Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Swampfox10mm]

Seoul is getting freakin' expensive. I thought it would be nice to start a thread where we all share our hints at how to spend less/save money.

Here's one from me:

1. If you must buy coffee from a coffee shop, go someplace cheap. Paying over 5,000 for a coffee is insane. Here are some really cheap places (tastes will vary):

A. Ediya
B. McDonalds or BK
C. In Myongdong, that store which duplicates Frisbee, but sells mostly non-Apple phones (same side of the street, but a few shops before it) has a cheap coffee shop and customer lounge with free computer use on the 2nd floor.

[fermentation]

Buy coffee mix packets. I'm not a huge coffee fan so a coffee mix tastes the same to me as a 5000 won mug at starbucks.

Eat at mom and pop restaurants for Korean food. They usually cost around 5000-7000 won like McDonald's but much healthier.

If you don't care about health, eat ramen noodles.

Getting a water purifier will probably be cheaper in the long run than buying bottled water.

If my destination is 1 or 2 subway or bus stops away, I usually walk. It depends on the line, but 2 subway stops isn't that much of a distance from my experience.

[Xylox]

1. Get a hobby that doesn't involve girls or booze.
2. Don't drink super expensive drinks or eat super expensive meals, make tea at home or something.

[Stout]

[Pojogae]

Jump the turnstyles

[rainism]

only buy in Korea the things you need on a daily basis and cannot/could not acquire outside of Korea.

Like food. Use Costco, use the Internet.

don't buy any clothes and shoes in Korea.

don't take taxis unless you have to. Walking is better and healthier.

don't acquire expensive liquid addictions, like coffee or alcohol (though soju is cheap). if your conscience allows you to shell out 4 dollars or more for a cup of coffee, then there's really no good advice I can give you.

[Sleepy in Seoul]

Don't eat or drink anything except tap water. Don't have any fun whatsoever.

[myenglishisno]

Take your dates to 김밥천국.

[Drew345]

Stay out of the convenience stores.
And another vote for don't buy any 5000 won coffee.

[carleverson]

Eat one meal of ramen per day. Save money buy not wearing shoes outside of work. Go barefoot when doing errands / exercising.

[giraffe]

I would say stay away from coffee , alcohol ( clubs , bars ect...) , smoking =p.
I've saved a shitload of money not doing any of the above. I'm glad i never got into any of those things ever. Especially when I look at alot of people i know who buy 2-5 coffees a day, smokes 1 pack a day ... ouchies That kind of life style would put a dent in most peoples pocket book. even having 1 coffee/1 cigarette a day would put a dent in your pocket over time ( for normal folks earning an average salary that is)

If you don't do any of the above and still cant save money then you have to look at where your money is going! Snacks? Eating out? Girls? entertainment? whatever it may be you need to put restraints on and set yourself a budget and cut out unnecessary spending. Which means a life style change.

And if that doesnt work, You need to find a job that allows you to save money and cover for your basic spending.

[northway]

Smoking a pack a day is a pretty cheap habit in Korea.

[giraffe]

either way, still a waste of money over time + not good for your health.. Its just a bad habit...

[sojusucks]

Go see movies for something to do that's inexpensive.

[zappadelta]