Since I’m leaving Korea at the beginning of February 2009, Ras has to leave the apartment we’re in now and move into Seoul.  He has been commuting from Gunpo into Seoul for the last eight months.  This past Saturday Ras and I went apartment hunting in Seoul.  (I won’t bore you with places we looked at in Haebongcheon area, because they were glorified shame holes on big hills!)  Two days prior to this, while he and Mat were hanging out, they spontaneously visited a realator in Sinchon.  They were shown the following loft, which they both liked.  Two days later, I followed them to the same apartment to take a look for myself.

The brick building below is where the apartment is located.  Upon entering a locked front glass door, you’re greeted with the following lobby.  It’s completely decorated with couches, tables, and flowers.  Honestly, it’s a little strange.  Are the resident’s friends hanging out there?

The apartment itself is being completely remodeled with new fixtures, appliances, and wallpaper.  Below is the view of the living room, from the front door.  To the left of the picture, you’ll notice the stairs that lead up to the loft.

This is the view with the window to your back.  To the left, where the blue hose is, will be the kitchen area.  The sink, fridge, and washing machine will be totally enclosed behind white cabinets.  There are two air conditioners, one for downstairs and one for upstairs.

This picture is the apartment of the next door neighbor.  As you can see, this is what the final product will look like.

Next to the stairs is the bathroom.  Inside is a toilet and stand up shower.  Directly in front of me is the mirror, and the bathroom sink will be placed here.

Climb up the stairs and you’re in the loft, which is actually bigger than I expected.  The sleeping area can be to the right or left of the stairs, with plenty of floor space.  Up here will be Ras’ office and bedroom.

Upon climbing to the top of the stairs and looking in, you’ll be greeted with this view.

The apartment is modern and really cute!  It’s a five minute bus ride to Sinchon or Hongik, but a little bit far to walk to those stations.  I’ll give you an idea where it’s located.  Imagine you’re at Hongik Station and you want to take a bus to Sinchon Station.  The bus will go straight and turn right at the Y intersection.  Intead of going right, take the left road and go straight.  After a couple big intersections, turn left, and this is where the apartment is.

Maybe you’re wondering how much is this place?  The landlord was asking for 10 million won key money ($10,000 deposit) and 700,000 won a month.  Ras convinced him to take more key money so that the rent would be lowered to 600,000 won a month.  I guess the landlord likes foreigners because there are seven others foreigners living in the building.

Ras moves in Saturday, December 6th.  This is perfect for us, since we’d like to move out of Gunpo before leaving for our winter trip with Gisela and Eddie on December 20th.  Upon returning, I’ll spend my last month living and hanging out in Seoul.

By the way, if anyone is looking for small and cheap living quarters in Seoul, this is a good place to look: www.oneroom.com