My new apartment is not called an “apartment” by Koreans. The term “apateu” is reserved for the cookie-cutter apartments found in high-rises. Several of my coworkers have told me that I’m living in a “house.” But, by the standards of American English, it’s still an apartment.
It’s the top, third floor of a commericial building. Maybe it could be called a “flat.” Or, very charitably, a penthouse. Underneath me is a hairdresser’s shop and a tteok store (tteok is Korean rice-cake, in at least 10,000 varieties). The apartment was frighteningly filthy when I got into it on Monday – I was afraid to sleep on the bedding provided, and the floors had enough dust that walking on them barefoot was a bit like a stroll on the beach.
I’ve been cleaning industriously. And I’ve been attempting to decorate. It’s much better, now. And, on the good side, by Korean standards, this apartment is huge. Gigantnormous. And it has access to a rooftop “balcony” area that I could see becoming a nice spot to hang out on summer evenings – as long as I do some cleaning and invest in some kind of patio furniture.
Here are some pictures. Note that the wood-looking floors are just the ubiquitous Korean “wood-flavored linoleum” – they look much better in the pictures than up close and personal.
First, my livingroom, with TV and a few weak efforts at decorating – the textiles strategically placed to cover holes or blemishes on the wall.
The view from the rooftop area, looking north, I think… I haven’t got my directions completely down yet, in my neighborhood.
The kitchen area.
The entry area.
The bedroom. I bought some new bedding, and have been sleeping on the nice firm mattress, but I can confidently say that I will migrate to the floor, Korean style – especially once the weather gets hot and sticky.
The “extra” room – maybe it will be my office/studio?
I’ve lived in worse places. Some cleaning and decorating will make it fine. nd… it’s the most space I’ve had since … wow, since I was married, maybe. Too bad all my junk is in a storage unit in Minnesota – if it where here, I could unpack it all and sit and admire it.
