Personally I would not live in Hannam if you paid me...

You have MUCH more freedom living on the economy, and plenty of places have both 110 and 220 in the apartment. I hate having people tell me who can and cannot come and visit me, if I live off base they can come over whenever they choose without having me to sign them in, or worry about curfews.

Oh and most of the better off post places have underground parking... that is a HUGE benefit in the winter time!

Valid arguements, but for me those aren't really issues. My wife sets a curfew for me much earlier than USFK, and I'm not planning on throwing any parties that require large groups of non-military folks to come over. As for the parking situation, I can count on one hand the number of times I had to brush snow off my car. Hannam has four 15 floor high-rise apartments. Only one is occupied. The others are empty pending renovations. That means there is never a shortage of parking. I can park my car knowing that the spaces on either side will remain empty, and I don't have to worry about scratching someone else's car when I unload groceries or wrestle my daughter into her car seat. (or vice-versa)

I'll agree, it's not a big difference in the winter - although there is never ice on the floor of the underground parking garage and it's usually much warmer than the above ground parking...that's kind of nice.

But something I really like about the underground parking is that no matter how hard it's raining, I never get wet!

Knowing that I have the option, and having been in Seoul when it snows up to 3 feet, I will opt for covered or underground parking every time! It has been about 4 years since a good snow, that's true.

Before you sign for an off post apartment- get the owner to promise to buy you 220v to 110v down converters for your appliances! Many apts. are 220 only. Ask the owner to provide 220 light bulbs, also. The PX doesn't stock any. You will need at least three of the larger converters for big amperage appliances, like your microwave, dryer and washer, and vacuum cleaner, and as many smaller converters as required for your 110 only appliances, stereo, tv and lights. Many items bought here can switch from 110 to 220. Ask if you don't know-dont just put a different plug on your hair dryer and plug it in to 220v! Oh yes, Housing requires they furnish Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors!
If you are coming from Europe, bring your 220 extension cords and converters if you have the weight allowance if you expect to be off post..

Thanks Rader1977! It makes me feel better about the move, this is our first military move together so there is a lot we don't know!.. and we have a ton of questions! (and probably really don't know what we need to ask.. if that makes sense!)

Hmm just read the housing posts... we were thinking of trying to get on post housing in Hannam as Monday to Friday it will be just my son and I. The snow/outdoor parking doesn't bother me as to be honest I can't see me using the car a lot.. What is so bad about Hannam? What is the curfew in place?

Well, living in economy for past several years in California and Europe, we are tired of being ripped off by unethical landlords/agents. We have just paid 1000 Euro (yes, 1,000 Euro) to clear our Belgian apartment because of smart-a** agent and dumb local housing officer. They charged us for all wear-and-tear damages, appliances repairs, and painting job for a couple of sticker spots. The laws in Europe are protecting local landlords, not tenants. Additionally, utilities (water and electricity) are so expensive in Europe. Unless I hear that economy housing situation in Korea is better than Europe, we want to live in government housing and alleviate pain from landlords/agents and utilities expense.

Safety is another issue. Is it safe to leave my wife and new-born son in economy housing in Seoul without military protection? At least Hannam village has military security guards and visitor system.

When we arrive in Korea on mid May, we have to make decision between HV and economy housing in a few days. Your comments/inputs will be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to hear that USANATO.. I know in the UK it is commonplace for agents/landlords to make deductions out of your deposit!

Good luck with your trip to Korea.. I would be interested to hear about your experience once you get there.. we are about a month behind you I think!

We have a good housing office in Seoul, but occasionally there are landlords who are not so great. Ours is perfect. The neighbors above has a grumpy landlord who is slow to fix things. He is being put on the dreaded blacklist, and my neighbor is moving across the hall. (Here there are often individual apartment owners in one villa or apt. complex.)

Make your choice when you get here. There is negligible home crimes in most all of Seoul. Choose an apartment with gate guards, and cctv, and don't move above the 23rd floor. (I hear the longest ladder truck in Korea goes to 23 stories!)