How to Find an Apartment in Ch’ŏngjin Without Getting Scammed

look, finding an apartment in ch’ŏngjin is like trying to order coffee in a place where no one speaks your language-messy, unpredictable, and occasionally hilarious. i’m a digital nomad, so i’ve done this dance in more cities than i can count, and let me tell you: ch’ŏngjin is its own beast.

first off, the rent? it’s not gonna break the bank. according to numbeo, a one-bedroom in the city center runs you about $150-$200 a month. yeah, you read that right. but here’s the catch: the scam artists know you’re a foreigner, and they’ll try to triple that price if you’re not careful. so, tip one: always ask a local friend to call or message the landlord first. they’ll sniff out the fakes faster than you can say “security deposit.”

now, the weather here? brutal. winters are like living in a freezer, and summers? sticky and humid enough to make you question your life choices. but hey, that’s why god invented heated floors and ceiling fans, right? and if you’re into day trips, the port city of namp’o is just a short train ride away-worth it for the seafood alone.

i once met a guy at a bar who swore he got scammed by a “landlord” who turned out to be a neighbor with a spare key. he paid two months’ rent upfront, only to find out the real owner had no idea who he was. so, tip two: never pay in cash without a written contract. and if they don’t want to give you one? run.

another thing: ch’ŏngjin’s job market isn’t exactly booming, unless you’re into heavy industry or teaching english. but if you’re a freelancer like me, the cheap cost of living makes up for it. just don’t expect fiber-optic internet-this ain’t seoul.

and for the love of all things holy, check the water pressure before you sign anything. i’ve been in places where the shower felt like a drizzle from a sad cloud. not ideal after a long day of dodging scammers.

if you’re still nervous, check out tripadvisor for reviews of local real estate agents. or hit up the r/nkorea subreddit (yeah, it exists) for some unfiltered advice. just don’t take everything you read there as gospel-half of it’s probably written by bots.

so yeah, finding an apartment here is a gamble. but if you’re patient, street-smart, and willing to laugh at the chaos, you’ll land something decent. and if not? well, there’s always the next city.

bottom line: ch’ŏngjin’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s got character. and honestly, that’s what makes it worth the hassle.

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