Seeking Info from Moms in Korea

I just got to Seoul on March 3rd and we just went through the process of finding off-base housing. There are very few available single family houses in Seoul. Most have older kitchens and bathrooms, plus you are on your own to deal with things and the landlord. There are "villas" which are apartments in a building with 5 stories or less and then highrise apartment buildings. We have a dog so we were initially looking at houses and villas, but we found a really nice highrise with a pool and went with that. The apartments are bigger than most of the houses. There are, of course some very swank houses but they are either far away or out of the price range the government will cover.

When you arrive, you go to the housing office to determine your housing allowance and then you start contacting multiple real estate agents. Make sure they know how much money you get so they show you the nicest places you can get. Different real estate agents have different deals in the same buildings because apartments are often owned by individuals and managed by a company. If you don't have a car, make sure it is near the subway or close to base. You have to have the lease approved by the housing office before you sign it.

There are playgrounds on and off base and even a Gymboree (not the clothing store the one where kids play). I haven't been to it, yet, but I drove by it today.

Korea is great. I am really enjoying it so far. In-processing can be a bit of a pain, especially if you are a civilian like my husband is because civilians have different procedures, but things are working out. If you are military, your options are more restricted on off-base housing so be sure to get the housing brief to make sure you know what you are entitled to.

You will be staying at the Dragon Hill Lodge when you get here. There is a regular Wednesday playgroup that meets at 10:30 and the DHL playground. I stumbled upon it accidently. Seoul is very modern and has a lot to offer. You and your son will have plenty to do.

I don't have any comment on the yellow dust. I haven't been here long enough. When it is really bad, you are advised to stay inside, but it hasn't been that bad since I have been here.

M.,

I lived in Seoul for three years on the base and our family really enjoyed the city. The yellow dust can be pretty serious especially for children with allergies. I moved to Seoul when my oldest was 3 months and gave birth to #2 at the hospital on base. My oldest child had lots of respiratory stuff (i think b/c of air quality and cold temp in winter) but zyrtec seemed to help. Off base housing is only apartments - Seoul is a very densly populated city and people seem to live right on top of each other. There are parks near some of the apartments but the ones on base are great. If possible I reccomend trying to find an apartment close to base - it will make your life easier for school and shopping.

We lived on post in a house and it was great because we had a yard and could walk to parks on base. One of my favorite things about Seoul is the number of activites and places to go with Children. Seoul has a great transportation system that is clean and easy to use. I really miss the zoo, aquarium, palaces, markets, seoul tower and the safety of the city. We live in Manila now and it really doesn't compare.

Good luck!

I lived in Korea for 2 years. I currently have a friend who is raising her young family in Seoul (non-military ex-pat). They love it there. Yes, the yellow dust is a bit of a headache but most locals (children & adults) wear masks (you can purchase these for cheap at any Korean pharmacy, Itaewon area is close to base and most shops speak English).
You will live in an apartment (only multi-millionaries can afford to live in houses!). The apartments are quite large and there is often a childrens play ground within the apartment grounds. Most big apartment blocks have a security guard (adashi) who are really friendly.
Koreans love children. There are lots of parks and activities for kids both on and off base. There is also an active ex-pat community around the Seoul area. Let me know if you need anything further and I can put you in touch with my friend who is over there now.
Good luck with the move (wish I was in Korea too!)

You can purchase air cleaners to help relieve allergies. When the yellow sand is up people wear simple cloth masks when they go out and it hasn't been too bad. We have been in Yongsan since Jan 07 and there was just one day it was really bad in our area last year. Hopefully it won't be bad this year, too.

Hello M.,

We Just moved to Okinawa, Great to hear from some else who lives in Okinawa, may be you can give me some tips on Okinawa...and My husband has been to Korea..I will ask him about the "Yellow Dust" for your sons allergies. Hopefully the allergies will not be too bad this year!

Lady Rhia

I am a SAHM mom of 5 girls(10,8,6,4,3) and 1 boy(18 months) with another on the way. We are living in Seoul right now. We have been here since Dec 05 and have about 30 months left.
Depending on what allergies your son has will make a difference in how he is effected here. The Yellow sands can be bad but they aren't always. They typically have few months were they effect us here, some times during the whole time they stay low and some times they are high the entire time. The USKF has site they update with the current levels so you can stay on top of what it is out.
We are living off post and in a house with a brick wall yard. We are just on the southern edge of Seoul, the farther north you are the harder the houses can be to find.
Alot of neighborhoods have little parks like you would find on post in the US in town. Also there are alot to do in Seoul even for little ones. The Coex Mall has a nice aquarium, there is a Children's Park, we haven't been there but my friends that have really liked it, Seoul Forest in town, a few amusement type parks, and then several traditional places to see, and a few museums, one has a children's section.

A great web site is to check out is:
http://english.tour2korea.com/index.asp
They have lots of good info and places to see and do.

Hello from the land of the morning calm!

I currently live in Seoul, Korea. Not many houses around here. The national bird is the crane....The kind that build high-rise apartment buildings.

The yellow dust can be very bad here. I believe it is here early this year. Many people suffer from allergies when they arrive to Korea. If your baby already suffers from allergies you may want to consult with his pediatrician prior to arriving. She may be able to give you advice on how to manage and/or prevent possible allergy episodes.

If you have specific questions in reference to Korea feel free to ask!

Best of luck!

J