Korean Job Discussion Forums

mc_jc · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Location: C4B- Cp Red Cloud, Area-I

This thread needs to be updated periodically.

mmstyle · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: wherever

That is ture, mc_jc. That said, I can still save a million a month. Of course, a million a month is not what it was when I first arrived (in 2006, a million was just over $1,000 USD, and had a much better AUD exchange rate).

On a recent trip to the States, I noticed that the cost of many things had increased significantly (I noticed this especially with food, as that is where I spent a lot of money). The cost of a lot of things that I buy in Korea has changed as well (generally not an improvement). So, the upshot for me is that what I am making in Korea does not go as far when I take it out of Korea.

That said, many people on this website like to discuss how much they are making, and the myriad ways they are making it. I am one of those who prefers to have my free time, and I am not constantly chasing the highest paycheck. So, no I do not make as much money as others who may have arrived at the same time, or have the same experience-which is relevant to savings rates.

Peter258 · Joined: 18 Dec 2009

How hard is it to save $15,000 USD on a 2.2 million salary?

That's 2.2 a month, plus severance.

Let's assume I go out to drink 1x a week.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

naturegirl321 · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Location: Home sweet home

adamjohnson · Joined: 11 Jul 2010

I dont drink at all. Am I going to be a very rich man in Korea?

southernman · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Location: On the mainland again

MasonMateni · Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Location: USA

I never quite understood how people were not able to save money in Korea. I didn't live in the big cities, so maybe things were cheaper where I was, and I don't drink, so saved a ton of money from that. I also mostly cooked at home, though still enjoyed going out to numerous restarurants, perhaps once a week or so. If I had not have had bills back home, I would have comfortably saved $20,000. As it is, I think I saved $17,000. I traveled all over Korea, spent two fabulous weeks in China, two expensive weeks in Japan, had a girlfriend, went to movies when I wanted, paid for a gym membership, and again, sent thousands of dollars back hom to pay bills in the states. I also didn't do any private lessons, and had tons of free time to enjoy myself, the mountains, the beach, the islands, and the motorcycle I purchased while there. I worked a public school, though I was making more than the typical 2 to 2.2 million won.

jasontaylorkorea · Joined: 12 Apr 2011 Location: Toronto

Hello I have been offered a position in Busan. It is located near Busan Station in the Jung-gu region of Busan. I was just wondering how this area stacks up to the rest of Busan. In particular:
1- how is the night life
2- How many Foreigners.
3- Proximity to shopping amminities
4- How close is it to the beaches?
5- any other important things that could impact my decision.

Thanks

gtrain83 · Joined: 25 Nov 2010

Trying to get an idea of how much I can save here while still having a bit of a life. Lets assume I will make 2.2mil won. I know that 400 USD will be going home for bills (ie student loans) each month. Would it still be feasible to save 800-1000USD per month? I do not drink very much but I do enjoy socializing and eating out sometimes. I also will def have a gym membership. I would ideally like to travel to China, Thailand, etc. for a week or so each place I go, as well as seeing lots in Korea. Any thoughts? Thank you.