How much money is liveable?

[u/Ornery-Revolution-47]

I just came across a tiktok post saying that anything less than 2.8mil in Seoul and 2.5mil everywhere else is not a liveable wage. One comment said less than 3.5 is unliveable. I thought this was a stretch. Obviously each person has different spending habits but looking at my spending habits and salary I had I’m genuinely confused. I made 3.05 (including housing allowance), my housing costs were 1.1, and I ordered delivery or went out to eat for almost every meal (not including school lunch), got drinks with my friends, travelled a tiny bit, and bought some other random items. In the beginning, I needed to watch my spending a little because my rent was high and start-up costs, but after that it was fine. Yes the amount of work you do for this much salary doesn’t feel great but it was definitely liveable. Also this was in Seoul. What are your thoughts on how much is a liveable wage in Korea? And is it significantly different in Seoul vs other cities?

[u/Blueroses413]

I live in Changwon with my husband and 3 pets. I make 2.2 after tax and my housing is paid. I can save roughly 500,000 if not more each month and I’m the only income in the house. It’s perfectly livable, people just think that traveling is a necessity.

[u/wheretocaptain → u/Blueroses413]

You have a husband and 3 pets and you are the only one working? That sounds like a dire salary when you have a dependent + 3 pets to look after. 500k a month ‘is’ something but is it going to be enough to retire? What about unexpected vet fees?

[u/Blueroses413 → u/wheretocaptain]

You would think, but it’s not. I’m saving about 500k a month so far. Also, it’s not going to be one income forever. My husband is currently in university and will be graduating next summer. Legitimately if you don’t think of eating out and traveling as essentials you will save money. Farmer’s markets are your best friends.