Introduction
People often ask me about the cost of living in Korea. This can greatly differ depending on various factors like lifestyle and income. Some might find living in Korea quite affordable, while others may deem it expensive. It's challenging to offer an average figure because everyone's spending habits differ. However, over the years, I've been tracking my spending, and I'd like to share this data with you. Hopefully, this will give you a rough estimate of the potential costs of living in Korea.
My Cost Breakdown
While I was on a working holiday back in 2022, I wanted to find out how much I would spend on things here in Korea. This is a 9-month breakdown of my experiment. I mostly stayed in short-term accommodations and switched places every month.
During that period, I decided to fully explore the cost of immersing myself in all the experiences Korea had to offer without holding back on spending. This included eating out and attending numerous concerts and festivals. As a TWICE fan, I couldn't resist splurging on all the TWICE merchandise I could find.
I tracked every WON, excluding work-related expenses. Here's the breakdown of my expenses:
🏡 35% Accommodation [₩735.000] (₩500.000~₩1.000.0000)
- Airnbn (Monthly Booking Cheaper)
- Booking
- Guesthouses
- Long Term Renting
🍛 35% Food [₩735.000] (₩600.000-₩1.000.000)
- 7% Cafes Coffee and Cake!
- I only eat out! Groceries in Korea and cooking is quite expensive
- I enjoy inviting my friends for dinner and picking up the tab
💿 10% K-Pop [₩210.000] (₩200.000)
👉How to Buy K-Pop Concert Tickets
- Concerts (₩80.000~₩150.000) I went to 20 concerts in 2022!
- Albums (₩15.000~₩20.000)
- Fan Cafe Events (₩10.000)
- Other Merch
🥋 5% MMA Gym [₩105.000] (₩180.000)
- Kickboxing/Jiujutsu/Gym
🚌 5% Transportation [₩105.000] (₩105.000)
👉Seoul Climate Card (Unlimited Transport Pass)
- Subway and Bus (₩40.000)
- Train (₩60.000) Seoul - Busan
- Fly (₩120.000) Busan - Jeju
- Express Bus (₩30.000) Seoul - Busan
👕 15% Miscellaneous [₩315.000] 15%
- Clothes
- Gear
- Gifts
Living my life in Korea costs around ₩2.100.000 (1.500 Euro) per month or ₩70.000 (50 Euro) per day.
Of course, the cost of living in Korea might not be as cheap as some other South East Asian countries, but the level of comfort and safety is comparable to Western Europe.
Examples of Expenses in Korea
Item | Cost (₩) |
K-Pop Concerts | 100,000 - 150,000 |
Subway Base Fee | 1,500 - 3,000 |
Ice Americano | 5,000 |
Cake | 7,000 |
Korean Meals | 10,000 |
Burger King Set | 9,900 |
Korean Cafeteria | 7,000 |
Milk 2l | 3,000 |
Eggs 30x | 10,000 |
Average Korean Meal | 10,000 |
MMA Gym Membership | 150,000 |
Conclusion
This cost breakdown provides a glimpse into the potential costs associated with living in Korea. It's important to remember that the actual cost will vary depending on individual lifestyles and spending habits. The prices listed here should serve as indicators to give you a feel for what things cost in Korea. It can be beneficial to compare these costs to those in your home country to better understand the financial implications of living in Korea. Remember, the most significant factors affecting the cost of living will be your personal choices regarding accommodation, food, and leisure activities.
For context, the average income in Korea is around ₩3,000,000 per month. When people say "Seoul is so expensive!" it's usually in comparison to their income, as they may not have any other comparison to other countries. So, if you are from a western country, the cost of living in Korea can actually be quite affordable. Especially considering the current exchange rates from the Euro or US dollar, things can play out even better to your benefit.
🤝 Collaborations & Inquiries
Are you a brand, business, or organization looking to reach the expat or digital nomad community in Korea?
I’m open to meaningful partnerships that align with my mission, bridging Korea 🇰🇷 with the world 🌍.
Whether you’re looking to:
- 📢 Promote a product or service to a Korea-curious audience
- 🤝 Collaborate on culture, tech, or lifestyle content
- 🎤 Invite me to speak, host, or create for your platform
- 🧭 Share helpful resources with people living in or moving to Korea
💡 How I Can Help You
Whether you’re visiting, staying long-term, or relocating. I share honest insights, guides, and tools to help you navigate life in Korea.
🛫 Working Holiday Korea
Real experiences & survival tips from someone who’s been through it all.
💻 Digital Nomad Korea Service
Guidance for remote workers and entrepreneurs building a life in Korea.
🧠 Need Help Understanding Korea?
What I Offer:
- 🧭 Personalized Advice: Get tailored advice specific to your situation
- 🧠 Cultural Insights: Learn about Korean customs and etiquette
- 🧰 Practical Tips: From finding accommodation to understanding public transport
- 🌐 Networking Opportunities: Connect with other expats and locals
- 📕 Exclusive Resources: Gain access to exclusive guides and resources
📬 Weekly Tips in Your Inbox
Join 1,000+ readers learning how to live smarter in Korea — from visas to vibes.
👋 About Kim Ninja
Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
🧭 Cultural Guide · ✍️ Storyteller · 🎨 Curator
📢 Creator helping foreigners understand and thrive in Korea
🗺️ I turn everyday challenges into comics, guides, and stories
The blog published by Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen) is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter.
