standard of living in South Korea. Life in Seoul through the eyes of a Ukrainian: why foreigners live better in South Korea than Koreans themselves People live in Korea
It seems that a slight nostalgia came over me because of the seasonal rains, and this is a great occasion to write about the country in which I lived for three whole years full of impressions.
This country, as those who know me personally, has already guessed, is South Korea. I have long wanted to talk about my subjective experience, but somehow my hands did not reach. Maybe this opus will even come in handy for someone who is seriously thinking of going there. 
How did it happen that a person from Primorye was brought for such a long time to the “country of morning freshness”? Everything is simple to the banal, I chased a long ruble. 
When the global financial crisis hit, the company I worked for had to lay off quite a few employees, including some of my friends. Some of them went to Korea to work for the well-known Samsung company. For some reason, the reduction did not affect me, I continued to work, as before, but, of course, I was wondering what the life of an engineer was like there, over the hill. Friends said that, like everywhere else, there are some disadvantages, but, in principle, you can live, and Samsung paid incomparably more, so I decided: why not? And I sent my resume. 
First, I got a call from a Russian employee of the Moscow office, who, after a short introduction, asked me to speak to him in English. When two Russians talk to each other in a foreign language, the feeling is strange, but at least it was clear why they were doing it. Still, for work in another country, the Russian language, as a rule, is not enough. 
The second stage took place via video communication in a conference room in a hotel in Vladivostok. How do interviews usually take place in my profession? You are asked to briefly tell about yourself, and then they begin to load you with either tricky questions, checking the level of theoretical knowledge, or tasks, checking how much you can apply this knowledge.
Samsung was a little different. On the other side of the screen in front of me sat about eight Koreans, to whom I just told my resume for about half an hour. There was a persistent feeling that no one was listening to me. At the end, rather for the sake of form, a couple of some questions were asked, but they were also not technical, but about previous experience. And that's it. The interview ended, and then no hearing, no spirit ... 
I already forgot about the whole story, but a few months later a job offer came. Then - a quick paperwork, and now I'm in Korea. 
Further there will be pluses, minuses and just my observations about different aspects of life in this country. There will most likely be more cons, but don't let that bother you. Disadvantages are very well remembered and remain in memory for a long time, while positive moments, as a rule, are taken for granted and do not even notice. In general, I had very positive impressions of Korea - it was an invaluable, interesting experience, which I do not regret at all. 
Let's start with something pleasant... The "Land of the Morning Calm" is surprisingly comfortable for living. Everything here is made for man. Public transport runs like clockwork and entangles the whole country with numerous routes. The Internet here is inexpensive and flies at space speed. You can eat or buy something at any time of the day or night - many shops, including large supermarkets, are open around the clock. At the same time, at night you can safely wander through any doorways - here you never feel even a shadow of danger, and rare crimes that do happen are either nonsense or make a lot of noise, like something out of the ordinary. The most serious thing that I personally encountered was a stolen bicycle, which, completely relaxed, I did not even fasten, firmly believing in the honesty of the local population. 
In addition to the general convenience of life, bonuses from the employer were also added. First, Samsung provided quite spacious furnished accommodation. At my personal disposal was an apartment with three, albeit small, rooms and a decent-sized hall. As a result, two of them just stood almost empty. For those accustomed to renting one-room Khrushchev apartments in Vladivostok, such space was somehow even too much. Families were given apartments and even more. 
Secondly, on campus Samsung was fed three times a day. For food, something was deducted from the salary, but these were such meager amounts that eating in the canteen was considered akin to free. Each time there were several dishes to choose from - mostly Korean, but sometimes there was something more Europeanized, such as spaghetti. There has always been an option to eat Indian food. I don’t know how, but the Indians, who dominated the company among the few foreigners, somehow won the right to a separate corner with their national food. I can only suspect that the fact that many of them were vegetarians played a decisive role here, and Korean cuisine and vegetarianism are two of some parallel world. For Russians, however, they also arranged a “Russian dinner” once every two weeks with borscht and a salad similar to Olivier. Despite the very approximate idea of Korean chefs about Slavic cuisine, it still turned out very well, and the entire Russian "diaspora" gathered for a feast almost in full force.
Thirdly, once a year, foreigners were paid for a flight to their homeland. Moreover, the country was considered the homeland, and not a specific city. So it was possible to fly away for free, say, to distant Moscow, and not to Vladivostok, which is within easy reach from Korea. In principle, when signing the next contract, no one bothered to write down their country, for example, France, and then the opportunity opened up every year to fly there on vacation for free. Some people have used it.
There were some other small bonuses, such as a free gym and discounts to some establishments, but I don’t remember that I ever took advantage of these discounts. Samsung in Korea is almost a religion. Outside the country, the company is engaged only in certain types of business, but at home their business is comprehensive - this is construction, and automobile production, and medicine, and shipbuilding, and God knows what else. To work in this giant for a Korean is prestige, success and, in general, absolute happiness. 
The Samsung campus in Suwon, a city not very far from Seoul where I lived and worked, is a small town comparable in size to the military garrison where I once spent my childhood. There is everything on the territory: a post office, a clinic, a travel agency, banks, shops, many cafes, a swimming pool, a gym, parks, and so on and so forth ... And, of course, offices - several high-rise buildings flooded with engineers and other office plankton . 
I just described such an idyll that I was envious myself. Let's still go down a little from heaven to earth, since working at Samsung, unfortunately, is not always a pleasure. 
Let's start with the obvious - language. And the point here is not so much in the company, but in the fact that it was necessary to live and work in a country where only a small percentage of the population knows English at least somehow, and even those who know it are terribly embarrassed to speak it. 
Here we must pay tribute to Samsung, for everyday issues we had Russian speakers ... not even translators ... The non-literary word “deciders” is most suitable here. That is, if you have some kind of everyday problem: for example, a pipe at home has flowed, or you accidentally drove into someone’s bumper, then you immediately go or call the Korean girl Sveta, who helps to sort out the whole thing. Perhaps, sometimes I even felt sorry for them. With what only garbage to them did not come. Besides, some nonsense could happen and usually happened to my numerous compatriots at any time of the day. In short, specifically to Sveta, I am sincerely very grateful for everything she did.
There was a problem with the language. In a team of plus or minus ten people, less than half spoke English. Naturally, 90% of the correspondence was in Korean, in which I was not in the tooth with my foot. Of course, most often, if something was required from me, then the task was transferred to me. Sometimes, however, they forgot to do this, and it turned out that someone asked me to finish something a few days ago, but sent a letter in his native language, and I habitually ignored such correspondence. And everything had to be done yesterday... Or, on the contrary, it happened that for several days I did something that was already, as it were, not required. 
It is the same with meetings where, by virtue of tradition, the senior in rank speaks, while the rest listen attentively. I have never noticed anything even remotely similar to a real discussion. It was necessary to go to them, because it is customary, but there rarely anyone bothered with English, therefore - that they went to such an event that they listened to the radio. Then you ask someone again: what, in fact, was it about? And now, after all, a miracle - the essence of the hourly meeting manages to be stated in just a couple of short sentences.
In order to somehow cope with this information vacuum, I even started attending Korean language courses. What seems to be hieroglyphs to an untrained eye, in fact turned out to be the alphabet, which was not at all difficult to learn, but otherwise I did not work out with the language.
As soon as vocabulary, comparable to the lexicon of Ellochka the cannibal, was enough for Everyday life, I scored for study. I justified this for myself by the fact that it was immediately clear that I did not intend to live in Korea all my life, and the efforts were not worth it. In fact, the reason for this, in all honesty, was banal laziness. Unlike me, some newcomers, especially Indians, achieved quite good success in the language, which made an already quite comfortable life dozens of times easier. 
There were in ignorance of Korean and their pluses. The point is that in open space the office was quite noisy at times due to periodic conversations between colleagues, but when you don’t really understand anything, it’s just background noise that doesn’t really prevent you from concentrating on something of your own. I felt the difference when I started working in Canada, where, willy-nilly, you begin to listen to any conversation, and it becomes very difficult to focus on work.
The very style of work is a mess and chaos. There is no planning. You can sit for a month doing nothing really, and then all of a sudden the big boss comes in, starts kicking everyone, and people stay overnight at work, completing a five-year plan in two years. 
At the same time, Korean companies operate on the principle of an army hierarchy. The orders of the elder are not discussed, even if it is obvious that some kind of idiocy is proposed. If the party said there is contact, then we will have contact. You can’t argue with the elder, because he is older (in age or in the career ladder), which means he is smarter. This approach infuriated me all the time, I constantly disagreed with something, which caused bewilderment in the eyes of my boss. But for any of my “why”, he had two universal answers:
- "So Accepted". And this is just the quintessence of the Korean worldview. Here, to solve any problem, there is, as a rule, only one correct generally accepted approach, and if you try to do something differently, then this introduces others into a stupor, and they begin to consider you a rebel. Out-of-the-box thinking is not welcome here.
- The second answer to the reasoned objection: "Yes, I understand, but that's what the boss said". That is, if my boss said something to his boss, then there is nothing more to discuss. And to go and argue himself through one step in the hierarchy to his boss is bad manners. Why? Yes, because it is not accepted ...
Although, of course, the Koreans in the bulk - the people are quite good-natured. They can argue or scandal only if their social status or age puts them above their opponent, while they are completely unprepared for at least some kind of rebuff from the younger. Any reasoned objection plunges them into a slight shock, especially if it happens in front of witnesses. There is such a thing as “losing face” here, and they take such a loss extremely seriously.
By the way, the status in Korea is very important. Even at the language level, sentences are built differently, depending on whether you are lower than the interlocutor or higher in the hierarchy. One of the determining parameters by which two strangers will put themselves in the dialogue on the right steps is age. Therefore, they usually ask him when they meet about as often as the name. 
All foreigners who came to work in this country have a different experience, but in general, very similar stages can be traced.
The first couple of days the company conducts introductory trainings for foreigners, after which you do nothing for several weeks. It really depends on the person: someone spends this time trying to figure out what to do on their own, and someone gets other team members with questions, with answers to which they sincerely try to help you. In principle, such a reasonable approach allows a beginner to adapt and not fall into a stressful state from a change in familiar conditions.
Slowly, plunging into the environment, you establish contact with team members who should also get used to you, as some of them are especially sensitive people at first they shudder and begin to stutter when a foreigner addresses them. Due to the fact that you are not yet trusted with the work, the main communication takes place either during lunch or during drinking.
It is customary for the whole team to go to lunch, apparently in order to strengthen the working relationship also with personal affection. Dining separately from the team is considered bad manners. I only lasted a couple of weeks. All conversations were conducted, of course, in Korean, I did not understand anything, and therefore I began to score and dine with Russian colleagues from other teams. Basically, after a while, this happened to most foreigners, and only rare visitors continued to follow the local collective traditions. In fact, this was a plus of the fact that we arrived from another world, because we were condescendingly forgiven for something that could spoil the career of a Korean. 
Since we are talking about food, it is worth noting that few of the visitors fell in love with Korean cuisine from the first spoon. As a rule, it seemed that some dishes were simply impossible to eat due to the amount of hot spices that were abundantly put there. When I first ate kimchijigae soup, tears naturally flowed from my eyes. Then this infernal mixture, reminiscent of borscht in color, got me in the wrong throat, and I coughed for several minutes, trying to clear my throat of the annual norm of pepper that fell on it. 
But, surprisingly, after a couple of months, I could no longer be pulled by the ears from Korean food, and I happily ate the same seemingly poisonous soup on both cheeks. What can I say, I still sometimes miss Korean cuisine. Sometimes I buy kimchi and periodically go to Korean restaurants, fortunately there are enough of them in Vancouver. 
Food in the land of morning freshness is a cult. On television, cooking shows here rival musical pop culture in popularity, and the number of restaurants and cafes per capita is simply amazing. I especially fell in love with the numerous places where you can eat "samgyeopsal" - raw meat, which you cook for yourself on a grill over coals. In Russia, it seems to me, the fire inspectorate itself would have burnt down such an institution in anger, but in Korea they are everywhere, and somehow I have not heard about cases of spontaneous combustion. 
Well, in the topic of food, you can’t get around the topic of one of the stereotypes about local cuisine. The fact is that in Korea they eat dogs, despite the fact that the Koreans themselves can go to great lengths to prove that this is already in the past. 
Moreover, this is some incredibly painful topic, which is generally better not to touch if you are not sure about your interlocutor. When asked where you can try a dog, you will most likely stumble upon some kind of complete inadequacy: some will emotionally prove that they have never eaten it in their lives, and in general, such a disgrace is impossible in our time; others will quarrel about external world does not understand their centuries-old traditions; and only with a trusting relationship, which usually arises under the influence of alcohol absorbed together, can you be taken to a place where you can try this particular dish. It is difficult to judge what percentage of the population is still indulging in this sophistication, but everyone knows for sure that it is not at all difficult to find such an unadvertised institution. Therefore, if they tell you that there are no more such restaurants, then this clean water, sorry for the pun, bullshit. I will probably never understand where they got such a cognitive dissonance associated with this topic. Most foreigners living in Korea are much more relaxed about it and are well aware that it is hypocrisy to condemn Koreans while eating beef steak. So few people end up leaving this country without trying “Posinthan”, at least out of curiosity. 
The second way to establish contact with colleagues, as I already mentioned, is drinking or in the local “hveshchik” - regular mini-corporate parties, where the whole team goes out to eat somewhere in the evening and throw in snot. By "regular" I mean not once every six months, but almost every two weeks. Skipping such events is also bad form, unless, of course, you are a foreigner. It's very interesting at first. Here, in fact, all languages are unleashed, you are no longer embarrassed, and English, at the very least, begin to speak even those who before that, it seemed, did not speak the language at all. Here you are taught all sorts of local troubles, such as how to turn away, always holding a glass with both hands, into which your boss throws firewood at you. On the first such “hveshchik” a beginner is sure to try to drink to unconsciousness - this is also a tribute to tradition. 
In general, regular corporate booze is an interesting phenomenon. I never thought that Koreans would drink so hard. At first, it was somehow wild to see respectable men and nice decently dressed office girls walking down the street in the evening, who zigzag back home in a completely inadequate state. It’s good that it’s safe here - someone could take advantage of such a state in our country.
These events are said to strengthen working relationships and are also a way of coping with the stress that many here suffer from, often due to a lack of work-life balance. 
Everyone must have heard that Koreans and Japanese work very hard? I can’t judge the Japanese, but I would rephrase this statement a little about the Koreans: they spend a lot of time at work. No, if necessary, they will also work as long as necessary, only the economic miracle has already happened, and the need for such Stakhanovite labor has long since disappeared, but the tradition has remained. Therefore, they often have to sit in the office six days a week (with the official five-day work) until late in the evening, even if there is really no work, and they just have to watch some videos on the Internet. 
It is also not customary for Koreans to go on vacation. Unless for a couple of days, and even then for some significant reason, because otherwise the rest may think that you are slacking off from the work that the team faces, because the collective in Korea is much more important than the individual. 
There is even a story about which newcomers are told. They say that such an experiment was carried out: people were shown a photo, on foreground whom a man was smiling, and behind him stood a group with sour faces. The observer was asked the question: “In your opinion, is the person in the photo happy?”. Allegedly, the majority of Europeans answered that yes, since a smile is clearly visible on his face. The Asians, on the other hand, voted that it was not, because a person cannot be happy if his environment is unhappy.
At the same trainings, by the way, they mention that personal relationships with colleagues are often much more important here than work skills. Therefore, the next stage, which in one way or another is faced by all foreigners who finally join the work after a few weeks of adaptation period, is an attempt to make you work in the traditional style. 
For some reason, LiveJournal believes that I wrote too much for one post, so I have to break the story into two parts:
South Korea. Life and work. Part 1
Constant growth of economic indicators in a positive way affects the situation in South Korea. In 2019, the country is considered one of the most prosperous states in the East. High salaries, the opportunity to be treated in clinics that have become famous all over the world, the chance to get a prestigious education - this makes life in Korea attractive for Russians. However, before you go to conquer the country, you should get better acquainted with its features.
Benefits of living in South Korea
The economic well-being of the state is reflected primarily on its citizens. Russians in Korea who have achieved citizenship in the country will have access to benefits that can be used by a rather narrow circle of people. True, as in any other country, the possibilities of people depend on the part of the state where they are located. It is worth remembering that living in Seoul, which belongs to the developed cities of the world, is different from staying in the provinces.
The capital, which is the center of culture and industry, will gladly welcome foreigners who want to invest in enterprises, or specialists with unique skills. The influx of professional personnel is facilitated by the high level of salaries and the ability to quickly climb the career ladder especially with unique knowledge and skills. Moreover, one of the main advantages of employment is equal opportunities for the indigenous population and foreigners. True professionals in their field will be respected regardless of skin color and historical homeland.
Life in South Korea ordinary people also located on high level. The most modern achievements of civilization are available to anyone, whether it is advanced medicine or education. Almost all the indigenous people of the country graduate from higher educational institutions, and access to technical innovations has long been known around the world. Quantity mobile phones, registered in the country, exceeded the number of citizens, fluctuating at around 51 million.
The level of well-being of the population
Moving should always be prepared in advance. You need to learn more about the country that is the final destination. People from abroad who decide to move to this state are primarily interested in the pros and cons of living in Korea. The benefits include:
- high level of wages;
- the demand for foreign personnel in various industries: from seasonal work to employment in large corporations;
- modern medical care;
- the opportunity to receive a prestigious education;
- development of the service sector and infrastructure;
- low crime rate;
- availability of entertainment.
However, a European or Russian who has moved to the country will have to face some disadvantages:
- adherence to style. Koreans sacredly honor traditions, especially the cult of age;
- obtaining Korean citizenship is extremely difficult;
- labor leave is shorter than in Europe;
- some familiar products are not on the shelves;
- For full communication, it is important to know the Korean language, which is quite difficult to learn.
However, the advantages usually outweigh the possible difficulties associated with local traditions, mentality and other features. Therefore, migrants from all over the world flock to South Korea, especially from the former CIS countries.
Product prices
The specificity of Korean cuisine determines the range of goods on store shelves. Here you can find far from all food products that Russians are used to. Food prices in Seoul and the provinces of South Korea do not differ much, being at the level of such large Russian cities as Moscow and St. Petersburg.
But some products are available in limited quantities and are quite expensive. For example, if we compare how much bread will cost in Russia and South Korea, then the advantage is on the side of the former. The price of the most important product in the Land of Morning Calm, in terms of rubles, fluctuates at the level of 110-130 rubles. Popular food items can be purchased at the following prices:
- a liter of milk - 88-124 rubles;
- 10 eggs - 110-140 rubles;
- apples 160-200 r. per kg;
- oranges - 120-150 r. per kg;
- kilogram of cheese - 700-850 r.
However, high salaries allow residents to indulge in nothing and include a variety of dishes on the menu.
Renting and buying a home
When moving to another country, you should first familiarize yourself with the real estate market. Housing prices in Seoul are quite high. Koreans prefer to settle in high-rise buildings, foreigners also prefer this type of premises. You can find out at a real estate agency, but you will have to pay about 5-8 thousand US dollars per square meter, depending on the location of the housing and a number of other conditions.
Investments in real estate, which are made by wealthy foreigners, pay off quickly enough, since rent is also not cheap. For renting out premises, you can get a solid profit, since a month of living in a one-room apartment in the center of Seoul will cost $700. The cost of renting the same housing in a residential area is slightly lower and fluctuates around $400. A three-room apartment located on the outskirts of the capital will cost $1,000 per month.
Russians in Seoul who came to look for work are quite common. There are many in the capital large enterprises who employ foreign specialists. Most in demand:
- IT workers;
- engineers;
- translators;
- designers;
- lawyers;
- industrial electronics specialists;
- workers in the chemical industry.
The provinces are also ready to offer migrants jobs. However, specialists in the fishing and agricultural industries are most in demand here.
Job Search
For a normal life in a foreign country, you need a stable income. associated with a number of difficulties, which primarily include finding a suitable vacancy. You can stay in the country and obtain a visa that allows employment if you have a valid offer from the employer and conclude an agreement with the company. Search for vacancies is carried out in the following ways:
- through specialized recruiting agencies;
- with help printed publications- South Korean newspapers and magazines;
- by contacting the employer directly;
- using sites where available vacancies are posted.
The latter method is considered the most popular, since you can search even outside of South Korea. The advantage of the information system is also the constant updating of vacancies and the absence of costs in the process of selecting a job.
Taxation
After moving, you need to be ready to give part of the money you earn to the country's treasury. The tax system of South Korea is similar to the Russian one. Payments to the state are divided into state and local. Taxation and interest rates of a legal entity within the country: VAT - 10%, tax on individual consumption - 5-20%, tax on entity- 10%, income tax (per resident) - 6-35%. A state tax is a tax levied by the state on citizens to form the state budget. Tax on a legal entity includes three types: on income for each financial year, repayment of debts, on land income.
Entrepreneurs from abroad who decide to operate within the South Korean state are provided with a special loan that allows you to pay taxes during the formation of the business. However, it can only be obtained if the enterprise does not belong to the manufacturing sector. The money is used to pay off the VAT levied on the purchase of products and goods necessary for work.
Features of the tax system allow foreigners to feel on an equal footing with the indigenous population. Fees from labor migrants are identical to those levied on citizens of the country. Among the taxes that are unusual for Russians, in the first place is the duty levied when undergoing certain cosmetic procedures. A facelift or breast lift is accompanied by additional payments to the state.
Medical service
South Korean clinics are considered among the best in the world. The highest service, moderate cost of treatment, as well as the constant introduction of the latest developments attract people in need of treatment from all over the world to the state. The authorities strive to maintain national medicine at a high level, investing significant funds in its development. The most popular areas of medicine among patients are:
- ophthalmology;
- oncology;
- cardiology;
- neurology;
- dentistry.
A medical visa for Russians is not mandatory. Free entry to the state is organized for patients. You can also take the necessary tests upon arrival at the medical facility.
Education in Korea
South Korean educational institutions are considered no less prestigious than European ones. But to get an education, it is not enough to know English. National language plays leading role in the process of mastering the chosen profession. Of course, it provides for the availability of special programs in which classes are held in English. However, for further employment and living, knowledge national language is decisive. In total, there are about 40 universities in Seoul, the most famous of them are:
- Ehwa is the world's largest women's institution of higher education;
- Kunming - graduates specialists in 15 industries, including Japanese studies;
- Hanguk is an institute of foreign languages, one of the three world leaders in its profile.
For admission, you need to pass a special test, as well as submit a number of documents.
Recreation and entertainment
The leisure sector is considered one of the most developed in Korea. Anyone can find something to their liking. The country has its own ski resorts, and each city can boast of having museums, galleries and other places popular among tourists and the indigenous population.
Korean holidays
In South Korea, much attention is paid to traditional celebrations that allow numerous relatives to gather together. The largest are: Chuseok, which marks the harvest, and Seollal, an analogue of the New Year. Traditionally, they are considered to be just family, although recently mass festivities have also become popular, especially among young people.
Restaurants and cafes
Numerous catering establishments serve mainly traditional Korean food. The basis of the menu is rice, vegetables and fish. Meat is much less common, although pork is often used in cooking. This creates problems for tourists and students who come from Muslim countries - it is quite difficult for them to find a restaurant serving beef or chicken.
National food is characterized by unusual spiciness for Europeans and Russians. Therefore, when tasting a new dish, special care should be taken. Restaurants in Korea are classified by type:
- cafe with food fast food eg pizzerias;
- traditional food establishments;
- special "meat" items;
- reminiscent of Japanese sashimi, where raw fish dishes are served.
Food prices are very democratic. Lunch for two will cost 1,000 rubles in terms of Russian currency, and you can have breakfast in an inexpensive cafe by paying 150 rubles.
Attitude towards sports and a healthy lifestyle
People living in the East are constantly on the move. The way of life in Korea also implies the obligatory participation in sports. The population of the country does not suffer from excessive fullness precisely thanks to regular jogging, cycling and popular gymnastics. There are national sports in the country, but the disciplines that came from Europe are considered the most developed. Badminton, diving, golf and bowling are especially popular.
South Korea is a mysterious country. Not as mysterious as her neighbor - North Korea, however, all the same, many moments of life in this country remain a mystery to a European person. Anastasia Lilienthal lived in South Korea for 5 years and shared her experience of living in this country with newslab.ru.
How to get to South Korea?
All her life the girl lived in Krasnoyarsk and did not even plan to move somewhere. She studied at the university to be an accountant. At the same time, she was drawn into the Krasnoyarsk anime party.
“I went to cosplay, sing songs, dance, and it all ended with my favorite dance team Tiramisu. I graduated from the university with a red diploma and a presidential scholarship, got a job and worked for a month as an accountant. I quickly realized that such a job was definitely not for me, quit and thought about the future, ”says the girl.
The case helped - she received a letter from a friend of a professor who once taught Korean at a pedagogical university.
- He offered to go to study the language for six months in Korea. I agreed immediately - what did I have to lose? And so we, four Russian girl friends, came to study at the Busan Institute (this is the second largest South Korean city after Seoul). It was fun there, we learned the language, walked a lot, explored the city. I liked Korea so much that I decided to stay here. And she stayed, as you probably already understood, for a long time, - says Nastya.
A little later, she moved to another small town called Chungju. It looks more like a village: in the morning roosters sing, cows moo.
— There I studied language courses for a year in order to enter the master's program at the university. The hardest part was finding the money to pay for tuition. It suddenly turned out that within two days I had to transfer 10 thousand dollars to the university. I didn’t have them at that moment, but a familiar Korean helped me, who, on parole, simply borrowed this crazy amount. Of course, I soon returned everything to him. There you are good example mutual assistance in Korean, - says Nastya.
About studying in South Korea
Nastya says that studying is very different from the Russian education system.
- And to be honest, I am very glad that I studied in Russia. In Korea, students choose their own subjects, they have a certain number of hours in their specialty and additional hours. For example, if you have a specialty "programmer", you gain hours for yourself in programming, but you can sign up for Japanese, Chinese, go to "physical training" - tennis or badminton, - says Nastya.
There are no so-called seminars in Korea: after a lecture, you need to deal with the material on your own.
— Exams are usually all written, sometimes there are tests. There are no oral exams. I consider this a huge minus, because when you apply for a job in a Korean company, you go through an interview, and many lack these oral communication skills on various complex topics, they often get into a mess, - the girl shares.
They are graded on a 100-point system, but you will never get 100 points. In Korea, there is a principle - a certain number of excellent students per class, for example, 30%. And it doesn’t matter that there are actually more excellent students - there is a percentage, and if you don’t get into it, then that’s it. Interestingly, it is not allowed to express a personal opinion at school, you can only quote someone else's position.
- Since I studied at the magistracy, we, on the contrary, had only “practices” instead of lectures. All classes were, of course, in Korean, no English. We once studied children's literature under the guidance of a rather elderly teacher. I was asked to make a report on the fairy tale about Ivan the Fool, and I wrote my personal opinion - I analyzed his actions, drew conclusions. When I read out the report, the teacher was simply shocked and gave the lowest mark, since I dared to express my opinion, and not what was written in the textbook. In Korea, everything is like this - you don't have own opinion, but should only do as society tells you, - says Nastya.
About working in South Korea
All the years of her life in the country, the girl worked part-time at the same time. Sometimes in very specific jobs.
- Once I happened to work at the factory of "doshirak" - ready-made meals in packages! It was my first job, and the shifts there lasted 12 hours with a break for lunch. They checked me all the way down to my nails, so that they were trimmed and without manicure. Every half an hour they were forced to wash our hands in bleach (even though we worked with gloves), it was terrible. Everyone around seemed to be immured, from head to toe in overalls - boots, a suit, a cap, a mask, only the eyes are visible. And for me, and so the Koreans were all on the same face, so at the factory I generally only recognized them by their voices! Nastya shares.
During her life in South Korea, the girl worked as a barista, waitress, saleswoman.
— Got a job in the billiard room. It wasn't difficult either—wiping tables, serving bowls, counting customers, washing dishes, and vacuuming carpets. But most of all - for 4 years - I worked in a mini-market at the university. I worked the night shift as I studied during the day. I stood behind the cash register, arranged the goods, cleaned up, kept a record of products, - says Nastya.
Now she works where she can. Sometimes even a model.
— Minimum size wages in Korea used to be 6,480 won (340 rubles), and in 2018 it was raised to 7,500 won per hour. But many shops cannot afford such a rate, usually pay less. It was the same with me, - says Nastya.
The five biggest differences between Russia and South Korea
First of all, Anastasia was surprised by the food.
- They dress salad with vegetables with yogurt, and fruit salad with mayonnaise :) There are a lot of fresh seafood that five minutes ago were swimming in front of your eyes, but now they are already moving in your plate. You won't see this in Russia! Cooking at home sometimes turns out to be even more expensive than eating in a diner, because food in Korea is really expensive. And the strangest thing is that their beef is fatter than pork! Because cows in Korea never graze on pastures. They just stand or lie in stalls all day long, that's all, ”says Nastya.
And yes, dogs are also eaten in Korea.
Usually all people know about food in Korea is that it is spicy! And it is true. But living here, you get used to this sharpness. Many people are still surprised how Koreans eat all sorts of obscure larvae such as silkworms and dogs. It's true about dogs too. As far as I know, this has been going on since the time when Korea was occupied by the Japanese. They had nothing to eat, so they got to the dogs. It is also believed that dog meat helps with tuberculosis,” says the girl.
The second difference is respect for age.
- For us, age is just a number in the passport. In Korea, it is one of the most important aspects of life. At the first meeting with a Korean, he may not even ask your name, but he will definitely ask about your age, because the entire communication system is built on it. For example, you meet an interlocutor who is older than you - and you must show very great respect for him. Even if he is only a couple of months older than you! Let me give you an example (it is a bit shocking, but believe me, this is how it all happens!). Let's say two guys (one a little younger than the other) like the same girl. They both know about it and want to confess their feelings to her. So, until the elder proposes to the girl, the younger simply does not have the right to do it first. And it works! Nobody argues with grandparents here either - they are just kings in Korea. You listen and keep quiet.
But Korea is very safe. You can walk at night and not be afraid of anything.
“The crime rate here is very low. Therefore, even at one in the morning I can safely walk around the city, and all these years I have not been afraid to work in a minimarket at night. And here is an example of how the police work here. One evening, a company of Chinese people collected goods for a tidy sum, I calculated them, and after 20 minutes the police arrived. They asked me to show the recording from the cameras. It turned out that one Korean had lost his card, and they had just paid with it in this store. And they show me the time and the amount. Then they see the Chinese on the recording, they immediately punch them through the base and detain them. This is how crimes are revealed here at lightning speed.
Another funny difference is public toilets. It turned out that they are everywhere in South Korea.
“This is another indicator of how much the country has done for its people. We can say that compared to Korea, there are simply no public normal toilets in Russia. Here they are everywhere: at every metro stop, in any public place, park, shop, and so on. Wherever you feel like it, you can go to the toilet without fear and doubt. Normal, clean, decent. In Korea, usually everyone brushes their teeth in these toilets after dinner, and Korean women put on make-up in the morning and evening - there are clean and large mirrors there, ”the girl says.
Koreans have a different view of relationships. It is quite difficult for a foreigner to find friends in this country.
- Honestly, I have no real friends among Koreans and cannot be. Because guys see me as a girl, and Korean girls only see me as a rival. And in general, you won’t be able to just talk heart to heart with Koreans. They are very secretive and cunning people. Very closed. Of course, everyone has their own cockroaches, but Koreans, in principle, have a lot of psychological blocks and complexes. They are very dependent on other people's opinions, many have low self-esteem. That is why they have the highest suicide rate in the world,” says Nastya.
It's especially hard to make friends with guys.
- It’s also difficult for me to make friends among Korean guys, because if they have a girlfriend, then he has no right to be friends with me, even to talk. If he didn’t have a girlfriend and we communicated normally, and after he started a relationship, then that’s it, a friend immediately erases mine and in general all the girls’ contacts on the phone, can’t call or write to them. This is considered cheating. Korean couples are generally very fond of all sorts of romantic things - paired t-shirts, sneakers, rings. They can spend 24 hours together, as if sticking to each other. If you missed a call or SMS - get ready for big quarrel. Lovers simply do not have personal space. There is a real romantic cult in Korea! All holidays are made for couples. On Valentine's Day, girls are required to give guys chocolate, and on March 14 (not 8!) It's the other way around - guys bring caramels and lollipops to girls, ”the girl shares.
The tragedy of a lifetime for a Korean is to be lonely. That is why everyone is constantly meeting with someone.
- If you do not have a status relationship, you are officially recognized as a loser, you are branded. In Korea it has a very great importance. And it doesn’t matter if you have a long relationship or you change them like gloves!
About nostalgia for Russia
Nastya admits that, despite 5 years spent in the country, she still feels like a stranger.
“I feel special here. In general, because of the appearance, because white. And it also depends on the generation. The older generation is not very fond of foreigners, and it does not matter if you are American, Russian or from Africa. And young people look at you, many try to speak English or help. In general, Koreans know very little about Russia. Nothing but “Putin, vodka, cold and Russian girls are the most beautiful,” says Nastya.
salaries in south korea
Of course, salaries in South Korea are an order of magnitude higher than in Russia, but the costs are also higher. The average Korean earns 3-5 thousand dollars (170-280 thousand rubles) a month, you can live here with this money. But by Russian standards, these salaries are at the level of 30-40 thousand rubles.
- For something, the prices are lower here, for example, for clothes, unless, of course, it is branded. Housing is expensive in big cities (Seoul, Busan). Transport is also expensive, but you can transfer from one transport to another on one ticket, there are transport cards. Medicine here is very expensive, so Koreans carefully monitor their health, especially their teeth (they clean them after every meal). Entertainment is quite affordable, you can go somewhere to relax - to another city or abroad, - says the girl.
And in South Korea, they practically do not rest. Official vacation - only a week. And they don't have any pension. Therefore, often you can see taxi drivers-grandfathers in their 70s, and this is normal. Many grandmothers work in restaurants and markets. As a result, as Nastya says, the standard of living here is higher than in Russia. But life itself is not here, because the whole life of Koreans passes under the motto "earn more money and achieve high status.
Nastya sometimes comes to Russia for a month or two. There are thoughts of returning, but for now she prefers to stay there.
About why in South Korea it is better to be a foreigner than a citizen of the republic, why the curlers on the head of the chairman of the Constitutional Court of South Korea are not at all an accident, and how it happened that a sectarian became the president of the country - read the blog.
Anna Lee 25 years old, Distortion Magazine journalist, traveler without the skill to take "beautiful photos".
In 2015, I was graduating from university, sending out resumes to the masters of office plankton, hoping to forget the meaning of the word freelancer, and dreaming of a summer in Barcelona. And then she fell in love. In Korean. Having gone through all the stages of denial and resigned to the fact that this greatest love on Earth, I moved to South Korea. Now I live in Seoul, I study the Korean language and I try very hard not to go bankrupt in the shops treacherously scattered around the city with.
South Korea is a mono-ethnic country with a Confucian heritage that has made an impressive leap from a poor agrarian state to a high-tech post-industrial republic, and in doing so has created the so-called "economic miracle on the Han River."
These factors had a tremendous impact on the formation of the mentality and way of life of the inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula, and for me, a person in love with Europe, life in Korea has become a revelation in many ways. I have been living here for less than a year and a half, and perhaps my “glasses” are still rosy before my eyes, but I can’t help but feel that being a foreigner in is great, and sometimes even better than a citizen of the Republic of Korea squeezed into a strict hierarchical culture.
ATTITUDE TO UKRAINIANS AND OTHER FOREIGNERS
First of all, it is impossible not to notice that in South Korea you find yourself among Asian faces. 98% of the inhabitants of the republic are Koreans, and it would be very hard for me if they turned out to be racists. It is obvious that Koreans are nationalists who adore their country, but their nationalism, as a rule, does not translate into aggressive attacks towards other peoples. If we talk about how hanguks ( South Koreans), refer to Wiguks (foreigners), it is important to clarify which ones. The "most beloved" foreigners are Americans. Everything related to the USA is considered cool, young people dream of studying in America or going there for an internship, because with such data in the resume, a well-paid job in their homeland is provided.Inserting an English word into Korean is, again, considered cool. A Korean of any age speaks a certain set of English words, but many hanguks are still too shy to speak English.
The "most beloved" foreigners are Americans. But, in principle, all English-speaking foreigners are very valuable friends for Koreans, because thanks to communication they will help to improve colloquial speech and the peculiar pronunciation of "Coringlish".
But to people from the poorer Asian countries South Koreans are treated haughtily as if they were cheap labor. The Japanese are not digested at all, as they remember the cruel period of the occupation, but, of course, no one speaks openly about this. The so-called ethnic Koreans scattered around the world are treated differently. Someone - as to their lost brothers, someone - already as to another people. Language proficiency also influences attitudes. The older generation does not understand how a Korean, even if born in another country, can not know Korean. Young people often do not know at all what kind of ethnic Koreans they are, living abroad.
In short, in 1860, the Opium Wars ended between the Chinese Empire and European countries. The Beijing Treaty was signed, according to which the Russian Empire had a border with Korea at the expense of former Chinese lands. At that time, a terrible famine raged on the Korean Peninsula, so the Koreans began to cross into the territories of Russia and China due to lack of land and food. A new wave of emigration occurred as a result of the Japanese occupation of 1910, and 1937, known in the post-Soviet space as the time of the most brutal wave of repressions, was also the year of the deportation of ethnic Koreans who inhabited Russian empire and then the USSR from that same 1860, in the steppes of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which further alienated them from their historical homeland. In the USSR, Koreans were subjected to a policy of Russification, which is why many ethnic Koreans do not know the Korean language.
My husband works in a Canadian bar in a foreigner's area, and next to the American base, so 95% of the customers are English-speaking guys, the staff also communicates in English. Once a Korean came to the bar, drank too much and made a real scandal: “Why does everyone speak English here ?! This is Korea, speak Korean!”, tried to climb onto the bar and actively waved his ID. As it turned out, the man was an employee of the district immigration office. It hurts a person, it happens.
Everyone has heard about Ukraine, but the depth of knowledge is the same as that of the average Ukrainian about Zimbabwe.
They know that Ukrainians play football well, they know about the revolution and the war in the east of the country. Recently, they asked if strawberries are grown in Ukraine and “what they feed you with”, hinting at the beauty of Ukrainian women.
BEAUTY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN SOUTH KOREA
My great-grandfather was Asian, so many new acquaintances often ask if I'm half Korean. I collect compliments due to the double eyelid, on which “there is so much room for shading the shadows”, and white skin - she was especially “checked out” by the saleswoman in the jewelry store, where I chose the ring: “God, such pens! White-white." I'm sorry I can't convey the tone. Although Korean women use whitening creams, many have a neck and body that are still darker than their faces. In Ukraine, I had the opposite problem: even the lightest foundation in the European line of decorative cosmetics was always several tones darker than my neck. It was generally unrealistic to get a tan, but in Korea, it turns out, it’s no longer necessary. Here in the summer women walk around with umbrellas, smear themselves impenetrable and bathe in the sea dressed.
South Korea is a country where you have to be beautiful to be successful. And only then smart, and even better - diligent: here perseverance is valued above the mind.
Beauty standards in Korea are quite strict and detailed: snow-white skin, double eyelids, wide straight eyebrows, small lips, high nose bridge, V-shaped chin, weak cheekbones, prominent forehead, skull (the shape of the top of the head should also be rounded), small face(“you have a face like a cam” is an amazing compliment), and of course, slimness - all this applies to both girls and guys. The ideal height for a girl is 170, for a guy - 180 cm and above, in addition, a pumped-up body for men is an unconditional plus. Most Korean celebrities and idols meet these requirements, among Korean female celebrities, actresses Jung Ji Hyun and Go Ara, singers Sulli, Song Na Eun, Kim Yura can be an example. Among the handsome boys: Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Hong Bin, Kim Jin Woo, T.O.P.
Everyone who works on television is beautiful. Who is not beautiful - that clown, that is, a comedian. And all because South Korea is a country in which, in order to be successful, you need to be beautiful. And only then smart, and even better - diligent: here perseverance is valued above the mind. Therefore, parents give gifts to children for birthdays, both women and men use cosmetics, and fashion trends turn into the uniform of Korean shopaholics.A foreigner is easy to recognize, even if he has an Asian appearance: visitors are not dressed in Korean fashion. For a Korean, fashion is above style, if something is fashionable― so everyone wears it.
POLITICAL SCANDAL AND CURLS
If I got used to short pants and oversized clothes back in Kyiv, then I still can’t put up with the fashion for curlers. Today is like thisthat it is fashionable to wear a thin, slightly twisted bang, and in order for this bang to be perfect, Korean women twist it on curlers and, confident in their irresistibility, go everywhere like that. Curlers for bangs are sold individually as decoration: if you want - with rhinestones, if you want - with flowers. Curlers were even involved in politics.
No one could have imagined that a sect would replace the president's family, and that state decisions would be made under the influence of fortune-tellers and mystical rituals.
On March 10, I followed the news about the impeachment of the President of the Republic of Korea and saw the news about the President of the Constitutional Court, Lee Chung Mi, who came to the meeting with two pink curlers on the back of her head. In general, at first I decided that this was a new round of fashion, and the curlers moved from the bangs to the back of the head. But it turned out that the chairman was so absorbed in thinking about the announcement of the verdict that she simply forgot to take off the curlers. The reaction of the Koreans themselves is interesting: instead of sexist banter, they dubbed Judge Lee Chung Mi a “symbol of hard work” - they say, they were not thinking about themselves, they were thinking about the fate of the country. This, of course, pleases, because the already former Park Geun-hye is called a "chicken", and this is perhaps the softest thing in recent months they talk about her.
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Meanwhile, Park Geun Hye's life is worthy of a detective novel. Her father, Park Chung Hee, was the dictatorial president of Korea from 1963-79. During another attempt on his life by a North Korean agent in 1974, his wife was shot dead, and in 1979 Park Chung-hee himself was killed by the director of the South Korean CIA, who was tired of the constant pressure of the sovereign.
In her youth, Park Geun-hye fell under the influence of Choi Tae-min's "Ensenge" sect, which combined elements of Christianity and traditional shamanism, and his daughter, Choi Sun-sil, became the best friend of the future president. The scandal erupted when journalists discovered a tablet with secret documents, and further investigation showed that Chae Sun-sil edited the president's speech, thereby determining the direction of the country's politics, military strategy and national security, pulled off corruption schemes, extorting millions of dollars from the largest companies, including Samsung and Hyundai, and performed shamanistic rites at the Blue House (presidential residence). In general, not a friend, but "Rasputin in a skirt." During the last presidential campaign, Park Geun-hye promised to devote herself to serving Korea, since she had no parents, no husband, no children, and the Koreans, who remembered what a dictator her father was, were convinced that the daughter was not responsible for her father’s actions. answer. Then no one could have imagined that a sect would replace a woman's family, and state decisions would be made under the influence of fortune-tellers and mystical rituals. But this amazing story is not so amazing, given the mentality of Koreans, who easily fall under the influence of charismatic individuals or the majority.
THE REVERSE SIDE OF LIFE IN SOUTH KOREA: SECTS AND SUICIDES
Christianity is spreading rapidly in Korea. Catholic, Protestant, Baptist and even Orthodox churches host more than 30% of the total population of South Korea within their walls. There are also plenty of near-Christian sects collecting considerable sums from parishioners waiting for the Second Coming. At the same time, the older generation does not disdain the services of shamans and fortune-tellers. Look into tarot cards before making an important decision, marriage or business deal.― normal, but expensive practice.
Koreans have built one of the most high-tech, safe and comfortable countries to live in. A country in which the Koreans themselves sometimes find it so unbearable to live.
Nevertheless, Confucian philosophy is still strong in Korea with such concepts as humanity, a sense of duty, justice, morality, observance of customs, attentiveness, unity, honoring parents, respect and submission to a subject - the sovereign, son - father, wife - husband, younger - senior. Combined with hard work, a focus on potentially progressive sectors of the economy, and "development loans", the Koreans have built one of the most high-tech, safe and comfortable countries to live in. A country in which the Koreans themselves sometimes find it so unbearable to live. South Korea ranks first in suicide rates among advanced economies year after year. Takova back side Confucianism and a hierarchical society with shifted values, in which everything is decided by position and money. Childhood is spent in cramming, marriages are made by calculation without a drop of love, and appearance is more important than mind and inner content.
According to statistics, 42 people voluntarily die a day.
The history of the Seoul Mapo is indicative - the bridge, which has gained a terrible reputation due to its proximity to the business center of the capital. In South Korea, one of the most. Deprived of the meaning of life (read - money), Koreans go to the bridge after unsuccessful deals or dismissals. And if you don’t have the courage to jump into the Han River, then there is a twitter where “kind” people cynically offer to buy a reliable way to die. For only $1,000, you can purchase a sealed tent and a bottle of sleeping gas. According to statistics, 42 people voluntarily die a day. Foreigners, on the other hand, fall out of this terrible system, the requirements for veguks are minimal - to be law-abiding and comply with social norms.
WHAT'S GOOD IN SOUTH KOREA?
At the same time, Koreans are very polite people, and they are friendly even to strangers: they will cover with their umbrella if the rain is taken by surprise, they will tell the “lost” how to find a street or attraction, and if there is time, they even spend it. The Korean service, also known as "social security", deserves special delight: my nature, greedy for freebies, rejoices every day. When I order food in a cafe, I get a few Korean snacks or soup with “social security”, in cosmetic stores my “social security” and samplers of popular products, a protective film, case or portable battery is attached to the smartphone with “social security”. By the way, about a trifle: in Korea it is not customary to give a tip, as the waiter receives a decent salary thanks to the employer and does not depend on the visitor's generosity. I don’t have to rack my brains, as it was in Kyiv, how many percent of the bill should be left as a tip to the waiter, who, with his royal presence, was clearly doing me a favor.
The Korean service, also known as "social security", deserves special admiration. And the feeling of comfort, care for people living in Korea is the first thing you notice already at the airport.
The feeling of comfort, care for people living in Korea is the first thing you notice first on the scale of Incheon Airport (every year it receives the title of “Best Airport in the World”), and then in various, completely optional, but pleasant little things. The first time I saw a map of the Seoul subway, I was horrified: 9 lines, more than 300 stations are scattered not only in the capital, but throughout the Gyeonggi-do district, how can you even remember this? But it turned out not to be necessary, because it is enough to have an application with a metro map and not be color blind. The Koreans built a special Airport Railroad line, which is a bit more expensive than all the subways, but will take you from the suburbs to the heart of Seoul in just over an hour. In winter, heated seats are turned on in the metro, in summer - air conditioning, some cars are equipped with special places for luggage, the last three places on the sides of the car are for old people, each extreme place at the door is for pregnant women. No “give way to a woman in position / grandfather / grandmother” is heard here. And in general it is not customary to give way to old people: they are all cheerful, youthful here - they can be offended.
There are toilets at every metro station: huge, clean, free of charge, in all booths there is an “SOS” button, if you suddenly get sick and need help. Women's toilets have a separate wall with a mirror and a table, sometimes there are armchairs, and some metro stations even have separate rooms so that girls can fix their makeup and not interfere with others washing their hands or brushing their teeth (this is normal).
And Korea is mountains and hills. I live at the foot of Seoul's Namsan Mountain, and it took me a couple of weeks to stop panting on my way home on a critical 50-degree slope. And to the fears from the long list of “because of what I could die” was added a car breaking off the handbrake. But what beautiful views! And minus 2 centimeters from the hips in the first month.
FOOD IN SOUTH KOREA: DO KOREANS EAT DOGS?
And finally - about the favorite food of Koreans. No, not about dogs. Not so easy to get to them, besides, they recently closed the last market selling dog meat. In Seoul, I have not seen a single restaurant serving dog meat. They say it is expensive, and mostly older men eat it for potency. The favorite food of Koreans, practically their property, is kimchi: fermented vegetables, most often Beijing cabbage with red pepper, dried anchovies and other seasonings. There is a kimchi museum in Seoul: this sauerkraut has already flown into space, and many Koreans are happy owners of separate kimchi refrigerators, made, of course, specifically and exclusively for storing kimchi. Imagine if Ukraine did the same for pickles. Cucumber Fridge! Cucumber in space! Well, come on, my favorite type of kimchi is the one that doesn't make me cry (i.e., with an acceptable concentration of red pepper). And it’s also very tasty when fried kimchi.
In Seoul, I have not seen a single restaurant serving dog meat. In fact, Koreans' favorite food is kimchi.
But most of all, I was surprised that at the Incheon airport, in front of the control of documents and personal belongings, there is a huge poster forbidding the export of kimchi and seasonings for its preparation from Korea! In general, there is nothing to do, if you want kimchi - fly in for a visit!
Surely you will also be interested: brave Julia talks about beauty standards in China, the ambiguous attitude of the Chinese towards foreigners, whom they call "laowai", and the shocking details of life in what was once one of the most closed countries in the world.
The Republic of Korea is one of the most economically developed countries. The per capita income level is incredibly high, which makes many Russians look for high-paying jobs there. South Korea is the world's largest ship manufacturer. Cars from Korea are very popular today, which are distinguished by their enviable quality, beauty and reliability.
Evening view of the lights and fountains on the bridge in Seoul
Many tourists note that life in the southern Republic cannot be called cheap. Food prices, high taxes - everything seems to the average Russian who went on a trip here, not just, but very expensive. On average, prices in this state are slightly higher than in China, but lower than in Japan.
If we talk about comparison, then the prices here can be compared with the cost of actual goods in Southern Europe.
Road traffic in Seoul
There is an opinion that it was high prices that played a negative role in underdeveloped tourism. Thus, Russian tourists note that life here should be incredibly economical - this is the only way to see the main natural and historical sights and fully enjoy the rest.
So, in 2018-2019, the life of a tourist in this southern country will cost about 2.8 thousand rubles for each day. Pleases only the fact that .
Food cost
But residents of large Russian cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, life in this southern republic seems very acceptable.
So, in South Korea in 2019, food prices are as follows:
- Milk (1 liter) - 8-124 rubles.
- Bread (1 loaf) - 110-130 rubles.
- Eggs (12 pieces) - 132-162 rubles.
- Cheese (1 kilogram) - 700-850 rubles.
- Potatoes - 102-135 rubles.
- Oranges - 120-148 rubles.
- Apples - 164-203 rubles.
The increase in Korea's GDP compared to other countries
It's practically a cult: when choosing what to save on - food or clothes, the average Korean citizen will prefer the first. This justifies itself, and it is a sin to complain about the average salary. In addition to external data, connections and recommendations play an important role. The owner of a large company will prefer to the man on the street someone who can be vouched for by the citizens of his country.
In no case should you respond to offers of employment illegally, on a tourist visa. This is fraught not only with constant delays in payment wages but also serious problems with the authorities of the state. In 2019, both highly qualified specialists and those who are not super-professionals in a particular industry will be able to.
Jobs for professionals
In 2019, the following vacancies are relevant:
Requirements for applicants are standard. First of all, the specialist must have certain experience. He also undertakes to provide the employer with proof of his qualifications. Equally important is excellent knowledge of spoken, written and technical in English. Well, if the applicant speaks Korean, then his chances increase noticeably.
Jobs for non-professionals
Also in 2019, as before, work is relevant for those who cannot confirm their qualifications.
The most popular in 2019 are:
- factory work;
- farm work (with accommodation);
- construction work.
Also in South Korea, anyone who is ready to perform seasonal work.
Wage level
The average South Korean salary in 2017 is approximately 3350 USD. e. per month or $40,000 per year.
Shoe factory in South Korea
According to local residents, this is a low salary, because for a decent living in the capital and other major cities, a person needs at least five thousand dollars a month.
It is important to know
In the mentality of the people of South Korea there is a lot of things that surprise and amaze not only Europeans, but also Russians who are used to everything. But the fact that there is no pension in this prosperous country is very difficult for a Russian person to understand.
But from the point of view of the Koreans, there is nothing strange here. They are hardworking people, accustomed to work. When a person becomes incapacitated, he simply switches to providing for his children.
Features of the tax system
At the heart of the tax system is the separation of all their types. 
The taxes collected in South Korea are divided into 2 groups:
- Local.
- National.
Today national taxes are 80.2 percent. Local taxes are no more than 19.8 percent. The real "heavyweights" are considered to be taxes on income and value added of the population. At the end of last year, the introduction of a ten percent tax on certain types of cosmetic procedures was seriously considered. The proceeds were planned to be used to solve acute social problems.
In 2019, there are taxes on breast augmentation, facelift and three other popular cosmetic procedures.
There are no such taxes in the Russian Federation yet.
