Additional Coverage:
- She felt trapped in her corporate job in NYC, so she quit and moved to South Korea. Now, she lives alone in a $640-a-month loft. (newsbreak.com)
American Expat Finds Affordable Loft in Seoul
Feeling suffocated by her corporate job in New York, Chen Teng quit and moved to Seoul in 2016. Now, eight years later, she calls a cozy loft in the Mok-dong neighborhood home.
Apartment Hunting in Seoul
Finding a suitable apartment in Seoul was a challenge. Many landlords were hesitant to rent to foreigners, despite Teng’s fluency in Korean. She looked at over 30 apartments before finding her current home.
Loft-Style Living
Teng’s studio apartment features a loft-style design. The living area, kitchen, and dining space are downstairs, while the sleeping quarters are upstairs. Despite the limited headroom in the sleeping area, Teng loves her apartment.
Cost of Living
Teng pays 870,000 Korean won ($640) per month in rent and a deposit of 10 million Korean won. This is significantly cheaper than rent in New York City, where she would pay double for a similar space.
Building a Life Abroad
Teng has built a life for herself in South Korea, but it took time to adjust. She met people through her English teaching visa and by putting herself out there. Despite missing milestones with loved ones back home, she has no regrets.
A New Path
Teng is happy with her decision to move to Seoul. She has created a life she wouldn’t have had in the US. She now enjoys a flexible work schedule and a lower cost of living.