Korean Job Discussion Forums

kiwiman · Joined: 02 Dec 2005

Been offered a job in a place i really want to teach...realize it is a low wage but the majority of jobs in this location at the moment are only offeriing this.

Is it possible to live comfortably on 1.8mill?and still save to pay off my loan?

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

Well, most people live pretty comfortably off of 2 million a month, saving probably 800,000-1 million a month. So, just minus 200,000 and if that is enough every month, I am sure you will do just fine.

However, that is still a really low wage and you should press for 2 million.

Col.Brandon · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Location: Seoul

It's doable. The cost of living here is pretty low. If you're sensible with your money you can live on 500,000 or so and send around a million a month back to Kiwiland Smile

Are you a big drinker?

However, the big question is, 'can you do better?' As a Kiwi you're not as "marketable" to some schools as someone with a North American accent. This sucks - especially as we Kiwis are brought up with egalitarian ideals - but you're not in Kawerau anymore, Toto. My point is: don't be tempted to rush into taking the first (or any) job you're offered... there are more jobs going than people to take them so don't be afraid to let this one pass and wait for something better. In any case, if you play hardball with them, they'll probably cave.... most of them are pretty desperate because their poor planning skill causes them to leave everything to the last minute.

What's the going rate for newbies at the moment - 2 mil? Hang tough, dude - they need you more than you need them!

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

With free housing, you could live comfortably on 1.8 and still save/send home 1 million won per month.

If your hogwon has you at work any longer than 5 hours a day on a 1.8 million salary, though, I'd say you're being ripped off.

SPINOZA · Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Location: $eoul

Minus utilities and other deductions, I'd save about 600k off that personally. I spend quite a lot though or feel as though I do. You could easily save a million but you might get a bit bored sometimes.

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 5:34 am Post subject:

I lived EASILY on 1.2 mill my first year, as I sent 800,000 won overseas every month.

I am now living on 700,000 won a month, saving the rest, and I still eat out often, take taxis, etc... I just choose Korean restaurants, go Dutch, drink soju and draft beer, etc.

I just don't understand how anyone couldn't live on 1.8 mill. The hardships would be minimal except to royalty.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

Homer · Guest

You can live confortably on 900 000 - 1 000 000 W per month and save the rest.

Unless you want to party every night, booze it up or that sort of thing...

brento1138 · Joined: 17 Nov 2004

I noticed after taxes, pension, etc, my 1.9 shrunk down to 1.74 or something. So make sure your 1.8 doesn't shrink too much!

chick_chris · Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Location: Seoul

I'm making 1.8 at my current job (in Seoul), and have no trouble keeping myself entertained and saving about 800,000 won/month at the same time.

As long as the job is providing you with housing, I definitely think it's a liveable wage (depending on your lifestyle, of course).

Just my two cents.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

ahopfe · Joined: 02 Apr 2005

I save 1.3 mill each month and live Comfortably , if you cant live on 1.8 you need to go back to school and learn how to be more thirfty with your Money

kiwiman · Joined: 02 Dec 2005

Thanks ladies and gents...this is just what i wanted to hear:-)!

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

If you like to cook for yourself, know how to shop sensibly and spend thriftily you can easily save over half your pay per month.

My last job was 2.5-2.6 per month(gauranteed 2.3) and I sent back on average about 1.5 per month almost every month I was here.

I still went out on weekends for dinner with friends, bought movies, went on trips and whatnot....I probably could have saved more if I had become a total hermit but having some fun keeps you sane Wink

ontheway · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 5:05 am Post subject:

In a smaller town in Korea you can easily live on 10,000 won per day with hogwan provided housing. You could save 1.5 million per month out of 1.8. If your director feeds you all day, too, which many female wonjangnims do in their motherly fashion, you could save even more. I almost never buy food during the week.