Korean Job Discussion Forums

[StAxX SOuL]

Contemplating a job offer in that area as it is essentially where I want to be located...

I know its one of the more expensive areas of Seoul to live in however and as a first timer I'd be looking at 1.9M or 2.0M monthly salary, an amount no higher than what I'd receive in less expensive living areas...

I'm just wondering how far thr basic 1.9M / 2.0M would stretch in Apgujeong... saving isn't really on the agenda but I hope to be able to enjoy myself when I have time to do so...

I'd be in a single studio provided by the school... what kind of allowances would I need to make for things like utility bills, food costs, gym etc etc... would there be a good amount of disposable income left over?

[welshboy]

Hi, there are loads of threads on this - do a search and read through and you will find all you need.

[SPINOZA]

If saving isn't a priority and you want to go (based on what?) then go there. You won't be broke.

[doublejeopardy]

You'll be fine, even more so if saving isn't a priority. You can live *almost* as cheaply in apgujeong as anywhere, especially if the apt is provided, depending on where you spend your money. There may be more appealing-to-foreigner temptations, but nothing out of the realm of 2.0M.

[canuckistan]

Do your food shopping elsewhere than Kangnam. It'll be less expensive.

[ChimpumCallao]

basic ammenities are between 500 and 1000 more....same with food...maybe 2000 more, say for a serving of kalbi or a burger. really not that bad....its the only place that i actually enjoy hanging out in and im really glad i made the move. even with one less restaurant outing a week or something like that and youll make up for it.

good luck...go for it, its a cool area.

[StAxX SOuL]

Cool... thanks for that

I found a thread addressing the general cost of living but not the increased cost of somewhere like Apgujeong in a comparitive manner...

Looking forward to it... just deciding on the contracts now, to make sure I get the best deal possible for the area... all being well I'll be out there late Feb!

[prairieboy]

The main concern with the cost of living is your housing. Since you will have a "studio" apartment provided, you've probably saved yourself around 500,000 a month in rental fees.

The bus, subway and taxis cost the same as does most of the food in restaurants, providing you aren't going to go eat in fancy places everyday.

Definately get out of the area to go food shopping. If you don't mind a subway and short taxi/bus ride, then you could go to E-mart in Yang-je (across the street from Costco) rather than going to Hyundai department store.

Cheers

[lostinseoul77777]

I live in Apgujeung and I would say that cost of living is more or less similar to living in Manhattan (if anything I think it's a bit pricier). If you're making 2.0M and housing is included, then you should be fine. The thing about Seoul is that you can live and play really cheap but you can also live and play really expensive. All depends on the type of places you frequent.

I pay 200,000W a month for a gym membership which is on the high end. I think there are places that you can join to work out for as little as 80,000W a month but the place I work out is pretty nice with spa facilities etc.

Like I said, 2.0M should be plenty. You won't be able to live lavishly but you'll have fun.

[mindmetoo]

If the school is paying for your apartment, then no location in Seoul really is going to make much of a difference in cost of living. There is, however, the temptation factor: expensive restaurants and bars around your place.

[bobbyhanlon]

yeah, housing is the only big thing. i live in apgujong too, and things are a little more expensive, but they won't kill you.
if you want to save a lot, don't come, but if you want to save a little and enjoy yourself, its great.