Korean Job Discussion Forums

[UncleAlex]

I have noticed that public schools and hagwons provide a monthly living
allowance of 300,000 won for teachers who refuse to take an apartment
provided by the employer. This amount is absolutely farcical, considering
it's the same amount I was offered ten years ago and rent has increased
a lot since then. The minimum monthly rent in Seoul and its satellite towns
is 400,000 won according to my research. Is there anyone in the Seoul-
Gyonngi-do region who gets at least that much from his employer? I'm
just curious.

[Milwaukiedave]

Honestly, I would think it's standard that one amount would be offered. I'd have to go back and look at my contract to see what the amount is.

If they are offering decent housing, why not skip the headaches of renting your own place and take theirs. Unless you already have a place that is.

[Jasobang]

Not to mention married teachers with kids. Obviously having kids, one would like to choose their own housing in a more residential area. This again obviously means a larger sized apartment that 300,000 deosn't even come close to paying the weol-sae. I know there are not many married teachers but a little consideration for the kind of commitment a family guy is willing to make is not too much to ask. 500,000 should be the least offered.

[SeniorEnglish]

I have a 400,000 housing allowance. It cover all of my monthly rent for a 34 pyong/3 bedroom apt. But, I paid an insane amount of key money. If you have enough key money, then it is a good deal.

[gajackson1]

Like SE, we paid a high (Western standards) key money - 20,000,000 won. Rent on our place (40 pyung, 3br, + the whole roof & 2 parking spaces in a villa) is 450,000/month.

I get 500k from my job as a housing allowance; C gets another 500k/month from hers; I'm at a upper-hakwon & she is at a Uni.

for us, it works out great, but coming to Korea, it would have been impossible/crazy for me to put 20,000 down as a deposit & have to pay that kind of monthly rent.

Don't know if that helps you or not; try asking around to see what is offered. If you are up for re-contracting soon, try to up your amount closer to 450-500.

Regards,

Glen

[Milwaukiedave]

Yes, it seem like the key money is quite a bit. It's true if you have a family it makes more sense to find your own place. If your single (as I was until recently) you have a lot more flexiblity in taking the place they give you as long as it's decent.

My school was willng to find housing for my wife and I that is larger then just a box. The place I was before (no names mentioned) didn't do that.

[Real Reality]

Seoul Second Most Expensive City
Seoul has become the second most expensive city in the world this year, due mainly to the won�s strength against the U.S. dollar over the past year, according to a study released Monday. It ranked fifth last year. Seoul has also emerged as the most expensive city in Asia, surpassing Tokyo and Hong Kong, which ranked third and fourth, respectively.

Mercer Human Resource Consulting looked at 144 cities around the world in March, measuring the comparative cost of more than 200 items, including housing, transportation and food.
By Lee Hyo-sik, Korea Times (June 26, 2006)
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200606/kt2006062617040268040.htm
Image URL:
http://photo.hankooki.com/newsphoto/2006/06/26/kt2200606261758240s.jpg

[UncleAlex]

Thanks for your replies. I think a 400,000 won minimum is reasonable in
the Seoul-Gyonngi area. The 17 pyoung officetels {new and modern} go
for at least that amount with a 5 mil key deposit: a good investment, as
the teacher may be in a financial position to choose a place he is happy
with. The 19-20 pyoung units which have bedroom lofts and separate
kitchenettes go for as low as 450K with a 5 mil. deposit. Consider these
options,folks, if your employer has offered or given you an unsatisfactory
place to live.

[CoolTeach]

byr