Incheon

Guide to Furnishing and Moving In When Relocating to Incheon, South Korea

Relocating to Incheon, South Korea, is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful planning, especially when it comes to furnishing and moving into your new home. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process, understand costs, and adapt to local customs.

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1. The Process of Moving In

Finding a Home

• Types of Housing: Incheon offers a variety of housing options, including apartments (the most common), officetels (studio apartments with office-like amenities), and villas (low-rise buildings with fewer units).
• Lease Types: The two main lease systems are:
  • Jeonse (전세): A lump-sum deposit (often 50-80% of the property value) is paid upfront, with no monthly rent.
  • Wolse (월세): A smaller deposit is paid, along with monthly rent.
• Key Money: Both systems require a deposit, known as "key money," which is refundable at the end of the lease.

Moving In

• Handover Process: Once you sign the lease, you’ll receive the keys and a walkthrough of the property. Check for any damages or issues and document them to avoid disputes later.
• Cleaning: It’s customary to clean the apartment thoroughly before moving in, even if the previous tenant cleaned it.

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2. Furnishing Your New Home

Key Considerations

• Unfurnished Apartments: Most apartments in South Korea are rented unfurnished, so you’ll need to purchase furniture and appliances.
• Space Constraints: Apartments in Incheon, especially in urban areas, tend to be compact. Measure your space carefully before buying furniture.
• Built-in Features: Many apartments come with built-in closets, kitchen cabinets, and sometimes appliances like a refrigerator or washing machine. Check what’s included before purchasing.

Furniture and Appliance Costs

• New Furniture: Expect to spend around:
  • Bed: ₩300,000–₩1,000,000
  • Sofa: ₩400,000–₩1,500,000
  • Dining Table: ₩200,000–₩800,000
  • Refrigerator: ₩500,000–₩2,000,000
  • Washing Machine: ₩300,000–₩1,000,000
• Second-Hand Furniture: Prices are significantly lower, with items often costing 30-50% of their original price.

Where to Buy Furniture

• New Furniture Stores:
  • IKEA (Gwangmyeong or Goyang): The closest IKEA stores to Incheon offer affordable, modern furniture. Delivery and assembly services are available.
  • Hanssem (한샘): A popular Korean furniture brand with stores in Incheon. They offer high-quality, customizable furniture.
  • Emart and Lotte Mart: Large supermarkets that sell basic furniture and appliances.
• Second-Hand Options:
  • Joonggonara (중고나라): A popular online marketplace for buying and selling used items. Available as a website and app.
  • Danggeun Market (당근마켓): A hyper-local app for buying second-hand goods from neighbors.
  • Second-Hand Furniture Stores: Incheon has several second-hand furniture shops, especially in areas like Bupyeong and Namdong.

Delivery and Assembly

• Delivery Fees: Most furniture stores charge a delivery fee, typically ₩20,000–₩50,000, depending on the distance and size of the items.
• Assembly Services: IKEA and Hanssem offer assembly services for an additional fee. Local movers or handymen (called "jumoni" or "jumoni ajeossi") can also help with assembly for ₩30,000–₩100,000 per item.

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3. Utilities and Maintenance

Setting Up Utilities

• Electricity, Gas, and Water: These are usually not included in the rent and must be set up separately. Your landlord or real estate agent can help you with this.
  • Electricity (한전): Provided by KEPCO. Monthly costs range from ₩20,000–₩100,000, depending on usage.
  • Gas (도시가스): Used for heating and cooking. Costs vary seasonally, with winter bills reaching ₩100,000–₩200,000.
  • Water (수도): Typically ₩10,000–₩30,000 per month.
• Internet and Cable: High-speed internet costs around ₩30,000–₩50,000 per month. Bundled packages with cable TV are available.

Maintenance Fees

• Building Maintenance Fee (관리비): Most apartments charge a monthly maintenance fee, covering elevator use, cleaning of common areas, and security. This ranges from ₩50,000–₩200,000, depending on the building.

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4. Landlord Relations

Cultural Considerations

• Respect and Formality: Landlord-tenant relationships in South Korea are generally formal. Always address your landlord politely and maintain a respectful tone.
• Communication: Most landlords speak Korean, so having a Korean-speaking friend or using a translation app can be helpful.
• Repairs and Issues: Tenants are responsible for minor repairs (e.g., lightbulbs, clogged drains), while landlords handle major issues (e.g., plumbing, heating system). Notify your landlord promptly if major repairs are needed.

Deposit Refunds

• At the end of your lease, your deposit will be refunded, provided there are no damages or unpaid bills. Ensure the property is clean and in good condition to avoid deductions.

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5. Moving Services

• Professional Movers: Korean moving companies, known as "포장이사 (pojang isa)," offer comprehensive services, including packing, transportation, and unpacking. Costs range from ₩500,000–₩1,500,000, depending on the size of your move.
• DIY Moving: Renting a truck and moving yourself is an option, but it’s less common due to the convenience of professional movers.

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6. Cultural Points to Keep in Mind

• Housewarming (집들이): It’s customary to host a housewarming party after moving in. Guests often bring practical gifts like toilet paper or laundry detergent, symbolizing good fortune and abundance.
• Shoes Off: Always remove your shoes when entering your home. This is a deeply ingrained cultural practice in South Korea.
• Noise Considerations: Be mindful of noise levels, especially in apartments. Quiet hours are generally observed after 10 PM.

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7. Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Plan Ahead: Order furniture and appliances early, as delivery can take a few days to weeks.
• Budget Wisely: Furnishing a home can be expensive, so prioritize essential items first.
• Learn Basic Korean: Knowing a few key phrases can help you communicate with landlords, movers, and delivery personnel.
• Explore Local Markets: Incheon has vibrant markets like Sinpo International Market, where you can find affordable household items.

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to furnish and settle into your new home in Incheon. With careful planning and an understanding of local customs, your transition will be smooth and enjoyable. Welcome to Incheon!