Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rocklee]

I have no idea why Korea should be more expensive than even Japan for groceries despite being located in a fairly good position (ie. right next to China).

China was a breeze, I could buy good quality red wine for cooking. In Japan, 400-500gms of spaghetti was about 100 yen, its 1400 won here.
Tofu could be had for 33 yen a pack (or 3 for 100 yen). The best I could find was 500 won a pack and that was in a market way out. Vegetables, meat etc all appear to be more expensive than Japan. I thought Korea would be affordable somewhat.

Am I better off not cooking at home and just eat out?

[Corporal]

You just gave Real Reality a hard-on.

[crazylemongirl]

1. Closed market. Cheaper imports are being shunned in favor of keeping farmers happy.

2. 'exclusivity' Foreign food is boutique food here. So you are paying for the 'snob factor'

3. Bulk. Korean supermarkets operate under the premise that there is more than one person living it at home, and they use the same ingredients often in Korean food. However for a single westerner this doesn't work very well, I've yet to find a place that will let me buy just onion! So per unit it's not so expensive, however you end up having to throw out a lot of stuff.

As for me, I do my shopping at costco and portion it off. For things like curry, soup, stew and spaghetti sauce I usually make a meal for 3-4 people and then freeze it.

[I_Am_Wrong]

I went into a market in Osaka to buy some fruit once.....

$10 apples....