Korean Job Discussion Forums

har · Joined: 23 May 2003

I'm finishing my first contract and deciding what to do after a few months vacation back in Canuckistan. I'm torn between coming back to the ROK and giving Japan a whirl. I've liked it here, but the two things I haven't been able to adjust to - the indifference to people's personal space and pedestrians never having the right of way are non-issues in Japan. I know they're niggly, but truly the only things here that really bugged me. I also found Japan so much more aesthetically pleasing.

Anyway, there's so much chatter out there comparing the pros and cons. And I know it's been done before on this board. I've read it all. The answer I'm looking for doesn't seem to get answered clearly. My main concern is that considering the difference in contracts (i.e. free airfare and housing here) and the high cost of living there, can I save as much in Japan on a basic salary (250 000 yen) as I do here on 2 million won?

I don't have much of a social life here. Don't plan to take up bar hopping on a regular basis if I go to Japan either. So given that and a willingness to accept a fairly simple lifestyle can you do as good there as here?

whattya think?

I appreciate all the wisdom that's out there

IconsFanatic · Joined: 19 Jan 2003

Japan for experience, Korea for money.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

must do japan once in your life.. so why not now!!
go for it man!! and if the life style is too fast, and too COOL.. and you think you are having too much of good time and not saving any money.
pack it all in and head back to this place! hahahah..

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

Lifestyle will ultimately make the difference between saving money in Japan or not. You stated that you weren't a social butterfly, so potentially you could save. You can still live reasonably well in Japan on a moderate income. Travel costs can be the big killer. Eating out can be inexpensive. It is certainly a place to go and live and teach for a year. It is not as in your face as Korea. Ensure that your rent is paid and your airfares, utility costs are reasonable. My wife and I loved it.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Really? Tokyo, the most expensive city in the world, to make money? And you are in Taiwan? Anyway I've thought maybe about Japan as well. Korea can be, well, Korean.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Japan - I wish I'd done one (or two) of my Korea years over there instead.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

Look, I enjoy reading and posting on this forum.

But the fact is this: Tokyo is the most lucrative location in Asia (and the world - next to the Middle East) to teach EFL.

Even with the high cost of living, most of your EFL borthers and sisters teaching in Tokyo are kicking your asses financially.

Everthing about teachingt EFL in Japan beats Korea.

Japan is the 'best' choice for many reasons - work visas, money, culture, girls, etc - LOL!!

Yes, I am in TAIWAN - but not for long.

I still have an active Japanese work visa and hope to be back in Japan towards the end of the year after my M.A.

From a financial, cultural, Work Visa perspective, I would never return to Korea.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I'm seeing how this new job pans out, and if it isn't a good fit for me, I'll go to Japan in a year.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

marcy · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Location: Seoul

go to Japan...

I have a friend teaching there and we are sending the same amount of money home every month, (home being Canada). The big differences are...He is doing privates I am not, I have done a lot of travelling around Korea, taking off for weekends, going out etc...He sticks pretty close to home but since home is Tokyo there's lots to do. He goes out on the town less than I do but when he does go out for dinner etc., he has a lot more diverse options to choose from. If I do a second year anywhere it will be there!

Good luck

har · Joined: 23 May 2003

Awww jeez. I'd kinda set my mind on coming back to Korea (Seoul) and then I read your overwhelming responses to go to Japan. I hate these decisions. Well no, actually I love them. I know I'd like Japan, but I'm worried I'll come out at the end of the year not where I'd wanted financially. And I'm sorry to say it, but thanks to the mountain of debt at home, the money's why I'm here.

Part of it is the start-up costs in Japan. It's gonna put a damper on my trip home or rack up the credit cards (again). I don't want to start in the hole. I think Japan would be a treat, but not one I can afford in my current situation.

And I've put a year into studying Korean. That'd seem like a waste, kinda.

Oh what to do, what to do.

Ok direct question. With no privates, can I bank $1000 cdn/month on a basic 250 000/month salary and not live like a hermit in Japan? Really, whose got the straight goods?

thanx you guuuys...

waterbaby · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Baking Gord a Cheescake pie

Have you checked out the Japan Job Discussion Forum?

har · Joined: 23 May 2003

yes, I've read that board. Lots of conflicting information. Some say you can save a little, others say a lot. I know it depends totally on lifestyle and as I said above I live fairly simply. The thing is I can save in Korea, and still enjoy meals out, moderate drinking and travelling. I'd still want to do those things and I don't think you can in Japan.

I'm really leaning toward sticking with the ROK. It makes sense to go with what I know at this point.

Gord · Joined: 25 Feb 2003