Q. Are there any good apartment rentals in South Korea? Probably some good ones near or in Seoul, would be great. Reason is because I'm planning to stay there for a few months and was looking for a place to stay while sightseeing around South Korea.
A. Renting an actual apartment in Korea (as in the apartment blocks) is actually pretty darn expensive due to the fact then when you sign the papers you have to place a very large deposit. There IS an option of renting, but when I looked into this I would have had to pay $1000 deposit which isn't good if your needing the money. This isn't the kind of apartment I guess you would be imagining either. little bedroom, small bathroom and tiny kitchen (The one I looked at just had an oven top and no oven) To stay in a normal size apartment is, like I said ridiculously expensive.
I think I have seen a post from you before saying you were just going for a few months? It might be easier and a cheaper option for you to stay in a good goshiwon. This costs between $350 - $600 depending on location and size of room (I stay in a big room and pay 420,000� ($420) a month. I have my own shower. There is a shared kitchen and toilet. Rice, ramen, kimchi and coffee are provided free. All other food you have to pay for
Alternatively, you could opt to stay in a hasook jib which is similar to a boarding house. The rooms tend to be of a better standard and breakfast and dinner are provided, but this is more of an expensive choice. When I first came to Korea, I lived in happy together which is a hasook jib in sinchon. My room was tiny. I couldn't sit at my desk due to clothes hanging over (I'm not over exaggerating, it was tiny) there was a shared bathroom. I paid 440,000� ($440) my friend who had a bigger room paid 600,000�
-------------------------------------------- edit----------------------------------------------------------------------
Found this information on a blog which might be pretty useful to know
10,000,000Won deposit ($8,930) and 600,000Won monthly rent ($535) � over 16 times one month of rent!
I think I have seen a post from you before saying you were just going for a few months? It might be easier and a cheaper option for you to stay in a good goshiwon. This costs between $350 - $600 depending on location and size of room (I stay in a big room and pay 420,000� ($420) a month. I have my own shower. There is a shared kitchen and toilet. Rice, ramen, kimchi and coffee are provided free. All other food you have to pay for
Alternatively, you could opt to stay in a hasook jib which is similar to a boarding house. The rooms tend to be of a better standard and breakfast and dinner are provided, but this is more of an expensive choice. When I first came to Korea, I lived in happy together which is a hasook jib in sinchon. My room was tiny. I couldn't sit at my desk due to clothes hanging over (I'm not over exaggerating, it was tiny) there was a shared bathroom. I paid 440,000� ($440) my friend who had a bigger room paid 600,000�
-------------------------------------------- edit----------------------------------------------------------------------
Found this information on a blog which might be pretty useful to know
10,000,000Won deposit ($8,930) and 600,000Won monthly rent ($535) � over 16 times one month of rent!
How much would be to rent a car for one year in South Korea?
Q. I need to rent a car in South Korea for one year and I was wondering how much it would be to rent one for one year. Would it be possible to even lease it for a year?
Also, what would be the cost difference between a domestic car and a foreign car be? For example, a Hyundai Sonata and a Lexus IS250?
Also, what would be the cost difference between a domestic car and a foreign car be? For example, a Hyundai Sonata and a Lexus IS250?
A. I've done this in Seoul before. A Hyundai Sonata will run at least 750,000 won per month. If you prepay for a whole year they will most likely bargain a better deal for you. A Lexus or Beemer would be well over 2,000,000 won a month. I've gotten quotes from Avis, Geumho, and all the other agencies for that.
If you are looking to rent, I would reccommend the Hyundai Avante. It would run around 600,000 won a month and the gas mileage is the best. Before I qualified to lease a car in Korea I rented for about 2 years. I have to warn you, it's very expensive. And remember the gas over here is around 1,400 won per liter now. That double/triple the price in the states. I have a 09' Daewoo Tosca now, and it costs me around 100,000 won to fill it up.
Anyways the positives of renting, is total free A/S. Oil changes, tire changes, etc. They will call you every 3 months and send out an engineer to pick up the car and make sure it's in running order. And you can the change the car anytime you want. Make sure to get the full coverage insurance and navagation. Rental offices provide navagation for around 30,000 a month. But try and get it for free, they might do it.
But if you just threw 6,000,000 won on the table at a dealership you can get a decent used car...I would think that is the best for you.
The only way to qualify for a lease is if you are an F2/F4/F5 or D8 visa holder. (Spouse of a Korean, Overseas Korean, or investor) I found all this out the hard way before I got the F2 visa. (Renting for 2 years) My car now is priced at 24,000,000 won, and I'm leasing it for only 2 years. That's the negative of a lease for a non-national in Korea. I'm paying 1,200,000 a month.
If you are looking to rent, I would reccommend the Hyundai Avante. It would run around 600,000 won a month and the gas mileage is the best. Before I qualified to lease a car in Korea I rented for about 2 years. I have to warn you, it's very expensive. And remember the gas over here is around 1,400 won per liter now. That double/triple the price in the states. I have a 09' Daewoo Tosca now, and it costs me around 100,000 won to fill it up.
Anyways the positives of renting, is total free A/S. Oil changes, tire changes, etc. They will call you every 3 months and send out an engineer to pick up the car and make sure it's in running order. And you can the change the car anytime you want. Make sure to get the full coverage insurance and navagation. Rental offices provide navagation for around 30,000 a month. But try and get it for free, they might do it.
But if you just threw 6,000,000 won on the table at a dealership you can get a decent used car...I would think that is the best for you.
The only way to qualify for a lease is if you are an F2/F4/F5 or D8 visa holder. (Spouse of a Korean, Overseas Korean, or investor) I found all this out the hard way before I got the F2 visa. (Renting for 2 years) My car now is priced at 24,000,000 won, and I'm leasing it for only 2 years. That's the negative of a lease for a non-national in Korea. I'm paying 1,200,000 a month.
what are the living expenses in south korea for 2010?
Q. me and my friend are trying to see how much money we have to save up to go live in south korea. also the apartment renting system. thanks!
A. Jaymiae answer:
It depends on what method you choose. Here are the methods. Most Koreans live in apartments, there is really not enough space for houses usually they are only in the countryside.
Jeonsae- This is a form of renting in which you deposit a large sum of money before you move in. In Seoul you are looking at anywhere between 50-200 million won in the cheaper areas. About $50-200,000 USD. This is almost unrealistic for most foreigners without a credit history in Korea. After the term of the lease is up (usually 2 years for the Jeonsae method) the owners of the house or apartment will deposit the full amount you paid beforehand. This is a great way to save money and over 50% of Koreans in Seoul do this. You are responsible to pay for the utilities and the apartments are usually unfurnished. There is also something called a Gwa-li-bi, which you pay depending on the size of the house. Korean apartments and houses are measured in Pyong. 1 pyong = 3.3 square meters You can pay Jeonsae for any kind of apartment or house. Ranging from a one room to a full size.
Wolsea- The next method is of course monthly rent as we are familiar with in the west. The deposit depends on the type and size of the apartment/house/officetel. In most areas of Seoul the deposit is between 1 million and 10 million won. The monthly rent is based on how much you can deposit before the lease is signed. Basically the more you can give the less monthly rent you have to pay. From what I've experienced in Seoul if your looking for a cheaper place you could pay 1 million down and around 500,000 won per month. $1,000 USD and $500 USD respectively. (of course if you deposit more you can get the rent payment down a lot. If you gave them 5 million won they'd probably drop the rent down to 200 or 250. Of course you will get the deposit back providing that there is no damage to the house of any sort. Korean landlords can be quite stingy, so don't give them any reason to not give your deposit back.
Ju-tek
These are small one room apartments which only require a small deposit around $250 and the rent is about the same. They are for short term leases, usually around 3-6 months. Usually the apartment size is 6-8 pyong. Around 20 square meters.
Buy
If you have loads of cash, I'm talking at least $500,000 USD you could buy an apartment. A house would run into around $2,000,000 USD.
There are several types of housing available in Korea
Apartments- The most common among Koreans, however not for foreigners because as I said they are so expensive. Range from 24 pyong up to 96 pyong.
Villas- Most common among foriegners. Usually 2-3 rooms. Somewhat furnished. From 10 pyong to 33 pyong.
Officetels- These are becoming quite popular. Usually attached to some sort of shopping center. They can be used for home and office. There are a lot of built in appliances. Usually always in the center of the action. Range from 12-50 pyong. A little more expensive but worth it.
One room- As described in "Ju-tek"
Goshiwon- Super small room. Usually used for studying by high school students.
You can check out many of these houses when you arrive here by visiting your local BU DONG SAN. Which is a rental office. There is one on almost every street corner in Seoul.
expat answer:
I noticed the other post did not give the cost of renting a "house" as you requested. If you are interested in a house rather than one of the various forms of apartments, you will pay a minimum of $5,000 US per month for anything close to decent. I have friends paying (or their employers are paying) the equivalent of $20,000 US per month ! A western style house in Seoul, with a small garden is very very expensive. Check out www.nicerent.com - homes are listed in Won - Korean currency but for the sake of argument you can assume that 1,000,000 won is equivalent to about $1000 US.
You Kyoung-min answer:
The house types in Korea are different from your country.
Classified as follows by construction law
1. Dan-Dok Ju-Taek (Individual House)
Dan-Dok means Single or Independent. Ju-Taek means House.
This house type is for single family. The net space of house itself and the total land space must not exceed 100 pyeong and 200 pyeong, respectively. Otherwise, it is subject to heavy Tax. (pyeong = 3.3 square m)
2. Apartment
This house type is very much popular in Korea. Most of the convenient facilities such as hospitals, schools, municipal offices, department stores, etc are located nearby apartment.
3. Da Ga-Gu Ju-Taek
Da means many. Ga-Gu means household.
The so-called Villa in foreign countries is Da Ga-Gu Ju-Taek in Korea. There is no name, called "Villa" in Korea.
4. Yeon-Lip Ju-Taek
Yeonlip means "together".
This house type is between apartment and Da Ga-Gu Ju-Taek. This house type is allowed to have up to 4 stories and more than 20 households.
Separate property right is allowed to register by individual household.
5. Officetel
It is Office + Hotel.
Actually it is not classified as one of house types in Korea by law. It is for business purpose and not allowed to have a family life there in principle.
However, in reality, many single corporate staffs, office ladies and graduated students live there, because of convenient, good security and privacy.
Further, Officetel is normally located downtown in the places having a good transportation and entertainment facilities.
6. oneroom (studios)
Actually it is not classified as one of house types in Korea by law.
If there are 1 room in Dan-Dok Ju-Taek, Da Ga-Gu Ju-Taek, Yeon-Lip Ju-Taek, officetel. It is said one room. Some times officetel one rooms said officetel. One rooms have a bathroom and kitchen area. Some one room has fully furnished(more high price). because many student, unmarried people rent one room.
This is a kind of one-room flat with less than 5 stories and a parking lot. College vicinities such as Sinchon and Sirloin-dong are the areas where you will find this type of apartment
Rental System in Korea is followed.
1. Jeon-Se : It started from bank interest high age.
70% of the house rental in Korea is on Jeon-se basis.
If the sale price of the house is 100, the Jeon-Se amount is normally around 60~80% of the sale price.
2. Wol-Se
It is the combination of Jeon-Se and monthly Rental in foreign countries.
In this case, around 20% of the sale price is to be paid as the deposit (security), which will be paid back when the lease contract is expired.
Certain amount is paid every month as a monthly rental charge.
3. Kalse (all prepaid rent )
This is only for foreigner.
It requires advance payment of the total monthly rental for the entire lease period.
The contract is usually for 2-3 years.
There is nothing left when the lease contract is expired.
However, this is most common method of payment by foreign nationals who are to live in Korea for a certain period.
It depends on what method you choose. Here are the methods. Most Koreans live in apartments, there is really not enough space for houses usually they are only in the countryside.
Jeonsae- This is a form of renting in which you deposit a large sum of money before you move in. In Seoul you are looking at anywhere between 50-200 million won in the cheaper areas. About $50-200,000 USD. This is almost unrealistic for most foreigners without a credit history in Korea. After the term of the lease is up (usually 2 years for the Jeonsae method) the owners of the house or apartment will deposit the full amount you paid beforehand. This is a great way to save money and over 50% of Koreans in Seoul do this. You are responsible to pay for the utilities and the apartments are usually unfurnished. There is also something called a Gwa-li-bi, which you pay depending on the size of the house. Korean apartments and houses are measured in Pyong. 1 pyong = 3.3 square meters You can pay Jeonsae for any kind of apartment or house. Ranging from a one room to a full size.
Wolsea- The next method is of course monthly rent as we are familiar with in the west. The deposit depends on the type and size of the apartment/house/officetel. In most areas of Seoul the deposit is between 1 million and 10 million won. The monthly rent is based on how much you can deposit before the lease is signed. Basically the more you can give the less monthly rent you have to pay. From what I've experienced in Seoul if your looking for a cheaper place you could pay 1 million down and around 500,000 won per month. $1,000 USD and $500 USD respectively. (of course if you deposit more you can get the rent payment down a lot. If you gave them 5 million won they'd probably drop the rent down to 200 or 250. Of course you will get the deposit back providing that there is no damage to the house of any sort. Korean landlords can be quite stingy, so don't give them any reason to not give your deposit back.
Ju-tek
These are small one room apartments which only require a small deposit around $250 and the rent is about the same. They are for short term leases, usually around 3-6 months. Usually the apartment size is 6-8 pyong. Around 20 square meters.
Buy
If you have loads of cash, I'm talking at least $500,000 USD you could buy an apartment. A house would run into around $2,000,000 USD.
There are several types of housing available in Korea
Apartments- The most common among Koreans, however not for foreigners because as I said they are so expensive. Range from 24 pyong up to 96 pyong.
Villas- Most common among foriegners. Usually 2-3 rooms. Somewhat furnished. From 10 pyong to 33 pyong.
Officetels- These are becoming quite popular. Usually attached to some sort of shopping center. They can be used for home and office. There are a lot of built in appliances. Usually always in the center of the action. Range from 12-50 pyong. A little more expensive but worth it.
One room- As described in "Ju-tek"
Goshiwon- Super small room. Usually used for studying by high school students.
You can check out many of these houses when you arrive here by visiting your local BU DONG SAN. Which is a rental office. There is one on almost every street corner in Seoul.
expat answer:
I noticed the other post did not give the cost of renting a "house" as you requested. If you are interested in a house rather than one of the various forms of apartments, you will pay a minimum of $5,000 US per month for anything close to decent. I have friends paying (or their employers are paying) the equivalent of $20,000 US per month ! A western style house in Seoul, with a small garden is very very expensive. Check out www.nicerent.com - homes are listed in Won - Korean currency but for the sake of argument you can assume that 1,000,000 won is equivalent to about $1000 US.
You Kyoung-min answer:
The house types in Korea are different from your country.
Classified as follows by construction law
1. Dan-Dok Ju-Taek (Individual House)
Dan-Dok means Single or Independent. Ju-Taek means House.
This house type is for single family. The net space of house itself and the total land space must not exceed 100 pyeong and 200 pyeong, respectively. Otherwise, it is subject to heavy Tax. (pyeong = 3.3 square m)
2. Apartment
This house type is very much popular in Korea. Most of the convenient facilities such as hospitals, schools, municipal offices, department stores, etc are located nearby apartment.
3. Da Ga-Gu Ju-Taek
Da means many. Ga-Gu means household.
The so-called Villa in foreign countries is Da Ga-Gu Ju-Taek in Korea. There is no name, called "Villa" in Korea.
4. Yeon-Lip Ju-Taek
Yeonlip means "together".
This house type is between apartment and Da Ga-Gu Ju-Taek. This house type is allowed to have up to 4 stories and more than 20 households.
Separate property right is allowed to register by individual household.
5. Officetel
It is Office + Hotel.
Actually it is not classified as one of house types in Korea by law. It is for business purpose and not allowed to have a family life there in principle.
However, in reality, many single corporate staffs, office ladies and graduated students live there, because of convenient, good security and privacy.
Further, Officetel is normally located downtown in the places having a good transportation and entertainment facilities.
6. oneroom (studios)
Actually it is not classified as one of house types in Korea by law.
If there are 1 room in Dan-Dok Ju-Taek, Da Ga-Gu Ju-Taek, Yeon-Lip Ju-Taek, officetel. It is said one room. Some times officetel one rooms said officetel. One rooms have a bathroom and kitchen area. Some one room has fully furnished(more high price). because many student, unmarried people rent one room.
This is a kind of one-room flat with less than 5 stories and a parking lot. College vicinities such as Sinchon and Sirloin-dong are the areas where you will find this type of apartment
Rental System in Korea is followed.
1. Jeon-Se : It started from bank interest high age.
70% of the house rental in Korea is on Jeon-se basis.
If the sale price of the house is 100, the Jeon-Se amount is normally around 60~80% of the sale price.
2. Wol-Se
It is the combination of Jeon-Se and monthly Rental in foreign countries.
In this case, around 20% of the sale price is to be paid as the deposit (security), which will be paid back when the lease contract is expired.
Certain amount is paid every month as a monthly rental charge.
3. Kalse (all prepaid rent )
This is only for foreigner.
It requires advance payment of the total monthly rental for the entire lease period.
The contract is usually for 2-3 years.
There is nothing left when the lease contract is expired.
However, this is most common method of payment by foreign nationals who are to live in Korea for a certain period.
what would be a great way to explore Scotland?
Q. I'm a soldier in the US Army who has never seen more than London (high school trip, need I say more on how bad it was?), western Iraq, and northern South Korea. I'm really interested in seeing the grave of Rob Roy MacGregor, an ancestor of mine, and seeing what all scotland has to offer to see and do. Any suggestions as far as starting points or the best times of year to visit without a lot of tourists or when the temperatures are pleasant? I'm thinking I'd be visiting for 20 - 30 days.
A. If you're in the army, I'll make the assumption you're in fairly good shape. If that's true, and you also like the outdoors, I'd recommend seeing Scotland at least partially by foot. It has fantastic long-distance walking trails, that give a very different view from what you get by a tourist Highland trip. Alternately, you could bike it.
My favorite route is the West Highland Way from north of Glasgow to Ben Nevis/Ft William, which takes an average of 6-7 days (it's 94 miles). You can add an extra day and climb Ben Nevis (highest UK mountain) at the end. Scotland has right-of-access to the wilderness, which means you can camp pretty much anywhere as long as you leave the site as you found it. Any time from ~mid April through October is a good time, depending on the climate you prefer. If you don't want to carry a heavy pack, there are even baggage services that drop off your equipment at a new spot each day.
http://www.west-highland-way.co.uk/home.asp
http://www.walkinginscotland.org/
http://walking.visitscotland.com/
There are also good bus tours of Scotland, if walking/biking don't appeal. They will be more touristy, but should still be worthwhile. Rabbie's limits their groups to 16 people, and have a wide variety of tours on offer.
http://www.rabbies.com/
My suggestion would be to do the West Highland Way followed by a road trip by car, if renting one and driving on the left side of the road wouldn't be too much trouble for you. A possible itinerary:
-Start in Edinburgh, spend a few days there seeing the city. Lots of things to see and a fantastic nightlife. If you're going to Edinburgh, don't go in August. The festivals then make it nearly impossible to find accommodation, and it's very crowded with tourists.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Edinburgh (you can use the Wikitravel site for good info on Scotland in general)
-Take the bus/train to Stirling and spend a day there. The grave of Rob Roy is in Balquhidder, but the only way to get there is by car. I guess you could take a bus to Callander, then Kingshouse, then walk, but it takes a few bus changes followed by a 45 minute walk. It would be easier to hire a car for the day.
-From Stirling, take the bus/train to Glasgow. Spend a day there, then take local transport to Milngavie, where the West Highland Way starts.
-West Highland Way to Ben Nevis.
-From Ft William, hire a car for 7-10 days. Drive towards Invergarry (nice castle there), then take the A87 towards Kyle of Lochalsh. Make sure you stop off to see Eilean Donan. Drive over the bridge to Skye and spend at least a day exploring the island. If you like whisky, don't miss the Talisker distillery at Carbost. Then back towards Ft Augustus and up the west bank of Loch Ness. Many Scots say it's the ugliest loch in Scotland, but I think it's really beautiful and serene. You end up near Inverness. From there, you could go north into the wilds of Scotland (it's truly desolate and beautiful) or you could head east. There's good cold water surfing in Elgin to the east. The Malt Whisky Trail is worthwhile if you're interested, and leads you towards Aviemore where you can explore the Cairngorms. From there head south and eventually end up back in Edinburgh.
The most comprehensive site for planning your trip is here:
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/index.html
My favorite route is the West Highland Way from north of Glasgow to Ben Nevis/Ft William, which takes an average of 6-7 days (it's 94 miles). You can add an extra day and climb Ben Nevis (highest UK mountain) at the end. Scotland has right-of-access to the wilderness, which means you can camp pretty much anywhere as long as you leave the site as you found it. Any time from ~mid April through October is a good time, depending on the climate you prefer. If you don't want to carry a heavy pack, there are even baggage services that drop off your equipment at a new spot each day.
http://www.west-highland-way.co.uk/home.asp
http://www.walkinginscotland.org/
http://walking.visitscotland.com/
There are also good bus tours of Scotland, if walking/biking don't appeal. They will be more touristy, but should still be worthwhile. Rabbie's limits their groups to 16 people, and have a wide variety of tours on offer.
http://www.rabbies.com/
My suggestion would be to do the West Highland Way followed by a road trip by car, if renting one and driving on the left side of the road wouldn't be too much trouble for you. A possible itinerary:
-Start in Edinburgh, spend a few days there seeing the city. Lots of things to see and a fantastic nightlife. If you're going to Edinburgh, don't go in August. The festivals then make it nearly impossible to find accommodation, and it's very crowded with tourists.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Edinburgh (you can use the Wikitravel site for good info on Scotland in general)
-Take the bus/train to Stirling and spend a day there. The grave of Rob Roy is in Balquhidder, but the only way to get there is by car. I guess you could take a bus to Callander, then Kingshouse, then walk, but it takes a few bus changes followed by a 45 minute walk. It would be easier to hire a car for the day.
-From Stirling, take the bus/train to Glasgow. Spend a day there, then take local transport to Milngavie, where the West Highland Way starts.
-West Highland Way to Ben Nevis.
-From Ft William, hire a car for 7-10 days. Drive towards Invergarry (nice castle there), then take the A87 towards Kyle of Lochalsh. Make sure you stop off to see Eilean Donan. Drive over the bridge to Skye and spend at least a day exploring the island. If you like whisky, don't miss the Talisker distillery at Carbost. Then back towards Ft Augustus and up the west bank of Loch Ness. Many Scots say it's the ugliest loch in Scotland, but I think it's really beautiful and serene. You end up near Inverness. From there, you could go north into the wilds of Scotland (it's truly desolate and beautiful) or you could head east. There's good cold water surfing in Elgin to the east. The Malt Whisky Trail is worthwhile if you're interested, and leads you towards Aviemore where you can explore the Cairngorms. From there head south and eventually end up back in Edinburgh.
The most comprehensive site for planning your trip is here:
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/index.html
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