Salaries in South Korea

• Does anyone know how much salaries are for basic jobs in South Korea (i.e. as a waiter or something similar)? And is it possible to find a job like this if you only speak English?

  19 May 2007, 05:05 Julia

Replies

• Work weeks in South Korea

  This may seem like an idiotic question, but I think it has to do with social norms. What is the average workweek in South Korea? Is there something that is acceptable or something that you really can't go over because of unacceptable norms? Thank you.

  Heiko 19 May 2007, 05:07 - Report

• Some basic info in working in South Korea

  Maybe this info helps:
  
  For those considering a position in Korea there are many questions that come up. This is normal as working outside of your home country can be exciting and scary all at the same time. It is only natural for someone to have a lot of questions regarding the customs and traditions of the country along with other business oriented queries. For instance, Korea cost of living and salaries is a major issue that face people who taking a position in the country of Korea. This is a common query as people would like to know how well they are going to live while working in a foreign country. Most would prefer to not get caught in the middle of a strange place without any type of rudimentary knowledge. The basis of such information like Korea cost of living and salaries is area specific. Much like other countries, different areas of Korea have different pay schedules and cost of living requirements.
  
  When speaking of Korea cost of living and salaries, you must first determine which part of the country you will be living and working in. This is the same type of setup that other countries have as the Korea cost of living and salaries varies by area and the economic development of said area. For instance, you cannot expect a poor village to offer a high rate of pay and low cost of living anymore than you would expect a low salary in the big city areas.
  
  
  Korea cost of living and salaries tend to stay fairly steady as the years go by. The economic development of the country has worked hard to help everything stay in pace with the other parts of the world. The outlying areas of the country are the places where you can expect the lowest Korea cost of living and salaries. This is in direct response to the lack of industry in those areas. You get a generally poor feeling when you visit these areas as the people tend to struggle more to make the living that they need. It has been improving ever since the end of the war but there is still a lot that needs to be done in the areas. You will find a genuine appreciation for the work you do in these areas in exchange for the Korea cost of living and salaries that you will receive.
  
  For the areas that are closer to the major cities you will find a Korea cost of living and salaries that are much higher. This is in line with the economic development in those areas as the country tries to flex the financial muscle that it has grown since its alliance with the US. There are many things that you will receive as part of a contract in this situation that you would not find in the poorer outlying areas including a housing allowance. Many of the contracts allow for housing to be paid for in addition to the salary that you will receive. This is something that you will need to discuss with the person that is hiring you in the initial interview. Housing may be hard to come by so it is best to take advantage of the housing that is available to you.
  
  The Korea cost of living and salaries is fair all over the country. You will find that most times it is much better than other countries even in the poorer areas. Many people believe that the salary is still low but not so low that you cannot make a decent living throughout the country. Make sure that you check into the area in which you will be working to get a better idea of the Korea cost of living and salaries that are in force at the time.
  

  Charlie 19 May 2007, 05:09 - Report

• E

  The salaries depend on the job and the field. I think that all jobs would require that you speak Korean, unless you're planning to be an English teacher or have a job where the company's headquarters are based in another country.
  
  You cited a waiter as a job. Korea has a different dynamic when it comes to waitressing. In the U.S., you make most of your money with tips, and it's considered to be a respectible job. However, things are different in Korea. You do not get any tips, unless it's an Americanized high-end restaurant. Moreover, a waitressing job is looked down upon in Korean society.
  
  On face value, you will get paid significantly less in Korea for "normal" jobs, but this is to be expected as their cost of living is also less (for certain things at least). If you want to make good money, your best bet is being an English teacher/tutor, or working for an international company (however, these corporation jobs are very hard to get and usually long-term).
  
  I think the average workweek is longer in Korea than it is in the states for white-collared jobs. I've also heard that if you're a private school English teacher (hagwons), your schedule is very booked.
  
  As far as acceptable norms in applying for a job, it depends on the job. If you're expecting to get a "normal" job in Korea, the hiring process is difficult as it's hard to find a decent-paying job there even if you're a native. They are also very strict on where you graduated from in college, and yes, looks matter - way more than the U.S.

  E 05 May 2008, 09:49 - Report

• korea

  In other words you guys don't know.

  steve 30 Jun 2008, 07:18 - Report

• as

  sa

  as 26 Sep 2008, 12:29 - Report

• korea

  You wont be able to get a visa for a job apart from teaching english anyway. Unless you work in the entertainment industry.
  Average wage for non-skilled jobs is about 1,000,000 won per month for a LOT of hours.
  
  You could possibly find work in the editing/publishing field but you would need appropriate experience/qualifications.

  peter 04 Nov 2008, 03:38 - Report

• 1000 000 is too low

  You can't even afford rent fees in main capital city area(Gang-Nam region) with that kind of payment.(My rent is 1 650 000 man won including electricity and stuff)
  Don't get ripped off. Average payment if you work in the company(fulltime job) after graduating university and hired as non experience person is around 2 mil won to 3 mil won/month depending on the company). Thats for new comers under provision. There is famous korean english teacher who earns 50 times as much but this is an extreme exception.

  chastro 30 Dec 2008, 07:02 - Report

• $1000

  I am a non-native English speaker and I have been hired as an English teacher by a Presbyterian church in Palgam-do Island of South Korea near Makpo. I am paid $1000 per month to teach KIdergarten children and it requires me to work 30 hrs/month. Housing is given and a day meal. Though I am hired, I am still in the process to come to Korea, so I would like to know whether $1000 is sufficient in my given circumstances. I am looking to save money to see Japan and China during school vacations.

  Kay Bee 20 Feb 2009, 06:06 - Report

• Re: $1000

  As long as housing is provided you will be financially set. Living in a rural area is typically cheaper than living, say, in Seoul. The major drawback to being in rural Korea is that you won't have too much access to anything western, and some things may be more expensive--especially electronics, clothing, etc. Of course your choices will be more limited, too.
  
  You should be able to save 300-500 a month while living comfortably. Your major costs will be food, utilities, and nightlife. If you get a meal 5x a week...and cook a lot of your own food, you can probably get by on 200,000 won a month for food.
  
  Going to China will be cheap, including your stay there. You might have trouble with Japan, though it really depends on what you are doing there. I have not been to Japan so can't say much, except that I've read it can be very expensive. I have been to China, and it is not particularly expensive--unless you're in a big city...obviously.
  
  Ha. Maybe I havent helped out much. But really, 1000 dollars (US, I'm assuming) will put you in a position to save a third of that, perhaps more, each month.

  Chris 03 Mar 2009, 09:13 - Report

• Thank you

  Thanks Chris ^^
  At least I have some idea now as to how much to save out of $1000....
  
  Korea here I come!

  Kay Bee 07 Mar 2009, 10:19 - Report

• Sout Korea

  Realy u guys do not know?????

  Bryan 10 Mar 2009, 02:58 - Report

• $

  So 100k (USD) with a car and apartment would be pretty good?

  mike 27 Apr 2009, 04:49 - Report

• philipines

  what if filipina woman merry korean man do korean man can give the needs of his family?

  saranghee 01 Aug 2009, 09:23 - Report