Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AliNZ]

Your apartment...what's it like

what's could I expect to have in a typical hagwan teachers apartment?

[gang ah jee]

This thread needs more George Clooney!



Some apartments are good, some are not so good. Ask to see photos before you sign a contract. English teachers in Korea are often not quite right - don't agree to shared housing.

[Ya-ta Boy]

My hakwon apartment was terrific. Very efficient. It was about 12' x 12' square. About 4' of that was set aside for a 'kitchen' (small sink, 2 burner gas range and small table and 2 chairs) and the 'bathroom' (toilet with shower on the wall--I could wash my hair and take a dump at the same time). And there was a small window in the kitchen.

The other 8' x 12' was the combination living room/bedroom. They gave me a yo (quilt to put on the floor) for sleeping. During the day I could roll it up and use it for a couch. There was a boxy closet for my clothes. The big window in the living room gave the neighbors easy access to a view of me sleeping or whatever. Someone gave me a TV which I set up on some bricks, but as there were no English channels, it was just conspicuous consumption.

As I say, it was very efficient. I could sit in the middle of the floor and be within reach of absolutely everything.

I have moved on from that place and now I have a 3 bedroom apt. Not nearly as convenient as the shoebox. Now I have to walk from the bedroom to the living room to watch TV or go to my extra bedrooms to work on the computer or get my clothes.

I really envy you newbies.

[flotsam]

[Ya-ta Boy]

[Lizara]

I feel your pain, Ya-Ta. My apartment last year was so small I could walk from my bed to the fridge (all the way across the apartment) in about three steps. This year I have two rooms (three if you count the bathroom!) and if I want a drink I have to walk all the way out to the kitchen. So much effort.