N227UA

Hi,

I need 6000 EQM to qualify for the Gold tier next year.
It sounds easy and inexpensive to earn 6000 EQM with just a trans-continental round-trip perhaps.
However, I am in South Korea now, and there is no easy and inexpensive mileage run to do.
It seems like I need to do an international trip, but any international mileage run on Star Alliance that earns 6000 EQM out of South Korea seems quite expensive.
At this time of the year, it costs at least USD600.
Otherwise, I can do a trans-pacific mileage run on United for USD800 that earns me 100% elite bonus miles, but this trip will incur 4-day minimum stay in the West Coast which is undesirable.

Do you think if there is any better way to earn 6000 EQM other than doing a mileage run?

It is hard to let the Gold tier go away after enjoying the benefits for years, so I am trying hard to requalify for the next year.

Thanks,