Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cwaddell]

.....specifically Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Cheongdamdong.

I'm about to return for my second stint in Korea, and have obviously had a lot of offers from these hagwon abundant areas. During my first year in Korea, living in Ilsan, I only ventured south of the river on a couple of occasions, and am therefore rather clueless about this part of Seoul. I tended to keep the frivolity to the Hongdae area.

My question is regarding the notorious expense of these areas. Just how bad are they? I obviously still want to save money with ease. Will I walk into a kimbab jeonguk orange place and be charged a shocking amount for a kimchi jigae? (W3000 in Ilsan if I remember correctly!). What about the bars/beer prices? I don't need big wanky theme pubs and clubs to have fun, are there also plenty of dingy cheap hofs scattered around?

Thanks for your help folks!

[Bibbitybop]

That's the most expensive area for housing, food and drinks. You can find cheap eats and drinks if you search for it, but on average, you'll pay more.

[calbruin]

As a general rule, the Gangnam area (I use it to generalize the more affluent areas south of the river) tends to be a bit more pricey than Ilsan (I live near Baekseok right now).

However, it isn't impossible to find drinks/food/services at more average prices. It's just that the majority of places will be more costly than the rest of Seoul or the suburbs of Seoul. If you hunt around, you can still find the chain 분식점, such as 김밥나라 and 김밥천국, that are within the regular price range (1,000 Won for a roll of 김밥; 3,000 Won for 김치찌게). I can almost guarantee you though that housing will be much more expensive compared to places of equivalent space / quality in places like Ilsan.

[twg]

Most spoiled, pampered kids I've ever had the misfortune to teach, there. Best of luck.