Korean Job Discussion Forums

[KwardBound]

So, I've been reading alot of frugal-living threads in these forums. Its the way I was raised and the way I currently live in New York City. Now, people list tips on how to live frugal and save money and one of the main tips is "Don't live in Seoul". But, I live in NYC right now, and I'm the frugal king. And I can save more money in New York then I can save in the burbs or the rural, because I know New York and there are more options available so I can shop around. Therefore, wouldn't it be the same that I can possibly save more money in Seoul than if I lived in a rural area of Korea?

Also, if Seoul is like New York, what city in Korea is Philly? San francisco?

[Khenan]

If you want to live as a miser with only regard to your pocketbook, yes, it's quite easy to save stacks of cash in Seoul, especially if you are creative. Seen it done, wouldn't want to do it.

[Louis VI]

The prices in Seoul are much higher than in small towns. PC rooms for 700 won, coca cola cans for 500 won, gimchi stew for 3000 won, buses for 300 won... you just don't get these in big cities. Korea is a nation of wealth in urban areas and poorer folk in the countryside, simple traditional old people and farmers. at my last job there was just one place in town to buy french bread but a loaf was only 1200 won. The selection here on bigger Jeju is greater but so are the prices, with 3000 won for a loaf of french bread as standard. So even if you are a frugal miser you'll likely find a big city more expensive unless you're one of those kmart shoppers who spend hours and hours looking for cheap deals and gets a subway monthly pass and spends loads of off work time hunting around, considering that a fun hobby. In that case, go to Seoul and knock yourself out!

[RMNC]

Man you guys must live in cheapsville back at home if you think that paying 48 cents for a can of coke is a rip-off. I wanna live there.

A loaf of french bread in Oregon costs over $5.00. I'm not crying any rivers over 3000 won bread.

[shostahoosier]

[brento1138]

The only real complaint I would have with expenses in Korea is the price of fresh vegetables and fruit. It's not so expensive that you'll be crying about it, but I sure do miss the absolute 'dirt-cheap' prices of produce in Canada. If veggies & fruits were cheaper, I'd be saving a whole lot more...

That said, I think you will be able to save money just fine in Seoul. Think about it, the subway goes everywhere, lots of shopping options (the neighborhood marts are cheaper than Emart of course)... The things that are expensive in Seoul (like housing) you won't be paying for. I don't condone it, or suggest it, but some teachers teach on the side if you need extra spending money.. you know, to cover some costs.

There's lots of cheap stuff to do here (hiking, costs nothing!) and gyms are cheap to join. I say come to Seoul man. Esp. if you've been living in New York city. Nobody I know cannot save $1000 per month easily.

[mm]

I don't really budget myself or think when I buy something but i manage to save a large chunk of money every month.

it is possible to save in seoul.

[War Eagle]

I believe if you can't save money living in Seoul, then you won't be able to save money anywhere. Simply, you are living beyond your means and you always will, no matter your income. Here was my first year in Seoul, living in Gangnam, which is one of the most expensive areas of Seoul:

My first year salary was 2.3 and I managed to save a little over 10 million won (including pension). By no means AT ALL did I live frugally.

I partied like a rock star the first 3 months I was here, plus bough a lot of stuff I needed to live comfortably (dishes, cookware, bedding, etc.) so I was broke at the end of 3 months.

Over the next 9 months I bought enough camping gear for 2 people, a desktop computer, an xbox, a 42" lcd t.v., and numerous other "small" toys. I went snowboarding 4 or 5 times in the winter and went rafting, hiking and camping many times in the spring, summer and fall. I took a trip to Busan for a week to relax and stayed at a pension right on the beach. I visited the casinos 4 or 5 times, dropping a couple bills each time (only won once; curse you gambling addiction :p) There were also trips to Everland and Lotte World. Of course I went sightseeing around Seoul, but we all know that doesn't account for much.

I continued to go out about 2 times a week for drinks, mostly at bars in Gangnam, Itaewon or Hongdae. I don't like a lot of Korean food, so it only accounted for about 10% of my food expenses. I ate out about 50% of the time and cooked at home the other 40%. I eat mostly the same diet I did back home: meat and potatoes, mmmmmmm

Finally, I managed to do all of this while having a girlfriend. Of course, then we tack on movie dates, nicer dinners, theater/performances, gifts to say I care, yadda yadda yadda.

You can live in Seoul, have a blast, and still save good money. Look for deals, don't make impluse buys, and use common sense. My second year around, now that I have everything I need to have fun (electronics, outdoor gear, etc.) I don't need to buy that much. I have a slightly increased salary and my goal is to save 1,300,000 a month, but sometimes it dips a little bit below that when I feel like getting really frisky :p On this track, I should save at least 15 million this year.

[KwardBound]

Thanks for all the replies. I am really good at this saving thing, so I figured that if I did manage to land in Seoul, I would be able to handle it.

BTW, I'm not comparing Korea to the U.S. I just meant as far as scale city wise.

[goingtothecountry]

....

[sojusucks]

There are ways to live in Seoul and save money but you have to be a smart shopper and you have to have self discipline. If that's not you then make sure you have the right priorities. Just know the score and understand yourself going in and you can plan for what you need to do.

[sojusucks]

[crossmr]

[red_devil]

There is no Korean version of SF. That's part of the problem with the massive urban migration. You have Busan or Seoul. And i would hardly equate Daegu with SF. People love to hate Seoul, just like they love to hate every other major city including NY. Truth is, it's nice, convenient, very safe, cheap public transportation, and great shopping, hotels, and restaurants. Sure it lacks "urban culture" like some areas of NY or SF (a bit up in Hongdae) but that's Korea largely as a whole.

[DeMayonnaise]

You have to be really, really, really bad with money to not save money in Korea. I don't think twice about swiping my card or visiting the ATM, and I still have saved money.

I've bought every sort of electronic toy you can think of, traveled to 8 countries in 2 years (not including going back home as well), and STILL saved money.

People who say they can't save money in Seoul should be banned from this site, since it's a blatant lie.