South Korea is one of the most modern and dynamic countries in Asia, attracting students, expats, and travelers from around the world. If you’re planning to move here—or just curious about daily expenses—understanding the cost of living in Korea (2025) is essential. This guide breaks down housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment so you can budget realistically.
1. Housing Costs
Housing will be your biggest expense. Options include:
- Officetel (Studio Apartments): Around 500,000–900,000 KRW/month in Seoul, cheaper (300,000–600,000 KRW) outside the capital.
- Goshiwon (small student rooms): 200,000–500,000 KRW/month, usually furnished.
- Jeonse (lump-sum deposit rentals): Requires a huge deposit (50M–500M KRW), but very low monthly rent.
Tip: Many expats choose officetels near subway lines for convenience.
2. Food Costs
- Eating out (casual meal): 7,000–12,000 KRW.
- Cafés: Coffee is 4,000–6,000 KRW.
- Convenience store meals: 4,000–6,000 KRW for triangle kimbap + drink.
- Groceries (monthly for one): 300,000–400,000 KRW if cooking at home.
3. Transportation
Korea’s transportation system is affordable and efficient.
- Subway/Bus fare: 1,400–1,600 KRW per ride.
- Monthly transport card: ~60,000 KRW.
- Taxi base fare: 4,800 KRW in Seoul.
4. Utilities & Internet
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 100,000–200,000 KRW/month.
- Internet + mobile phone: 60,000–90,000 KRW/month.
5. Healthcare
Healthcare is high-quality and relatively cheap.
- Doctor visit: 10,000–30,000 KRW.
- National Health Insurance (NHI): Around 80,000–120,000 KRW/month for expats.
6. Entertainment & Lifestyle
- Movie ticket: 12,000–15,000 KRW.
- Fitness membership: 35,000–100,000 KRW/month.
- K-pop concert tickets: 100,000–200,000 KRW.
✅ Average Monthly Budget for a Single Person in Seoul (2025):
- Housing: 700,000 KRW
- Food: 400,000 KRW
- Transport: 60,000 KRW
- Utilities/Internet: 150,000 KRW
- Lifestyle/Other: 200,000 KRW
➡ Total:1.5M–1.7M KRW/month ($1,200–1,300 USD)
Living outside Seoul can reduce costs by 20–30%.