Korean Job Discussion Forums

[spyder]

[driftingfocus]

It really does seem that most people end up eating and drinking away a lot of their paycheck.

I don't really drink (I have maybe one beer a week, and usually at home), and I mostly cook for myself. Can anyone give me an estimate on how much groceries generally cost?

Also, are there really any other expenses that I should be taking into consideration?

[crusher_of_heads]

some loser named Kevin dropped 7 million on a bar ho

[MSU Fan]

I send 1 million won back home every month, that way I don't blow all my money on booze and other stuff. Near the end of the month I always seem to be in the poorhouse and then my next paycheck arrives and the process starts again. However, since the won is almost as worthless as the U.S. dollar (1,000,000 won = $750 USD, WTF?) you may want to send less home.

Some people are very rational about saving, but I tend to wait and then blow lots of money during the weekend. Try to make a budget of how much you really want to spend each week/weekend and stick to it. This is still the best job I've ever had. Who ever heard of working at a place where you can save half your money, get paid vacation and an apartment, and still have money to blow at local bars?

[toastburn]

i second that about it being a pretty decent life here.
just have to watch food/booze/travel expenditures.
most places have the free mini coffee machines in the office which can eliminate a starbucks coffee expense so long as you don't mind an americano in a tiny paper cup.

it is a good idea to send money home as soon as you get paid, but if you fall short on cash at the end of the month it could leave you charging up more if you're irresponsible.

and it's easy to get caught having to take a cab home from seoul alone if your group of friends splits up before the night is out. one tip i've heard of is to stay in a cheap motel in seoul if u really must sleep and can't wait for the subway. never tried it, but it could be alright.

best bet is to set out a budget and stick to it. but leave yourself a couple of extra won for emergencies to help you out if funds get low the week before pay day.

[travelbender]