EPIK Housing

I was not happy with the one rooms i was shown because they were a bit far from school, they were very small and dirty and not in a good neighborhood. Thus, i decided to do a homestay and while the home is lovely, i'm not enjoying it that much. It is my fault though that i didnt take the one room or ask for a beter one room.

My cell is modern, heated underfloor by gas, has a small separate kitchen area and a small veranda area.  It also has a large bed and is very clean and close to the school. 

My place is tiny, but strangely satisfying. It was very dusty when I first moved in and there are large gaps in the insect screen on the window (not to mention that Namhae island's humid weather makes it an insect paradise!), but it wasn't bad once I cleaned up the place and plugged up the holes. It was also furnished with a gas range, a refridgerator, a TV, a bed, drawers, and a closet. Since the apartment is quite small, I keep only a low table and no chairs, but I'm quite content. Of course, I go by the life philosophy of "live simply, live cheaply," so I'm easily satisfied; I'd imagine that other people would have some gripes.There are several other foreigners as well as one of my co-teachers in my apartment building, but I rarely see them.

The Jeju Board of Education just told us that the housing allowance has been increased to 350,000 won per month and anyone who wants it can get it. They also said that people living outside of their assigned hsouing who are not currently receiving their housing allowance, ie those that moved out of their housing before getting permission, would start getting it.

I think the reason is simple. They hired a bunch of new teachers (they are trying to eventually have 150 here) and don't have enough housing to accommodate them. If people find their own place then the BOE has less work to do, something they are very fond of. They also sent a text message to my phone on Sunday morning at 7:46 am saying that they are looking for people to help with the new teachers checking in that day...what a joke!

After refusing the rat infested apartment the previous teacher occupied (and suggested I didn't take), I was offered a tiny one room and bathroom.

I didn't get a bed so I sleep on the floor. I did get a fridge, microwave, desk, dining room table and chairs, Stereo, washing machine, large closet and shelves and a TV. That was it! No dishes, pots or utensils.

However, it has a great view of the river and mountains. It is sunny and warm, well, except for the bathroom and intermittent hot water! But in summer those issues are not so bad either.

If I stay I will definitely ask for a bigger apartment!