Korean Job Discussion Forums

[joelove]

[reactionary]

Well, I've received an offer to work in Shanghai. The job pays 13,000 rmb (2.1 million won) a month (no housing) and doesn't pay at all during the winter or summer breaks (nearly 3 months per year in total) unless I take on extra work.

This is compared to 2.4 million won (~14,000 rmb) but with housing included and more benefits like pension, a real severance, and 4-6 PAID weeks of vacation, not counting national holidays.

The job in Shanghai would also most likely be a bit more work. More classes and likely travel between different schools.

I suppose I am beating around the bush. Is 13,000rmb/month for 9 months a year really doable? I'm shocked to see rents in Shanghai (and Beijing) rivaling those of Seoul...unless these are really nice places, 3500 rmb seems expensive compared to other living costs. Do people save anything at all? If I were to find extra work during my pay-less months, would I end up getting any time off at all? I'll miss my friends and the comfort zone I've created in Korea, but I'm also tired of the place and ready to move on. At the same time, it might not make much financial sense to do so.

[samd]

China (Beijing or Shanghai) vs. Korea (Seoul) in my experience:

Korea is better value for money, even though China is cheaper, for now.

Food prices are going up a huge amount, especially in Beijing and Shanghai, where it's not much cheaper than Seoul, and just as expensive, if not more, if you're after an equivalent standard of quality and or cleanliness.

Public transport is cheap in Beijing, but traffic is worse. Shanghai is slightly cheaper also. Rule buses out in both cities unless you can read Chinese and navigate Chinese websites.

Internet is retarded in China.

Both places are safe.

I haven't noticed much difference between the women, except Korean women are much more sophisticated and refined, but they have a head start and the gap is closing. Chinese girls of an equivalent educational level, ie. rich or upper middle class, are no more open to foreigners than Korean girls.

China is all about money at the moment. If you enjoy talking about money, and how to make it and spend it, then head over there. If not, stay in Korea.

[apples]

Move to China from Korea? That's ridiculous-Korea is best.

[Kuros]

[kenglish]

i moved to korea from china and am much happier with the decision. i hate china and i like korea. china is what korea was 20 years ago. and korea 2 decades ago was not a better place than it is now, i guarantee you. if you'll be moving to major cities like beijing and shanghai, you can subtract about 10 years from the difference but it will feel as a downgrade. chinese internet is the worst you can imagine, first of all. you'd be idling around minute at a time just to get your favorite place (not)- dave's ;P

[isitts]

[joelove]

I lived in perhaps one of the most polluted cities in China, the heart of the coal mining industry. It was dirty but it didn't really bother me much. There is a lot of pollution in China, but I'm not sure it is quite the nightmare some people make it out to be, unless you have respiratory problems, then you ought to be very careful where you go.

Some jobs pay well if one has the right stuff or gets lucky or whatever it takes. Certainly an education degree and/or a background in a hard science or math can land you a good job in China or elsewhere. It may help to be hired from/by your home country if possible. For instance, there are some Sino - Canadian/Australian/ whatever programs that do pay pretty well, where one could save a lot if frugal enough. Gotta work on the frugal part myself.

[isitts]

[Oreovictim]

[isitts]

[Oreovictim]