Korean Job Discussion Forums

bulgogiboy · Joined: 12 Nov 2003

I'm moving from a small city in Korea(Pohang the pimple on the buttocks of Korea) to Seoul soon. However, my salary is only 50,000Won more per month than it was in Pohang(1.85M in Pohang)

My query is: Is the cost of living much higher in Seoul than a smaller city? I want to save at least 800,000Won per month. Is this possible?

Could someone give me a general idea of basic costs such as meals, transport, entertainment, etc??

thanks,

BB

Swiss James · Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Location: Shanghai

I don't think the meals are going to cost you much more- the competition in the big smoke is fierce, if you're eating kimbap type stuff you're looking at 4-6 thousand for a good feed. Going to a BBQ restaurant could set you back 20,000 with drinks I guess.

Transport- don't sweat it, the subway is 700won for almost anywhere, rising to the scandolous 800 won if you're travelling for somewhere like an hour and a half away.

The sticking point (other than rent) is how much money you'll spend on going out and hitting the bars. Beer and club entry costs can mount up, and once the subway stops at 12:00am ish the taxis beckon...
If you're determined to save money though I reckon it can be done as easily as in Buttock-do province!

bulgogiboy · Joined: 12 Nov 2003

Thanks Swiss,

I'm going to try to limit going out to twice a month. I know it sounds hard but I'm writing this with a hangover so right now I'll never drink again...

I fancy a couple of Indian curries and maybe some other decent restaurants now and again. A nice change from the myriads of fried chicken restaurants and Korean food in Pohang!

I take a taxi twice a day here but that's cause I hate bus drivers and they always treat their passengers like sh*t. Grumpy, sour-faced, inconsiderate pr**cks!

BB

peppergirl · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

Not all of them! I got on a bus once (city bus in Seoul), and the driver was greeting every passenger Surprised

Only happened once though...

prairieboy · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Location: The batcave.

I live just outside of Seoul. It takes about 20 minutes for me to drive into Seoul. The cost of living here is marginally cheaper as I am occupied most nights so I don't go out alot to drink or eat.

I was going to take a job in Kangnam but was advised by my friends and other Koreans that Kangnam is very expensive, even groceries cost more.

I can't tell you for sure but I think it depends entirely on the area you are going to.

As for the salary you stated, you should have been able to get close to 2.0 mil. I know that the economy here has been going down hill but it hasn't dropped off that much.

If you keep the weekly entertainment under control then you should be able to make your savings goal.

Cheers