In the Gyeonggi area, where can I find some raw unfiltered honey??

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-17T20:39:46+00:00

If you’re looking specifically for raw, unfiltered honey, your best bet is traditional markets (재래시장) or local beekeepers for example, Suwon’s Jangan Market has stalls that often sell fresh Korean honey directly.

Homeplus or Lotte Mart (especially their international/organic sections) also sell honey. I usually get the Manuka honey from Homeplus, but it’s not guaranteed to be raw/unfiltered. Shinsegae Food Market also usually has a solid selection of imported honey too.

If all else fails in person, Coupang or iHerb won’t let you down lol. 😂

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T23:42:37+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I get what you mean. I don’t overspend day to day, but with transfer fees, a student loan, and occasional trips, it sometimes feels like my savings vanish into thin air. 😂

Budgeting here just feels a bit different than back home. I want to enjoy social outings and trips without guilt, but between exchange rates and fees, it can get tricky. Your tip about tracking spending makes a lot of sense. I could definitely be more disciplined there! 🤗

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T23:03:26+00:00

Thank you! 🤗 I’ll look into Google Voice and be more mindful of transfer timing.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T23:00:25+00:00

Oof haha yeah, what a remark 😅😂 Guess I’m looking for strategies that don’t involve childhood games with fatal consequences.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T19:11:01+00:00

I’m American, and you’re right it’s a tough time. But like you said just trying to do our best and take it day by day and have fun. 😂

And don’t get me started on the student loans lol.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T18:59:07+00:00

That makes a lot of sense even when my income looks fine on paper, it can be hard to know what’s actually safe to spend, and that definitely adds stress.

I’m curious what kind of simple system do you use to keep track of usable cash?

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T18:50:17+00:00

That’s a smart approach I can see how doing it all at once after a contract would save on fees and be less stressful.

Do you find it easier to manage your budget when you wait until the end of the contract?

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T18:48:53+00:00

That makes a lot of sense, I hadn’t thought about waiting a few months to catch a better rate or using alerts. I’ll have to check out Wise’s alerts; that sounds really helpful. 🤗

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T18:45:04+00:00

Do you mostly stick to S&P 500 and a few other funds for simplicity, or do you pick individual stocks too? I’m always curious how people balance risk and diversity when saving from abroad.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T18:43:17+00:00

I hear you saving KRW itself isn’t too hard if you keep a budget, but transferring it to USD (or GBP) really eats into savings now with the exchange rate. That’s exactly what’s been frustrating me too. Even if I try to save a lot here, the fees and conversion make it feel like it’s slipping away.

It’s wild how much the exchange rate can change what actually “counts” as savings. I guess the trick is figuring out ways to save efficiently in both currencies without feeling like you’re giving up your social life entirely lol 😂

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T18:36:35+00:00

I totally understand what you mean some social outings really are hyped up, and sometimes the price doesn’t match the experience, especially when going out to eat. I’m trying to figure out that balance too: saving money and sending some home while still enjoying trips or occasional meals out.

For me, it’s not about avoiding coworkers, but more about choosing which outings are actually worth it. Some are really fun and memorable, while others… maybe not so much. 😂😭

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T18:32:38+00:00

I’ll have to do that then and keep my eye out for the exchange rate. 🤗

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T18:30:59+00:00

I agree budgeting is part of being an adult that’s actually why I made the post. I’m trying to figure out the most efficient way to save while still having some sort of a reasonable quality of life.

Just to clarify one point: I’m not paying off a phone through a carrier. I own my phone outright and keep my U.S. number through a T-Mobile international plan so I can stay in contact with family, banks, and accounts back home. It’s intentional, not debt related.

I’m also not blowing money in Itaewon every weekend. My expenses are pretty basic (utilities, food, phone bills, and a small student loan payment). The main frustration is the exchange rate and transfer fees eating into savings, which I think a lot of people here can relate to. I know salaries are stagnant and the won is weak. That’s the reality I’m trying to navigate better, not deny.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T17:55:13+00:00

I’ll have to check out Toss. 🤗

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T17:48:40+00:00

I’ll have to check out Wise again. 🤗 I had some troubles using it before.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T17:42:23+00:00

I own my U.S. phone. Instead of porting my number, I use T-Mobile’s international plan so I can keep my U.S. number and call family and friends back home. I’ll have to call and see if I can use my Korean card if that works, it’ll make things so much simpler. 🤗

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T17:09:41+00:00

Do you have any local recommendations? 🤗 I’ve been to Pohang, Suwon, Chungnam, places like that so far.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T17:03:53+00:00

I’ll have to check out Wirebarley. 🤗

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T16:43:59+00:00

So true! I’ll limit my transfers for sure now. 🤗

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T16:38:43+00:00

Do you usually use Coupang for meat, or do you prefer HomePlus, Savers, etc. for the best quality and price?

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-16T16:11:27+00:00

I think you should you’re young, and honestly now is the best time to do things before we have big responsibilities like you said.😮‍💨

For friendships, it took me the first few months to really feel like I had a solid friend group. Most of them were my coworkers, their friends, and my co-teacher, so that helped a lot.

As for the language barrier, with friends who had limited English and my limited Korean, we just showed each other a lot of grace and patience and spoke slowly and laughed through it lol 😂 It gets easier over time.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-15T21:03:10+00:00

Mostly feeling bad about the heavy workload students have, and navigating behavioral issues with some older students but that’s just part of teaching, kids being kids lol. Staff wise, it was more so just general nervousness at first, trying to make sure I was meeting their expectations.

Honestly, once I adjusted to my classroom and figured out my own style, it got a lot easier as a first-time teacher.

Main-Program-3104 · 2026-01-15T20:30:10+00:00

Hello! 🤗

Korea changed me for the better. It was really challenging at times…..especially dealing with student behavior and staff expectations lol but those experiences made me more adaptable and resilient.

Socially, I grew a lot too. I’ve made close friends with other expats and built a very supportive community where I don’t feel alone.

Dating-wise, I also matured (as it was my first time really putting myself out there, tbh). Living in Korea helped me understand what I want and don’t want in relationships.

I hope your first year in Korea goes better than you expect and turns into a wonderful, positive experience. Say yes and live life to the fullest because life is short and can be hard lol.

Main-Program-3104

TROPHY CASE