Korean Job Discussion Forums

[denisehoja]

I want to teach English in S. Korea and I am saving up money at the moment. How much money do I need to survive on for a month or until I get a deent paycheck?

Cheers

[VanIslander]

I brought 300,000 won and lived like a king it felt like trying all sorts of new dishes I'd never had, all for 5,000 won or less: gimchi dzigae, bibimbap, nangmyeon, kalguksu, etc. Of course I lived in a compact community a 10 minute walk from work so there was no commuting expense. And coworkers and adult students took me out several nights and paid, to welcome the newbie.

Being in Asia for the first time, there was very little needed in terms of entertainment expense: tons of cheap things to do.

But if you want to live Western style from the get go, or have a bus/subway commute, or want to get a phone or kitchen wares going right away, then by all means bring more money.

Korea is as cheap or expensive as you make it. Being new to the country, there's plenty of value in trying cheap, local new foods for a month.

[djsmnc]

300,000 won to live bare bones. 2-3mil to get out of any crap job you may end up with

[fermentation]

It all depends. Like others said, it won't cost too much if you eat Korean food all the time But if you have to eat western food, you should bring more money unless you want to eat at Mickey Ds for a month.

[DrugstoreCowgirl]

How much you'll spend also depends on how furnished your apartment is. I ended up spending almost 1 million won my first month because my apartment literally had a bed, refrigerator and washing machine. I didn't even have silverware or cups or even a trash can. But if you get a good apartment, you could probably survive on a couple hundred dollars.

[Taya]

$1000 is enough to live comfortably for a month if you have it, but you can get by with much less.

[sarahsiobhan]

I brought 500.00 Canadian dollars and still have plenty, but my flat was very well furnished. I also enjoy cooking so I rarely eat out.

[morrisonhotel]

I'm in my third week here. I brought 500 pounds. I have spent a little over 200 pounds with trips to Daegu on the first weekend and Seoul the second inclusive.

[heynice]

If you have never been to Korea, I would suggest saving at least $2,000. It will be enough to cover all the basics. The rest should be set aside as a contingency for the "I am in a terrible situation and need to leave" scenario.

[loyfriend]

I think most people are missing the point. He should bring 2,000,000 won. There is always a chance his school will fail or close. If ithappens in the first six months he is responsable to fly himself home. There could also be some emengercy.

So I would always bring enough to have a plane ticket home. 500 dollars above that is fine.

[Captain Obvious]

Completely varies for everyone. Everyone's idea of "survive" is different.

[djsmnc]