Korean Job Discussion Forums

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

Hey!

I have been enjoying all the great posts on line. Great info. for all and a valuable forum.

I am coming to Korea to work in a public school in Seoul. I have worked teaching ESL in Europe, taking a leave of absence from my teaching job in Canada for a year. My question: when I arrive, is there any choice regarding my accomodation in Seoul or will I just be told "this is where you are living and that's that?"?

Any comments, people who have jumped through this hurdle? I know I have no choice about the school but am hoping to have a choice regarding my living abode......

Thanks DD

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Most jobs come with an apartment and you get no choice as to where you live. If your contract says something like "XXXXXX key money provided" or "XXXXXX housing allowance" then you have to find your own place.

This said: If you're coming to Seoul, TAKE THE SCHOOL SPONSERED APARTMENT!!!!! Housing is Seoul is pretty expensive, and if you've never been here before, it's nearly impossible to find affordable housing!

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

ajuma is right.

However, my school let it slip they hadn't reserved an apartment for me yet. So I insisted they wait till I arrive so I can choose. They've scouted out what is available in their price range and I'll make the final decision. Very Happy

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

The above posters are right, you won't have any choice about your housing. If you decide to move into a new place, though, a good school will help you out with the rent (300,000 a month is what public schools pay).

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

Do not take the school apartment!!!!!!!

It will be the cheapest dive you have ever seen, probably the size of a shoebox.

99% of the time, at least.

peppermint · Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 1:32 am Post subject:

if it's your first time out, I'd say take the school apartment for a couple of months- til you get your bearings, get used to Korean style housing and get some level of comfort in the culture. Just make it clear to the school that you'd be interested in moving to your own place later on and would like their fiscal support.

btw- not all public schools will subsidize independent housing. Mine won't.

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

Thanks for the replies.

I finally got the email address of the school and a foreign teacher. I am awaiting a reply and hope I am in the situation of Ya-ta boy -- I can chose on arrival. It will be something new, not an old teacher's apt. so the school I am told has been searching for a place.

I agree that taking the school's place at first is the best bet. Until I get my bearings...just have to cross my fingers. Arriving on the 24th. I'll update and let you know if its a dive.......

DD

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

If you plan on taking the school-provided apartment and then move later-----make sure you discuss this with the school before you sign a contract to work for them. Normally, schools pay a deposit for a year. If that cannot be returned, the school may not be very happy with you wanting to move out and receive a rent subsidy while they pay for an empty apartment.