Skip to main content

Smart Saving in Korea: Mastering Subscriptions, App-tech, and "K-Thrift" (2026)

Tips on Saving Money in Korea from Koreans πŸ’΅


1. Active Use of Used Transactions

Buy household items cheaply with Carrot, a second-hand trading app, and visit Dongmyo Flea Market and Seoul Pungmul Market to buy clothes cheaply


2. Buy cosmetics at a low price

Buy cosmetics from each cosmetics brand's website rather than Olive Young


3. If you live alone, it is advantageous to subscribe to Coupang Wow, and if you live with your friend, it is beneficial to subscribe to Naver Plus.


Living in Korea doesn't have to be expensive. While inflation is a global issue, Korea offers unique digital tools to help you save money every single day. From getting free deliveries to earning cash just by walking, here is how you can live a "premium" life on a "budget" in Korea.


1. The "Big Two" Subscriptions: Coupang Wow & Naver Plus

If you live in Korea, these two subscriptions are not just "options"—they are "essentials" that pay for themselves.

  • Coupang Wow (쿠팑 μ™€μš°): * The Perk: For a small monthly fee, you get Free Rocket Delivery (often arriving by 7 AM the next morning) and Free Returns.

    • Bonus: It includes Coupang Play (streaming service) and significant discounts on Coupang Eats (food delivery). If you order delivery twice a month, the membership has already paid for itself.

  • Naver Plus (넀이버 ν”ŒλŸ¬μŠ€): * The Perk: If you shop on Naver, you get up to 5% points back. These points are like cash—you can use them to buy anything on Naver.

    • Bonus: You can choose a digital content perk, such as a Tving (K-drama) subscription or Naver Webtoon cookies.

2. App-tech: Earning Money While You Walk and Sleep

"App-tech" (App + Technology) is a massive trend in Korea. It refers to using smartphone apps to earn small amounts of cash or points.

  • Cashwalk (μΊμ‹œμ›Œν¬): This is the most famous app. It counts your steps and gives you "coins" (up to 100 per day). You can exchange these coins for coffee coupons at Starbucks or convenience store snacks.

  • Monimo (λͺ¨λ‹ˆλͺ¨) / Toss (ν† μŠ€): These financial apps give you "points" for completing simple daily tasks like drinking water, waking up on time, or checking your steps. These points can be cashed out directly to your bank account.

3. Convenience Store "1+1" and "2+1" Strategy

Korean convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) are everywhere, but they can be expensive if you aren't careful.

  • The Rule of Plus: Never buy a single item if it has a 1+1 or 2+1 tag. This brings the price down to near-wholesale levels.

  • App Storage (Keep): Did you buy a 1+1 but don't want to carry two drinks? Apps like "Our Neighborhood GS" (μš°λ¦¬λ™λ„€GS) allow you to "Save" the extra item digitally and pick it up at any branch later!

4. "My Coffee is Free Every Week": An Expat's Review

"At first, I thought Coupang Wow was a waste of money. But then I realized I was saving 3,000 KRW on delivery every time I needed something small like dish soap.

Also, I started using Cashwalk. It sounds like a small amount, but after a month of walking to work, I had enough points for a free Iced Americano. When you combine the Naver points, Coupang discounts, and App-tech, I’m saving at least 100,000 KRW a month. It’s like a game where you win money just for living your life!"

- Sophie, E-2 Visa Holder from Australia

5. Money-Saving Vocabulary

  • Jeok-립 (Jeok-rip): Accumulating points.

  • Mu-ryo-bae-song (λ¬΄λ£Œλ°°μ†‘): Free shipping.

  • Hali-in (할인): Discount.

  • Pyeon-ui-jeom (편의점): Convenience store.

Conclusion

In Korea, being thrifty is considered "smart," not "cheap." By utilizing Coupang Wow, engaging in App-tech, and mastering convenience store deals, you can significantly reduce your cost of living while enjoying all the modern conveniences this country has to offer.

Would you like me to show you how to set up the Naver Plus membership? Or do you want a list of the best App-tech apps available for foreigners? Let me know!


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Foreigner-Only Casinos in Korea: Perks, Tourism, and the Dark Side of Gambling

 In South Korea, casinos are strictly regulated. While there is one casino where Koreans can enter (Kangwon Land), most are "Foreigner-Only Casinos." For tourists and expats, these venues often offer flashy promotions, free meals, and luxury experiences.
Post a Comment
Read more

Housing in Korea: Mastering Jeonse, Wolse, and Avoiding Scams (2026)

 Finding a home in a foreign country is always a challenge, but Korea’s unique housing system can make it even more confusing. From the mysterious "Jeonse" to the essential "Certified Copy of the Register," there’s a lot to learn. Most importantly, you must be aware of "Jeonse Fraud" (Jeonse-sagi) , which has been a major issue in Korea recently. Here is everything you need to know to find a safe and comfortable home. 1. Jeonse vs. Wolse: What’s the Difference? In Korea, there are two main ways to rent a home. Both require a "Key Money" (Deposit) , but the scale is very different. Wolse (μ›”μ„Έ - Monthly Rent): How it works: You pay a smaller deposit (e.g., 5–10 million KRW) and a fixed monthly rent. Best for: Expats on a budget or those staying for a shorter period. It’s the lower-risk option. Jeonse (μ „μ„Έ - Lump-sum Deposit): How it works: You pay a huge deposit (usually 60–80% of the home's value) and pay zero monthly rent for two years. You...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Korean Social Etiquette: Navigating Weddings & Funerals (Gyeongjosa)

This article is a Korean event tip from Koreans If you are working in Korea or settling down on a long-term visa, there is one situation you will inevitably face: an invitation to a "Gyeongjosa" (경쑰사) —a collective term for major life events like weddings and funerals. In Korea, attending these events is about much more than just showing up; it’s a deep expression of "Jeong" (connection and affection) . However, for expats, the rules around "congratulatory money" (Chuk-uigeum) and dress codes can feel like a social minefield. Don't worry! Here is your friendly guide to mastering Korean social etiquette like a pro. 1. Korean Wedding Etiquette: Celebrating with Style Korean weddings are often fast-paced, lasting about 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike the all-night parties common in the West, they are efficient and structured. A. The Money: "Chuk-uigeum" (μΆ•μ˜κΈˆ) This is the most common question: "How much should I give?" As of 2026, the general...
Post a Comment
Read more