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: 2010-9-9
Residency / Community
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Residence Types
Unlike apartments in the U.S. or other countries, tenants buy apartments in Korea (although they can rent them out to others after they take possession). Usually taller than 5 floors, apartment complexes often contain several apartment buildings. Larger complexes even have their own supermarkets, tennis courts, sports centers, playgrounds, and underground parking structures. A management office takes care of maintenance and security for the apartments.
Most Koreans prefer apartments to houses or villas because of the convenience associated with apartment life. Schools, supermarkets, video stores, and businesses offering almost every other daily need are usually located within a short walking distance. Having a central maintenance means not having to hire an external plumber or electrician for minor problems.
Apartments usually have some form of centralized heating. In older buildings, each apartment had little control over the amount of heat coming into their apartment, with heating turned on or off for the entire building at one time. However, newer buildings allow more control by individual apartments.
A house is a residential type built for one household. Many people like houses because they can preserve their independence and build the home according to their own tastes. Most houses have a gate and a garden and many have a parking area for cars.
Except in the countryside or special preserved areas, it is difficult to find the traditional, extended family houses build around a central courtyard. However, newer style houses still have a wall around the house and yard for privacy. Many times an owner will remodel a large house and rent out different sections, each with their own kitchen and bathroom facilities. Some houses may have a small garage for a car or storage.
Several areas of Gangnam-gu, especially Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong, have many larger than average houses, often with lawns and expansive gardens. Houses generally use Ondol heating.
In between the sizes of individual homes and apartments, villa usually have fewer than 5 floors. Villas can be single buildings or small, multi-building complexes. Unlike apartments, there is no central management for security or maintenance. Some villas may have underground or designated parking areas. Luxury villas, targeted towards the rich, are very large and most have maintenance and security staff.
Villas usually have Ondol heating.
Also called 'one rooms,' these very small places usually consist of one large area that serves as the bedroom, kitchen, and living room. They are popular among single workers or newly married couples because they cost less than other housing types.
Short-term residents may prefer to live at a hotel instead of renting a house or apartment. Using the hotel's business center may be more cost effective than leasing office space and hiring an office manager. The Work section lists major hotels in Gangnam-gu.
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The name comes from 'Office' and 'Hotel.' During the day they are used for work or study, while at night they are used for lodging. Designed with a hotel-like atmosphere, they allow tenants to live and work without having to commute. They are popular among people running home businesses and near Teheran-no.
The equivalent of a boarding house in Korea, Hasukjips ( ) are found in great numbers near colleges. Although primarily for students, workers often live in one shortly after graduating or when they first move to a new area. In addition to a room and common bathroom, the owner usually provides 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) per day. Tenants must supply their own bedding and desks. Staying at a Hasukjip is a good way for a foreigner, especially a foreign student, to easily socialize with Koreans
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