John Lennon sang in “Love”; love is real, real is love. But these days, unfortunately, we have to change the lyric. “Love is reality, reality is love.” If you have ever had a hard time going out because of money shortages, you would understand our reality. Now the Chonnam Tribune asks you; To what extent can you, in your twenties, spend ten thousand (“man” in Korean) won? What about 10 years ago? What about 20 years ago?
Forties: Man won must have been a fortune. Eh?
Man won? Big money! It was when a box of chicken was 5000~6000 won. 600 grams of pork belly was only 2000 won. Moreover 700 won could drive them into a pub for 500cc of beer. Bus fare was only 150~200 won. Can you imagine those times? We usually met in the bakery near school or stopped by the coffee house, which was called a ‘dabang’ in those days. There were not many buildings at CNU unlike today. Lots of rice paddies and fields were standing instead of 'Sangdae backstreets’, which gave us wonderful place for dating. Beautiful days it were when we could be fully satisfied with man won.
Thirties: How big was man won in your school days?
Things are not different from now! The average cost of lunch was 2000 won in the student union at that time. But I remember it was still hard to cover a special meal and dessert with Man-won. 3000cc beer was 9000 won. A roll of kimbab was 1000 won. You would better not expect too moderate prices. We used to go to cheap restaurants as you do now. We used to walk around the school as you do now. No generation gap! I wish.
Twenties: Now I can guess how hard up couples would be in this era…. (laugh)
As we learned from a smart phone, a smart TV and smart home appliances, why not us? It’s time for us to be a smart couple. The first step is to buy movie ticket through social commerce. It will be 4000 won for each, so 8000 won. No popcorn! No drink! You’d better walk to the theater. After it finishes, 2 cups of take-out coffee would bring full satisfaction. Remember! Don’t choose some ‘whipped-cream-decorated’ coffee. In all aspects, we know ‘Americano’ is better. Another good idea is to go to the park. If you were to be worried about bus expenses, then walk again! If you didn’t forget to buy two rolls of kimbab and some fresh fruit juice, you’ve already become a smart consumer.
Money talked, money talked and still it talks. Let’s sit around the Bongji pond and look up the sky again. A light breeze is blowing and the flowers are gently swaying. No money can buy you these beautiful scenes with whom you love.
By Yoon Ji-yeon, Guest Reporter
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tribune@cnumedia.com