Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cubanlord]

I've got a question. Do those of you living and working in Seoul find it more difficult to save money? I like going to Seoul from time to time to do a variety fo things:

buy stuff
eat food I can't eat in this city
etc.

The way I enjoy my foreign food wouldn't really allow me to save much money. Just curious.

Also, do you think a lot of the good jobs in Korea are in Seoul? I've been in Korea about five years and have only been in one city because I was fortunate enough to find myself a decent job. I ask because I was talking to an acquaintance and they felt that the better jobs are in Seoul.

[Draz]

It makes no difference with me where I live for saving money. I save more living in Seoul, but it's because my salary was higher. Now I don't even work in Seoul, but I still live there, and save even more. But it's because I have a roommate and you could probably find a roommate anywhere.

[Forward Observer]

I suppose everyone is different with regards to their situation. Seoul is better for me because my wife's family gave us an apartment in one of their buildings which is also part of her inheritance. We didn't have to pay any deposits and we don't pay a monthly rent. I'm aware that most E-2ers are in a different boat, but as far as jobs go - I don't think you can beat Seoul for variety and abundance. I don't know what salaries are like in other cities, I'd imagine they're all pretty much the same...but there's a boatload more editing and part time work here for those that are looking for extra money just because of the sheer number of businesses, companies, and all those people that want private lessons.

I'd say Seoul has more opportunity, but at the same time, the temptation to go out and spend money is greater when it's available and within arm's reach. So if you're the kind of person that can control your money, it's not that bad.

[Unposter]

I don't think there is a clear cut answer. There is definately more opportunity in Seoul but the competition is also a lot greater in Seoul. Some schools outside Seoul pay more because they are outside Seoul, others pay less because they are outside Seoul. My general impression is that the truly great jobs are in Seoul but that is just my impression.

But, to answer your real question, yes, you do need to earn more money if you live in Seoul as the cost of living is higher.

[yeremy]

I have to point out that there are some really good (TESOL) professors and teachers (David Shaffer and Andrew Finch readily come to mind) who don't live in Seoul.

I also think it depends upon your internal definition of quality of life. The last time I drove into Seoul from the sticks, I could see the air pollution hanging over the area as almost as soon as I drove into Gyonggi Province enroute to Seoul.

Scale: + to +++++

Entertainment--+++++
Cost of living -- +++++
Wages --+++
Traffic --+++++
Parking --+++++
Congestion --+++++
Extra work -- +++++
Air Pollution -- +++++
Water Pollution --+++ plus
Yellow Dust --+++++
Cost per pyoung for apartments --+++++
Competition -- +++++
Subway congestion --++++
Civil disturbances (student demos, et al) --++
Educational Opps --++++
Friendly locals --++ plus
Clean streets --++
Most Costco's --++++
Fast Food --+++++
International food --+++++
Homelessness --+++ plus
Best hospitals --++++++ (I'm biased towards Severance.)
Best psychiatric care for foreigners --+++++
Public libraries (for Koreans)--+++++
Clubbing --++++++
Watering Holes --++++++
Shopping --+++++
Bookstores --+++++
Proximity to other foreigners --+++++
Churches --+++++
# of ugly apartments --+++++
# of museums --++++++
Prestige --++++
B Boy scene --++++
Music --+++++
Arts--+++++
Government complexes --++++++
Propensity to being threatened by NK --++++++
# of cars --+++++ (4,000,000 plus)

I could go on and on. I wrote a paper once, which has faded into oblivion, on whether or not Seoul was a successful city, so I did think a great deal about this question. You have to decide what is important to you. This is only my opinion, but if helps anyone to think through what is important to them, then it is of value.