Obscene Cost of Living in Korea
I am "SJ", a Korean who resides in Singapore. I will introduce you to the trends in Korea and what is currently going on in Korea.
Though I have stayed in Singapore for more than 5 years, I keep up to date with the latest trends in Korea through online forums and a variety of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
I will share the latest fads in Korea with you and hope this helps you understand Korean culture better.
Obscene Cost of Living
The overall situation in Korea isn't great and the future is not even looking rosy either. The life of an ordinary Korean is tough, because of ridiculously highly-priced housing which the average Korean worker cannot afford, high unemployment rate, extremely competitive environment, long working hours for office workers and frequently-unpaid overwork, to name a few.
The worst thing of all is that the political situation is very unstable, thanks to the impeached president which has left the country in mayhem. I believe that those in their 20-30s are going through the most difficult stage in their life. They have never imagined themselves protesting something which they have taken for granted. So all those young generations in Korea are literally living in "hell Joseon(Korea)" - this is another neologism to depict the current socio-economic status of Korea – an extremely stressful life.
Though I have stayed in Singapore for more than 5 years, I keep up to date with the latest trends in Korea through online forums and a variety of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
I will share the latest fads in Korea with you and hope this helps you understand Korean culture better.
Obscene Cost of Living
The overall situation in Korea isn't great and the future is not even looking rosy either. The life of an ordinary Korean is tough, because of ridiculously highly-priced housing which the average Korean worker cannot afford, high unemployment rate, extremely competitive environment, long working hours for office workers and frequently-unpaid overwork, to name a few.
The worst thing of all is that the political situation is very unstable, thanks to the impeached president which has left the country in mayhem. I believe that those in their 20-30s are going through the most difficult stage in their life. They have never imagined themselves protesting something which they have taken for granted. So all those young generations in Korea are literally living in "hell Joseon(Korea)" - this is another neologism to depict the current socio-economic status of Korea – an extremely stressful life.
As a result of all this pressure, people try to relieve the stress in life by spending their hard-earned money. The amount of money you spend varies depending on the individual's circumstances. Some people treat themselves to luxury items such as a branded bag or a purse. Some go to nearby 2-dollar shops and splurge on themselves in their own way, or give themselves a treat by taking a cab on the way back home and ordering delivery food after a long day at work. One of my friends buys $30-$40 lipsticks every other day, but the colours of the lipsticks she bought look all same to me (she insists they are not the same!)
People might say this happens everywhere. I know lots of Singaporeans love to pamper themselves after work, but this sounds more relaxing and even luxurious.
For Koreans behind this act of spending, there are very complicated emotions, anger towards the society and the older generation, a sense of despair of the future, hopelessness and even an instinct for survival. Some experts say this cost has more aggressive facets rather than enjoyment. It is because they focus on eruption of pent-up emotions against this polarized society. This also reflects the younger Koreans’ desire to manage their stress level at this very moment rather than preparing for an uncertain future.
People might say this happens everywhere. I know lots of Singaporeans love to pamper themselves after work, but this sounds more relaxing and even luxurious.
For Koreans behind this act of spending, there are very complicated emotions, anger towards the society and the older generation, a sense of despair of the future, hopelessness and even an instinct for survival. Some experts say this cost has more aggressive facets rather than enjoyment. It is because they focus on eruption of pent-up emotions against this polarized society. This also reflects the younger Koreans’ desire to manage their stress level at this very moment rather than preparing for an uncertain future.
This act of purchase will release their stress temporarily, or sometimes give reasons to work and pay their credit card bills, but most of all, it gives them a little energy to carry on their tough life, though they constantly complain.
Even in this unprecedentedly difficult time, with no stable or rosy looking future guaranteed, Koreans strive to find a way to survive in their very own way.
I know this article shows you a very bleak side of Korea, and I am afraid that I have made you feel a little depressed. Hopefully I will find something interesting and cheerful to write about next time!
Wirter : SJ
Even in this unprecedentedly difficult time, with no stable or rosy looking future guaranteed, Koreans strive to find a way to survive in their very own way.
I know this article shows you a very bleak side of Korea, and I am afraid that I have made you feel a little depressed. Hopefully I will find something interesting and cheerful to write about next time!
Wirter : SJ
