High costs of living in Seoul make Koreans grind themselves down to the soul | Undercover Korea
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- Опубліковано 18 жов 2023
- Over 20% of Korea's population is located in Seoul. Many people are coming to Seoul for the Seoul Dream, like the American Dream in 1960's. But the costs of living are so high to settle in Seoul.
All copyrights to this video belong to KBS.
KBS is a public broadcasting service in South Korea.
Air date: Sep 21st, 2023
#documentary #southkorea #costoflivingcrisis - Розваги
I'm so glad that I don't care for being rich, I don't care for having a luxury car or any luxury for that matter. I live in Canada, a very simple life, I rent a small one room apartment, and I've got enough to eat every day and clothes to wear. I spend 200 $ on food every month, cooking everything and I eat very healthy! All my needs are met and I'm satisfied. I am also debt free. And I feel happier than any of the people I've seen in the documentary who wants so much in life.... Simplicity is wealth to me, and contentment.
I have also embraced the minimalist lifestyle, but I sometimes find myself contemplating its implications when it comes to starting a family. Growing up with parents who faced financial challenges, I have a deep desire to provide the very best for my future children. These concerns can trigger anxiety and make it difficult for me to fully enjoy the simplicity of my minimalist life. At times, I find myself stuck in a cycle of seeking additional jobs, which can be overwhelming. The fear of not being able to offer my children everything they might need or want is something that weighs heavily on my mind.
I completely understand! I'm single and i only have myself to take care of. You might find inspirational to follow someone in your situation, who has kids and is a minimalist! I've seen many videos from "A to Zen life", here on youtube. Her kids don't miss a thing! I wish you a Saturday that's worries free! :) @@maggynatra8134
Yah .. u can't get married. Or have children ... I will die alone 😢...
Alhamdulilah for everything
Not having kids sounds great, but everyone dies alone, no one joins you in death.@@StoneRiderM3
Im rich compared to you. I own a 14 million dollar house, have 5 luxury cars , i eat like a king and have 3 maids. All i did was sell drugs and guns. Im a very powerful yakuza
As a Korean American born in Seoul, I can say there is definitely a difference in "business culture" between myself and my brothers in Korea. In Korea, you are a failure if you mess up on your first business and you should banish yourself. In California, my first business failure is what has been a great learning experience to come back stronger, and more successful. Dust yourself off, recalibrate, and then execute your next move. Never stop.
Fighting chinguya!!!! 🤗
As a Korean American that’s a dumb culture. Failure is a great teacher to success.
True. In the west, we have the mentality of learning by failing. 😂 The more mistakes you make, the more learning opportunities you get. Well, as long as you don't keep making the same mistakes.
same here in Indonesia.. failure is the learning experience to get better in the next project..
@@oktofio9690 unless you're poor, that failure's probably gonna cost you your future
Couple years ago, when I was studying in Saskatchewan, my Korean roomate always told me how depressed the young generation are in S.Korea. I thought it just a mindset of some people who always think negatively about everything. But then I came to Seoul to visit him and he also introduced me his friends to catch up with, I realized that all of them are so stressful with their jobs, the topic during the meals always were cost of living, pressure in work and talking sh*it about their company and managers hahaha. I quite suprised with that. He moved back to Canada 2 years ago and he said that it's one of the best decision in his life.
Eh you stupid??
So kdramas lie than..
@@Nur-nd3ij Kdrama didn't lie at all. That is why Parasite is so famous and loved in Korea. There are also alots of films telling about the dark side of Korea, crime, corruption, ocial Stratification,...
The whole world is struggling. Inflation has hit everyone.
@@NguyenLam-fj5ei Do you mind give some names for those darker Korean movies ? I would be interested to check them out.
Also, huge respect to all young generation, delivery people, business catering and start-ups, you all have my respect for not just working hard but working super hard!!
LOL!!!!
sadly the formula for success is NOT hard work. These delivery people will ultimately end up sick, tired, frustrated and wondering why they can't beat inflation. They need to "slow down" in order to speed up in life. Take a step back, and really think about the best way to thrive in this tough economic climate. the formula is to work smarter and more efficiently. Steady monthly passive income is the cornerstone to everything in life.
and you should also thank all the migrant workers who are working in manufacturing industry.
They need to work harder
and they keep the beast well fed, am i right?
Being a young person myself and grinding so hard in my country makes me realise, I am not alone!
Best of luck to us and cheers to a brighter future.
I had a coworker that came to America from Seoul, South Korea. He told me the reason why he moved was because the work culture and environment in Korea is very toxic. For example, your supervisor or boss will often force you to drink with them after work, even though you don't drink or don't want to drink. You're often overworked up to 12 - 15 hours a day and then they force you to drink with them after that. Then you're back the next day early in the morning with barely any sleep and the cycle repeats itself.
My coworker also told me that if you don't go to those after work "drinks," your coworkers end up saying you're disrespectful because you don't want to go and they basically peer pressure you into going drinking with them. They almost never just respect your decision for what it is and just let it go, because the culture is so wired into saying yes to everything and can never say no, because it ends up as being disrespectful or impolite. It's always frowned upon when you say no to something, as if it's wrong to say no. That's why people often end up forced to go to those kind of events, even though there are plenty of people that just want to be left alone after work because they want to rest.
Then over the period of time, if you keep saying no, then it makes you look like the bad guy and then they'll try to get rid of you because you're not "fitting" in the group or however you want to interpret it. It's just so unhealthy and ingrained into everyone there. People that realize this walk away, while others try to endure it as long as they can, in hope that they can achieve their own dream one day. This is what I mean by the environment being very toxic.
I would let them know right away during the interview once my shift for the day is done I am on my own time. I may go to a after work get together every now and then but only if I"m in the mood and my schedule permits it.
He can make a million excuses but he won’t tell you the biggest reason is to dodge military draft 😂
31:47 eat until you got similar like a sumo😂@@stc2828
Sounds like you’re describing a Kdrama
That changed a lot in recent years. Drinking after work is almost gone after Covid
She's been to 29 countries and that itself is already an achievement! I havent been on another country at the age of 34 😅
It okay to be envious but you'll also be fine if you haven't travelled to another country that's not really important unless it's for work
@@hua_tetsu_cat suit yourself. It's important to a lot of people. we have only one life and it's very short.
It's not too late. Try traveling, if you can, you may enjoy it greatly.
You have been to other countries but not physically yet.
@@TDK2K traveling is not an obligation. People can travel if they want to but we must acknowledge that there is nothing wrong if you haven't visited another country
As a Singaporean, i relate to this 100%. Thank you for this, for letting me find solace in my modern age misery....Singapore is exactly like this too.
Fellow Singaporean here trying hard to survive too hahaha. Always have to find new ways to get more income
In Thailand, it getting worse... Never had a chance to be a high income country but enter the aging society already...
We all are struggling to survive here too.
@@apollokujira uh what aging society? I thought ur birthrate was like at 2.0?
@@lasvegascity The UN defines persons aged 60 or over as aged. It classifies a country as an “ageing society” if more than 7% of its population is over 65 and an “aged society” if the number of 65-year-olds doubles to 14%.
In 2023 per statistic we got 22% of population that age over 65 = 22% at this point we forecast that Up to 30% of Thailand’s population is expected to cross the “elderly” barrier by 2036,
@@apollokujira And I thought SK was the only doomed country.. Man this gloom is taking over the world. I just did my research and SK is also expecting 30% of its population to cross the elderly barrier by 2035.
If u don't mind, can I ask u what the problems of Thai are? SK points out expensive properties, limitless competition, and extreme vanity of gen z due to SNS (CNBC says SK is currently the world best customer of luxuries 🤦♀️) as the reasons for its low birthrate.
Great doc. As an middle aged/older Korean, Seoul is way too hectic for me and living in the suburbs suits me a lot better.
You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
Korea is at the point where it needs to build another big city to compete with Seoul and take the pressure off. I know there Busan, Daegu, and the large areas surrounding Seoul are still populated, but Seoul being the only hub is going to continue to make life difficult. Companies should build elsewhere, and other industries too and hire young people to start their lives there. I know Seoul has a strong pull and feels it has the best potential, but you can have other cities. Think New York Chicago Los Angeles Miami. None of these cities are even remotely close to each other yet you can enjoy big city life and build a life in those places. Of course, some countries are small, but I think two major cities is possible for Korea. It might even help increase population.
@@tuirueueye Do you perhaps know where the new capital should be located?
As long as the best education (SKY universities, best cram schools etc.) is all centralized in Seoul, nothing will change. Seoul is definitely and will always be the top tier city of Korea.
Research Sejong city and you'll see that the idea is not new...nor is it simple. Koreans are well aware of the problem of overcentralization that Seoul poses. Building new administrative capitals to ease the burden and issues doesn't simply solve those issues.
Easier said than done. Just note that south korea is 4 times smaller than california
@@kenyaswallow5782 That's all the more reason why the population of Korea must be more evenly spread out over the land. Note that Northeastern U.S. has clusters of cities with millions of people in an area similar to the size of South Korea.
I love the attitude of the korean people in this video, they are all trying their hardest to stay positive and avoid falling into a victim mentality. Its not easy to get a good life, most of us just scrape by and thats how its been for a very long time and i dont expect things to change much so we just keep doing what we can do.
Asians don't have victim mentality.
I'm 18 and having a pretty hard time in my life (generally a pretty difficult few years), yet seeing all these people working so hard to actualise their ambitions in a relentless and unforgiving city somewhat similar to my own is really comforting. At this age, being alone in such a big city can get really daunting, but these people have shown me a warmth to it. I'm rooting for them, as well as myself!
this isnt supposed to be motivational
U good bro. Keep working n don’t get arrested or into bad debt. Start investing n keep investing
@@cooltwittertag I dont get people ub tge comment section, this is the capitalist dream where the worker is expected to work 2-3 jobs just so some shareholders can get a little more profit.
I encourage people to take a step back and think what they want for their life, at some point you just have to sate the obvious - this is not worth it.
The shit rooted in capitalism will always create these powerful cooperation that will do everything in their power to make you work more and more, this is done in many ways;
- give you less benefits.
- your pay is falling behind inflation
- fire workers so the excisting work more
- economic crisis (this is cyclus of capitalism)
- give you the idea of sucess that is rooted in you working more and more
That is simply not a life, throwing your 20-40s away just so you can afford a home? that is insame...
That isn't a bug , it is a feature of relentless capitalism in which everyone is a consumer and there is a dollar to be made off everyone. Ultimately our species won't evolve until we get to a post scarcity level of civilization.
@@cooltwittertag no it isnt but unless you have generational wealth we have nthng to do abt it other than working against the tide
I'm not the only person who has suffering from harsh life . this world is full of people like me struggling hoping for a better future 😢😢
From a person who was lost for 2 years and finally gaining clarity for what steps to take to gain financial independence or just purpose, Its very enlightening to watch these videos about people whose just trying their best to succeed, It really speaks to me hearing varying people and their stories and understanding their struggles as well which hits home for me.
The dude who had a kitchen on the shared kitchen and his take about the High-Rise buildings just hits home very much, The feeling of just looking at these buildings can just grant a sense of pure awe that just one day you’ll make it. Very Great Documentary!
Yes the delusional hope that one day you'll make it. That indeed is the modern capitalist way. Reality: the vaaaast majority of people will be miserable for the rest of their lives trying to achieve something that was never within their grasp to begin with.
The reaction at 8:18 when they asked if they're married killed me 😂
Lol omg After reading your comments, I went back to watch it again then it just cracked me up even though I'm Korean. Just so funny 🤣🤣
Unless they are being rude to you, please dont write a negative review on a business. It broke my heart seeing how some customers left negative reviews due to the business not being able to find a delivery driver on time
yeah in Korea delivery companies are known to have fast delivery without paying extra the delivery drivers have to delivery fast without making extra money and they get deductions from a single late delivery costing more than half the wage of their entire workday
I think life is just overall getting tougher and tougher all around the world.
Eye opening for sure. I live in Sydney Australia and yes it is also a very expensive city to live in but our work culture is not like that in Korea. We have set work hours for the most part. Once I leave my job that’s it, I don’t have to think about it nor am I obligated to work overtime or past my finish time. A lot more family and work/ home life friendly too. Buying a house is hugely expensive here. I was fortunate enough to do so quite a few years back but these days I definitely feel for the younger generation as it would be extremely hard to do so.
In 1985, Korean ship captain Jeon Je Yong was ordered not to rescue a boatload of starving Vietnamese refugees, trying to flee communist Vietnam. His superior told him he would get fired if he disobeyed the order. He saved the boat people anyway and became unemployed for thirty months. I've never been to Korea nor do I have any Korean friends, but the stories I've heard such as this make me admire the Korean people tremendously. Best wishes and hoping this strong, innovative, and kind people will overcome these hard times.
💕 I'm from an immigrant Vietnamese family here in the US, thank you for the story!
Yeah I am vietnamese and I heard about that story as well ❤
That’s not all Koreans. Many Koreans are racist and hateful, especially towards anyone darker than a brown paper bag, and that includes other Asians.
Thanks to your comment, I have learned about the life of the noble Jeon Je Yong and have been inspired by his selfless act. You have my gratitude.
@@nagoc45 My pleasure.
I feel for these folks. I started my career in South Korea in 1996 working for a Chaebol. 12 hour days, 5 days a week and half day on Saturday, making about $30k for the three years I lived there. I used it on develop my career in the new market of mobile phones korea is such a grind and there are two things that kept me there, the great friends I met there and my extended family. Without them, living in korea would have been infinitely more difficult. Luckily I was able to make a career and they sent me back to my homelands of USA and Canada, where life is not as crazy and you can actually spend time doing things that don't involve hustling, such as hobbies, dating, taking long vacations and (for me), retiring early.
i mean ive never been to korea but its not much better here imo. your lucky. theres millions of ppl in america who work all day everyday for less than minimum wage. i dont want to compare the 2 countries, im js that in america there is still extreme poverty and overworking, its not like we are soooo much better
Work bullying makes many people commit suicide. On the news some company owners slap their employees and beat their butts, force them to lose weight or get punishment. Nurses were forced to dance daily for patients in hospitals. I wouldn't imagine that happen in North Korea.
Nice story. Only problem is America and whoa…Canada ….are now their own insane asylums.
I’m American - retired in Vietnam (not Saigon or Hanoi or anything crazy, beautiful Hoi An rural) and you couldn’t pay me to live in crazy Seoul, but surely not America or Canada.
nah, the US is very similar to South Korea when it comes to its work culture. The only difference in the US is that people still find time to date and get married.
@schopenhauer2050
I was bullied in the USA and thought about suicide at my last job. I talked to every single boss including the GM. My mistake was not leaving and getting a lawyer but I had no idea because usually you get fired for that (and I seen it.) But the girl had immunity and I didn’t. Also live in an at will state so they fired me. No lawyer would take my case after.
it's almost strange that all these young people are working their asses off and leading pretty tough lives but yet they're so hopeful. or at least more hopeful than the ones i bump into in germany who are pretty much good at grumbling and don't do anything to improve their situations. hope is a powerful thing.
Complaining fixes nothing. Those kids tend to be involved in politics which is equally useless.
haha even if there hoepeful, reality is it will soon be "hopeless"
@@zerohero5753 Haha, good joke. Every emotion has a purpose and complaining is part of the solution. It's just not enough on it's own. You also gotta be active and change what you can change yourself.
This comment made me realize how ungreatful people living in first world developed rich countries are, Germans and south koreans haven't tasted what real life struggles are yet they are sad and depressed which is so pathetic because billions wish they were born in such countries
I see this is the pretentious part of the comment section.
Working hard to survive. I respect you guys
These people all seem to be living very hectic lives. I once lived like that as well. Though I have good memories, I don't ever want to live life like that again. I am in a much better place now without all that anxiety. I hope the same for these people.
Excellent documentary. This is a turning point in our civilization- Why do people want to sacrifice their youth to servitude? Once youth is gone, you cannot get it back. You may make your money but you will be too old to enjoy it!
It's an empty life just chasing money. Surely there are better ways of spending time?
I've done jobs like those in my early years but if you don't feel part of something you can believe in, it rings hollow.
The sad thing is the people know the odds are against them and that's why the desperation. Korea is very status driven, but there isn't a strong counter culture to balance it. Very difficult. It reminds me of the Lying Flat movement in China which has the intense pressure and the kids are saying We Give Up!
The economic system is coming under increasing pressure and the justification for these people earning so little and being exploited is wearing thin.
Truth
they have no choice you can’t get full wage if you do have a university degree in korea
3:36 "Rent takes up 25% to 30% of my wages"
Meanwhile here in Toronto, my rent is 50% my net salary. I'm jealous of her.
To be fair another 25% probably goes to plastic surgery so it balances out
toronto iz crazy no doubt, but 30 percent of her wagez probably meant a REALLY zmall ztudio apartment with no real roomz, and it'z before her taxez, not net zalary. the bathroom of your apartment in toronto might be bigger than her whole place.
Same here in Switzerland in the bigger cities. Even more than 50%
@@thevcountdown9824but these are not 1 room appartments…..
Same in Barcelona. Where you get paid 1600 euros a month as a psychologist and the flats are about 1300€ (the normal ones).
I have great respect for the Koren people. Nice and hard-working people. However, I am afraid that this lifestyle and momentum may be destructive to society. I wish these young people to find happiness beyond money and to start a family. I appreciate living in Europe. Here, the young generation is beginning to appreciate life outside of work. To be able to survive such a life, faith is important.
God blessings for Korean nation
🇵🇱❤️🇰🇷
Life is unpredictable and issues usually come up. Anyone from any age is not guaranteed tomorrow. Even young people should think 🤔 about heaven ✨️ or hell 🔥.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day.
@@small_fries7573Amen❤🙏
I worry about the delivery driver of food. He earns very good money but is working himself to death. I hope he reaches his finanical target soon and gets out of there. What a fascinating doco thanks K Doc!
Life is unpredictable and issues usually come up. Anyone from any age is not guaranteed tomorrow. Even young people should think 🤔 about heaven ✨️ or hell 🔥.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day.
So interesting. Sorry for all the young people that can only maybe achieve goals going to Seoul. Sad to see the small towns dying.
You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
The problem in huge cities like these is that they enslave you. You can't live a simple life. Everything cots money. It's like one big casino which binds you because you want to recoup your losses. There is nothing to gain at the end of the ride.
It’s so hard to become employed for those who graduate college, imagine how much harder it is for those who don’t graduate. Those who have buildings and get paid rent have too much money and it’s a capitalistic society. Seoul is like the New York of Korea. It’s sad that there’s such a difference in the upper vs white collar workers
Yes you are right..
South Korea is somewhat a capitalist country but it is more of crony capitalist because of many large chaebol corporations run the country, and much controlled the government.
Bigger population = higher cost of living and fierce competition. The total population amount is the actual problem here. When Japan recovered from WW2, their population was much lower than now and they became successful. 8 billion people on the planet. No system can make the majority of us all middle or upper middle class.
@@Woketard China's population 40 years ago was very low, yet the country was dirt poor. Current China's population is the largest in the world but it is a strongest economy in the world. Japan's lost decade is due to weak Japanese yen, central banks cheap money distribution.
@codelessunlimited7701 Strongest economy in the world? LOL. They had something like 11 million college graduates in 2022, and none of them could find jobs. The communist party is sending millions to the countryside as each of their major cities are overpopulated, and there's not enough to go around. Besides, you aren't allowed the freedom to actually own a business. Though the economy is capitalist, it's controlled entirely by commies in government. Another problem is overbuilding, which causes ghost cities to "feed" the obsession with growth, similar to the problem most of the world is experiencing with more and more people constantly moving around.
The commies made a huge mistake messing with population growth to "beat" Western powers during the 20th century. That mistake is coming back to haunt them. Again. There is no system on the planet that can make the overwhelming majority of over a billion people middle or upper middle class. It's the anti-Western hatred that often tears apart countries that desire to bring Marx's fairytale vision into the real world. The foundation is based on hatred and competition rather than actually caring about their own people. The USSR was willing to put their own people at risk just to win the cold war against the US, which failed in the end.
Used to live in london years ago. The comute. Everyone being busy all the time. Rich and poor people everywhere. You get used to the grind and the surroundings. Only when you leave the place and look back you understand how messed up the life in big metropolises is
Admirable! Both the production team and the interviewees! Keep it up!
You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
What a grind, the perspective in getting rich and how everyone wants to be rich doesn’t necessarily equate to eternal satisfaction. Low key sad seeing them amount their view of life to just that. Definitely a whole different work culture out there.
Not everyone thinks that way.
@@jiminswriter4209 You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
Its not about being rich. With the high rent and most work opportunities being in seoul, it is hard to build a future. You might be able to sustain urself as a single person living cheaply in your 20s to 30s, but without improving your standing how can you think anout settling down and raising a family, let alone afford a newlyweds apartment? There is virtually no social benefits for raising kids and the amount of private education needed just to compete at all is a huge burden on parents.
@@jiminswriter4209 true not everyone. But it’s a great chunk of this next generation.
Sadly this appears to be a common trend in the world lately regardless of which country you are from.
exactly
Here in Sweden, rent is taking your 50-60% of your wage, especially if you are living near or in the bigger cities.
This was a very well made documentary. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This has motivated me to do better
Good! Now you can move out of your parents basement. Best of luck young fella !
You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
You will bruh.
Thank you for your hardwork! This was excelent. Sad, but hopeful, anxious, but full of love. All my good thoughts to all of them and to all others!
I'm not Korean, but I can tell that most if not all, will make it. They all have the needed ingredients talent and positive attitude.
Let's just appreciate the honor system of the drivers picking up their correct/paid food orders from that one central kitchen.
The Korean "honor system" is incredible! There's a ramen store with no staff, you can leave your belongings anywhere in public and they'll be there when ya get back ... so unthinkable anywhere else...
What does even mean?!! What is the" honor system"? If they pick the incorrect order the customer would not take it or pay for it! And why do need just appreciate that?! Do you pay the delivery driver when he give you wrong food order?????!!!!!!
@@erikad0511 not really! If you read the Korean news you would have known things get stolen without leaving them, especially from drunk people, with all the cameras everywhere.
@@Scho-penhauer 중국인과 조선족이 많이 살고 있으니까 사건이 항상 발생합니다. 당신은 한국 뉴스를 많이 읽고 있어서 잘 아실 겁니다.
As the level of education increases not only in Korea but around the world, the young population is concentrated in major cities, preferring white-collar jobs rather than blue-collar jobs. Perhaps what Korea needs now is not to increase jobs, but to diversify the job demands of young people.
As a relatively new dad, it's so sad to see kids struggling to find jobs, affordable housing and at the same time saving up for the future all the while trying to adapt to an every changing world. Parents have a more important role now than ever in supporting their young ones so that their struggle doesnt seem so harsh.
But there r no 'parents' in SK anymore..
*their struggle
Yes, more people are questioning whether to have children only for them to suffer the same fate as us.
Modern day parents work 10 hours a day
I’m saving college funds for my kids so they can use it for college if they choose to do so. Wedding funds and first home down payments as well.
Im from Malaysia n im so grateful grow up here. This video give me motivation to work harder n smarter
i live in the US and i relate to this so much. Us young people are suffering...
thank you for the English subtitle!! fighting!!
Wow this video is amazing. Very informative and very relaxing to watch. Its like a netflix documentary. The film editing is very professional. I’d like to see more videos like this!
The editing better be professional, since it's done by KBS. They're a major broadcasting company. 😊
@@roseywinter You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
Thank-you for this beautiful documentary!! 화이팅!!!
If rent only takes up about 30% of your wage then you are better off there than here in th US.
In the US it's half or more 😢
I’m LOST FOR WORDS😢FOR THE YOUNG ADULT PEOPLE AND ALSO THE ADULTS , TOO❤. This is a heartbreaking and also heartwarming video. I SINCERELY WISH ALL OF THEM--SUCCESS IN LIFE.
what a good documentary. it was kinda fresh the way you filmed the people and I loved each person's story well done for your hard work.👏👏
Good Video! im 16 going to high school in korea and Im scared but also cant wait to work, to be able to support myself because i really dont want to be a burden to my father and i hate seeing him stress. I just want to dive straight in and try all kinds of stuff but my father wants me to go to collage. I just hope everything works out either way
If your 16 my biggest advice to you as someone in their later 20 early 30. Study IT. Lean Phyton and C++. That way you will work 8 hours only with plenty of money left. When I was your age I quite thinkin im just dumb, or must be bc of my gender, and etc. Now there are google play apps that teach you. If you know enough even a degree is not needed just proving yourself with skill this only happens in IT but if you also get a degree well thats great. Really make sure to study a computer language 2 minimum Phyton is the easiest after its Csharp. You will never have to worry about a 2nd job
When you think of South Korea you think it's all about kpop and kdrama and often forget it's actually a country with real people and real struggle. This channel really shows what many South Koreans are going through on daily basis that you don't see in kdrama.
Too many brainwashed western foreigner girls go to Korea just for that kpop/Kdrama nonsense. I've passed by a couple kpop stores and it's always foreigners in their, not Koreans 😄
But then the tragedies in k-drama have their roots in k-real life 😂
You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
@@lasvegascity true.
I been to South Korea once, it was really depressing. People were not happy.
Such hard working focused young ppl. Motivating.
That was a great insight, thanks for posting
No doubt many things are tough in Korea, but the numbers here look much better than the US. Like the girl who complained about spending 25% of her income on rent. That is not very high. I know many americans working multiple jobs and spending 50% on rent. And they aren't even in NYC or another equivalent to seoul. Or that girl that said she spends $500 on rent and gets $2300 a month and saves $1000/month. That is a lot of savings and very affordable rent compared to her income. I know the social pressure is high in korea but the cost of living relative to income does not look that bad. Also I've seen many interviews where Koreans estimate that over 90% of koreans own at least one luxury item from gucci, louis vuitton, etc. Clearly they have disposable income.
Agree about the people in this documentary. One thing to consider is the pressure to own these luxury items and the high credit card debt though.
Amazing people , they are all so positive and hard working . Respect from Poland❤
with their birth-rate being what it is right now, in 20 years they'll look back at these times as the golden age of productivity
About 3 years ago we were priced out of the housing market in Seoul (the amount of key money was getting astronomical). So we packed up and moved back to the states.
This is interesting and bizarre. After 4 years of binging on kdramas, I stopped watching them about a few months back - started to watch content from other East Asian countries, until I stumbled upon this documentary channel. The first I watched was the baby box episode which was heart wrenching.....to see many single women have to give up their babies because of societal pressure, social expectations mixed with their own unfortunate circumstances.
It's actually refreshing to watch documentaries about real life in S. Korea as opposed to just relying on what kdrama present. This goes to show that people don't necessarily have it 'better or worse' but reflects the uncertainties of modern life across the world in the 21st century, post covid-19 lockdown. We all want to get ahead, earn more money and improve our situation, nothing wrong with that, but the challenge is when you balance that without looking at and comparing yourself to others who may appear to be 'better off' or who have succeeded in some way.
It's ok if you're doing average for now - use that time now to rest, relax and reflect as in my experience 'being in the rat race' and facing the 'daily grind' wasn't worth it as it impacted my health and general wellbeing.
I've just gone back to part time work and also doing a part time course after a year out just to slow down and reset - and so glad that I quit my ( then new) job last year - - one of the few good decisions I've made so far !
I respect the individuals in this documentary for going after what they want in life, but I hope they don't exert themselves to burn out -life is for living first, and work is within that.
you actually think life in korea is like in their drama?
@@beniirama4076 No - you missed my point. If I did, that would be naive and my comment would only be a few sentences.
Thank you for sharing their story. Have a wonderful day, everyone
One of the best documentaries that I've seen
I’m 37 and I’ve been trying to get a job for 3 years after being bullied/fired from my last job (their excuse was that my uncle died and wasn’t covered for leave when the company did cover it.) I live in the USA so I know the sentiments.
I hope u find something for the time-being. May God bless you. May the right employers find 🙏 you likeable & hire you. In Jesus Christ's name we pray, amen.
I have no doubt any of these hardworking Koreans will find success and wealth if they ever move out to another country. Their tremendous work ethics, education, and resourcefulness will pretty much guaranteed that. However issue w living/working in rigid conformist-driven risk-averse Korean society is that there's just too many like/short term-minded Koreans throwing everything at same limited space, jobs, opportunities. It becomes just race to the bottom. Innovators, creators, disruptors need to be elevated and valued in society so future Koreans can break free and breathe.
If they move, if this is to be applied in Indonesia, even though people here love K-pop. Locals will be outskilled, outsmarted, leading to another problems
I don't think so. Employees in the west are being laid off in thousands why would they need Koreans or any foreigners unless they pay them less if they need them. Korea is already facing a critical problems regarding population decline hospitals and schools closing down, not enough students or patients or doctors or factory workers. So Koreans leaving the country isn't a good idea.
@@Scho-penhauer Europeans w their 90days vacations/30hrs work wk and other social benefits…oh yeah it’ll be cake walk for avg Koreans. Ex-pat Koreans wouldn’t be interested working in corporate desk jobs but most likely run Korean food related restaurants, cafes, family shops, import/export enterprises etc..Since K culture has gone global there’s tremendous opportunities for avg. Koreans to capitalize on the trend anywhere in the world
@@kimckawaI didn't know they have a problem in Europe with people having 90 days vacation and 30 hours of work, if that was true! What I know is that Korea is trying hard to be like that. Make its citizens work less and have more vacations. And if the majority of the Koreans don't like to do hand work and prefer white collar jobs what would make them do that in Europe?! They're immigrants in the US and Canada, did they make a difference?
@@Scho-penhauer I am Korean myself living in US so understand Korean mindset. You're not Korean and dont understand but can only project or speculate based on you own western perspective and biases. Korean immigrants in US are highly successful group w well organized network of communities, churches and businesses. General perceptions of Koreans in America are that they're hardworking, business owners, and employers. Both in NYC and LA- theres designated Koreatown which is always bustling and is high tourists attractions. Their children are highly educated attending nations top universities afterward working as doctors, lawyers, chefs etc..w top companies from wall st. to high techs. Such mobility is unattainable in modern day Korea is becuz too much competitions from other like minded Koreans. Even in America you see similar phenomena "too many Asians" applying to top universities like Harvard/Yale/Princetion outdoing and crowding out other ethnic minority applicants in the process. So to limit Asian admission, college officers constantly tweak admission criteria and institute barriers to point where today Asian applicant has to perform 30-50% higher in test scores/gpa to Black and Hispanic students. Just look up recently news Chinese applicant got rejected 16/18 universities he applied only to get accepted at Google as software engineer right off high school.
As an American, it's fascinating to see how vastly different life and culture in Korea is.
Very eye opening documentary on what is possible when you put your mind toward it.
Also seeing that delivery driver made what looked to be 2.7 mil KRW in one week living so frugal was wild.
That's a little over $2000 USD which is still an incredible amount to make in one week as a delivery driver. Wooooow.
@@AliceTokki he spend at least 14 hours on the road on two wheels in a city traffic, he definitely earned his keep
@@AliceTokki I wish him the best, that job is tough.
I’m from Canada and honestly, the cost of living in Seoul is extremely reasonable compared to where I’m from.
You cant compare that, when they have aver salary alround 1500$.
The extreme competition in education and business in South Korea has brought the country tremendous economic growth. At the same time, it also has brought negatively unintended consequences. The problem in many developed countries is there are too many college graduates, but not enough good paying jobs available for a comfortable lifestyle. Economic efficiency, artificial intelligence, and robots will only make the job prospects worse.
You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
아니 소득의 20-30%가 집세로 나가는건 정상인데??... 캐나다 토론토/밴쿠버 살아보셧나 ㅋㅋ 50%이상인데........부럽다 한국
When a country comes out of poverty, it takes decades to shed the superficial mode. Korea is going through that phase where perception is everything. You want to come across as an urban person even if you are starving.
43:27 "I wish time would stop" Hit me really hard . Wishing every one success.
Thank you for this documentary. Let's all grind harder and smarter guys
Brilliant. The reaction to 'are you married' had me in fits. Superb. I have subscribed. How insightful.
Looking forward to visit Seoul someday!
Love how it starts with the upbeat music and all
Thank you for bringing incredible documentaries.... great work❤
3:32 her rent is 25% to 30% of her salary and she works part time.
That's not much
For the blood sausage shop at 18:07, i hope from this show many customers will come for you.. 🙏😊but at 40:08 he decide to open to only 1 month, good luck then whatever path u take
for 33:13 take care sir, hope u’re doing well with the deliveries, dont give up and keep healthy 🙌🏻🥰
For 35:00 u’re amazing girl, take notes for every expenses is the process of maturity, good job 👏🏼❤
Well done KBS.... interesting content, as usual 😊
I've heard that a piece of the Berlin wall is standing in Seoul. Thinking of that, it's so interesting to see that South Korea seems to be almost the opposite of Germany in so many ways. Here, things like work-life-balance, mental health and climate protection are much bigger topics among young people and not owning a house is not such a big deal. And yeah, the big companies are spread all over the country which can be a disadvantage as well for the individual who wants or needs to change jobs. One thing I really like about South Korea is the health culture especially among the elderly. I've heard it's kind of a national goal to achieve a higher average life expectancy than Japan. Meanwhile most people in Germany act as if getting chronic diseases and experiencing immobility is a) something that automatically comes with old age and b) something you can't do much about except for taking medication and getting surgery (there is sooo much you can do with diet, exercise and good communication with yourself and others). Some of these delivery drivers might actually get some health benfits from their work if they don't overdo it and don't get injured. I feel like everyone in this documentary looks at least 5 years younger at first glance because they are so active and seem so bubbly (+ UV-protection probably).
same in Austria. restaurants are unaffordable. meanwhile in southeast asia which we consider poor they are able to eat out everyday.
Wish all the very best to the Korean people, greetings from Germany.
So many bright people, so much talent, so great opportunities.
But somehow, please find a way out, out of this real life Squid Game.
Debt is only a number. Currency is just fake. Credit is just a "modern" way to enslave people.
Break out, make yourself heard. Play the system to your advantage.
What really matters, money cant buy. It is about people, is about love,
reason, humanity, passion about making it better and sometimes just a friendly smile,
which makes all the difference in this small world.
I'm an Australian in my 40's and it's interesting to see Korea this way and how different the world is to when I was growing up, whilst still being similar.
How was it back in your era?
You are a special and unique person. Your life & soul matter. Your life is very short compared to eternity.
Therefore if you want to spend eternity on heaven after your life here on earth 🌎, you should believe in your heart ❤️ that Jesus Christ is your Savior. If you don't, you will miss going to heaven and end up in the lake of fire. It is terrible so I beg you to make the only correct decision for God to allow you to go to heaven. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. 🙏 Have a nice day. God does love ❤️ you.
I live in a small town on the outskirts of large city in the U.S. The company I work for is based in the city, but thank God I can work from home. Especially since the U.S. has no mass transit like Korea.
I know that many surrounding towns of the city are trying (and some are successful) to get major corporations and factories to open in their town in order to get an economy boost. In my town, one company has recently opened a plant and there will be another major corporation breaking ground on a plant near here.
All that to say that it hasn't made a bit of difference in my town. It's still a struggle to keep afloat. Theres no new businesses to support the employees of the plants (or the locals), so they go to the next town for their needs. And roads are terrible and insufficient. Also, employees of these factories are coming from the city to work, rather than hiring locals (like freshly graduated students, etc).
It really doesn't seem to matter where you're from, the economy is a mess, city/federal government is incompetent and not a lot of opportunities unless you 'know someone'.
I did a WFH experience in Seoul recently for 2 months, coming from Vancouver BC. I felt that the cost of living was so much cheaper compared to Vancouver. Everything felt relatively cheap, in terms of everyday items, street food, restaurants, and even transit cost. The only thing that would have felt expensive is that the Korean culture revolves around luxury culture cafe/experiences. It is deemed "cool" to go to a Instagramable cafe, and spend tons of money(it can cost up to $15USD for just one pastry, and $10USD for one drink). If you don't go to trendy cafes or buy trendy merch, it shows that you are cheap and unfortunately the Korean culture can be quite materialistic. It's the social norm for the young people in Korea, that's creating such a tough living experience in their youth.
There are cute cafes that aren’t that expensive. Many young people go to them.
@@jiminswriter4209I agree- I was just in Seoul and the cafes were inexpensive and high quality
I don't think you got the experience of how much it costs to live in Seoul. People live off about $50 a week for food. But food bought from a mart in Seoul is too expensive so you have to choose what vegetables you can afford to eat this week. But if you will meet a friend to just have some time to unwind your stress and exhaustion, then you have to suffer some hunger, maybe only eat 1 package of ramen as your only meal of the day.
You work 60+ hours a week and you still are barely not starving.
yes Korean culture is unfortunately highly materialistic and competitive. One of the main reasons people there are so unhappy
@@FlameEmber I don't think you know how expensive Vancouver is lol. $50 a week for food in Seoul is a lot, you can go to e-mart and buy a huge platter of yamyeong chicken for $10 that will last for a couple days with $1 instant rice bowls. Compared to Vancouver it would cost $23. just for the same amount of chicken. All I know is it was very cheap compared to what you can buy now in Vancouver, I mean... Just an white onion is $3 here.
I can't speak for the work life culture in Seoul but that's the hierarchy of Korean culture, not really the cost of living.
I know life is hard and they are busy following their dreams, but why all the girls look so good??? Their skin, hairs, fashion....all looks amazing!
Thank you for the documentary, Loved it 👏, oh what's the name of the song at the end please?
that delivery guy makes $2700/week - it's his choice to not rent a normal accommodation
There are many big cities in Korea. Seoul is a just capital city with high living costs. Even Americans move to other states if they believe California or New York is super expensive to them.
If you can’t afford $5 a lunch, you should better move to other cities. Seoul has more job opportunities and it should be covered at least $5 lunch with no issue for workers.
Wonder if it's a suburban sprawl thing that allows Americans to find more affordable housing options further out from city cores, but still within commuting distance, particularly as bedroom communities pop up that become more or less fully featured to cater to most everything you need. Los Angeles is a prime example where it's hideously expensive in and close to downtown and the coastal areas, but head out further to the outskirts and housing costs are not that bad at all. American culture might also just embrace more of the longer commutes as normal part of life vs those who live in densely populated areas.
Thank you❤
Very nice documentary, thank you.
It’s fascinating that every single human being have their own story to tell.
Seeing the Ace working to his bones at the age of 51 just to give his kids a brighter future legit got me teared up.
I bet his kids work hard aswell because they feel guilty towards him. Not sure how sustainable this is and if anyone gets happier by it but who am I to judge? It's seems very sad though.
I like the car 🚗 salesman guy at 5:23 he is good seller even he is trying to sell car to interviewers lol 😂😆
Great doc 👍🏻
Nothing wrong with some good hard grind, as long as it leads to something. Being unable to do anything, because of lack of jobs or economics is lots worse.
these people are such an inspiration, just like most of them im a young adult struggling with life and career but seeing them working hard makes me realize that I should keep on going
I hope you do. You are worthy ❤️! Keep it up.
Hmm, I am a foreign student in Korea, doing my PhD, living in Seoul area (more specifically in Suwon which is 30 minutes by tube from Seoul). I am paying around 200 USD for monthly rent (16.5 sq meters room, own bathroom and kitchen). I am spending around 10 USD daily, or less. I wouldn't say the costs of living here are that high to be fair.
@LeeSeunghee Coz your family pay the bills and Suwon is not Seoul 🙄
@@gglee7055 I pay all my bills on my own, and Seoul is not the only city in this country (and I live just 30mins by tube from Seoul)
Those young people are too competitive. They push themselves too hard. They forgot how to live. Continuing down this path will only bring frustrations, disappointments. Theres a saying here that goes "you dont chase money, money will seek you if you are worthy" Relax enjoy life. No wonder south korea's population is declining very very fast
I keep hoping a winning Powerball ticket chases me down, no luck yet.
Really good presentation.
46:16 Fact that a young woman can walk alone at night shows Seoul isn’t so bad.
I live in Toronto and wouldn't go back alone so late at night from downtown or walk the streets that late. If it's not the drug users or crazies around, it's dogs that will chase you and bite you. A lady was chased in my part of town at 9 pm walking along the neighborhood, by crazy dogs who are known to injure and kill people.
It's like that in pretty much any monocultural society.
It's not just Seoul, where I live (Croatia) it's like that too and I believe across the whole Balkans and Eastern Europe. If you live in a ''monocultural'' society like the other commenter said, it can be pretty safe. I would go home walking from the club as a female teenager in the middle of the night and nothing ever happened to me. But just because it's safe in the streets doesn't mean that people don't struggle in other ways (poverty, high cost of living, etc.)
Japan is like that too, safest nation in the world.
Truth is, Korean delivery drivers make 30~40k usd per year, and the best ones make more than 60k, and some even make close to 100k (like the guy who was shown on the video he made 2k in a week). Keep in mind that cost of living in Korea is about half of the US. You can make 30~40k working at Korean factories, and if you work at bigger companies, you can make anywhere between 60k~100k. Koreans look down on manual labor jobs and small office jobs. All they want is fancy big corporate jobs and spending on luxury goods, cars and expensive houses. Sorry, not everyone can own 1m house, drive benz, and work at Samsung. But you can own 300k house, drive small car (or no car as public transportation is amazing) and save. Life in Korea is good. They just don't know how good they have it, just like any citizens from the developed world.
I think it's also extremely important to keep in mind that these labor jobs are often very dangerous and extremely physically demanding with minimal downtime and barely any benefits. Once you end up in an accident trying to deliver food on time, you're on your own with no compensation. With near-perfect rating essential to keep you as the preferred driver (and hence, more jobs getting assigned to you by the app), they are constantly on edge about their ratings.
Sure, you can earn a decent amount (minus any costs that you have to cover yourself, like fuel) but how many deliveries can you do every day, for how many years of your life before you can't handle it anymore? There is a reason why people go for white-collar jobs, and it's not just because of status. I greatly respect these people who do these back breaking jobs with such tenacity.
That means most Koreans are superficial. I can't stand such a society 😮
Thank you for the information 😊
I wonder how you got that the cost of living in Korea is half that of the US! Generalizing this on all the US and all the Koreans want so and so. I believe Koreans know better about their country and their future. They didn't call ot Hell Joseon for nothing.
@@Scho-penhauer as a korean, of course it's hard but that Hell Joseon memes came from our high standard and competive atmosphere.
When everyone around you, family friends and society as a whole pressuring you to succeed without any failure, it will drain you like a hot battery. I’ve been surrounded by hard working korean students when I was in high school, it makes you work hard yet the feeling is weirdly toxic.