Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gbm]

can anyone give me an idea of what costs of living are like in korea? or point me to some place that could?

[william beckerson]

I met an MBA who told me that if he wanted to maintain the same standard of living he has here as well as the same amount of disposable income, he'd have to earn over $60,000/ year.

I dont know about that. But I do know that I can get by on as little as US$400/ month here.

Not paying rent helps.

[Boogie]

I dont find it that much cheaper.

Some things are cheaper for example taxis but I never used a taxi at home and I spent less money on gas at home than I do on taxis here- so in the end- it's not at all cheaper for me.

Also I rent an apartment and it's 12 pyong (about 5m x 4m), hence ridiculously small for it's monthly rent of 400,000 won per month (plus substancial key money)... for that money I would have something at least twice the size.

Korean people barely eat any meat so food bills are not as expensive for them (it seems) meat here is outrageously priced- especially fresh red meat. Even fresh chopped pig meat is almost 1000 won for 100 grams.

[PootyTang]

They nickel and dime you to death!

[kimcheeking]

[Captain Obvious 2.0]

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Unless you are a shop-o-holic, the cost of living is ok.

Meat and cheese is very expensive. But if you are a smoker and a drinker, you will fare much better (economically not health-wise) in Korea than North America.

You can get piss-assed drunk on soju and smoke 2 packs of cigarettes for less than $5 US.

Taxis are cheap. Having your rent paid for you by your hagwon is awesome.

But you know, it all depends on your lifestyle. If you like going clubbing 24/7, it will set you back considerably (unless you are a girl and you can get a guy(s) to be your sugar daddy/ies for the night).

Clothes are very cheap. Transportation is cheap. Compare everything to Japan or America and you're living in a cheap country....

And back to red meat....

Red meat is VERY cheap in Taiwan. The reason red meat is expensive in Korea is because most imported items are. Korea has a HUGE import tax/tariff on imported items.

This is their idea of protecting their products. Taiwan does not have such high tariffs. Look at the roads in Korea. Hyundai, Kia...not many Fords, huh?

Then look at Taiwan: Everything under the sun is on the road...

[Al Gore]

The cost of living here is way cheaper than in the US. Gas and some groceries, such as red meat, are the exceptions. Perscription drugs, restaurants, and public transportation are extremely inexpensive. Rent is cheaper than in major west coast cities. I'm able to live twice as well here as I was in the States and still save more than twice as much cash. So I would agree with the first reply to this post.

[Boogie]

Okay,

I think you have to come see for yourself because we all come from different places and are judging differently. The thing that hit me is:

Clothing here is cheaper... but the quality is (*&^&%$& and if you want the same quality of clothing that you buy back home you are going to pay through the nose...

Diddo for many other things...

Driving... I spent 30,000 won on taxis last night... even with car repairs I wouldn't spend that much unless I was getting into accidents all the time.

Eating... if you want to eat Korean food which isn't so healthy most of the time you won't pay much but if you want to eat healthily or American style it will be more than at home. That's all I can cook so that's all I buy.

Apartments... yes you can put 35 million won down for an apt and pay no rent but I can't tie up that much money for a year especially not so someone else can make interest on it... just my choice.

Even people here disagree about whether it's cheap or not.

[Ralph]

What korean food are you eating to say its not healthy? Korean food is extremely healthy, far more so than american food.Whats not healthy about less meat, a lot of veggies, tofu, etc? Obviously, samgeubsal or galbi everyday isnt healthy, but who eats a lot of samgeubsal or galbi? Stick to the different soups they have here, eat tofu, gimbab, bimbimbab etc and you will be a lot healthier than if you would were you to eat steak, hot dogs and the other amrican foods.

[Zyzyfer]

With all other things paid, I managed to live a pretty good life, spend 600,000 won on said good life, and still pack away close to 1,000,000 won each month. Korea's cheap *if* your hakwon pays your rent for you, in some form.

[coler651]

Meat is an essential part of a healthy diet

[Xuanzang]

You can't get a satisfying meal and decent meal in Canada for under 3 bucks. I love the places that have a set menu for 2-3000 won and no tipping generally helps the chequebook. Plus well you could gorge yourself on side dishes if you're really a big eater.

[MeLikeKalbi]

I'm looking into working for Pagoda Academy, unlike some job offers they don't offer free housing, their housing benefits is as follows:

Housing
- housing Manager shows apartments and handles all your housing needs
- 5 Mil won key money deposit, furniture and 100,000 won/month housing allowance
- no key money or furniture and 250,000 won/month housing allowance
- temporary housing provided upon arrival

Based on your experience in teaching in Korea, do you think its economical rather than taking a job that does offer free housing? Mind you that I do plan to teach in Seoul. Also, if anyone has any previous dealing with Pagoda or knows about it, is it a good place to work for salary wise? and do they allow you to teach privately on the side?


Any takers?

[ttompatz]