For a single American expat in South Korea, how much would she needs on a monthly basis?

Question

How much salary does an expat worker usually receive from Pfizer Korea? What are the living conditions: the transportation system, security (i,e. crime, terrorism etc.), the expatriate community, the cost of living, and the entertainment in South Korea particularly Seoul? This is for a single female American.

Answer 1

I have no idea of your salary, but it's probably significantly higher than mine was as an English teacher. I was able to save half to 3/4 of my money every month.

Transportation is great here. The subway is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Seoul, although taxis are also cheap compared to other countries. They have intercity busses that are reasonably priced, and a high speed train called KTX for when you want to spend a bit more and get there faster.

Korea is pretty safe. Children walk the streets coming home from after school institues at 11pm. It's an odd sight to see 10 year olds walking alone at that hour, but does demonstrate the relative safety here. Of course, like anywhere, use your judgement and keep aware of your surroundings.

Each city has an expat community centered mainly around bars. But there are also many different options like sports teams, Korean language study groups, etc. In Seoul Itaewon is the place with the most foreigners, although it's a bit seedy it can be fun and a good place to meet new people and also get some foreign food when you want to have Indian, Thai, Kebabs or something.

Cost of living is generally very low. You can have lunch for $2. Some things are actually higher priced, like deoderant and razors so bring lots of 'em with you.

Entertainment.....hmmm.....mostly centered around drinking. Movies from America are subtitled in Korean, so you can watch them in English. There's lots of mountains to hike, with temples which can be fun on the weekend. Traveling to other towns and cities is good. You kinda have to be creative in this department if you don't want to be spending more than half your days sipping beer and chatting to other foreigners over a game of pool.

Hope this helps a little. Check out the link. It's got a pretty active message board, but take the negative you'll read with a grain of salt. Korea, for most who have an open mind, is a great experience. The site is mainly for English teachers, but any foreigner in Korea will be welcomed. Feel free to email me as well if you'd like.

Answer 2

You can live VERY well on $20 a day so that's 600 a month
Plus an extra $100 for the weekends parties which makes another 400 a month
So $ 1000 will get you far and keep you happy.

Should you want to save more, reduce it to $10 a day and $70 on the weekends. Which comes to just under $600 a month and you still do some stuff.

DONT try and live under $10 a day. Even if you are there to save money, you still have to look after yourself.

Enjoy you stay!

Answer 3

I think you are going to be pleasantly surpised. I have Korean friends and from what I can tell your salary will let you do ok in Seoul, assuming your company pays decently. Have fun!