Korean Job Discussion Forums

caro · Joined: 24 Jan 2008

I took a job in Seongbuk that covers my flight and rent. How much money should I arrive with to cover my living expenses for the first month until I get payed? Thanks!

daemyann · Joined: 09 Nov 2007

That all depends on the lifestyle you want to lead during your month-and-a-half wait.

I survived with $400.00, pretty easily, but that was with a pretty utilitarian, minimalistic lifestyle. I'm betting you'll want somewhere in the area of a grand to be comfortable.

caro · Joined: 24 Jan 2008

Actually, I was wondering about the minimum. I might be able to get my boss to give me an advance on my first pay check. With what I'm making at home, I'll probably only be able to afford the minimum for the first month! Thanks!

Gnawbert · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Location: The Internet

I'm planning to bring over about $2k.

$1k in Won and $1k in traveller's checks.

I'll have my american ATM/Credit Card in case I need it, but I've been told that $2k for the first month in Bundang is plenty.

hbyrne1206 · Joined: 04 Nov 2007

i came without a bunch of things i needed, just little things, but i survived off of $500 fairly easily for the first 40 days until i got paid.

Fresh Prince · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: The glorious nation of Korea

I survived off of 300,000 ($300) my first month but it was by living really frugally. I had only exchanged that much because I figured I could withdraw whatever else I needed from my home account using my bank card. What I didn't know was that the town that I would be living in, had no ATM's that would accept a foreign bank card. By the time I got my first paycheck, I still had about 50,000 ($50) left over, I don't remember exactly though, it could have been more.

I don't recommend doing that but if you have to it's possible.

waltjocketty · Joined: 09 Oct 2006

If you like kimbap, toast and ramyeon, you'll be just fine.

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

Think the figures quoted are reasonable enough although, I'd say that you should make sure that you have an emergency 'get me out of here fast' $1000 on a CC or stuffed in your matress just in case.

Most FTs I've spoken too seem to be in agreement that you can live out here on about 100,000 KW ($100) per week.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

Bring about $1000 US. When you get here, you are going to find that you need to buy things for your new place. Toiletries, cleaning supplies, dishes, etc....

nomad-ish · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:06 pm Post subject:

air76 · Joined: 13 Nov 2007

Unless you're a newbie traveller and really nervous about it...I wouldn't recommend bringing traveller's checks (not just for Korea, but in general)...it's a pain to find somewhere to cash them and getting more difficult, plus you pay a commission. You can set up a bank account so easily in Korea that you might as well just bring cash and then open the account when you arrive.

I agree with the statements of all of the posts above....just keep in mind that $400 for a month will mean GETTING BY and not going out drinking and not eating out too much. Personally I'd do my best to get closer to $1000, especially because the term "furnished" varies greatly from apartment to apartment....you can borrow 500 from someone and pay them back in 2 months time no problem, it's easy to do international bank transfers from Korea.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

I always say about 3million is really needed ~ $3000. It gives you a safety blanket and the means of escape just in case you end up in a nightmare scenario.

Arriving with just enough to get by isn't really a good idea. If it all goes *beep* up whatcha gonna do? Beg on the streets of bum-fuk-dong for your flight home?

xingyiman · Joined: 12 Jan 2006

Once I was "in the know" about where everything was and how to get it, I had my operating expenses down to under 300,000 Won a month. IN the beginning though you'll probably want at least a grand to blow to keep you comfortable.