Living Costs and Expenses
An Enriching Study Abroad Experience Through Diverse Opportunities, It is important to spend meaningful time while saving costs.
Key Living Expenses for Studying Abroad
To ensure a successful study abroad experience, prospective students should plan for costs beyond university tuition, such as living expenses.
Key expenses, including dining out, public transportation, and housing, as well as tips for saving money, should be carefully considered.
Estimated Monthly Expenses
Average Living Expenses
Average Living Expenses Total
Approx. 750,000–1,000,000 KRW
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Housing Costs
Estimated Cost (1 Month, in KRW) | 500,000–700,000 KRW (
Dormitory fees vary depending on the number of occupants and whether meals are included. ) -
Food Expenses
Estimated Cost (1 Month, in KRW) | 200,000–300,000 KRW (
One meal at a university cafeteria: 5,000–15,000 KRW ) -
Transportation Costs
Estimated Cost (1 Month, in KRW) | 50,000~100,000 KRW
-
Other Expenses
Estimated Cost (1 Month, in KRW) | 100,000~200,000 KRW (
Includes communication costs (mobile phone, internet) and health insurance. )
Cost of Living in Korea
Korea’s dining costs are relatively low compared to other developed countries, and public transportation costs are very affordable.
Average Dining Costs
Regular Meal
- Seoul
- ₩11,000
- New York
- ₩41,400
- LA
- ₩33,800
- Tokyo
- ₩8,800
- London
- ₩35,100
- Berlin
- ₩20,900
Hamburger Set
- Seoul
- ₩8,000
- New York
- ₩16,600
- LA
- ₩16,600
- Tokyo
- ₩7,000
- London
- ₩14,100
- Berlin
- ₩14,900
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
- Seoul
- ₩5,000
- New York
- ₩11,000
- LA
- ₩11,000
- Tokyo
- ₩3,900
- London
- ₩11,400
- Berlin
- ₩6,700
Cappuccino (1 cup)
- Seoul
- ₩5,200
- New York
- ₩7,800
- LA
- ₩7,400
- Tokyo
- ₩4,500
- London
- ₩6,400
- Berlin
- ₩5,500
Soda (0.33L)
- Seoul
- ₩2,000
- New York
- ₩4,200
- LA
- ₩3,800
- Tokyo
- ₩1,500
- London
- ₩3,600
- Berlin
- ₩4,100
Average Public Transportation Costs
Bus/Subway (1 trip)
- Seoul
- ₩1,500
- New York
- ₩4,000
- LA
- ₩2,400
- Tokyo
- ₩1,800
- London
- ₩4,900
- Berlin
- ₩5,100
Monthly Pass
- Seoul
- ₩61,300
- New York
- ₩182,200
- LA
- ₩110,400
- Tokyo
- ₩70,500
- London
- ₩351,300
- Berlin
- ₩73,100
Taxi Base Fare
- Seoul
- ₩4,800
- New York
- ₩6,800
- LA
- ₩110,400
- Tokyo
- ₩4,300
- London
- ₩7,900
- Berlin
- ₩7,500
Taxi Running Fare (1 km)
- Seoul
- ₩1,000
- New York
- ₩3,000
- LA
- ₩2,300
- Tokyo
- ₩3,900
- London
- ₩3,500
- Berlin
- ₩3,400
Medical Expenses for International Students and National Health Insurance Information
Costs of Groceries and Cultural Activities in Korea
- Milk (1L)
- ₩2,920
- Beef (1kg, round cut)
- ₩54,810
- Bottled Water (1.5L)
- ₩1,570
- Bread (500g)
- ₩4,230
- Apples (1kg)
- ₩9,420
- Wine (mid-range, 0.75L)
- ₩25,000
- Rice (1kg)
- ₩4,640
- Bananas (1kg)
- ₩4,800
- Gym Membership (1 month)
- ₩76,000
- Eggs (A pack of 12)
- ₩4,460
- Potatoes (1kg)
- ₩5,420
- Tennis (1 hour)
- ₩27,000
- Chicken Breast (1kg)
- ₩14,570
- Onions (1kg)
- ₩4,320
- Movie Ticket (1 time)
- ₩15,000
Unit: KRW per person
Source : Namu Wiki https://namu.wiki/w/korea/price, as of June 2024
Essential Guide to Saving Living Expenses
The goal of studying abroad is not just to earn a degree but to grow through diverse experiences, making it important to save costs while having meaningful time.
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Use Scholarships
The Korea government provides scholarships to international students annually, and students with excellent academic performance can receive university-specific scholarships.
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Save on Housing Costs
Staying in dormitories or sharing an apartment with roommates can help reduce housing expenses.
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Save on Food Expenses
Cook meals using groceries instead of dining out and take advantage of student discounts.
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Save on Transportation Costs
Many cities in Korea offer bicycle rental services. Using Korea's affordable public transportation system with transfer benefits can also help save money.
