Housing

See also: Housing Allowance

The majority of GETs live in employer-provided housing. Typically, this will be a "one room" (원룸) style apartment. Our employer effectively subleases the apartments to us, covering just our rent -- we are responsible for gas, water, electric, internet, garbage collection, maintenance fees, etc. These are paid with bank transfers via electronic banking or physically at an ATM. You might be requested to pay a gas deposit fee of 300 000 KRW when you first move into your apartment. This will be returned to you when you move out.

Most housing related issues can be resolved by talking with the landlord. If things cannot be resolved, please contact the GET Program Manager.

Per our contracts, provided apartments are furnished with the following:

• A bed

• A table

• A chair

• A closet

• A gas or electric range

• A refrigerator

• A washing machine

• A TV set

Note: Air-conditioning is not guaranteed but most apartments will come with this.

If you wish to have any of these items removed so that you can purchase your own, please inform the GET Program Manager. In rare instances, landlords will "donate" certain items like an extra dresser or chairs.

If any of your employer provided housing items break or become unusable during your time of employment through no fault of your own, please notify the GET Program Manager.

Please see Article 12 (Housing) in your contract for more information.

Couples Housing

Please note that couples housing is only available to married couples who are both EPIK teachers and submit a joint application when applying. In this case, one partner will receive employer provided housing and the other will receive the 450,000 KRW housing allowance.

If you are an unmarried couple and would like to live together, you can opt for the housing allowance and find your own housing together. However, this is generally only possible if you are already living in Korea or have otherwise clearly demonstrated that you are capable of securing a bona fide residence for yourself, including proof of a signed long-term housing contract (장박계약서). Your apartment hunt must not affect your ability to fulfill your normal job duties or interfere with the normal operations of your workplace(s). Once you opt to receive housing allowance, it is not possible to switch to provided housing. No additional assistance will be provided.

Furnishing Your Apartment

These days, most apartments will come with minimal furnishings. In rare cases, previous tenants may "donate" certain items. Be prepared to shop for small items like a wifi-router, linens, bedding, plateware, etc. Here are some cost effective options to consider:

The Gwangju Freecycle is a bi-annual event held at the Gwangju International Center (GIC). People can donate items that anybody can take for free. The event generally takes place soon after the EPIK intakes so that it can assist new GETs in furnishing their apartments for free.

There are Facebook groups where people buy and sell secondhand goods, such as the Gwangju Flea Market and the Gwangju Best Flea Market.

There is a Korean App call Karrot (당근마켓) where you can buy and sell used goods.

Daiso (다이소) is a well-known chain store where one can get numerous household items for a cheap price. There are numerous Daiso stores around Gwangju, so find the one nearest to you.

Internet

Many apartments will already have a live internet connection so you'll just need to buy a Wi-Fi router and set it up on your own. When you first visit your apartment, check for this! Internet is often included as part of the monthly maintenance fee.

If your apartment is not connected, you can set up a connection only after you have received your Residence Card (ARC). This will be about four weeks after you first arrive in Gwangju. Unless you are planning on staying for the long term, it is advisable to get a month-to-month or one-year internet plan. If you sign up for a multi-year plan the monthly payment will be cheaper, but if you cancel it you will be required to pay back whatever the discounted rate was.

You can ask your co-teacher for assistance in setting up internet. Alternatively, you can contact Korea MacPC Guys or English-speaking KT representative Hyoung-sahm Park.