Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mushroomyakuza]

I'm SURE this has come up before, often, but the search function on the site just wouldn't work for me despite numerous attempts. I also manually went through the general discussion and FAQ forums looking for threads regarding this, but so far haven't managed to turn up much that isn't hugely out of date. Perhaps I missed something. If so, please feel free to direct me there.

Assuming I haven't, though, can people offer up some advice, links or estate agencies to look into for finding an apartment in Seoul? My employer have agreed to help find an apartment when I arrive, but a head start is always good.

I'm looking for a fair sized apartment by Korean standards. I don't need a massive place, but somewhere with a little extra space is always a good thing. The most important thing is that it be modern and clean in a decent area.

I'm likely to be working in either Gwanghwamun or Seocho, so an apartment located not too far from either of these locations would be ideal. Anyone know of any websites worth using to find a decent place?

I know many here seem to have their apartments provided from them by EPIK and as such may not know the details of their apartment cost and what agency it was secured through, but if anyone has any info it would be much welcome. I've obviously found a few websites already, but not being in country, it's hard to know which ones are reputable and worth trusting.

[highstreet]

You should find out how much of a deposit your boss is going to put down.

[furtakk]

Your deposit will determine how nice your place is more than the monthly rent. How much are they providing for deposit? And what are you looking at monthly?

Unless they are providing a large deposit, I think you'll have to make some sort of concession. Seoul is really expensive.

Generally, on a teacher's salary--assuming you're teaching--if you want something new and modern, expect a small place (officetel). If you want a lot of space, expect something a little older (villa). If you want something modern and spacey, expect to pay a lot.

Check http://land.naver.com/ for general prices, but the way the market works in Korea, you'll have to do a lot of footwork when you arrive. Both areas you're working in are quite expensive.

Edit: Also re: agencies, the real estate system is a lot different here. There aren't many big firms, but rather a lot of tiny independent offices spread out throughout the city. So if you want to live in neighbourhood X for example, you'll have to check out the local offices in that area.

This is a good example of what prices are like in Seocho:
10k down / 1100 a month
http://land.naver.com/article/articleDetailInfo.nhn?atclNo=1203274674&atclRletTypeCd=A03&rletTypeCd=A01

[edwardcatflap]

If it's the company I think it is, you'll get 15 million deposit and around 900,000 rent. Most teachers live in Gyongnidan or HBC to get more space for their money. It'd be much better to find a place on your own by the way as if you get help from the employer, the people renting the flats tend to find out how much the employer is providing and all the flats you get to see are all magically around the same price. no matter how bad.

[PRagic]

You need to get to your target neighborhood and visit a load of the real estate agents located there. As competition is WAY up these days (inflated prices so not many people are moving), they will share some information. Still, many times each realator has their own stash of nice units that will move quickly.

Tell them your stipulations (downpayment, amount of rent, distance to subway stop in minutes) and then let them tell you what they have.

VERY tough to do on-line. Most of the on-line places are complete rip offs targeting people too lazy or too stupid (e.g. playing with their company's coin) to actually familiarize themselves with the area.