Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teaster]

Is living off 500-1,000 the first month and a half in Korea still do-able?

[ttompatz]

[sachamary]

Following this line of thinking...

I have about $1500 (NZD) to bring with me and have worked out that this allows me about $250 per week for 6 weeks.

I am going to be in Jeolla-buk province - is this a reasonable amount to live on weekly until I get paid?

Thanks

[paul1984]

Hi ya'll,

I am hoping by the time I get to Korea (by March 1st) I'll have at least $1000 (Canadian). If, for whatever reason I can't get $1000, then it will be at the lowest $500.

Whether a grand or a half, to give further substance about what I will do, here's how I plan to live: tell me if sounds implausible or doable.

Eat Ramen noodles for a month, and if I start to get sick of it, I'll hold my breath force it down. I know the human body can't take eating one thing over and over, so any other cheap food recommendations just in case?

Refrain from drinking (and I only drink socially anyways).

Am happy to sleep on a hard mattress with a simple bedsheet (or I'll just pack a bedsheet in my lugguge and use it, whether it fits the bed or is flimsy).

If apartment has stains or there is grime and dirt, will ignore it for a month until I get paid -- then I'll pay for cleaning supplies.

I shall forget about phone, internet (I'll visit an internet cafe for a hour and send an e-mail telling family I arrived safely), and I'll buy only one pot for cooking noodles -- like I said, I'll force myself to be happy with noodles for a month!

Every night, after working at my school, either walk around my neighbourhood to kill time, or stay inside my apartment and read and write. Both are cheap and both don't involve spending money.

I am assuming I can do this on $500. Or perhaps I am crazy?

[jacskl]

Have you heard about the arrival store? You can preorder essentials like cleaning products, kitchen stuff and bedding before you leave so that it's waiting for you when you arrive
www.thearrivalstore.com

They also give you the option to pay 60 days after you arrive in Korea. I think lots of people are a bit strapped for cash before the first pay check (I know I will be) so this makes it a lot easier to settle in!

You could also have a look online and see if there are any weekend/night food markets around your neighbourhood? I think it's a lot cheaper to buy veggies, fish etc. from those guys than from chain supermarkets.

Good luck