{"id":24494,"date":"2024-12-09T15:48:05","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T14:48:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/?post_type=destinationcpt&#038;p=24494"},"modified":"2025-06-27T09:45:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T07:45:16","slug":"the-cost-of-living-in-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"destinationcpt","link":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"The cost of living in South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Thinking of moving to South Korea? More and more expatriates are making the move, attracted by the South Korea\u2019s quality of life. With one of the best healthcare systems in the world and an education system ranked in the top 3 in the world, South Korea combines tradition and modernity. Before you pack your bags for Seoul or another Korean city, Global Health shares everything you need to know about the cost of living in South Korea, the Land of the Morning Calm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-overview-of-the-average-cost-of-living-in-south-korea\">Overview of the average cost of living in South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The average cost of living in South Korea for one person is <strong>\u20ac1,450<\/strong>. For a family of four, the cost of living is <strong>\u20ac4,700<\/strong>. These budgets include all the basic expenses, such as rent, energy costs, shopping and transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Services<\/th><th>Average price in South Korea<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Average monthly salary<\/td><td>\u20ac2,180<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Price of renting a flat in the city centre<\/td><td>\u20ac300 &#8211; \u20ac1.050\/ month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Purchase price per m2 of a city-centre flat<\/td><td>\u20ac11,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Petrol (1 L)<\/td><td>\u20ac1.13<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mobile package (calls + 10 GB data)<\/td><td>\u20ac40<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cinema ticket<\/td><td>\u20ac10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Restaurant meal for two people<\/td><td>\u20ac35<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em>The above values are given for information only<\/em>. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/country_result.jsp?country=South+Korea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Numbeo<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-currency-and-exchange-rates-in-south-korea\">Currency and exchange rates in South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The national currency is the South Korean won. It is abbreviated KRW and symbolised as \u20a9. Currently, 1 won is equivalent to 0.00068 euros, or 1,465 won for 1 euro. <em>(Index as at 21 November 2024).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accommodation-in-south-korea\">Accommodation in South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>When moving to South Korea, it&#8217;s worth bearing in mind that accommodation is a major part of your budget. In fact, it&#8217;s the <strong>second biggest item of expenditure<\/strong>, behind the shopping budget. About renting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apartment (1 bedroom): allow for a monthly budget of KRW 760,100 (520 \u20ac) in the city centre, and 480,000 (330\u20ac) in the suburbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apartment (3 bedrooms): for large families, the rent you need to budget for is KRW 2,100,000 (1,430 \u20ac) in the city centre, and KRW 1,280,000 (875 \u20ac) outside the centre<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tuan-p-2SfRk-QaY40-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of the city of Seoul and its small houses and buildings\" class=\"wp-image-24428\" style=\"width:333px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tuan-p-2SfRk-QaY40-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tuan-p-2SfRk-QaY40-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tuan-p-2SfRk-QaY40-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tuan-p-2SfRk-QaY40-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tuan-p-2SfRk-QaY40-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tuan-p-2SfRk-QaY40-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-estate-prices\">Real-estate prices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For expats looking to become homeowners, <strong>the price per m2 in South Korea is quite high<\/strong>. On average, you should expect to pay KRW 16,000,000 (10,900 \u20ac) in the city centre and KRW 10,800,000 (7,380 \u20ac) outside. In the most upmarket districts of Seoul, the price per m2 can reach KRW 30,000,000 (20,500 \u20ac).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Goshiwons &amp; student housing:<\/strong> Shared accommodation options for students cost around KRW 300K \u2013 800K per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-housing-costs-by-city-in-south-korea\">Housing costs by city in South Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rent and m2 prices vary from city to city. To give you a concrete idea, here&#8217;s a comparison of budgets in the main Korean megacities (in euros):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Accomodation<\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong>Price in Seoul<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong>Price in Busan<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong>Price in Daegu<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Studio rental in the city centre per month<\/td><td>\u20ac850<\/td><td>\u20ac450<\/td><td>\u20ac365<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Studio rental outside the city centre per month<\/td><td>\u20ac500<\/td><td>\u20ac300<\/td><td>\u20ac250<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Average purchase price per m2 in the city centre<\/td><td>\u20ac18,200<\/td><td>\u20ac7,300<\/td><td>\u20ac6,680<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em><em>The above values are given for information only<\/em><\/em><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/colorful-houses-busan-south-korea-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"The most famous colourful houses in Busan, South Korea, under a sunny sky.\" class=\"wp-image-24429\" style=\"width:395px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/colorful-houses-busan-south-korea-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/colorful-houses-busan-south-korea-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/colorful-houses-busan-south-korea-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/colorful-houses-busan-south-korea-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/colorful-houses-busan-south-korea-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source  <a href=\"https:\/\/freepik.com\/free-photo\/colorful-houses-busan-south-korea_19141076.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=2&amp;uuid=13372bfe-e421-4152-a50f-f7f277ea4fe5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-food-prices-in-south-korea\">Food prices in South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shopping is the biggest item of expenditure in South Korea. Prices for basic foods in the country are generally quite high. They are comparable to those in the European Union, and sometimes much more expensive. Average prices for certain products are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Food<\/th><th><strong>Average price in South Korea<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Milk (1 L)<\/td><td>\u20ac2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Water (1,5 L)<\/td><td>\u20ac1 <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bread (500 g)<\/td><td>\u20ac1.90<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rice (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac2.80<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>A dozen eggs<\/td><td>\u20ac2.85<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local cheese (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chicken fillets (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac8.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meat (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac29<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Apples (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac6.90<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bananas (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac3.20<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tomatoes (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac5.35<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Potatoes (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac3.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Onions (1 kg)<\/td><td>\u20ac2.80<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local beer (500 ml)<\/td><td>\u20ac2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Imported beer (330 ml)<\/td><td>\u20ac2.55<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em><em><em>The above values are given for information only<\/em><\/em><\/em>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-transportation\">Transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Korea&#8217;s transport networks are modern and well-developed. Most city dwellers use the \u2018T-Money\u2019 card, into which they deposit money to travel on the public transport network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/adam-chang-ntBPyGZCMWg-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"An almost empty train in the afternoon in Seoul, Korea\" class=\"wp-image-24430\" style=\"width:400px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/adam-chang-ntBPyGZCMWg-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/adam-chang-ntBPyGZCMWg-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/adam-chang-ntBPyGZCMWg-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/adam-chang-ntBPyGZCMWg-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/adam-chang-ntBPyGZCMWg-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the main modes of transport and the average price of each:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Train<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Several types of train are available in the country, including the KTX (Korean Train Express), similar to the TGV. The price of the ticket depends on the distance of the journey. For a single ticket from Seoul to Busan, expect to pay around KRW 50,000 (34 \u20ac) per adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Metro<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In Korea, several cities have a metro (Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, etc.). In Seoul, the average journey costs KRW 1,500 (1 \u20ac) for an adult, and KRW 500 (0.35 \u20ac) for children aged between 6 and 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bus<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the country&#8217;s major megalopolises, buses are divided into several colour codes with different routes and prices. Here are the <a href=\"https:\/\/english.visitseoul.net\/transportation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">characteristics of buses<\/a> in Seoul:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Bus<\/th><th>Zones served<\/th><th>Price per journey<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Blue<\/td><td>All lines in the capital<\/td><td>1,500 KRW (\u20ac1)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Green<\/td><td>Metro stations and secondary lines<\/td><td>1,500 KRW (\u20ac1)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Yellow<\/td><td>Main districts<\/td><td>1,400 KRW (\u20ac0.95)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Red<\/td><td>Links Seoul and outlying areas<\/td><td>3,000 KRW (\u20ac2)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Night<\/td><td>Runs only at night<\/td><td>2,500 KRW (\u20ac1.70)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em><em>The above values are given for information only<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Taxi<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The starting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/taxi-fare\/country_result.jsp?country=South+Korea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">taxi fare<\/a> is KRW 4,800 (3.30 \u20ac) in Seoul and an additional KRW 800 (0.55 \u20ac) for each kilometre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Car<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Drivers can travel by car by filling up at KRW 1,650 (1.13 \u20ac) per litre of petrol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-medical-costs-in-south-korea\">Medical costs in South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Health Care Index 2024 ranking places the Korean healthcare system in 2ndplace among the best systems in the world. It is based on high-quality infrastructures, affordable prices and universal cover for all residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the costs of basic medical services in South Korea:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/covid-health-concept-young-asian-woman-medical-face-mask-feels-sick-unwell-catching-flu-p-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A young Asian woman wearing a mask gestures with her hand that all is well.\" class=\"wp-image-24431\" style=\"width:274px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/covid-health-concept-young-asian-woman-medical-face-mask-feels-sick-unwell-catching-flu-p-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/covid-health-concept-young-asian-woman-medical-face-mask-feels-sick-unwell-catching-flu-p-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/covid-health-concept-young-asian-woman-medical-face-mask-feels-sick-unwell-catching-flu-p-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/covid-health-concept-young-asian-woman-medical-face-mask-feels-sick-unwell-catching-flu-p-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/covid-health-concept-young-asian-woman-medical-face-mask-feels-sick-unwell-catching-flu-p-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source :<a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/free-photo\/covid-health-concept-young-asian-woman-medical-face-mask-feels-sick-unwell-catching-flu-p_36505347.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=4&amp;uuid=5d6d431f-2b0c-412c-ab22-9d72aab22e8b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Medical services<\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong>Average price in South Korea<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Consultation with a general practitioner<\/td><td>20,000 &#8211; 40,000 KRW (\u20ac14 to \u20ac30)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Consultation with a specialist<\/td><td>60,000 KRW on average (\u20ac40)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Full check-up (blood test, urinalysis and consultation) lasting around 1 hour<\/td><td>147 000 KRW (\u20ac100)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Consultation with a dentist<\/td><td>36 500 \u00e0 73 000 KRW (\u20ac25 to \u20ac50)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dental extraction<\/td><td>36,500 \u2013 110,000 KRW (\u20ac25 to \u20ac75)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em><em>The above values are given for information only<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re thinking of moving abroad, opt for international health insurance. It covers you in Korea and elsewhere, offers bilingual assistance and rapid access to treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-education\">Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Korean education system is also in the top 3 in the world according to the latest PISA rankings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/teenagers-friends-having-fun-together-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"three young students having fun together in a playground. The ground is very colourful and the children look happy.\" class=\"wp-image-24432\" style=\"width:337px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/teenagers-friends-having-fun-together-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/teenagers-friends-having-fun-together-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/teenagers-friends-having-fun-together-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/teenagers-friends-having-fun-together-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/teenagers-friends-having-fun-together-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Public schools:<\/strong> Government-run schools are affordable but primarily cater to Korean citizens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>International schools<\/strong>: Tuition fees range from KRW 20M \u2013 40M per year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Universities:<\/strong> Tuition fees for international students at major universities range from KRW 4M \u2013 10M per semester.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Student accommodation:<\/strong> On-campus housing costs KRW 600K \u2013 1.2M per month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Living expenses:<\/strong> Budget KRW 500K \u2013 800K per month for meals, books, and personal expenses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Health insurance:<\/strong> University medical plans cost KRW 300K \u2013 500K per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost-of-higher-education-in-south-korea\">Cost of higher education in South Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>University fees in South Korea average between KRW 5,800,000 and KRW 8,800,000 (4,000 to 6,000 \u20ac) per term. This range may vary slightly depending on the degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-telecommunications-services-in-south-korea\">Telecommunications services in South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The price of monthly mobile and internet subscriptions depends on the operator. However, here is the national average for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A telephone package, calls and 10 GB of data: KRW 58,000 (\u20ac40)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An internet subscription of 60 Mbps and unlimited data: KRW 30,500 (\u20ac21)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leisure-activities-in-south-korea\">Leisure activities in South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Daily life in Korea is full of contrasts, both ultra-modern and with a preserved cultural heritage. Korea beats to the rhythm of k-pop, bustling markets and historic sites to visit. Here are the prices of some of the things to do in South Korea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A day at Everland theme park: KRW 62,000 (42 \u20ac)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit Gyeongbok Palace: KRW 3,000 per adult (2 \u20ac)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spend an evening at the N Seoul Tower: KRW 21,000 (14 \u20ac) per adult and KRW 16,000 (11 \u20ac) per child<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to the cinema: KRW 15,000 (10 \u20ac) &#8211; Take out a gym membership: KRW 67,500 (46 \u20ac)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take out a gym membership: KRW 67,500 (46 \u20ac)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-i-rem-cilingir-1447385586-28874286-759x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A group of young girls perform in a trendy district of Seoul.\" class=\"wp-image-24433\" style=\"width:208px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-i-rem-cilingir-1447385586-28874286-759x1024.jpg 759w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-i-rem-cilingir-1447385586-28874286-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-i-rem-cilingir-1447385586-28874286-768x1037.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-i-rem-cilingir-1447385586-28874286-1138x1536.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-i-rem-cilingir-1447385586-28874286-1517x2048.jpg 1517w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pexels-i-rem-cilingir-1447385586-28874286-scaled.jpg 1896w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost-of-living-in-south-korea-compared-with-other-countries-in-western-europe\">Cost of living in South Korea compared with other countries in Western Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s not much difference between the cost of living in South Korea and Western Europe. In fact, living in Korea costs on average 3% less than living in France, e.g..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The average monthly budget for one person is estimated at 1,450 \u20ac in Korea, compared with 1,630 \u20ac in France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, purchasing power in France remains slightly higher, with a difference of around 4%. The average salary also follows this trend: it is 2,530 \u20ac in France, compared with 2,180 \u20ac in Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost-of-living-in-south-korea-compared-with-neighbouring-countries\">Cost of living in South Korea compared with neighbouring countries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-korea-vs-china\">Korea vs China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living in Korea is up to<strong> 75% higher<\/strong> than in China. However, Korean citizens enjoy greater purchasing power and a significantly higher average salary (+150%). For more information, see our guide to the cost of living in China.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-korea-vs-japan\">Korea vs Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in Korea costs around <strong>20% more<\/strong> than in Japan. However, the average salary remains slightly lower: 2,180 \u20ac in Korea compared with 2,300 \u20ac in Japan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-additional-considerations\">Additional Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lifestyle choices:<\/strong> Living in South Korea can be affordable if you opt for local housing and food instead of luxury options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Currency fluctuations:<\/strong> The Won to Euro exchange rate affects expenses for expatriates and students.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Visas &amp; immigration:<\/strong> Visa types impact monthly expenses, renewal costs, and residency fees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Savings &amp; investments:<\/strong> South Korea offers investment and banking opportunities for foreigners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social &amp; cultural life:<\/strong> South Korea has diverse activities, from historic sites to modern entertainment districts, influencing monthly spending habits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":24427,"template":"","class_list":["post-24494","destinationcpt","type-destinationcpt","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"post_subtitle":"","post_badge":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The cost of living in South Korea | Global Health<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out all you need to know about the cost of living in South Korea: accommodation, food, transport, leisure activities and expat tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-south-korea\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta 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