My Korean Apartment: New Apartment vs Old Shack On The Roof!

As I wound my way around the final flight of steps, I pushed open a humble door that granted me access to the top of the roof.  I panted frantically as I was exhausted from hauling my two suitcases chock full of all the belongings I packed from home that I deemed necessary just 24 hours ago prior to departing from Canada.

I looked at the structure my Korean director was eagerly waving me towards and immediately thought internally, “No way.  This can’t be it.”

What was directly in front of my eyes was nothing more than a makeshift shack, a temporary housing structure situated on top of this residential roof.  Its crumbling white siding led way to a sliding door that was caked with dirt.

As I dropped my suitcases off and finally caught my breath the reality of the situation was finally starting to sink in.

I will be living in this place for an entire year while teaching English in Korea.

What on earth have I gotten myself into?

My most recent apartment in Korea (Not the shack on top of the roof)

Aaaaah, it sure can be fun to look back in hindsight to laugh at yourself.  What I described above was my Korean apartment (er…Shack on top of the roof) that I lived in during my first ESL teaching stint way back in 2005-06.  On days when my morale was high and I was in a peppy positive mood I would consider it to be my crumbling artists loft; however, on days that weren’t quite as rosy and stellar the reality was that I was living in a shit tin can on top of a roof.  Korea, with its brutal winters and impossibly hot and humid summers, nearly did me in that year as I often resorted to extreme measures (electric blankets & heat fans in the winter; 3-4 cold showers & wearing nothing but my undies in the summer) to cope with the predicament I was in.

I’ve learned a lot since that time.  First and foremost, I’ve requested; NO, I’ve demanded  since that initial teaching contract to actually ‘see a photo’ of the place I’m signing my life away before putting my signature on paper. The truth is that I’ve loved all of my apartments in Korea since that initial debacle of a place has long since been in the rear-view mirror.  Having my own free apartment and sense of autonomy and space has been one of the main reasons I’ve loved living in South Korea over the years.

With all of the jobs I’ve had in Korea over the years my apartment has always been provided for me as part of my contract.  I’ve lived on top of a roof, on the 17th floor of a high rise apartment & in an officetel.  Each experience has been radically different aside from one unifying factor:  they’ve always been tiny places compared to apartments back home.

Shack On Top Of The Roof In South Korea

My Korean apartment on top of a roof – circa 2005-2006

More views from the humble shack on top of the roof 🙂

In this video I’m giving your a tour of my most recent Korean apartment.  From views of the rice fields from the entrace of my front door to an up close and intimate encounter with my bathroom, nothing is spared 😛  You’ll notice my bedroom that is surprisingly bare.  I take you into my kitchen where I’m running low on condiments, bread and orange juice.  Not exactly the bounty of Korean food you likely expected from a high rolling ESL teacher eh?  Normally I head out to grab a bite at a local Korean kimbap places or occasionally a Korean fast food joint.   Finally you’ll get to see what a typical ‘wet’ Korean bathroom looks like; however, not without first putting on flip flops.  Come check out Audrey’s apartment in Korea for a completely different tour of an officetel.

Some of my friends and family have been truly shocked by my the size of my apartment.  What do you think?  Could you live in a place like this?  It’s where I’ve called ‘my home’ for the last 10 and a half months.  It’s humble and certainly nothing special but in some ways I’ll be sad to leave when I pack up my bags six weeks later and head home to Canada for the holidays.

How To Avoid Getting A Bad Apartment In South Korea

Research the Area Thoroughly

The first step to avoiding a bad apartment in South Korea is to thoroughly research the area where you plan to live. Different neighborhoods offer different living conditions, amenities, and levels of convenience. Look for online reviews, forums, and expat groups to get a sense of the area’s reputation. Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to check for noise levels, safety, and overall atmosphere.

• Neighborhood Vibes: Consider factors like proximity to public transportation, grocery stores, and restaurants. Some neighborhoods might be quieter and more residential, while others are bustling and more suitable for those who enjoy a lively environment.

Inspect the Apartment in Person

Never rent an apartment in South Korea without seeing it in person. Photos online can be misleading, and it’s important to assess the condition of the apartment for yourself. Pay attention to the layout, natural light, and overall cleanliness. Check for any signs of mold, which can be a common issue in humid climates like Korea. Also, make sure all appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems are in working order.

• Inspect Key Areas: Focus on areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and windows. These are often where problems like leaks, poor ventilation, or insufficient heating may arise.

Understand the Lease Agreement

Lease agreements in South Korea can be different from what you’re used to, so it’s crucial to understand the terms before signing anything. Many leases involve a large deposit (known as jeonse) or a wolse system, where you pay monthly rent plus a smaller deposit. Make sure you understand the refund policy for your deposit, the notice period for ending the lease, and any additional fees, such as maintenance costs.

• Consult a Local: If you’re not fluent in Korean, consider having a local friend or a real estate agent help you navigate the lease agreement. This will ensure you’re not agreeing to anything unfavorable.

Use Reputable Real Estate Agents

A trustworthy real estate agent can be invaluable in finding a good apartment. They can help you navigate the rental market, negotiate lease terms, and ensure that everything is in order. Look for agents who specialize in helping expats, as they will be more familiar with the specific needs and concerns of foreign tenants.

• Agent Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from other expats or online communities. A good agent will be transparent, communicative, and proactive in helping you find a suitable place.

Why Finding a Good Apartment in South Korea is Unique

Renting an apartment in South Korea can be a unique experience due to the country’s specific rental systems, cultural expectations, and housing styles. Apartments can range from modern high-rises to traditional hanok homes, offering a wide variety of living experiences. The process of finding and securing an apartment may be different from what you’re used to, but with careful planning and the right resources, you can find a place that suits your needs.

• Cultural Considerations: Understanding local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a home, can also help you adjust to living in South Korea and make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Different Styles Of Apartments In South Korea

High-Rise Apartments (아파트)

High-rise apartments, known simply as “apateu” in Korean, are the most common type of housing in urban areas. These apartments are typically located in large complexes with modern amenities such as gyms, convenience stores, and sometimes even schools. They offer a convenient lifestyle with easy access to public transportation, shopping, and dining.

• Modern Living: High-rise apartments often feature sleek designs and smart home technology, catering to a contemporary lifestyle. They’re particularly popular in cities like Seoul and Busan, where space is at a premium.

Officetels (오피스텔)

Officetels are multifunctional buildings that combine residential and office spaces. They are popular among young professionals and students due to their compact size and central locations. Officetels typically come fully furnished, making them a convenient option for those who don’t want to invest in furniture.

• Compact and Convenient: Officetels are designed for efficiency, offering everything you need in a smaller space. Their proximity to business districts makes them ideal for those who want to live close to work.

Villas (빌라)

Villas are low-rise buildings, usually between three to five stories high, and are more common in suburban areas. They offer a quieter, more residential feel compared to high-rise apartments. Villas often have larger living spaces and are sometimes more affordable than high-rise apartments, making them attractive to families and those seeking more space.

• Cozy and Quiet: Villas provide a more intimate living environment, often with fewer neighbors and more personal space. They are great for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hanok (한옥)

For a truly unique living experience, consider staying in a hanok, a traditional Korean house. Hanoks feature classic Korean architectural elements such as ondol (underfloor heating) and wooden beams. While most hanoks are found in historic districts or rural areas, some have been renovated and modernized, blending traditional charm with modern conveniences.

• Traditional Charm: Living in a hanok allows you to immerse yourself in Korea’s cultural heritage. These homes offer a peaceful retreat, often surrounded by beautiful gardens or courtyards.

Goshiwon (고시원)

Goshiwons are small, budget-friendly rooms typically rented by students or those in need of short-term housing. These rooms are extremely compact, often just enough space for a bed, a desk, and a small bathroom. While goshiwons may lack the amenities of other housing options, they are affordable and widely available in cities.

• Budget Living: Goshiwons are a no-frills housing option that provides the basics. They’re ideal for students or travelers who need an inexpensive place to stay for a short period.

Studio Apartments (원룸)

Studio apartments, or wonroom in Korean, are a popular choice for singles and students. These compact living spaces combine the bedroom, living room, and kitchen into one open area, offering simplicity and convenience. Often located near universities and city centers, they are ideal for those who want a central location without breaking the bank.

• Efficient Living: Studio apartments maximize space with smart layouts and are usually fully furnished, making them an easy move-in option.

Multi-Room Apartments (투룸/쓰리룸)

For those needing more space, multi-room apartments are a great option. Two-room (turum) and three-room (thurum) apartments offer separate bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens, making them suitable for small families or individuals who prefer more privacy. These apartments can be found in both high-rise buildings and villas.

• More Space, More Comfort: Multi-room apartments offer flexibility and comfort, allowing for separate spaces for work, sleep, and relaxation.

Gwanaksa (관악사) and Dosiwon (도시원)

For visitors staying in South Korea for educational purposes, consider staying in a gwanaksa (university dormitory) or a dosiwon (a type of student housing). These accommodations are typically basic but provide a supportive community environment. Gwanaksa dorms are usually linked to universities, offering convenience for students, while dosiwon rooms are compact and affordable, catering to students and exam takers.

• Academic Living: These housing options are ideal for students or those on a budget, providing a simple, community-oriented living space close to academic institutions.

Serviced Apartments (서비스 아파트)

For those seeking luxury and convenience, serviced apartments offer a fully furnished living space with hotel-like services, including housekeeping, laundry, and sometimes even room service. These apartments are often located in prime locations and are ideal for business travelers or those on short-term stays who want a hassle-free living experience.

• Luxury and Convenience: Serviced apartments provide all the comforts of home with the added benefits of hotel services, making them perfect for travelers who prefer a more comfortable, turnkey living solution.

Penthouse Apartments (펜트하우스)

At the top end of the spectrum, penthouse apartments offer spacious, luxurious living with stunning views of the city. These apartments often feature high-end finishes, private terraces, and exclusive amenities such as private elevators or rooftop pools. Penthouses are perfect for those looking for a premium living experience in the heart of South Korea’s major cities.

• Luxury Living: Penthouses represent the pinnacle of urban living, offering privacy, exclusivity, and breathtaking views for those who seek a lavish lifestyle.

New Apartment vs Old Shack: What Actually Matters When You Move Abroad

Standing on that rooftop in Korea, staring at my “artist loft” / “tin can of doom,” all I could see were the problems.

Cold in winter. Sauna in summer. No insulation. Questionable door.

But if you strip away the drama for a second, living in that shack and later in far nicer places taught me something important: your apartment needs to be good enough to keep you healthy, rested, and sane… not perfect.

Perfect is a bonus.

When you move abroad to teach English in Korea, your apartment is going to shape a huge chunk of your daily life. It’s where you crash after long days at the hagwon, where you hide from yellow dust, and where you eat instant ramyeon in your pajamas at midnight while messaging friends back home.

So let’s take all of this from “funny story” territory into a guide for choosing, negotiating, and surviving your Korean apartment.

Where You Live Shapes Your Year in Korea

A lot of teachers obsess over square meters, furniture, and whether the bathroom is a full-on wet room. Those things matter, but location and context matter more.

You can have a tiny shoebox that feels like home if you love what’s outside your front door.

Big City Life: Seoul, Busan, Incheon

In the bigger cities, you’re more likely to land in:

• An officetel near a subway station
• A studio in a high-rise complex
• A small villa in a dense neighbourhood

Pros

• Cafés, bars, restaurants, and late-night convenience stores everywhere
• Good public transport – subways, buses, bike shares
• Easier to find foreigner-friendly gyms, churches, clubs, and meetups
• More schools = more job options if you want to switch

Cons

• Smaller apartments for the price
• Thinner walls and more noise
• Higher temptations to spend money all the time
• Less sense of “everyone knows everyone” community

Mid-Size City: Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Ulsan

This was my sweet spot for a long time: big enough not to be bored, small enough to breathe.

Pros

• Cheaper rent (if you’re not in school housing)
• More spacious apartments in villas or smaller buildings
• Good mix of Korean and expat life
• Enough nature nearby for weekend hikes or bike rides

Cons

• Fewer non-Korean services (specialty shops, international medical clinics, etc.)
• Nightlife more limited to certain pockets
• Fewer job choices if a school turns sour and you want to move

Smaller City or Rural Town

That rooftop shack? Classic small-city / fringe-town experience: rice fields at your doorstep, grandma drying red peppers outside your door, chickens somewhere off in the distance.

Pros

• Bigger apartments for the same salary
• Quiet nights and slower pace of life
• Deep, genuine relationships if you lean in
• Great for saving money – fewer places to blow cash

Cons

• Limited social life if you’re not proactive
• Fewer Western comforts and imported groceries
• You might be the only foreigner at your school or in the neighbourhood
• Longer travel times to major cities on weekends

Quick Decision Matrix: Picking Your Korean Home Base

If you’re brand new to Korea and nervous, mid-size is often the sweet spot. But if you’re craving a slower, more introspective year, that small-town rooftop situation might end up being exactly what you need – as long as the apartment itself isn’t working against you.

Setting Up Your First Korean Home (Without Losing Your Mind)

Whatever you get handed – high-rise, villa, officetel, or questionable roof box – your first week in the apartment sets the tone.

Non-Negotiables to Check the Day You Move In

Don’t wait. You’re tired, jet-lagged, and overwhelmed, but this is when you can still push the school or landlord to fix things.

Heating and Insulation

• Test the ondol (underfloor heating). Crank it, wait 15–20 minutes, and see if the floor actually warms up.
• Check windows for drafts and gaps. Poor sealing means brutal winters and higher gas bills.
• Look at the door: does it close fully? Any obvious cracks?

Moisture and Mold

Korea can get ridiculously humid.

• Check corners near the ceiling and behind furniture for black or green spots
• Look under the sink and around the shower for soft, damp wood or peeling wallpaper
• Smell the room after it’s been closed for a while – mustiness is a warning sign

If you see serious mold, don’t shrug it off. Push for cleaning, treatment, or at least a dehumidifier.

Bathroom Reality Check

Most likely you’ll have a wet bathroom: shower head over the sink or in the corner, everything gets soaked.

You want to check:

• Does water drain properly, or does half the floor turn into a permanent lake?
• Is there a working fan or at least a window? Ventilation matters.
• Any exposed wiring or weirdly placed sockets anywhere near the water? (Hard pass.)

Surviving Korean Winters and Summers in Tiny Spaces

That shack on the roof almost broke me in winter and melted me in summer. You don’t need to repeat that.

Winter Survival: Beat the Icebox Effect

• Invest in a good duvet early. Bring one or buy one; don’t freeze to save a few won.
• Thermal leggings or base layers will become your best friends indoors.
• A small electric heater can supplement weak ondol, but keep an eye on your electric bill.
• Slippers are not optional. Cold floors + bare feet = unnecessary misery.

Summer Survival: DIY AC Strategy

If you don’t have a decent air conditioner:

• Grab a strong standing fan and experiment with cross-breezes (window + door open).
• Take cold showers at night and before bed.
• Dehumidifiers are worth their weight in gold – humidity is what makes everything feel worse.
• Dark curtains or blackout blinds help keep the sun from turning your room into an oven.

Most teachers massively underestimate how intense Korean summer humidity can feel in a small space. Plan for it.

Storage and Space Hacks for Shoebox Apartments

Whether you’re in a shiny officetel or a slightly tragic rooftop box, space will be tight. The good news? A few small tweaks can transform the place.

Think Vertical, Not Horizontal

• Use over-door hooks for jackets, bags, and towels
• Install a simple hanging rack if your closet is just a sad bar with one hanger
• Stackable cubes or shelves above the fridge or washing machine are prime real estate

Bed Area = Hidden Storage

If your bed has space underneath:

• Store off-season clothes in vacuum bags
• Keep spare bedding, luggage, and rarely used items tucked away neatly
• If the bed is low, consider bed risers to gain extra room

One-In, One-Out Rule

Korea is full of cheap clothes, cute stationery, and random stuff you’ll “definitely use someday.”

To stop your apartment from becoming a cave of clutter:

• For every new jacket, donate or pass on an old one
• Avoid stocking up on giant multi-packs unless you truly have space
• Keep souvenirs small – photos, tiny trinkets, not massive décor pieces

You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to pack up after your contract ends.

Money Talk: What Your “Free” Apartment Really Costs

On paper, “free housing” is one of the big perks of teaching English in Korea. In reality, your school covers the rent, but you still pay for living.

Typical Monthly Costs (Teacher Apartment in Korea)

This obviously varies by city and lifestyle, but here’s a rough snapshot:

Not scary, but worth keeping in mind when you calculate your real monthly savings.

Furnishing on a Shoestring

Most teacher apartments in Korea come with:

• Bed (or mattress on the floor)
• Closet/wardrobe
• Small table or desk
• Mini fridge or full-size fridge
• Washing machine

But you’ll likely end up buying:

• A decent pillow (Korean pillows can be rock-hard)
• Extra bedding if the provided set is thin or worn
• Basic kitchen gear: frying pan, pot, knife, cutting board, a couple of plates and bowls
• A drying rack for clothes (if not already there)

Buy slowly. Live in the space for a couple of weeks before you go on an Ikea/houseware spree. It’s easy to fill a tiny apartment with stuff you don’t actually need.

Negotiating Better Housing Before You Sign

If that first rooftop shack taught me anything, it’s this: housing is not the part of your contract to be shy about.

Questions to Ask Before You Accept the Job

These should be standard, not “pushy”:

• Is housing single or shared with another teacher?
• How far is it from the school on foot or by bus?
• Is it in a high-rise, villa, officetel, or something else?
• Are there current photos of the exact unit you’ll be living in?
• Who pays for maintenance issues – you, the landlord, or the school?
• Are utilities in your name or the school’s?

If they refuse to share photos or dodge every housing question, that’s a red flag.

Red Flags in Housing Conversations

• “You’ll see it when you arrive, don’t worry!”
• “Some teachers think it’s small, but it’s free, so you can’t complain.”
• “We don’t have pictures right now; the old teacher just left in a hurry.”
• “Sometimes we put two teachers in one room. It’s like a fun dorm!”

Korea has plenty of schools and plenty of apartments. You don’t need to sign up for a year in a place that already sounds sketchy from 10,000 kilometres away.

Sample Email Lines You Can Actually Use

You don’t have to be aggressive – just clear and direct:

• “Housing is very important to me. Could you please send 3–4 recent photos of the exact apartment I would be living in?”
• “Is this apartment on a rooftop, in a villa, or in a standard apartment building?”
• “Has anyone had issues with heating, water, or mold in this unit in the past few years?”
• “If I had serious maintenance problems, who would I contact and how quickly are they usually resolved?”

You’re not being difficult. You’re doing what any adult moving abroad for a year should do.

Making Your Korean Apartment Feel Like Home

Once you’ve checked for mold, tested the heating, and figured out the utility bills, the fun part starts: turning a generic teacher unit into something that feels like yours.

Small, Cheap Touches That Change Everything

• A couple of plants by the window
• One or two framed photos from home on the desk
• A soft rug between the bed and the bathroom (your feet will love you)
• Fairy lights or a small lamp instead of relying on the harsh overhead light
• A single good mug that makes your morning coffee feel like a ritual

You don’t need to redecorate the whole place. Five or six intentional things can make a massive difference.

Building Routines Around the Space

It’s not just what the apartment looks like – it’s how you use it.

• A “return from school” routine: shoes off, kettle on, five minutes of quiet before anything else
• A Sunday reset: laundry, quick clean, restocking snacks and water
• A nightly wind-down: lights dimmed, phone away, maybe some Korean TV or a book

Tiny apartments feel less claustrophobic when they have rhythm. You’re not just stuck there – you’re living there.

A Year in a Korean Apartment: What It Really Feels Like

If you stick it out for a full year, your apartment will go through phases with you.

Month 1: Shock and Novelty

Everything feels strange:

• The washing machine sings a little song at the end of the cycle
• The bathroom turns into a splash zone every time you shower
• You still try to drink tap water once and immediately regret it

You’ll feel clumsy and out of place, but that’s normal.

Months 2–4: Settling In

You learn:

• Which corner stores are open late
• How many layers you actually need to sleep comfortably
• Where the sun hits your window at different times of day

The apartment stops being “that place in Korea” and starts being your base.

Months 5–10: True Home Mode

This is where the magic happens:

• You’ve got favourite snacks in the cupboard
• There’s a pile of lesson plans and random Korean documents on your desk
• You’ve hosted another teacher or two for instant noodles and a movie

You start defending your tiny place when people back home gasp at how small it looks on video calls.

Final Weeks: Packing Up and Letting Go

Then, almost without warning, it’s time to leave.

The same four walls you once saw as a temporary box now hold:

• Your first snow in Korea
• The monsoon days where you watched the rain hit the window for hours
• The nights you seriously questioned your life choices
• The mornings when it all suddenly made sense

Key Questions About Korean Apartments For English Teachers: Real-World Answers & Practical Tips

How rough are Korean teacher apartments really compared to what I’m used to back home?

It depends. Some teacher apartments in Korea are genuinely great – small but modern, clean, and in a handy location – while others can feel like the “shack on the roof” situation I started out with. The big differences you’ll notice compared to back home are the size (much smaller), the wet bathroom setup, and thinner walls. If your school is decent and you ask the right questions before signing, you’re more likely to end up with something basic-but-comfortable rather than a horror story you tell at bars for the next decade.

Can I refuse the school apartment in Korea if it’s awful when I arrive?

Technically, yes, but it gets messy fast. If you show up and the place is truly unlivable – serious mold, no heating, unsafe wiring – you can push to be moved or negotiate a housing allowance instead, but you’ll need to stay calm, document everything with photos and videos, and give the school a chance to fix it. If they refuse to help at all, you’re suddenly dealing with contract disputes in a new country, which is stressful. That’s why I always try to spot red flags and get photos and details before getting on the plane, not after.

Is it better to accept free school housing or ask for a housing allowance instead?

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Free school housing is simpler and takes the pressure off hunting for a place in a new country, which is perfect for many first-time teachers. A housing allowance gives you more control – you can pick the neighborhood, the building style, and maybe upgrade your comfort level – but it also means navigating Korean real estate, deposits, and contracts, often in a different language. If you are brand new to Korea, school housing is usually the lower-stress choice, and then you can consider allowances or upgrading in year two once you understand how things work on the ground.

What size and layout should I realistically expect from a typical English teacher apartment in Korea?

Small. Think compact studio more than sprawling condo. Most teacher apartments are one main room that functions as bedroom, living room, and sometimes kitchen, plus a tiny separate kitchen area or kitchenette and a wet bathroom. Storage is usually limited to a single wardrobe and a few cupboards, so you become very aware of how much stuff you own. It is a shock at first, especially if you are used to bigger Western apartments, but once you dial in smart storage and routines, it becomes surprisingly livable.

How much will I spend each month on utilities and bills in a small Korean apartment?

Not scary, but not nothing. You’ll usually pay for gas, electricity, water, your mobile phone, and internet, and the exact amount swings with the seasons. Winter is when things spike because of underfloor heating, while summer can be pricier if you run the air conditioner a lot; spring and autumn tend to be cheaper, more comfortable months. If you keep an eye on usage, turn off things you are not using, and resist blasting the heating or air con 24/7, utilities become a manageable part of your budget instead of a nasty surprise.

Are rooftop apartments and shacks on the roof still a thing in Korea?

Yes. They are rarer than they used to be in some cities, but rooftop units and odd “bonus” structures absolutely still exist, especially in older neighborhoods and smaller towns. Some are quirky and kind of charming, with great views and lots of light; others are cold in winter, boiling in summer, and badly insulated. If a school or landlord is vague about the building type or mentions a rooftop unit without photos, that is when you push for clear pictures and details so you know whether it is a fun loft or a metal box you will be cursing by January.

How do I avoid mold, damp, and other hidden problems in a Korean apartment?

Vigilance. Mold loves Korean humidity, especially in older apartments with poor ventilation, so you want to check corners, ceilings, behind furniture, under sinks, and around windows as soon as you arrive. A dehumidifier, regular airing out, and wiping down damp spots go a long way to keeping things under control. If you see major mold patches or smell strong mustiness the first time you walk in, do not shrug and hope it will go away – get the school or landlord involved immediately so you are not quietly breathing that in all year.

Is it safe to live alone in Korea as a solo female teacher?

Generally, yes. South Korea is often described as feeling very safe compared to many other countries, and a lot of solo female teachers live alone without major issues. That said, you still use the same common-sense precautions you would anywhere: lock doors, be mindful coming home late at night, and pay attention to how you feel about a neighborhood or building. If an apartment entrance feels isolated, the stairwell is poorly lit, or the landlord gives you a weird vibe, trust your instincts and push for a different option if you can.

I’m worried about the tiny wet bathrooms. Are they actually livable long term?

Absolutely. Wet bathrooms are one of those things that look strange at first and then become totally normal. You’ll probably get annoyed the first few times you soak your toilet paper or step into a still-damp floor in socks, but you quickly learn small habits that make it fine: moving things off the floor, using a squeegee, keeping toiletries in baskets or shelves, and wearing bathroom slippers. It’s not luxurious spa living, but it’s perfectly workable once you stop fighting the setup and lean into how it’s designed to be used.

What should I pack from home to make a tiny Korean apartment more comfortable?

Think comfort, not clutter. The things that make the biggest difference are surprisingly small: a pillow you really like, one or two cozy items like a blanket or hoodie, and a couple of sentimental touches such as photos, a favourite mug, or a tiny art print. Most practical items are easy to buy in Korea once you see what your apartment actually has and what it is missing. The more you can avoid hauling random “just in case” stuff from home, the easier it will be to keep your place from feeling cramped and chaotic.

Can I have friends, partners, or family stay over in my teacher apartment?

Most of the time, yes, but with a few caveats. Apartments are small, so you are not hosting an army of guests, and some schools or landlords are a bit old-fashioned about overnight visitors, especially partners. It is worth quietly asking other teachers at your school how relaxed things are and whether anyone has had issues with complaints. As long as you are respectful – no wild late-night parties, no constant stream of guests – it is usually fine to occasionally host a friend or family member, even if it means someone is sleeping on the floor or sharing your bed.

Are pets allowed in most Korean apartments for English teachers?

Not really. Many buildings have no-pet policies, and even where pets are technically allowed, schools rarely factor that into teacher housing. If you are serious about bringing a pet, you are usually better off securing your own housing with a pet-friendly lease rather than relying on the standard “free apartment” in the contract. It is doable, but it adds layers of complexity and cost, so I only recommend it if you are committed to staying longer term and willing to put in the extra work to find the right place.

Is it realistic to save money in Korea once I factor in utilities, furniture, and daily living expenses?

Yes. One of the big perks of teaching in Korea is that you can still save a decent chunk of your salary, even after setting up a small apartment and covering monthly bills, especially if rent is covered by the school. The key is keeping your day-to-day spending in check: cooking some meals at home, not treating every weekend like a blowout in Seoul, and being mindful about impulse shopping. Once you’ve bought your basic home setup and found a rhythm, it’s very possible to build a savings cushion while still travelling, eating out, and enjoying your year.

What kind of Korean city is best if housing comfort is my top priority?

Mid-size usually wins. Big cities like Seoul and Busan give you energy and endless things to do, but apartments are smaller and buildings older or more cramped for the price. Tiny towns can offer larger, cheaper places and quiet nights, but you trade away convenience and social life. Mid-size cities tend to hit a sweet spot: more spacious apartments, calmer neighborhoods, and still enough cafés, restaurants, and entertainment to keep you sane. If comfort and balance matter more to you than chasing the biggest city buzz, I would lean toward that middle ground.

How long does it usually take before a Korean apartment actually starts to feel like home?

Faster than you think. The first couple of weeks can feel awkward and temporary, especially when you are jet-lagged and every tiny inconvenience feels like a big deal. But once you’ve done a few grocery runs, figured out your favourite café, added a few personal touches, and survived your first weather swing – a really cold night or a sticky-hot day – the place suddenly clicks into “home base” mode. By the time you hit the halfway point of your contract, you will probably be defending your little shoebox to friends back home who can’t understand how you ever got attached to it.

Whether you started in a polished officetel or a shack on the roof, your apartment becomes part of your story. Not the whole story – but an unforgettable chapter.

And if you play it a little smarter than I did that first time – asking for photos, checking for mold, planning for winter and summer – you can skip the worst of the discomfort and get straight to the good stuff:

Living your Korean year on your own terms, in a space that, however small or quirky, actually feels like home.