If you're considering relocating to South Korea, whether for work, study, or just to experience life in Korea, understanding the local cost of living is undoubtedly an important first step. South Korea, especially Seoul, is often perceived as an area with high living costs, but the actual situation may be more reasonable than you imagine.

 

 

Housing Costs

 

The cost of living is generally similar throughout South Korea, with housing being one of the major differences. Housing costs and security deposits are significant reasons why Seoul often ranks among the top ten most expensive cities globally. In South Korea, the two most common rental systems are "전세 (Jeonse)" and "월세 (Wolse)," each with its characteristics and advantages.

 

1. 전세 (Jeonse) - Lump-sum Deposit System

 

• Jeonse, or the lump-sum deposit system, is a unique Korean housing rental method. Under this system, tenants pay a substantial deposit (usually 50% to 70% of the property's value) to the landlord as a security deposit for the rental period. This deposit is returned in full, without interest, at the end of the lease.

 

• Under the Jeonse system, tenants usually do not have to pay monthly rent, or only pay a very low rent. This system is a good choice for tenants who can afford a large deposit but want to reduce monthly expenses.

 

• A risk of the Jeonse system is that if the landlord's financial situation is poor, it may affect the return of the deposit.

 

2. 월세 (Wolse) - Monthly Rent System

 

• Wolse, or the monthly rent system, is more similar to the common rental methods internationally. Under this system, tenants pay a relatively small deposit and fixed monthly rent.

 

• This method is more suitable for tenants who cannot afford a large deposit. It offers greater flexibility, allowing tenants to choose suitable housing based on their financial situation.

 

• However, the downside of the Wolse system is that, in the long run, the total amount paid by tenants may be higher than that of the Jeonse system.

 

Average apartment rents in four Korean cities:

 

Region	Average Rent (Wolse Lease)
Seoul (Gangnam area)	₩1,239,000 (about HK$8,500)
Seoul (North of the river)	₩1,006,000 (about HK$6,900)
Gyeonggi-do	₩832,000 (about HK$5,700)
Incheon	₩754,000 (about HK$5,200)
Busan	₩513,000 (about HK$3,600)

 

Utility costs in South Korea, such as gas and electricity, vary by season.

 

• In winter, due to heating needs, gas bills can exceed 100,000 won (about $88.50).

 

• In summer, frequent use of air conditioning can also lead to higher electricity bills.

 

Generally, electricity bills may range from 10,000 won (about $8.85) to 30,000 won (about $26.50) per month.

Food Costs

 

 

South Korea is renowned for its diverse cuisine.

 

From street snacks to traditional Korean restaurants, the food choices are abundant and reasonably priced.

 

For instance, the price of kimbap or soup ranges from 1,000 won (about $0.89) to 3,000 won (about $2.65), while dining at a regular Korean restaurant costs about 10,000 won (about $8.85) to 15,000 won (about $13.30) per person.

 

Category	Item	Average Cost (Won)
Eating Out	Street Snacks	1,000 - 6,000
	Fast Food	6,000 - 10,000
	Mid-range Restaurant	10,000 - 20,000
	High-end Restaurant	20,000+
Vegetables	General Vegetables	2,000 - 5,000
	Organic Vegetables	5,000 - 10,000
Meat	Pork	15,000 - 25,000
	Beef	30,000 - 50,000
	Chicken	10,000 - 15,000
Fruits	General Fruits	3,000 - 7,000
	Imported Fruits	10,000 - 20,000

 

The prices of ingredients fluctuate based on seasonality and market supply. The cost of vegetables and fruits may vary depending on the variety and whether they are organic.

 

Meat prices depend on the type and quality of the meat. It's advisable to adjust the budget based on personal dietary habits and actual market prices in the area.

 

 

Transportation Costs

 

South Korea's public transportation mainly includes subways, buses, and taxis. Although slightly more expensive than domestic transportation, it is very convenient.

 

In South Korea, you can use cash or a transportation card when taking public transport. Generally, using a transportation card greatly improves efficiency and is more convenient and cost-saving.

 

Transportation Card	Cash
Subway	1,250 won
City Bus	1,200 won
Taxi	4,800 won (starting fare)
Incheon Airport Bus	18,000 won
Airport Railroad (Seoul Station ⇔ Incheon Airport Terminal 2)	11,000 won
High-speed Train KTX (Seoul ⇔ Busan)	59,800 won

 

Medical Costs

 

Residents in South Korea must participate in basic medical insurance, usually deducted from their salary. Basic medical insurance does not cover all medical expenses. Major surgeries or special treatments can significantly increase medical costs. The cost of comprehensive medical insurance typically ranges from 100,000 won (about $88.55) to 200,000 won (about $177.00) per month.

 

Medical costs for foreigners vary based on their status (tourist, worker, student) and whether they have joined South Korea's national health insurance. Workers and students can purchase national medical health insurance, while tourists are advised to buy travel insurance, which usually includes coverage for medical expenses, to alleviate the financial burden of unexpected illnesses or accidents.

 

Overview of general outpatient fees:

 

• General outpatient: about 30,000 - 50,000 won.

 

• Specialist outpatient: about 50,000 - 100,000 won.

 

• Hospitalization: Costs vary depending on the severity of the condition and the length of stay, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of won.

 

Hotel Costs

 

For those who haven't found a place to live or are tourists, choosing a hotel is crucial. Hotels that are conveniently located near subway stations, business districts, and are comfortable and clean are naturally preferred. Depending on the budget, there are many options to choose from.

 

Category	Cost (Won)
5-star	120,000~400,000
3-star to 4-star	50,000~180,000
Guest House	30,000~100,000

 

Understanding the cost of living and prices in South Korea is crucial for those planning to live there. It not only affects their daily life but also their financial planning and international remittance needs.

 

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