The program 'Living Report' introduced unprecedented information on living abroad for under 500,000 won a month, attracting the audience's keen interest.
On the broadcast of 'Living Report' aired on the 2nd, broadcaster Yoon Jung-soo appeared as a 'client to experience living' and requested a 'customized guide' from Lee Ji-hye and Jasson. While Lee Ji-hye recommended Laos, Jasson suggested Kyrgyzstan, and the 'experienced guide' stepped in to introduce the charms and useful information of both countries, leading Yoon Jung-soo to ultimately choose Kyrgyzstan and grant Jasson his second victory.
Reuniting with MC Kim Seong-joo, whom he greeted with pleasure, Yoon Jung-soo noted that they were the same age friends, and said, "I want to live abroad for a month with no money, but since (Kim) Seong-joo can lend me 1 million won, my hopeful budget is 1 million won." He added that he wanted a country that was close to Korea, had an open view, and had low living expenses. In response, Lee Ji-hye and Jasson introduced Laos and Kyrgyzstan, stating, "There are countries where you can eat, play, and enjoy for 10,000 won a day."
First, Jasson took the lead in Kyrgyzstan, the fourth cheapest country in the world. As an 'experienced guide,' Baek Kyung-han, who settled in Kyrgyzstan after dreaming of traveling the world, appeared. He headed to the 'Dordoi Bazaar,' a comprehensive wholesale market located in the capital Bishkek, to challenge 'happiness for 10,000 won.' First, he purchased traditional bread called 'lepeshka' for about 400 won and had breakfast, then bought a kalpak (traditional hat) for 2,700 won. He took a 'marshrutka' (local minibus) to his next destination, which cost about 330 won. After arriving at 'Osh Bazaar,' Kyrgyzstan's largest traditional market, he vividly reported on the prices in his shopping basket. There, apples were 1,200 won per kg, honey, a local specialty, was 8,000 won per kg, and beef was 10,000 won per kg. Surprised by the low prices, Yoon Jung-soo remarked, "With just 1 million won here, it would be worth 10 million won," and humorously asked Kim Seong-joo once again, "Please lend me 1 million won," making everyone burst into laughter.
After finishing his market visit, Baek Kyung-han headed to his residence, a guesthouse. He explained, "I once bought an apartment locally, but due to often being away for a long time running a travel agency, the fixed costs were burdensome. So, I currently live in a guesthouse that costs 200,000 won a month." He added that living with housemates makes him feel not lonely, appealing to the warm local atmosphere.
Next, Lee Ji-hye introduced Laos, referred to as 'the France of Asia,' for a revenge attempt. As the 'experienced guide,' the Jang Man-jun family, consisting of Jang Man-jun, Na-ri, and Jang Se-hyun, made their debut. Jang Man-jun stated, "I worked as a firefighter in Korea for 30 years and retired honorably. After meeting my current wife in Laos, I'm living my second life here." He notably became known locally as 'the man from nowhere' for leading fundraising activities for a school in Laos through YouTube, adding warmth to the story. Shortly after, they showcased a daily life in Laos where one could enjoy food and activities for '10,000 won per person.'
First, the three families started their day shopping at the 'Tongkan Kam' traditional market. At the market, napa cabbage was 1,000 won each, onions were 800 won per kg, potatoes were 900 won per kg, and tropical fruits were sold for one-sixth the price in Korea. Lee Ji-hye compared it, saying, "With the price of just one fruit basket in Korea, you could buy a truck full of fruit in Laos," pleasing Yoon Jung-soo. They then went to the 'Wat Si Muang' temple, where they prayed for the family's health and happiness by offering the fruits and flowers they had purchased earlier. After leaving the temple, they visited the 'Patuxai' monument, which overlooks the cityscape of Vientiane. They also enjoyed various street foods at a night market. Later, Jang Man-jun emphasized that even after enjoying breakfast and shopping at the traditional market based on the standard of 10,000 won per person, they still had money left, surprising everyone.
For Yoon Jung-soo, who was torn between Kyrgyzstan and Laos, Lee Ji-hye and Jasson entered a round-two showdown. Baek Kyung-han in Kyrgyzstan showcased horseback riding in the snow of 'Chonkemin National Park,' surrounded by mountains on three sides, and revealed the starry night view of 'Issyk-Kul Lake,' the second largest mountain lake in the world. The studio cast was amazed, and Yoon Jung-soo exclaimed, "That looks like a picture from a geology textbook!" Lee Ji-hye delivered her final counterattack with a travel report on Luang Prabang, which is fully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jang Man-jun family reappeared and headed to Luang Prabang, where they enjoyed a refreshing water play at the Kuang Si Waterfall, known as 'the playground of the gods.' Jasson was captivated by the emerald natural swimming pool, stating, "It reminds me of the movie 'Avatar.'" After swimming, the family moved to a thatched restaurant where they could taste local food while enjoying a view of the green rice paddies. A sumptuous spread was prepared for 29,000 won for four people, including khao niew (sticky rice), kai pen (traditional freshwater fish), tam mak hong (papaya salad), and pad pak boong (morning glory stir-fry), prompting Yoon Jung-soo to keep craving it.
With the introduction of the two countries where one can live for under 500,000 won a month coming to an end, Yoon Jung-soo ultimately chose Kyrgyzstan. He remarked, "I felt a little more exotic charm," while Lee Ji-hye, expressing regret, said, "I lost again," yet coolly added, "Seeing the Milky Way makes me want to go to Kyrgyzstan as well." Kim Seong-joo also shouted to Yoon Jung-soo, "I'll cover the cost. Let's go together, my friend!" filling the studio with laughter.
[Photo] Captured from the broadcast of MBN and MBN Drama Net's 'Living Report.'
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