Korean Job Discussion Forums

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

The good news just keeps coming. I'm off to a compulsory camp and my building supervisor wants me pay the full month's Maintenance & Utilities Fees (ouch).

I'll be away for 6 weeks so that's a lot of utilities I'll paying for (but not use).

I understand ther's always a Building Maintenance Fee, but can anyone advise if paying for utilities (while absent for long periods) is standard practice in Seoul.

The builiding supervisor said: "Your school promised".

Any info appreciated. Thanks.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Isn't your bill dependent on how much energy you use? Or do you have a set fee every month?

I'd ask the school about it. What can they do, not give you utilities while you are gone? Sounds reasonable.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Just spoke to the Head Teacher. She said "that's the contract in Korea. You have to pay utilities whether you're there, or not." (It wasn't at my last school).

The Head Teacher said it'll be more expensive to pay by the month in Seoul. But that sound very fishy. I'll be absent for over 50 working days (& weekends) this year and I'll be paying for heaps of utilities I'll not be using.

Does anyone else have a monthly combined Management/Utilities
contract - or info on how I can change one to a 'pay by month contract'.

Any advice appreciated.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

I think your school would have to help you change the utilities agreement since they are responsible for the lease. Talk with some people about what they pay month to month in other apartments and go from there.

Is the utility clause in your contract?

IncognitoHFX · Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon

I don't think there is anything wrong with charging utilities while you're absent... Its the same anywhere. You pay a base fee for having the service whether you use it or not. Like a cell phone, or an internet connection, et cetera.

If you normally pay for your utilities, then I'd say it was on your shoulders... however, if your school normally does, then make them pay for it.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

His school doesn't pay or else he wouldn't be asking for advice on how not to pay.

Yes, you pay a base fee back home, but he said he pays a full amount each month that doesn't correlate to the amount used. Paying a full amount and not using any utilities is beyond a base amount.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Yes, I normally pay my utilities everymonth (100,000 flat rate = 1.200,000 a year for utilities (are they kidding?).

But I'm a careful guy. That's way above what I'm using - and would use if I paid by use - and not a flat rate. I'll be absent for 1 & 1/2 months for camps, & a MINIMUM of 41 days vacation this year. That 260,000 won in utitlities I won't be using - but will be paying for. It's a rip off.