Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kim Jong Jordan · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Location: The Internet

I'm going to teach in Korea In August, and I was wondering how much money I should bring in order to survive until I get my first paycheck. I'm Canadian, so Canadian funds of course. I'm thinking 2500 dollars to live off of. Do you agree? Disagree? Any Ideas? Your insight would be hugely appreciated! Very Happy

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

I lived off $400 American my first month here.

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

If you only need to get by one month before your paycheck comes, $2500 is way more than what you would need. Day-to-day living expenditures are pretty low here compared to North America. It depends on your lifestyle, but about $700 Canadian should be enough for you to live well and have some fun. However, don't forget that you may also want to do some shopping for your new apartment (TV, DVD player, small portable stereo, etc.) if it's not already furnished. Bring some extra for that, unless of course you can wait a month.

osangrl · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Location: osan

actually....i would transfer over about 1500.....as a newbie you won't exactly know the subways well and cheap food and such....so you will be taking more taxis etc. Also you will have to buy essentials for your house, cleaning supplies, detergent, butt wipe....it adds up..... 1500 is fine....but if you have more...the better time you will have. I spend about 2 million a month....and save only 500,000.....but im quite careless with money.

FUBAR · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: The Y.C.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Yeah...you could live off $500 but in your first month here you want to do all the new stuff and explore the place well.

$2500 is plenty of money until the first paycheck sso while you don't need this much it is better to be safe than sorry.

I brought $4000 with me(it was meant to go towards some key money on a house in Japan) and I spent it all however, but boy I had a good month. Very Happy

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I bought over $1000US and it lasted me two months.

from the FAQS

How Much Money Should I Bring With Me?

Some people land in Korea with barely a cent in their pockets but manage to survive until their first pay day (usually a month later). Many hakwon Directors will give their employees an advance on their first paycheck, but don't rely soley on this. Some people come with thousands in the bank. Most people advise to come with enough money to get back to your home country in case the need arose in an emergency.

1. How Much Money to Find Work in Seoul?
2. How Much Money Did You Bring With You?
3. How Much Will I Need to Live in South Korea for 1 Year?

Tony Danza's Houseguest · Joined: 24 Jan 2004 Location: Osan Dong

I brought 150 dollars, my director gave me a 100,000 loan, and I was fine.

Imbroglio · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:49 pm Post subject:

I took 3K usd with me in 1996. Had a great time.

cacheSurfer · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

Be my friend, I'll help you manage your money once you get here!!!

Arthur Fonzerelli · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Location: Suwon

you can get by easily with 100 bucks (US) a month...

just buy a big bag of rice, canned tuna, and ramen noodles...

you might pass out while teaching your classes, but you will be living cheap...

VanIslander · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:23 pm Post subject:

I came to Korea with $300 CDN, knowing that I could borrow from my school's director if I have to. In Korea, if you are short of funds, just ask. Similarly, be a little patient if part or all of your paycheque comes later than you expect. Payday is more like payweek around here. Think of it as a flexible relationship.

I needed little money because I ate Korean food, and not much ramyeon noodles and rice either. Most Korean dishes are cheap and tasty if you like spicy food.

Public transportation is cheap, even taxis if you live in a smaller city.

Anyone can adequately live their first month on $500 CDN and easily on $1,000 CDN.

You'll have no problem as long as you use some moderation. After all, your first month is a period of adjustment in which you likely will spend more time with your director than fellow expats.

Build your relationships at the school, which will also mean a lot of free meals for you Smile

tokki · Joined: 26 Jul 2003

Sold my car, my furniture and misc. stuff and came over with 300 bucks CANADIAN. It was fine for the first month since I just went to work and home.