Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kim Jong Jordan]

I'm going to teach in Korea In August, and I was wondering how much money I should bring in order to survive until I get my first paycheck. I'm Canadian, so Canadian funds of course. I'm thinking 2500 dollars to live off of. Do you agree? Disagree? Any Ideas? Your insight would be hugely appreciated!

[ryleeys]

I lived off $400 American my first month here.

[J.B. Clamence]

If you only need to get by one month before your paycheck comes, $2500 is way more than what you would need. Day-to-day living expenditures are pretty low here compared to North America. It depends on your lifestyle, but about $700 Canadian should be enough for you to live well and have some fun. However, don't forget that you may also want to do some shopping for your new apartment (TV, DVD player, small portable stereo, etc.) if it's not already furnished. Bring some extra for that, unless of course you can wait a month.

[osangrl]

actually....i would transfer over about 1500.....as a newbie you won't exactly know the subways well and cheap food and such....so you will be taking more taxis etc. Also you will have to buy essentials for your house, cleaning supplies, detergent, butt wipe....it adds up..... 1500 is fine....but if you have more...the better time you will have. I spend about 2 million a month....and save only 500,000.....but im quite careless with money.

[FUBAR]

[mindmetoo]

[just because]

Yeah...you could live off $500 but in your first month here you want to do all the new stuff and explore the place well.

$2500 is plenty of money until the first paycheck sso while you don't need this much it is better to be safe than sorry.

I brought $4000 with me(it was meant to go towards some key money on a house in Japan) and I spent it all however, but boy I had a good month.

[crazylemongirl]

I bought over $1000US and it lasted me two months.

from the FAQS


How Much Money Should I Bring With Me?

Some people land in Korea with barely a cent in their pockets but manage to survive until their first pay day (usually a month later). Many hakwon Directors will give their employees an advance on their first paycheck, but don't rely soley on this. Some people come with thousands in the bank. Most people advise to come with enough money to get back to your home country in case the need arose in an emergency.

1. How Much Money to Find Work in Seoul?
2. How Much Money Did You Bring With You?
3. How Much Will I Need to Live in South Korea for 1 Year?

[Tony Danza's Houseguest]

I brought 150 dollars, my director gave me a 100,000 loan, and I was fine.

[Imbroglio]

I took 3K usd with me in 1996. Had a great time.

[cacheSurfer]

[jazblanc77]

Be my friend, I'll help you manage your money once you get here!!!