Living in South Korea is not easy. The living costs are high and it may be hard for those with a low budget to get by. As a university student with a really tight budget, I have looked for ways where I can save a bit of money. Today, I will share my money saving tips with you!
1. Cash Walk App
One thing you will do for sure while living in Korea is walk a lot. What if I told you that you can get points for doing so? Cash Walk is an app that will give you 100 points for walking 10,000 steps per day.
Such points can be redeemed in convenience stores, restaurants, or cafes. You exchange the points for the coupon of your liking in the app. Also, you may feel like it will take an eternity to gain the necessary points. But the App offers more ways of getting them, by playing some games or participating in their quizzes.
It is not much, but will surely come in handy when you want a snack.
2. Phone bill
It is normal to pay around 30,000 won or more for a monthly phone plan. However, there is something called 알뜰폰 (alduphone) or affordable phone. With this service, you can reduce the cost of your phone bill significantly. However, you won’t have the same quality of service.
I have this service and pay around 5,000 won per month, yet I do have to admit my plan is for 100 minutes in calls and 1.5GB in Data, which for the amount of time I use my phone for that is really low. But, if you are around wifi often, this might be all you need.
3. No Brand and Daiso
When it comes to daily necessities, cleaning supplies, or some food. Going to any of these two places is my go-to when looking for low prices. Yet, it does not mean they will always be cheaper or of better quality. I do recommend searching and comparing prices before buying what you need.
4. Street market
When it comes to fruit and vegetables, I try to avoid the supermarket. Instead, look around the local shops or street vendors, sometimes they have really good deals and even better when certain fruits are in season. At the place I usually go, during tangerine season, I can get around 20 tangerines for 3,500won.
5. Cashback
Here I am not talking about the chance to get a cashback card. But it does come in handy to have one. I am referring to getting memberships at the stores you go to frequently, it does save you a bit of money.
Or, if you usually eat outside and have Naver. I recommend you to ask for your receipt, when leaving a review in Naver, you get 50 won for the first time you review a place and 10 for the following reviews.
6. Subway Seasonal Card (Busan)
If you live in Busan and take the subway frequently, it may be worth buying a season ticket. You can buy a 1-month pass. You get to save around 15,000 won with that card if you use all the rides.
For visitors, you can get a 1 day or 7-day pass. The one-day pass is worth it if you use public transportation 4 or more times. With the 7-day pass, you can start earning money at 14 rides.
7. Point Card / Apps
This one is already known by a lot of people, you can get memberships through Kakao. However, there are other apps you can use to get discounts, know about events, coupons, and more!! Some of them are HappyPoint, CJOne, GS25, etc.
I recommend searching on the app store to see if there are point card apps for all of the franchises you visit frequently.
Honorable Mentions:
If you follow brands on Instagram, Twitter, or Kakao you will find that they frequently have giveaways. You can get all kinds of coupons for free items and discounts!
If you have more tips to save money, do not be afraid to share them in the comments below!
If you’re looking for money saving tips specific to Seoul, Click Here for more info!
