Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dridgway]

I'm just putting in my final day at work before I fly home and of course it can't go smoothly...

Out of the blue my boss came over to tell me that the owner of my building called to say that I owe 360 000 won for building fees...Now, I pay all of my bills every month and the school is supposed to pay the rent. What could this mystery bill be and why am I only hearing about it now? I tried to ask about it and the most I could get out of them was that it's for "management and water." Huh?

Anyone ever heard of this or had a problem like this?

[purple_buddha]

The bill is called 관리비 (gwallibi), a monthly charge for building management. It includes "services" like garbage removal, water and maintenance. You should have been told about the bill from the beginning of your contract; your boss should have either deducted it from your monthly salary or had you pay it directly to the landlord. 30,000 won a month is a reasonable charge per month. If you don't fork up the cash, your boss will have it deducted from the rent deposit, and s/he will be sure to deduct it from your final wages. In any case, the bill technically is your responsibility.

[dridgway]

Well that all makes sense. Not really an un-reasonable fee...but being collected in an unreasonable way. Typical. Yay Korea!

Seriously, I'm not bashing though. I'll miss this place, just won't miss shit like this.