Korean Job Discussion Forums

Dev · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

So, you come to Korea and it's a real eye-opener in many ways. One of the ways is of course prices. Some things are so cheap here that you suddenly realize how much you were being ripped off back home. In your country, what are these things?

My list: 1) Batteries. Back in Canada, we pay at least 1000 won per battery. I always knew these were a rip off.

2) Tooth Brushes. They target this item back home because people must buy them and they milk us for about 3000 won per brush. Bastards!

3) Inter city buses: No deluxe buses with the comfortable wide seats back home. Just narrow seats with minimal leg room with grouchy bus drivers to boot. And expensive too!

4) The movie cinemas: About 11,000 won is the norm now!

5) A glass of Coke anywhere now goes for about $2 or 1,500 won. It's just syrup & water! Evil or Very Mad

Please add to the list.

migooknom · Joined: 10 Dec 2004

6) ICE CREAM!! Very Happy

Can't beat 500won ice cream bars (250 if you buy them on sale).

Tiberious aka Sparkles · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Dev, is your post supposed to be about Korea or Canada? Do they use won in Canada now?

Dev · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

The subway in London costs a minimum of 6000 won for a one way journey to a nearby station Shocked

Dev · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Glasses, and paying for an optometrist (and waiting a week to get them).

Cheap in Korea. Don't really need to be an optometrist to understand, "Yes, that one is the best. I can see very well with that lens."

Expensive in Canada (3 or 4 times the cost)

I think PC rooms is another one - maybe 4 times the cost.

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

See

http://www.londontoolkit.com/briefing/underground.htm

followed by

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

The London subway is absolutely ridiculously priced in comparison to Seoul... as is most other public transport. On some days, its cheaper to fly around England than take the train.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

What things are a rip-off in your country? (U.S.)

Insurance
Medical costs
Education
Internet Cafes

Things that are a rip-off in Korea?

Computers, stereos and anything technology-related things
Cars & Gas
Airfares
Shaving Razers

kermo · Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:34 pm Post subject:

Bottled water is an utter rip-off in Canada. It's mostly frou-frou brands like "Evian" or soda-giants like Pepsi or Coke, and they charge the same price for the filtered tap-water as they do for a bottle of juice. Grrrr.

ED209 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Yeah that's a good one, Kermo. I noticed that at E-Mart, a single-serving of bottled water from the mini-fridge by the register is only 250 won. Wow!

In Korea, textbooks are pretty cheap. Probably because of all the competition.

migooknom · Joined: 10 Dec 2004

cheap smokes (2500won) compared to (4-5000) in the states depending on what brand you buy.

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

Medical costs in the US. I just had a crown done in Seoul for 130,000 won. Would have been $1000. Yes, insurance also (related to medical costs).
Rip-Offs here: Computers. Just bought a PC and monitor from America to here, almost saved the price of the Airplane ticket. (Ticket was $500 because bought in Bangkok). Oh yeah, airfares here are a ripoff too. Deoderant here also.
Drew