Korean Job Discussion Forums

djthomps · Joined: 09 May 2009 Location: Florida, USA

Can somebody please tell me approximately how much 2.2 million won would transfer to in a yearly wage in American dollars. I'm trying to figure out if it's economically feasible for my husband and me to leave our teaching jobs in Florida to come to Korea. Although it's not our only goal, being able to save more money was one of our goals for teaching abroad.

tonyvu · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 2:19 pm Post subject:

based on current exchange rate, you would each make about $21,200. This is of course not taking any taxes into account...

djthomps · Joined: 09 May 2009 Location: Florida, USA

Ok, so if we're making appx. $48,000 USD together at our current jobs (take-home pay), would we realistically be able to save much working in Korea? Our current rent is $800, but we'd still have to pay student loans and such.

tob55 · Joined: 29 Apr 2007

If you factor in the cost of living here compared to the USA, you could save upwards of $800 - $1,000 dollars a month. Many people have done it, and once you are here it is up to you how much of your earnings you want to spend. Of course you will not be living in paradise, but in the end it can be done. I left a significant amount of annual earnings in the States and came here making approximately 1/4 of the amount of income, and was able to save a good chunk of money every month, with money left over at the end of each month. I hope it works out for you. Korea isn't really a bad place to live and work. There are other places that do not provide the same opportunities for savings or paying off your debt in the States.

teachergirltoo · Joined: 28 Oct 2006

Myself and most of my friends save $1000 per month living well here. Some live more economically and save about $500 more than that. Of course much of it depends on your lifestyle. Then there are others here that save much much more than that by taking on extra work.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

If you stay in one place you can get save up money fairly easily.

Lynns · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Location: Korea

If you and your husband are both certified and experienced teachers, I urge you to look into trying to get jobs at an international school. The recruiting season is pretty much over for next school year, but if you move here, you should immediately get in touch with the internat'l schools in Korea and hope for a mid-year replacement position to open up. They LOVE to hire teaching couples, the pay is much better, benefits are outstanding. Good luck.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

Robot_Teacher · Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Location: Robotting Around the World

OP, can I have your job in sunny warm Florida if you take my job? 1300 won to the dollar and PS job pays about 2 million won a month with an extra month of pay for each year worked. $1538 dollars a month which is $19994 per year, but you also get the flight and apartment provided as well as being tax exempt your 1st 2 years if teaching public school. After deductions, it's like 1,850,000 won per month take home pay and then you might have 200,000 to 500,000 worth of bills to pay. And then 200,000 to 800,000 in food depending on how and what you eat. A vegetarian I know who doesn't drink nor smoke nor do much other than read, write, and draw pictures lives on like only 150,000 a month worth of beans, greens and internet, has no utility bills, only a Skype phone who calls only other Skype users for free, and drinking free water out of the tap is the extreme example of the one who saves nearly 2 million won a month, but is skinny as a rail. You too can save about $1300 a month per person in that situation, but if your lifestyle includes more things like most peoples, then you'll save $500 to $800 per month at 1300 won to the dollar.