How much does it really cost to live in South Korea? Let’s break it down!
안녕하세요~ Welcome to Korea!
Whether you’re coming here as an expat, international student, digital nomad, or just curious about Korean life, understanding the cost of living is essential. From monthly rent and groceries to public transport and mobile plans, this guide has you covered with updated 2025 prices! ✨
🏠 1. Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)
Your biggest expense will likely be housing. Here’s what to expect:
| Type | Seoul | Other Cities (Busan, Daegu, Daejeon) |
| One-room (Studio, Officetel) | ₩600,000–₩1,200,000 | ₩400,000–₩800,000 |
| Two-room Apartment | ₩1,200,000–₩2,000,000 | ₩800,000–₩1,500,000 |
| Share House / Guesthouse | ₩350,000–₩600,000 | ₩250,000–₩500,000 |
| Utility Bills (Gas, Water, Electricity, Internet) | ₩150,000–₩250,000/month |
TIP: “Jeonse” (lump-sum deposit system) is still common, but most expats go for monthly rent (wolse).
🍱 2. Food & Grocery Expenses
Eating Out
- Local Korean meal: ₩8,000–₩12,000
- Fast food combo (McDonald's, Lotteria): ₩7,000–₩9,000
- Mid-range restaurant (2 people): ₩35,000–₩60,000
- Coffee (Americano): ₩4,000–₩6,000 ☕️
Groceries (Monthly for 1 person)
| Item | Price |
| Milk (1L) | ₩2,500 |
| Eggs (10) | ₩3,000 |
| Chicken breast (500g) | ₩5,000 |
| Rice (5kg) | ₩12,000 |
| Fruits & Vegetables | ₩40,000/month (varies by season) |
| Total Estimate | ₩250,000–₩400,000/month |
TIP: Shopping at traditional markets can be much cheaper than big supermarkets!
🚇 3. Transportation
- Subway/Bus fare: ₩1,400 (with T-money card)
- Taxi start fare: ₩4,800 (Seoul), ₩4,000 (other cities)
- Monthly public transport cost: ₩60,000–₩80,000
- Intercity bus (Seoul–Busan): ₩30,000–₩50,000
- Bike-sharing (Seoul): ₩5,000/month
TIP: The Kakao T app is your best friend for taxis and navigation!
📶 4. Mobile, Internet & Utilities
| Service | Monthly Cost |
| SIM + Data Plan (Unlimited or 10–20GB) | ₩40,000–₩70,000 |
| Home Internet (100Mbps) | ₩30,000–₩45,000 |
| Utility bills (gas, electric, water) | ₩80,000–₩150,000 (depending on season) |
TIP: eSIM plans for foreigners are now widely available at Incheon Airport or online via Trazy/Klook.
🎓 5. Education & Language Classes
- Korean language institute (full-time): ₩800,000–₩1,200,000 / 3 months
- Private tutor: ₩30,000–₩50,000/hour
- Free online classes: TalkToMeInKorean, HowToStudyKorean
TIP: Universities often offer Korean classes for foreigners at discounted prices!
🧘♂️ 6. Entertainment & Lifestyle
| Activity | Price |
| Cinema ticket | ₩12,000–₩15,000 |
| Gym membership | ₩40,000–₩100,000/month |
| Haircut (Men/Women) | ₩15,000–₩40,000 |
| Monthly streaming (Netflix, Wavve) | ₩9,900–₩14,000 |
| Drinking out (2 beers at pub) | ₩12,000–₩20,000 🍻 |
✈️ 7. Estimated Monthly Budget (2025)
| Lifestyle | Seoul | Other Cities |
| Minimal (Student/Backpacker) | ₩1,000,000–₩1,500,000 | ₩800,000–₩1,200,000 |
| Mid-range (Expat/Worker) | ₩1,800,000–₩2,800,000 | ₩1,500,000–₩2,200,000 |
| Comfortable | ₩3,000,000+ | ₩2,500,000+ |
🏁 Final Thoughts
South Korea offers a high quality of life at relatively affordable prices — especially compared to Tokyo, Singapore, or New York.
If you plan smartly, you can enjoy Korean culture, food, and city life without breaking the bank!
Whether you're staying short-term or long-term, this 2025 guide will help you prepare your budget and avoid surprises.
Welcome to Korea, and 행복한 생활 되세요! 🇰🇷✨
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