Where Kenny Resides, Where Kenny Resides: My Korean Apartment
Jangsan Station Exit 14 - I do not own the rights to this photo. Credit is linked.
So let’s talk about my Korean digs.
Location, Location, Location
Before moving to Korea, I knew what city I’d be living in, but I had no clue where my apartment would be located. Once here, and after I was assigned which school I’d be working at, I found out that I’d be living in Jangsan. Jangsan is on the eastern side of Busan in the very well known Haeundae area. Honestly, I couldn’t be more pleased with where I’m living in Busan. Almost everything is accessible by foot and it seems to have something for everyone. There’s a mountain for hiking, there’s no shortage of parks, restaurants, or cafes, and if you’re looking for beautiful ocean views, Haeundae and Sonjeong Beach are a short bus or train ride away. You can also walk to both beaches, which I always do, but I would not recommend doing so in the summertime. You’ll be a sweaty mess.
Let’s Talk Cost
For most people flocking to Korea to teach, rent-free housing or a housing stipend is provided by the employer. Yes, you read right. A rent-free living situation is one of the main reasons why Korea was my top choice for living abroad. But let’s not get too excited, I still have to pay utility and internet fees.
My utility cost per month can range anywhere between 89,000krw and 102,000krw ($72USD - $83USD) depending on the season, while my internet is a fixed 26,000krw ($21USD) per month. I must disclose that your utility costs depend on what type of building you live in and what extra services/amenities your building may or may not provide. I have some friends who pay a lot less than me per month for utilities, while some pay more. My utilities include fees for trash and recycling disposal as well as security guard fees, so my cost can be on the higher side at times.
So, the cost associated with living in a provided apartment in Korea varies depending upon what type of building and/or area you live in. Overall, the costs are still low compared to those of America, so there are no complaints here.
Studio in a Tower
I live in a Korean officetel, which is basically a studio apartment. Now, when I hear “studio apartment”, I automatically think of those tiny studios in NYC where people’s beds are basically in their kitchens. Some studio apartments in Korea can be on the smaller side, but I’m happy to say that although my studio allows for one person to live comfortably, it has just the right amount of space for entertaining as well. My studio came fully furnished with the basics such as a T.V., console, and a twin bed, which took some getting used to, but it is a blessing because I have more room to work with. It also has built-in storage spaces and an open kitchenette with a built-in refrigerator, freezer, and washing machine. As for a dryer, there isn’t one. All of my clothes are hung to dry, which surprisingly enough doesn’t take long at all.
The Wet Room
Now maybe you’re wondering what this part of the post is actually about. It’s about...my bathroom. I’d imagine that the bathroom isn’t one of the most desirable rooms to discuss in an apartment tour, but we really need to get into this because all bathrooms are not created equally. In western-styled bathrooms, it’s common to have a sink, toilet, and a shower/tub or stall separate from everything else in the room. This isn’t always the case in Korea.
When I found out what city I would be living in, above all else, I prayed that I’d be living in a mold-free, spacious officetel. I got that and with it came a traditional Korean-style bathroom, or wet room. What it sounds like is exactly what it is. When I shower, just about everything but the trash pail gets wet. This is because the toilet, sink, and shower are in one space without a wall or shower curtain dividing them. I could very well put a shower curtain up, but where’s the fun in that. Although I miss the ability to soak in a bathtub, having a wet room is pretty interesting and it makes for easy cleaning.
To Ondol or Not to Ondol
So what is an ondol? It’s basically a heated floor system. It’s how many Koreans and foreigners stay warm here during the winter months. I can honestly say that I’ve only used my ondol twice since moving here in 2019. I find it a bit expensive to use and it heats my apartment slowly. So my ondol is “off-dol” almost always. I’ve instead opted for a heating pad for my bed, which I sleep on top of. It keeps me very warm and cuts down on my utility bill each month. Win-win!
Curious about my apartment? Take a look below.
Check out my “Day In The Life Tour” of Busan (and my apartment) on International TEFL Academy’s Youtube Channel. My apartment tour starts at 9:21.
There are certain things that I don’t like about my living space, like the wallpaper, the old floors that need redoing, and the fact that it’s prone to black mold, especially during the summer months. Nevertheless, I’m grateful to have a space of my own for the first time in my life, and not having to hear “Kendra! Put some pants on!” is pretty sweet too.
Yours,
Kenny