Korean Job Discussion Forums

[michinkorea]

Just arrived and have no money. After rent and transportation I have to live off of 5500 won for a month. Can you give me some tips on how to eat cheaply at home? I live in Saedeomun and work in Jongno so if anyone knows good shops near there that would be amazing.

[laogaiguk]

[inspector gadget]

I hope you either made a typo or neglected to say 5500 per day.

If its 5500 per day for a month you will have no problem but if its 5500 for a month I am afraid you are going to have some serious problems.

good luck

[red dog]

I really hope that's a typo -- if you only have 5,500 won for the month, you're in trouble. If it's 55,000, you still have to be careful but probably won't die if you eat a lot of noodles ... maybe along with some seaweed and peanuts? Peanuts are very filling. Also look for vendors selling big baskets of fruit ... it's not cheap, but it's cheaper than department store fruit.

But 5,500 will get you two baskets, if you're lucky. Can you ask your boss for an advance?

[michinkorea]

sorry!! I meant to say 5 500won per day, for a month. Yes, I think I'd die if I only had 5 500 for a month! Any ideas?

[riverboy]

Ramien

[Harpeau]

Where I live in Hongdae, the bananaman sells bananas at 2 huge bunches for 3,000 won. It's a great deal. He's usually close to Exit #5. (Just don't get him confused with the makoli man (tastes a bit like sour banana juice). All the best!

[Reflections]

There's a soup kitchen on wheels for the elderly folk who gather around that park near Jongno Sam Ga station.

That is held most weekends, so if you in any way resemble that 'Krishna guy' (sorry, forgotten his name) who frequents this board, then you should have no problems. Along with the age factor, he could probably give you some good tips as Krishnas seem to be 'in the know' for those kind of activities - when to arrive, how to jump ahead in line, take more than your alloted share etc

Alternatively, steal a walking stick, don a false beard and use sunglasses to cover your round eyes - it could/should be a breeze.

[ronnie]

Noodles and oodles of it.

I do that even when I can afford real food!

[inspector gadget]

Okay thats better 5500 a day is reasonable.

kimbap (store bought)
bi bim bop (restaurant)
pizza largeeeee (can get you two meals)

Cook at home

ramien
tuna melts
spagetti (sp?)
grilled cheese sandwiches
mandu
pogo's/corn dogs
denver sandwiches
omletes
toast and jam
peanut butter sandwiches
rice, rice and more rice
stir fry's
hotdogs


fruit is expensive here for the most part but banana's are reasonable

[Son Deureo!]

[inspector gadget]

another tip,

don't buy anything at a corner store, go to a supermarket things are always cheaper there

[Yo!Chingo]

Buy some chicken and some rice and have at it along with some seasonal nectarines. Make sure you get some vitamines and protein. Many have also recommended noodles which are fab here!

[Son Deureo!]

OK, I see the new post, it's not that dire.

Here are some tips:

Buy fruit from trucks.
Tofu, a big block goes for W500
Outdoor market veggies, there are some great deals to be had. Spinach and bean sprouts are especially cheap and go a long way.
Outdoor market fish, you should be able to get 2 big mackerel for W2000-3000
Take drinking water home from work or neighborhood springs.
Graze the samples at department store supermarket sections.
Other than free samples, avoid shopping in department store supermarket sections, you can usually get better prices in outdoor markets and local markets. (Ask married female Korean coworkers where they go shopping)

Good luck!

[laogaiguk]

Also, hopefully they take you out to dinner (work I mean). Make good use of that time. ALso, go out with some Korean students or teachers, they will pay the first time (but don't be a cheap lame ass and forget, take them out next time when you get paid )