Inside My Home in South Korea
I walked into this apartment in Daegu, South Korea, and instantly felt like I was home. All I wanted was a modern apartment with a view. It had to have at least four bedrooms and a lot of light. Bonus points for a balcony, anything not near one of the military bases or a school, preferably downtown, so we could walk to bars, restaurants, and shopping. It took three months, we went 100,000 Won over Budget, but I love my little apartment in South Korea.
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The Apartment Search
My Little Apartment in South Korea
It dawned on me a few days ago that I talked a lot about the apartment search, but I never took you on a search of the one we chose. So here goes. It’s your chance to peek inside the neighbor’s house. There are a lot of travel tips about South Korea out there, so I’m sure you won’t mind a few more. Thankfully we ended up with exactly what I pictured in my head. That was almost two years ago, and in a few months, I’ll have to do it all over again.
The Apartment Hunt
Miso City, Daegu
I must have seen 20 apartments with five different real estate agents before finding this one. We had two deals that fell through. One the owner wanted more than we were willing to pay, and the other one chose another couple over us. Oh, well. We look back on those experiences and say it worked out for the better, because knowing more about the city now, those locations would not have been ideal.
You may also be interested in an inside look at off-post housing and where to rent in Daegu South Korea. With pictures, descriptions of amenities, services, and personal opinions while hunting for an apartment of my own, take a look at The Daegu Apartment Guide for Off Post Housing.
Why I chose this apartment?
Off Post Housing in Daegu
I have to admit. I had no idea what to expect when we moved to South Korea. We knew we weren’t allocated housing and would have to live on the economy, but they’re just wasn’t any information out there to ease my nerves. I contacted a couple of real estate agents, but no one returned my emails or phone calls. Luckily my husband’s sponsor’s wife (say that three times as fast as you can) stepped in and let me know that there were lots of options, based on our arrival date. Kristin was a godsend to me when I arrived; everyone should be so lucky.
Knowing neither one of us has an apartment living in our plans, we wanted to get the most out of our experience in Korea. With that in mind, the fact that we wanted to travel A LOT and we would probably be a one-income household, there were a few things we always kept in mind each time we visited an apartment:
1. It fit our Budget
Years of service determine pay and housing on military rank, and we are paid monthly, and it includes rent, maintenance fees, and utilities. So when you arrive, you know exactly how much you can pay for rent and not come out of pocket, and the housing office has a ceiling based on square footage and amenities. The apartment we chose was slightly over, but it seemed like a small sacrifice in getting most of what we wanted.
2. It is Energy Efficient
I love the heated floors. It gets cold in the winter when I need to be warm and hot in the summer when I need to be cool. We have three air conditioners in the apartment, one of which was installed after we moved in because my amazing husband negotiated it. The floors are heated during the winter.
South Korea’s utility companies are pretty high, even though the government owns them. The military subsidizes our pay for utilities, but it was essential to maximize those funds and not come out to pocket. So a modern, well-insulated building was outweighed a few of the checklist items on my list. We haven’t come close to maxing out our utility budget yet.
**Ask to see the utility history so you know what you are likely to pay for all the seasons to make an informed decision.
3. Modern Kitchen & Appliances
My kitchen is beautiful for Western standards but huge for Asian ones. It’s compact, but I love the color of the cabinets, center space, and layout. All the appliances are built-in, including the refrigerator and dishwasher, and there is plenty of room for my dining room table. I don’t use dishwashers, so it serves as additional storage. There’s a fair amount of storage over the fridge, a glass-fronted cabinet, in the kimchi (second) kitchen and a pullout spice rack. I decided to get creative with the storage of my little wine collection as well.
The Kimchi Kitchen
It’s a Korean Thing
Sounds like a yummy restaurant, right? A kimchi kitchen is a small kitchen (includes a fridge, stovetop, vacuum cleaner, and washer-dryer) to cook foods that are, let’s say, extremely aromatic. You can close it off to the rest of the apartment. Its storage for the 7ft Christmas Tree I had to bring with me, luggage, and empty boxes we kept for appliances and electronics. It wasn’t until recently that I found out everyone doesn’t have one of these.
4. Quasi Outdoor Space
There are no balconies in my apartment, but there is an inside-outside area with double doors that runs the length of the residence that I use as a library and my happy place. This is my space.
I can step outside, and we occasionally have to watch the fireworks on New Years’ Eve. It has a large flat ledge that is blocked by a gate where I could put a large bench to enjoy the breezes. And although it’s not real outdoor space, it feels like it in the summer, and I can sit at my wine barrel table and watch the world go by below me. One of the bedrooms has a small plant ledge as well, where I have my smoking friends step out to have a smoke. There is also an outdoor area on the 3rd floor that includes seating, a putting green and children’s play area.
4. There’s A Gym in My Little Apartment in South Korea
We wanted to live in a building that had a gym. The gym here is very modern and has all the necessary pieces of equipment, classes, and a Korean sauna called a jjimjilbang. We both signed up for the first year but did not renew for the second because we thought it was too expensive, and we could go to the gym on-post for free.
Ever thought about being a K-pop star? You may want to read about my experience in a K-pop aerobics class in the gym in American K-Pop Star.
5. Security
There is 24-hour security on the premises. And each apartment is equipped with a security monitor and intercom. There’s even a security monitor and TV in the master bathroom. I also like that I can call the elevators from inside our apartment.
6. Perfect Size for Just the Two of Us
When we started our apartment hunt, several of the realtors tried to steer us away from the downtown area. They said the apartments were too small; we’d get a bigger apartment in the other areas of the city. Our apartment is 34 Pyong, which is 1,210 sq feet. We saw a couple of flats that was twice that size and cost less, but again I knew what I wanted. And my little apartment in South Korea is perfect for us.
7. The Layout is Perfect
The master is on one side and includes a walk-in closet and the larger bathroom. Everything else is on the other side of the apartment, which lends itself to guests IF we ever had any.
8. Space to Entertain Overnight Guest
Why do I need more than one spare bedroom anyway? We don’t. This isn’t our first rodeo. We lived in Europe for three years, and everybody and their mama said they were coming to visit. The only ones that made it were my mom and my daughter, who had joined the Navy. I refuse to get a huge apartment that we have to pay extra to heat and cool it when we don’t need it. That’s a new wine and travel money. My hubby uses one as his military closet, one is his office, and I use the other one if his snoring gets too loud. In two years, we’ve had three guests, two friends who drank a little too much to go home and my son, who is stationed two hours away.
9. Modern Plumbing
Yes, you have to ask about this. Why? Some of my friends live in apartments where they cannot flush toilet tissue. They have to toss in into a trash can and take it out daily. Yes, it sounds gross, but if they don’t, they will stop up their toilets, and that’s even worse.
I recommend you save yourself the hassle and only buy single-ply TP.
10. Location, Location, Location
I can walk out my door and hit two malls in 5 minutes. Granted, I’m only running the food courts when I do. You’ve heard me complain about the driving, well it’s worse downtown. Thankfully, we are 5 minutes from the Metro and bus stop, a minute and a half from a taxi, and we can walk to most of our haunts in less than 20 minutes.
A Few Things to Consider
1. We left a lot of the larger furniture in storage. Rooms are small, but elevators are even smaller, and I have seen many large couches left in the trash bins. Looks for creative ways for storage.
2. As I’ve said, storage is in short supply, and I brought TOO MUCH STUFF. I have an entire palate in the warehouse with a Korean storage company. I stored all my heavy artwork because my walls are either marble, wood paneling, or wallpaper.
3. I brought our mattresses and left the bedroom furniture, and I highly suggest you do too. The military does provide beds, but they are incredibly uncomfortable.
4. I love that this building has three elevators. Even then, the building has 28 floors, and I still have to wait from time to time. So seriously consider the number of lifts in your complex.
5. I think its important in a small apartment to carve out personal space. My husband enjoys the office space and one of the spare bedrooms for all that military gear, while I’ve decorated the indoor-outdoor space and the yellow bedroom in a more feminine manner to suit me. I really love my little apartment in South Korea.
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Comments
Love your apartment, we live in a high-rise by stairfield. How did you hang things on the wallpaper and tiled walls?
Thank you for your support of the blog. I didn’t want to put any holes in the cement, wallpaper, or wood paneling. So I hang things from the wooden frame that wraps around the ceiling. I put in hooks and hand pictures and mirrors using thin wire you can barely see. When I leave I’ll just plug the holes with wood putty.
I don’t know why, but I didn’t think apartments were modern like this. I am happy to see that we won’t have too many adjustments to make when we move there.
Hi Erica, yes, there are a lot of modern western style apartments in Daegu. Make sure you get a good realtor who knows the market because they do have traditional Korean style apartments too.
Yep, I am apartment hunting now. And it sucks. My main problem is that I can’t afford most of the things that I want, so I’ve definitely had to be harsh with what makes it to my need list (a dishwasher, refuse not to have it) and my want list (garage parking). Plus I don’t have a Miguel, so I am looking for a roommate as well, and not having a crazy is pretty high on my need list. It suckssss but hopefully I will find a place in the next month or two!
You’re Blog is absolutely fabulous and helped to ease my nerves. I do wish I could ask you a few questions One on One…as an older Military Spouse I think we’d hit it off and I could definitely learn a lot from you…All that said I am actually feeling a bit more confident.
Rosemary, I cannot tell you how much your comment made my day. I often write thinking no one is reading what I spend so much of my time writing. It’s comments like yours — I wish I got more of– that inspire me to keep writing about my experiences, both good and bad, with this military spouse lifestyle. I find that most of the women I’ve connected with over the years have become great friends on-line and in person. The latter because this is a very small community and we often cross paths– especially in South Korea. I can’t tell you how many faces I’ve looked into, introduced as Stacey when it clicks– that I am the duffelbagspouse spouse. lol. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions about anything. You can always email me at stacey@duffelbagspouse.com and I’ll be happy to speak with you on the phone too.
Awesome article, Stacey.
We are military family, just received order to Daegu, beginning of next year… you post was very very very helpful.
God bless you <3 Thank you for share information 🙂
Great photos on your apartment! How much was your expenses on it? I haven’t been to south korea and would definitely love to go to someday. Nice blog! Keep on sharing!
Thank you. The apartment was 2.1 million Won which is roughly $2,000 per month.
Great,
great read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about . Love this post!!
It’s so interesting to see the statistics of a lifestyle we are trying to make work for us.It sounds as
if you have worked yourself to where you want to be . Congratulations and continued good fortune!
I’m headed (with my family) to Daegu as a DODEA teacher and have a zillion questions about the real estate situation there.
My most burning question is about deposits. I’ve heard that often they require fairly large deposits for the apartments – was that your experience?
We are military and thus pay our rent monthly. We were required to give them one month security deposit.
GS/ civilian employees are different. They pay their rent yearly. The Federal Government writes the check and that payment is made at contract signing. It includes electricity, cable, Internet, gas, and all maintenance fees. You can negotiate for utilities, gym memberships, trash bags water delivery etc… As such, I think the security deposit is not just for security, it includes all the above, but yes, its quite large.
Utilities are negotiated upon based on historical information on your unit. I am told that if you regularly exceed your monthly rates, they may not renew your rental contract.
Hello,
May I ask your help to link me to a real estate agent in Daegu? I am about to move to Daegu in 1-2 months and hence I need to find a housing soon.
May I ask where did you stay during the period when you have not secured a permanent residence?
Hello, We stayed at lodging on Camp Walker for three months while we looked for an apartment Daegu Housing Guide. Are you military or civilian?
I am civilian, about to be a postdoc at a local university there. Sadly the univ staff isnt being very helpful at the moment regarding these housing matters.
Good grief. I have three agents I can give you contact information for. Sadly none of them will say much past boo to you until you get here because the market moves quickly and anything they tell you about can and often is old info by the time you arrive. summer is at Prime real estate 01048052451 and Sunny is at Koolhouse.
Your apartment is so pretty!! Love it!!
Thank you so much. We are going to miss it because it has really become our home in the sky.
It small but so cozy. You got to love that gorgeous view from your window! Love your instagram picture near the DMZ zone, would love to see that part of the world!
I do love it. I can’t wait until it warms up a little so I can enjoy it, its a little cold in there right now.
Totally agree with needing your own space and thayou have that in such a small aparrment. I suspect because its just the two of you, you’d need a little downtime to come up with new things to talk about.
Apartments are modern, traditional or a little of both. Many older Koreans still sleep on mats on the floor and others sleep on mattesses that are so hard you might as wwll be.
Thank you for sharing this. I feel like a part of me is going through the experience with you. There are so many differences we don’t always understand as Americans or non-travelers. Or things that we take advantage of… A secondary kitchen to cook, a guest room, my wine cabinet with stemware rack. What a journey you must be on in acclimation of this season in your life! Thanks again for taking us with you!
You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to read and I appreciate your inciteful comments.
That’s really amazing! I love how the apartment looks! It’s really spacious and I love that you have everything you need, including security.
Thanks Elizabeth. Its cozy but the layout makes it seem more spacious. And of course having the things you love around you makes even the most temporary digs feel like home.
I just got a tone of inspiration for my home and future home. I truly love your décor style. And Korea also happens to be on my travel list.
Then my work here is done.
I also think it is important to have your own space in a home. Everyone needs a spot where they can have alone time and unwind.
No matter how much you love your family, you need to have somewhere its all yours.
What a beautiful place! So great that everyone has their own space.
Thanks, I like it too. And yes we both have our own space.
Your apartment looks so beautiful and trendy! I love how roomy it looks. Also the view is amazing!
Thank you, it does feel bigger than it is. I think its the layout and that I didn’t clutter it.
Your apartment is so beautiful! I really like the decor. It completely my style.
Wonderful post! xoxo
Thank you so much. Its been fun decorating in a foreign country.
What a great apartment! It is so stylish and has an amazing view. It is great that the two of you have so much space. My husband and I have been sharing one bedroom for the last two years.
We’ve never had to live that tight, but I think smaller apartments bring families together, don’t you?
I love your apartment – it’s so cozy and yet it still looks very comfortable. The guest room is beautiful too, and I think it’s great that you and your husband both have space of your own.
Thanks, we love it too.
Wow did you have to get rid of some stuff you had already.
No we just put some stuff in storage so that we wouldn’t be too cluttered. That would have been awful for two years. I need space and to have open corners for energy to move around my home.
I love the simplicity of it. I am able to relax and unwind better when everything is nice and tidy. This makes me want to reorganize my home which is something I’ve been working on doing.
Thanks, you have to be tidy in smaller spaces or it looks cluttered.
Your apartment is nice and cozy looking. Love all the designs and the way you utilized all the space. Must be cool to live in South Korea! I dunno, or is it the green is greener on the other side? Haha!
Its nice. I like living here most days, its always a new different experience.
Ooh your apartment looks so nice. It’s great when you find a place that ticks all your boxes 🙂
It only took 3 months but it was time well spent I think.
Is so nice to get to know more about how things work in other parts of the world and the name they use for them. I think you have a really nice apartment
Haha, I agree, its been a learning experience.
It’s very nice. I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks, I think it will suit us perfectly.
I think it’s so important to have individual space, yin your home also!!!! This is something that I don’t have and it drives me insane!!!! We brought entirely too much stuff!!!!!
I did too Charise. So much of my stuff is in storage here in Korea and in the US. It’s hard to know what you should bring when you PCS. But my advice is to error on less than more. I had to put that stuff in storage or we would have been miserable trying to live with no empty corners. What’s funny is that I have been purging for years, I don’t want to drag a bunch of stuff all around the world with me or pay to have it stored.