Wondering how far your salary goes in Seoul? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.
What things cost
Officetel studio, central (wolse)₩700,000-1,200,000 / mo + deposit
Meal, mid-range restaurant₩10,000-20,000
Gimbap / street snack₩3,000-5,000
Café coffee₩4,500-6,000
Subway/bus ride (T-money)₩1,400-1,550
Est. single-person monthly₩1,200,000-1,800,000 (excl. rent)
Good to know
Population
~9.6 million city / ~26 million metro (Capital Area)
Language
Korean (English signage common; spoken English varies)
Currency
South Korean Won (KRW, ₩)
Time zone
KST (GMT+9), no daylight saving
Power plug
Types C/F, 220V
Climate
Four seasons; hot humid summers (Jul monsoon), cold dry winters
A note on budgeting
Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Seoul checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.
Plan your move to Seoul
A free, AI-personalized plan — the language, culture, and setup steps timed to your move date.