Korean Job Discussion Forums

[norellleung]

I am trying to figure out if I can be an EPIK teacher with my two dogs. Bringing my dogs to Korea is non-negotiable for me because I am moving to Korea for permanently.

I realize that EPIK and its recruiting agencies either prohibits or discourages pets but I see here that 400,000 won in a housing stipend is an alternative to accepting the housing provided by the program, if that landlord turns out to not allow my dogs.

I realize that the value of a housing stipend can vary based on location but any experience that you all have finding housing independently in Korea I would value greatly. Any way around those HUGE key payments?

Thank you,
Norell

[wings]

I took the SMOE housing stipend, but I was already in Korea at the time. I think it would be VERY difficult to arrive in Korea with just the stipend as you will be homeless as soon as orientation is over. Also, the only real way around the giant key money deposits is to pay more rent.

I have a dog and completly understand that they are part of your family and that you want them here with you and I think that it is doable, just a bit trickier than your average case.

You mentioned that your move here will be permanent. If you know people here then I would ask them to help you out (keeping your dog during orientation and maybe a bit beyond while you get settled.)

If you don't know anyone here then I recommend that you come over without your dogs and try to get them over here as soon as you can afterwards. I imagine you could find someone coming over not too long after you who could, for a small fee, bring your dog with them.

Maybe the best option for you would be to come over and get settled somewhere with your dogs and your own apartment and then look for a job. You'll need to lay out mroe money at the get go, but honestly, I think it might be the best option for you, your job situation and your dogs.

Good Luck!

[Weigookin74]

Your first time, take the apartment. Many of us don't get our own places until we've been here for two or three years and know our way around. Also, you'll need some key money. It's more expensive in Seoul. Only places that might not want key money are slummy buildings, which you stand a slightly better than average chance of getting with some public schools. Some save up the cash to pay the key or do a cash advance on the card or something like that.

Good luck.

[Weigookin74]

Oh yeah, key money will be much much more expensive in Seoul than somewhere outside of Seoul or Gyeongi region.

[Overture1928]