Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shelleyR]

Hi,

I am going to Korea and will be making 2.2 KRW/month. I know my apartment will be rent free but could you tell me what exactly I should be expecting to pay per month and how much they are? There will be two of us in the two bedroom apartment and we would like: Internet, Phone, TV and we will we be given AC and Heating and a stove. Could you please help!!! By the way we would be living in Yeongju. And what should I be left with?

[Yesterday]

You can live on 600,000 per month (as you have a free apartment)......

If you buy lots of unnecessary things each day - you can still live on 1 million per month..............

[crsandus]

The answer to this question is the ever popular "it depends". The vast majority of people can easily live off of 2.2 mil/month. Many can save ~1 mil/month without depriving themselves of the smal luxuries. I've heard of more frugal people saving ~1.4 mil/month without the aid of added income from privates or overtime.

Relax, unless you're a spendaholic, 2.2 mil/month will be more than enough. There's a very good chance that you're income will easily hit 2.5-3.0 mil/month with overtime.

[chronicpride]

[shelleyR]

HI Chronicpride,

Thank you very much for all of your help.

[wylies99]

OP- no problem. You can live WELL on that much money, or BE SMART and save money, too.

[stumptown]

chronicpride, that was a very well written piece. Very informative as well.
Thank you.

[Novernae]

Here's a breakdown of our monthly expenses. (couple living in an officetel)

38,800 - Internet
~15,000 - Phone (one cell phone rarely used on the cheapest plan)
~130,000-160,000 - Maintenance (hot water was expensive this winter at 40,000 (with no heat , base maintenance every month at 44,000, electricity was really cheap 10,000 over the winter but will be more in the summer (probably up to 30,000) the rest are little nickel and diming charges like elevator, common area heat, etc.

Total (no TV) ~180,000-210,000

2.2 should net you a little over 2 million once taxes, health, and pension are taken out.

[oneofthesarahs]

I say if you can't live on 2.2 mil there's something seriously wrong.

[leebumlik69]

[English_Ocean]

2.2 is pretty good coin. But, you should also bring with you as much as
you can. There will be some start up costs you will want to cover; food to tide you over for a few weeks, soaps, tp..etc..

[jajdude]

Just don't eat at TGIF every day and get drunk at bars every night and you'll be fine.

[thebum]

[Smee]

I knew a coworker who spent her entire 2,000,000 each month (happened a few times). Yes, it is possible to blow $2,200 on clothes, shoes, hair care, and jazz bars.

[ilovebdt]