do this all online since I won't be in Korea until 3 days before my classes start (sept 4th). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[fermentation]

I don't really know any places personally although I live in the area. But here is a site that has English info. This is the only place that has a price listed. Most places you'll have to email or call them to get a price. If you can type Korean, try going on naver and type in a combination of 서강대/신촌/대흥 + 고시원/고시텔.

http://sg.corelivingtel.com/bbs/bbs/board.php?bo_table=qna&wr_id=3

[Katty89]

I'm going to Yonsei so I live in the area.

I found my place on goshipages.com
I had a Korean friend call to arrange for me to see places and stuff, but at least all the information was laid out in English. It was really important for me to have my own bathroom (I'd die having to share with 10 other girls!!) so while I did look at some of the Korean sites, it was just easier to go through the information in English. I didn't wanna bother my friend too much with translating so much information when he was already doing me a favour by calling around.

And pretty much all the rooms are going to be tiny in a boarding house or goshiwon situation...Unless you do a house-share or get your own apartment. I only have goshiwon experience, but from what I've heard hasooks/boarding house rooms are bigger, but not by much.

I'd also recommend not to actually reserve a place or anything until you arrive. It sounds scary, but you will find something and it's better to actually SEE the room. I noticed most places take their pictures right after renovating and a lot of people live in these places in a short amount of time so...you're guaranteed it won't still look like that!
They usually won't have an idea of availability before 10 days of the day you're looking for. At least where I'm living, they only take 10 days notice, not a month like I'd assumed. So for now I'd take your time to search around and make a list of the places you like and then either call/email much closer to the day you need. Calling is better, I think...and it seems that lots of international students are using these places these days so there's usually a part timer who speaks decent English or the manager will do all he/she can to accommodate you! They actually called in the English speaking guy to be there when I moved in since he wasn't supposed to work until 6pm and I moved in at noon.

[mtl116]

Thanks a lot for the help.

[furtakk]

There are tons of goshiwon and hasukjip in Sinchon. Don't worry about it too much. It probably seems a little intense to come over without a place secured, but I'd recommend just getting a hostel for a few days and scoping out the area on foot. You should be able to find a room the same day without any issue.