Korean Job Discussion Forums

[richardIII]

It seems common that positions in Seoul are a bit higher paid (someone in another thread said it was an extra 100K a month).

Assuming this is the case, why?

Because Seoul is a hell hole nobody would live in otherwise?
Because Seoul is more expensive to live in? If so, does the 100K cover the difference?

I'm curious and trying to decide where I want to get a job.

[The Cube]

..

[the_beaver]

I don't know why the salaries are different, either. But I do know that it's a lot easier to save money outside of Seoul. I lived in Tonghae (and no, I don't recommend it) back in the day and easily saved most of my paycheck. I lived in Kwang-ju (I would recommend it), which is a good deal larger than Tonghae, and still managed to save a goodly portion of my salary. In Seoul, what with Starbucks and Megabox and Hongdae nights and huge bookstores and Yongsan electronics market and the like, it takes a force of will, a damn good upbringing, or agoraphobia to save any money.

[kangnamdragon]

Why are salaries higher in any big city? more money............ Why does a teacher in New York City get paid more than a teacher in Mississippi?

[Man of Changwon]

salaries are higher basically because of the Korean thinking of more prestige living in Seoul. Anything with Seoul associated is seen to be better than other cities. That is why all around Korea you will see littel corner shops with Seoul Restaurant, daBang, Super,etc. and also that is why the bureucrats are kicking and screaming not to be kicked out of Seoul and relocated to the new capital near Chonan or Deajeon.