Korean Job Discussion Forums

[oc man]

Hi,
I want to go to Korea and I've read that finding an apartment in japan is very tough because of all the expenses. How does Korea compare? Is it cheaper to move in? Is there a "key money" required ? Is it hard for a foreigner to find a place? How much does an average decent place cost?
Thanks!

[Ya-ta Boy]

Most Korean landlords use the key money system. Monthly rent is becoming more common, however.

I have no idea what you mean by 'decent'. Please spell out what you are in the market for. Then people can give an informed answer.

[denverdeath]

Many places in Korea offer free housing with your contract if you're coming here to teach. Of course, you have to pay for utilities(ranging from around 20,000-200,000 monthly). If you're going to be working for a place like Pagoda or YBM ELS that helps with housing, you'll be out between 300,000 and 500,000won per month for rent, depending on the place and the area and the age and the size and etcetera. Looking for a new place? It'll cost you...a lot. A 32pyuhng(approx. 100 square metres) place in a new apartment complex will usually cost you a minimum of 200,000,000won in Boo-sahn and closer to 300,000,000won in Suh-ool. Again, this usually depends on the area and the company who's selling the places. For rentals, they have three systems still in use. One is giving a big deposit called "key money" which you're supposed to get back in full when your contract/lease is up. A second is less key money plus low monthly rent. The third is rent only and is more like what you're probably accustomed to back home. This third option is not very common. As the previous poster mentioned, the second choice is very common these days due to lower interest rates landlords receive from banks. There are also some very cheap options like doing a homestay. Not very comfortable, but meals are usually included for between 200,000 and 400,000won monthly. You could always live in a love motel too. A guaranteed monthly income for the owners of between 300,000 and 500,000won, depending on the place and what services they provide(laundry). Usually noisy and not great if you like a kitchen to cook in. Anyway, long story short, most places should provide you with housing if you're coming here to teach. You'll have to pay for the utilities. At the end of the year, you'll be able to save a little more money on average here than in Japan because of this.