Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dncinartist]

I'm trying to decide whether or not to accept a SMOE position which will start in August. Past posts and outdated articles have stated I can save money but I'd like to get an updated perspective. Any other advice on ways to adapt to Korean lifestyle would also be appreciated! Thank you!!

[Juregen]

[pkang0202]

Its like this:

If SMOE will pay for housing then YES, you can save plenty of money. Of course, I said I was going to save money, but I'm ending up using my paychecks to buy motorcycles, computers, clothes, etc....

If SMOE is NOT going to pay then you won't be able to save much unless you can find a sweet deal in Seoul on housing.

As for tips regarding the lifestyle, there isn't much you can do to prepare unless you live in LA, NYC, or Washington DC where there is a sizable Korean population.

[tyleranthony]

i think the simple answer lies in asking yourself how much you like to spend money. do you like to drink 18 year single malt scotch when you go out...or are you ok with domestic draft beer? do you fancy yourself a steak dinner once and a while, or are you content with cooking rice or noodles for yourself? what kind of lifestyle do you expect to maintain while youre here? how much traveling do you expect to do? how many corners do you feel comfortable cutting? are you willing to take on privates to make extra cash?

i think you should be asking yourself questions to find the answer you're looking for. money can be saved, but it can also be deceivingly easy to spend if you're not disciplined. set a financial goal for yourself and be determined to meet it. engineer your life here, don't allow life to happen to you, and you'll be good to go.

[Bibbitybop]

Living in Seoul will cost you $600 a month minimum (you could do less, but who wants to?) to $1000 a month if you eat well and go out (you could spend more, but you are going beyond "living.")

[dncinartist]

From what I see here it seems I will be able to save. (Hallelujah!- cuz I've spent all my money bouncing from place to place-man that restless traveling bug inside just gets me everytime! ). True tyleranthony, that in the end it will depend on how I excercise my budgeting skills, just wanted an average estimation on how much people generally are able to save/spend.

Muchas gracias everyone for the advice and insight!

PS By the way-I use to kick it in K-town Downtown LA so hopefully that gives me a little perspective?

[Ilsanman]

Great. You will be a real hit here.

[Newbie]