Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dogboy]

Hi

I am looking for a little information about living in Seoul. I am seeking a job in Korea. One job in particular has caught my interest. The problem is, that the salary is 2.2 million won, but housing is not provided. The key money will be provided up to 10 million won but the rent is all on me. So my question is, would this be enough to live comfortably, pay rent (in Kangnam), and still save a little bit of money. Having never lived in Korea, I really have no idea if this is feasible. I know this is not the highest paying job in Korea, but it does seem like a good, reliable one working with adults (which is what I am seeking). And to be honest, if I can still survive and save just a bit of money, the other qualities are more important to me than the pay.

Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[kprrok]

Seriously, did you need to start 3 threads about this exact topic? NO!!!

To answer your question though, I would assume that there are many more jobs out there that would pay you 2.2 and give you an apartment. Unless that job is just excellent in every other way, I'd keep looking.

KPRROK

[eamo]

Sure. You can live in Gangnam in a 10 pyeong (1 pyeong = 3.3 square meteres) apartment for roughly 500,000 per month.

You'll spend perhaps a million a month. Total costs. So you're looking at saving 700,000 a month. Not bad but not good either.

Most teachers working at kiddie schools in Gangnam are getting paid 2.0-2.3 plus a housing allowance of 400-500,000. In their case they should save over a million a month.

All these numbers are guesstimates.

[ZUL]

If you make at least 2.0/month and can't save at least 1.0 each month you need to move back in with mommy and daddy!!!

[Son Deureo!]

Well, if he has to pay his own rent then that 2.2 won't be going quite as far.

Seriously, why is the job so appealing to you if it doesn't pay rent? Is it an adult hogwon? Or a uni?

Eamo's numbers are about right. And that estimate of spending a million won per month should take you pretty far. You won't need a car, subway and buses are dirt cheap, and there are all kinds of ways to entertain yourself for cheap. You can live well and not be spending your time at home clipping coupons and counting your pennies.

[fiveeagles]

Are most of the apartments this big? 3.3 meters?

[JongnoGuru]

[fiveeagles]

ok, I missed the 1o pyeong part. That's a bit better.

[Johnny Pro Korea]

If you take that job, you could always live in a tent on the shores of the mighty Han River. Then you could up the estimates of the money you'd save to about 1.5 million!!!!!!!!!!!! My good buddy Shady McGrady did exactly that a few years back. He saved enough money to support his whole family in Burnt Neck, West Virginia. Unfortunately, he was eventually mauled to death by hordes of rats.

[eamo]

[Johnny Pro Korea]

Thanks eamo for the grand welcome. I heard rumblings that my nemesis was indeed planning to make an appearance. Your post makes it clear that the rumors are true. Well, preparations must be made....perhaps I'll build a barbed-wire wrestling ring!

[Hans Blix]

kudos to the jpk inaugural post. the pendulum definitely needs to be swung pack to a position of quiescence or whatever. may you continue to expose ELT's for the pampered princesses(/princes?) that we are.

[Harpeau]

I think that the key is, is it a standard Full-time contract. Housing is not provided. Therefore, can you negotiate working less hours per month and freeing your time to do other things as well. Either way, it's got to give. But if they're not going to budge on one of the sides, then I would suggest to you to keep looking. Maybe Eamo is onto something.