In the past, EPIK would give teachers the choice between free (EPIK chosen) housing or a 400,000₩ subsidy to put towards an apartment of your choosing. However, according to the new wording on the EPIK website it looks as if they are either not allowing teachers to choose the stipend option or are highly discouraging it.
"If housing is unavailable, a monthly rent subsidy of 400,000₩ will be provided by the host POE, in lieu of free furnished housing" -EPIK.GO.KR
I've heard that POE's (Providential Office(s) of Education) dislike giving out the subsidy because in the event a teacher must leave the apartment they are required to find housing for them. Now, I'm not sure why all of a sudden a teacher would be kicked out of housing. Perhaps, they worry that our plans will fall through. If this is the case they have very little time to find a different place for you. Still, I have yet to read anything stating that they have changed the rule allowing foreign teachers to choose the subsidy. So perhaps, they adjusted the wording in the hopes that we will not realize we have the choice. If you can afford to pay a few extra hundred (dollars) a month, and can afford to live at a hotel in your city while you look for a place I would look into that option.
This is not to say that the housing they provide is bad. I wouldn't know. I haven't been there yet. But from what I've read on others experiences, the apartment you are provided is kind of a toss up. Some are really nice in highrise buildings with keyless entry. Some are in tiny rundown buildings with no A/C and bugs. (know that you can request a new apartment, but it can take weeks or months to be moved) You won't know anything about your living situation until you get there so there's not really any backing out at that point. You've signed that you'll take what you get (at least at first).
Lets get into the average apartment that city-dwelling EPIK teachers get. This is by no means exhaustive, but I thought I'd compile the dozens of YouTube apartment tour video's I've watched for you.
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Yes, it's because I live out in the countryside. The apartments are cheaper so you tend to get a bigger one. Unfortunately the bath tub doesn't work like a bathtub we are used to haha. Even if you fill it up the water will slowly leave so you can't take a nice bath, but it is nice to take a shower in. :)
SEOUL
This is an example of a really nice average sized apartment in a metro city like Seoul. It's really lovely actually. Looks new.
DAEGU
This is a great example of the difference between an apartment that the POE chooses for you and one you pick for yourself. Notice in the description how it says she's in her second year. It's much easier to find an apartment when you already live in the city so many EPIKers who decide to stay on a second year also decide to move to a nicer apartment. As far as I know they have not changed the rule that allows teachers to do this. (Look at that amazing arch over the bed!! <3 <3!!!)
Noticable Differences from American Apartments
- The Bathroom!The bathrooms are often also called wet rooms. This is because everything in the space is waterproof. The shower head often resides just above the toilet, which sits in the corner, with a sink and mirror just to the other side of the toilet. A drain sits to the side of the toilet between the toilet and sink or in the middle of the floor for the shower water to drain. This is the most typical bathroom found in studio apartments in metro-cities in South Korea.
- The Fridge!It's tiny! Like the one you had in college. You might get lucky and get a full sized one like these peoples ^, but most of the ones I've seen are mini or at least much thinner than what we're used to. Downside, no more buying in bulk. Upside, no more bulk food getting all rotted and gross because it disappeared in the back of the fridge behind that fuzzy thing that you think might actually be self actualizing.
- Washer (Dryer?)Don't even get me STARTED on the washer/dryer all-in-one unit. Why don't they have more of these in America!? Most of us have never even heard of it or realize it's possible. Capitalism conspiracy. Humph. Not all studios are going to come with one of these nifty units. Most, in fact, will just have a washer and you'll have a drying rack to hang your clothes out on. No more just out of the dryer jeans that don't fit right because the fabric's all tight and compressed! #Muffintop #Brightside #IDontEvenHaveATwitter
- Only One or Two BurnersMeh. Whatever. That's fine. Who cooks on more than two burners at a time anyway? One burner...now, actually, that might be an issue.
- Heated FloorsHEATED FLOORS. ballin.
That's all I got for now folks. If you have any questions comment away. I'll do my best to answer what I know and figure out what I don't.
XOXO
Kim(chi!)