영국사람

House-hunting in Korea (Continued)

I thought I would post a quick update as to how people can overcome house-hunting woes in Korea. After we decided to simply stop paying rent, it was amazing how helpful our landlord became. Within a few days of informing him that the rent had been stopped, he had a replacement lined up for us. We pay the finders fee (expected) but it has cost us nothing more than that. We get our deposit back the day we move out. Happy days!

The bank was not quite that simple… More »

House-hunting in Korea

Right now, I live in an apartment block in Dongducheon. I live here because I got married whilst working in a public school in Uijeongbu, and they refused to provide anything more than a 1-room officetel for myself and my expectant wife. We decided to get our own place, stumped up the deposit and paid our own rent.

I eventually quit my PS job a few months into a 2nd year contract because they were acting somewhat nuts. I found a great job in a hagwon that I totally enjoy. My boss is awesome!

Unfortunately, a month or 2 ago, my wife was hospitalised. After she came home, and I had been caring for the baby alone (thanks to a very understanding boss who gave me a week off with 2 hours notice), I decided that I should not sign another year here, and we should look at moving to Seoul where her sisters will be on hand to help.

So, the fun begins. More »

Korean Banks and Internet Sites to be more Accessible to Foreigners

Two consistent annoyances for foreign residents in Korea have been addressed by the government this weekend. Pressure will be put on the Banking sector to end their unfair discriminatory practices (Part 2 here), and Internet services will also be opened to foreign residents. Unfortunately, the Korea Herald website is garbage, and doesn’t allow me to link directly, but I have prepared a package for you.

These 2 issues have caused untold headaches for foreigners in the country. The banking practices have long been a nuisance imposed by the banks, not the government. It has become common practice for banks to refuse credit cards, and more importantly, international ATM cards to foreigners. Those foreigners that had international cards have found them to be canceled without anybody taking the time to inform them.

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