In today’s world of rising costs and economic uncertainty, more and more people are looking for ways to tighten their belts and make their money go further. One clever challenge that’s been gaining popularity is the “50 thousand Won Challenge 꽁머니 5만” – can you live an entire week on just 50 thousand won?
It might sound daunting at first, but with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you’d be surprised at how far you can stretch that 50 thousand won. I decided to take on the challenge myself and document my journey – the meals I cooked, the activities I did, the little luxuries I allowed myself. By the end of the week, not only did I save a significant amount, but I also felt more in control of my spending and discovered some truly clever hacks to live well on a budget.
Meal Planning on a 50 thousand Won Budget
One of the biggest expenses in anyone’s budget is food, so I knew I had to get really strategic with my meal planning. I started by making a list of simple, cheap, and nutritious ingredients that I could use in multiple dishes throughout the week – things like rice, eggs, frozen vegetables, canned beans, potatoes, etc.
I planned out 3 meals a day for 7 days, focusing on simple, homemade dishes that would fill me up without breaking the bank. For breakfast, I stuck to oatmeal with fruit or hard boiled eggs. Lunches were things like rice bowls with stir-fried veggies and a fried egg on top. And for dinners, I made hearty soups, stews, and casseroles that I could batch cook and eat throughout the week.
By planning ahead and cooking in larger portions, I was able to get 5-7 meals out of every recipe. And the best part is, these nutritious, satisfying meals cost me less than 2,000 won per serving! At the end of the week, I had only spent around 25,000 won on all my food.
Budget-Friendly Date Ideas
Another area where the 50 thousand won really came in handy was for social activities and dates. Going out to eat, seeing a movie, or hitting the bars can quickly add up, so I had to get creative.
One night, I packed a simple picnic with some kimbap, fruit, and sparkling water and headed to the local park for a romantic sunset date. Another evening, my partner and I rented a couple of classic movies from the library and made popcorn at home for a cozy at-home movie night. We also took advantage of free museum days and wandered through the exhibits, hand-in-hand.
The key was finding free or very low-cost activities that still felt special and date-worthy. And by cutting back on pricey restaurant meals, I was able to allocate more of my 50 thousand won budget towards these memorable experiences.
Thrifty Fashion Finds
I’ll admit, fashion and shopping are my weaknesses, so I was a bit nervous about sticking to a 50 thousand won budget. But I was determined to prove that you can still look stylish without spending a fortune.
I started by doing a deep clean of my closet, rediscovering pieces I hadn’t worn in ages and getting creative with new outfit combinations. Then I hit up some of my favorite thrift stores and secondhand shops, hunting for hidden gems. I scored a gorgeous vintage silk scarf for only 3,000 won, and a barely-worn pair of jeans for 10,000 won.
I also took advantage of some amazing sales and discounts, like the 50% off promotion at H&M and the student discount at Zara. By the end of the week, I had put together several fresh, on-trend looks for under 15,000 won each. It just goes to show that you don’t need a huge budget to cultivate your personal style.
DIY Projects on a Budget
One of the most fulfilling parts of my 50 thousand won challenge was getting crafty and doing some DIY projects around the house. I had been wanting to spruce up my living space, but didn’t want to spend a ton of money.
I started by making some simple, chic wall art using old magazines and cardboard I had lying around. Then I upcycled some jars and bottles into cute vases and organizers. For my bedroom, I sewed some new pillowcases out of leftover fabric scraps. And in the kitchen, I created a herb garden on my windowsill using just a few small pots and some seeds.
The great thing about DIY is that you can tap into your creativity without draining your wallet. I ended up spending less than 10,000 won on all my little home projects, but they made my space feel so much more personalized and inviting. It was an incredibly rewarding way to upgrade my living situation on a budget.
Frugal Beauty and Grooming
As someone who loves to pamper myself, I was a bit anxious about having to forgo my usual beauty and grooming habits during the 50 thousand won challenge. But I was determined to find ways to look and feel my best without going over budget.
For my hair, I did some DIY hair masks using ingredients like avocado, honey, and olive oil that I already had in my kitchen. I also started air-drying my hair instead of using hot tools, which not only saved me money on electricity but was also gentler on my strands.
My skincare routine got a major overhaul too. I traded in my expensive serums and creams for simple, budget-friendly alternatives like Cetaphil cleanser, Vitamin E oil, and green tea toner. And for makeup, I stuck to the essentials – a tinted moisturizer, brow gel, and a bold lip color.
The key was finding affordable, often natural alternatives that still made me feel beautiful and confident. And you know what? I ended up loving my pared-down beauty routine. It was refreshing to focus less on products and more on cultivating an inner glow.
Low-Cost Fitness Routines
Staying active and fit is important to me, but gym memberships and boutique fitness classes can really add up. So during my 50 thousand won challenge, I had to get creative with my workout routine.
I started by doing free YouTube workout videos in the mornings – everything from HIIT circuits to yoga flows. I also incorporated a lot of bodyweight exercises like pushups, squats, and lunges that I could do at home with no equipment. And when the weather was nice, I went for long walks or jogs around my neighborhood.
The best part was that I discovered some awesome free fitness apps with guided routines, meditation sessions, and more. I particularly loved the Seven app, which had 7-minute workouts that I could easily squeeze into my day.
By making use of free and low-cost fitness resources, I was able to stay active and healthy without spending a ton. And the endorphin boost I got from regular workouts was the perfect complement to my budget-friendly lifestyle.
Entertaining at Home on a Budget
One area where I really had to get creative during the 50 thousand won challenge was entertaining and hosting friends. Going out for drinks or dinner can get expensive fast, so I had to find ways to have fun at home.
I started by planning some simple but delicious potluck dinners, where everyone brought a dish to share. That way, the cost was spread out and I could focus on making one or two affordable, crowd-pleasing recipes. We also did game nights with classic board games and snacks from the grocery store.
For bigger gatherings, I got crafty with decorations, using things like string lights, colorful paper lanterns, and flowers from the local market to transform my living room into a cozy, inviting space. And instead of buying pre-made platters, I made my own veggie trays, cheese boards, and dessert spreads that looked impressive but cost a fraction of the price.
The key was prioritizing quality time with loved ones over flashy or expensive entertainment. And by keeping the focus on connection rather than consumption, I was able to host some really memorable get-togethers without blowing my budget.
Overall, the 50 thousand won challenge proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only did I save a significant amount of money, but I also discovered so many clever hacks and strategies for living well on a budget. From meal planning to fashion to fitness, I learned that you don’t have to sacrifice your lifestyle or your passions just because you’re trying to be more financially savvy.
If you’re feeling the pinch of rising costs, I highly recommend giving the 50 thousand won challenge a try. It just might open your eyes to a whole new world of budget-friendly possibilities. Who knows – you might even have some fun in the process!
