Korean Job Discussion Forums

[amcnutt]

I'm heading back over to Korea in about a month. I've signed a contract and opted for the housing allowance that they offer, because I've already lived in Seoul and I wanted to get my own apartment. I don't mind paying an extra 100-200,000 won a month for a nicer place.
The contract mentions a monthly housing allowance, but doesn't mention key money. Do most schools that offer housing allowance also offer a certain amount of key money? I'm sure this can differ among schools, but I was wondering if most that offer the allowance also offer key money.
Right now I'm trying to come up with some money to act as key money. I am contemplating asking my recruiter about this as well, to find out from the school before I get there.
So, for those of you with housing allowance - did you get key money from your school? If so, how much (if you don't mind my asking)?

*NOTE: I am also posting this question in the Job Discussion forum, as it sort of relates to both living and working in Korea.

[Underwaterbob]

I have never heard of an employer offering key money. I suppose it's possible since they will just be getting the money back when you leave, but don't count on the generosity of a boss you don't even know yet.

[alongway]

The housing allowance is for people who already have their own place, generally not first timers. If you stay here awhile or don't really have any bills to pay back home, like a student loan, then you could save up enough for your own place after a couple years, or even one year of careful saving.

Most contracts do not give key money. They might only do it in the event that they promised you an apartment, but for some reason didn't have one, so they might send you out on your first day to find a place.

[OBwannabe]

I've come across a handful of schools that offer key money or housing allowance, but never both.
You can probably find some sort of small studio place with as little as 3mil won. But it's usually 5mil+

[definitely maybe]

Numerous schools and hagwons used to offer key money, but the amounts were never substantial. I have no idea what the case is these days.

[Whitey Otez]

Adult chains offer key money and a modest housing allowance. If you're teaching kids, then good luck. a scan of craigslist will tell you that you're either sharing a place or you're living in HBC - assuming you are in Seoul. Other places might be easier to find a nice shack.