Cost of Living in Korea: Monthly Expenses & Prices in Seoul

Meta Description: Discover the real cost of living in Seoul, South Korea. Rent, food, transport, and daily expenses explained for students and expats. Introduction: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Korea? If you’re planning to study, work, or stay long-term in South Korea, one of your first questions will be: 👉 “How much does it actually cost to live in Seoul per month?” South Korea is modern, fast-paced, and convenient, but the cost of living can vary widely depending on lifestyle and location. While Seoul is more expensive than smaller cities, it still offers affordable options if you know where to look. In this guide, we’ll break down rent, food, transportation, and daily expenses to help you estimate your monthly budget in Korea. Average Monthly Cost of Living in Seoul For a single person living modestly in Seoul: Rent (studio or one-room apartment): ₩400,000–₩800,000 Utilities & internet: ₩100,000–₩200,000 Food (mix of eating out & cooking): ₩400,000–₩600,000 Transportation (subway & bus): ₩70,000–₩120,000 Miscellaneous (shopping, leisure, phone bills): ₩150,000–₩300,000 👉 Total monthly estimate: ₩1,200,000–₩2,000,000 (approx. $900–$1,500 USD) (Exchange rate may vary depending on USD-KRW trends.) Rent in Korea: One-Room Apartments & Housing Costs Housing is usually the largest expense. In Korea, the most common options for foreigners are: 1. One-Room (원룸) Apartments Studio-type with small kitchen and bathroom. Monthly rent: ₩400,000–₩700,000 in suburban areas, ₩600,000–₩1,000,000 in central Seoul. Usually requires deposit (보증금) of ₩5,000,000–₩10,000,000. 2. Goshiwon (고시원) Tiny room, often with shared kitchen/bathroom. Rent: ₩250,000–₩450,000 per month. No deposit, flexible contracts. 3. Officetel Larger studio with better facilities, sometimes office + residential. Rent: ₩800,000–₩1,500,000 in Seoul. 💡 Tip: Many students and working holiday makers choose one-room apartments for independence and affordability.

(alt text: "Seoul one-room apartment for rent") Food Costs: Eating in Korea South Korea is famous for its affordable and diverse food options. Eating Out Convenience store kimbap: ₩1,500–₩3,000 Simple Korean meal (bibimbap, soup set): ₩6,000–₩9,000 Korean BBQ (per person): ₩15,000–₩25,000 Coffee at café: ₩4,000–₩6,000 Cooking at Home Groceries can be expensive compared to eating out, especially imported goods. 1L milk: ₩2,800–₩3,500 12 eggs: ₩4,000–₩6,000 Rice (10kg): ₩25,000–₩30,000 Chicken breast (1kg): ₩8,000–₩10,000 👉 A balanced monthly food budget is around ₩400,000–₩600,000. 📷

(alt text: "Street food prices in Seoul") Transportation: Subway & Bus in Korea Public transport in Korea is clean, fast, and reliable. The T-money card (교통카드) works for both subway and bus. Base subway/bus fare: ₩1,250–₩1,350 Additional fare for longer distances. Monthly average: ₩70,000–₩120,000 depending on commute. 💡 Tip: If you live near your school or workplace, you can save a lot on transportation. 📷

(alt text: "Seoul subway transportation cost") Other Daily Expenses in Korea Utilities (electricity, water, gas): ₩100,000–₩200,000 (higher in winter for heating). Internet & mobile phone plan: ₩50,000–₩80,000 per month. Gym membership: ₩50,000–₩100,000. Movie ticket: ~₩13,000. How Exchange Rate Affects Your Budget The KRW (Korean Won) to USD/EUR exchange rate can significantly impact living costs for foreigners. Stronger won = higher expenses in foreign currency. Weaker won = more affordable lifestyle. 💡 Always check the latest exchange rate before planning your move. Conclusion: Living in Korea on a Budget Living in Seoul costs more than in smaller Korean cities, but it is still manageable compared to other global capitals. A modest lifestyle costs around ₩1.2M–₩2M ($900–$1,500) per month, covering rent, food, transport, and extras. Whether you’re a student, on a working holiday, or moving for work, knowing these average costs will help you prepare better and avoid surprises. 👉 Thinking about living in Korea? Share this guide with friends or leave a comment below about your budget questions!