Korean Job Discussion Forums

[KwardBound]

With the exception of transportation, I figure that I can probably live on a budget of 6,000 won per day. I then intend to spend about 100,000 won on the weekend or every two weeks. This is not so bad because if you don't hang out with people too often, then you leave them wanting more. So, what is wrong with this plan?

[onlyinkorea87]

[ttompatz]

[KwardBound]

I'm living in New York City right now and that is like my budget right now. I mean, I have alot of food at home, and I make snacks, onigiri, sandwiches, etc., so even though I'm in Queens and Manhattan every single day, I don't really spend because I already carry my goods. Also, I tend to eat 6-8 small meals a day. Plus, I consider myself smart and imaginative enough to entertain myself and don't really need a girlfriend (I've had a clingy one for awhile, and a break is appreciated).

[KwardBound]

[sojusucks]

Be realistic about how much you intend to save. Saving money is a very good thing, but if you live in Korea long enough you will find opportunities to try new restaurants or travel or buy unique gifts and that may cause you to blow your budget if it's unrealistically tight. Allow yourself some fun.

Also, remember that it will cost you money to get settled and to leave, when you eventually decide to do so.

[KwardBound]

1 year in and 1 year out.

Even if I fall in love with Korea, I can only stay for 1 year and have to settle with just returning to Korea years later.

Uh, right now in NYC, I am saving $1,500-$2000 per month. I'm on an un-steady budget, so I basically only spend $500 per month. Also, the money that I am saving will be categorized. Part of it will be reserved for travel.

[morrisonhotel]

Why would you want to live on that kind of budget? You're going to be living abroad - have some fun!

ETA: potatoes and bananas are relatively expensive in comparison to back home in the UK (I'm assuming prices won't be hugely different in the US). You won't be eating those often on a budget of 6,000 a day.

[Darkray16]

Things you should consider:
generally, groceries are more expensive then eating at a cheap restaurant.
this is because the restaurants use the cheapest ingredients possible.
and this means Korean food only, no foreign food. it's pretty expensive here even for a hamburger or slice of pizza.

if you plan to use that 100,000won on the weekend solely for groceries and nothing elsethen the budget is feasible as long as you can spend all your weekends at home or doing something free outside, and just about everything here costs money.

[allovertheplace]

Well that may work as long as you dont need new socks, underwear, t shirts, jackets, toothpaste, toothbrush, girlfriends, weekend trips, friends, darts, shots, beer, meat, etc.

[KwardBound]

I've calculated how much I would earn a month, minus socializing, minus necessities, and I see myself saving a minimum of $20k USD during the 1 year.

[Chaucer]

Do one hour of OT per day and spend the 15K on groceries/save for trips. $20K is a good figure for one year, but why not have a bit more fun?

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

[verloc]

The OP sounds like a fun guy to go out for a drink with. As long as you're paying, that is.

[northway]

Cereal, tuna, bananas, and potatoes are all significantly more expensive here than they are in the States. I suppose you could live on 6,000 won per day, but you're going to be eating ramyeon pretty much every meal.