{"id":8,"date":"2025-03-07T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/?p=8"},"modified":"2025-03-10T08:12:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T08:12:36","slug":"costs-of-living-in-seoul-as-a-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/?p=8","title":{"rendered":"COSTS OF LIVING IN SEOUL AS A STUDENT"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Cost of Living in Seoul 2025 - Budget Breakdown\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5vX9XFEpsEs?start=4&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe you have thought about coming to Seoul as a student to attend a language school or a university. Either way there must be a lot of questions regarding your preparations. In this post I want to share my experiences of studying in South Korea, starting with the financial aspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my case, making the decision to study here wasn&#8217;t easy &#8211; especially when it came to figuring out the finances. The housing system, eating culture and school tuition are very different from Switzerland and probably a lot of countries out there. Therefore there are several factors to consider when setting your own budget. For now we\u2019ll be diving into three main topics: Housing, Food and Transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-theme-palette-1-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-d7af7ad5e082dd09096654291151f2b6\">Housing Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_0734-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-197\" style=\"width:380px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1740-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198\" style=\"width:312px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is probably going to be your biggest expense. I currently live in a so called officetel (\uc624\ud53c\uc2a4\ud154) close to my university, which is basically a studio apartment in a high-rise building. But there are several options depending on your budget:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-1170683dc7fc0cf9d5981b800d19cee0\"><strong>Goshiwon (\uace0\uc2dc\uc6d0):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-2-color has-theme-palette-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-c54374ec89223e95d711f7279937e79c\">\n<li>Starting from 200,000 won monthly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Usually single rooms with shared facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very low deposit money (\ubcf4\uc99d\uae08)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perfect for super budget-conscious students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>But be warned &#8211; rooms can be tiny!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of Korean students chose to stay in a goshiwon when having to move to Seoul for their studies. It\u2019s the cheapest option. But it comes with it\u2019s downsides. If you don\u2019t mind staying in a small space with thin walls and instead want to save money on rent, it\u2019s definitely worth checking out. Especially for people who usually spend the whole day outside and only need a place to sleep. I\u2019ve personally never stayed in a goshiwon, but I have a friend who did and could get some insides from her. According to her she wouldn\u2019t chose it again if her budget would allow her. But there was a plus. Some meals were included and the deposit money (\ubcf4\uc99d\uae08) was very low (3,000,000 won).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/strangers_from_hell_folder_icon_by_enengdunluth13_decloy2-1-1024x1012.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-193\" style=\"width:249px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-theme-palette-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3080fb336bb9f01232e509d41b93783c\">If you\u2019ve watched the K-Drama <strong>\u201cStrangers from Hell\u201d<\/strong> you could get a glimpse of a very scary Goshiwon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Here are some sites to check out if you\u2019re looking for a Goshiwon:<\/em>  <a href=\"https:\/\/goshipages.com\/\">Goshipages<\/a> (English), <a href=\"https:\/\/kosirock.com\/\">Kosirock<\/a> (Korean)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-d1cc1df5cf46cea85a3e93d0ff5be02b\"><strong>University Dorm:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-2-color has-theme-palette-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-130a78d5500fa87f1a4c772bcf109b2a\">\n<li>Around 250,000-700,000 won monthly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Usually shared rooms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meal plans often included<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No or very low deposit money (\ubcf4\uc99d\uae08)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strict curfews and rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most universities offer a student dormitory but they have limited spots. They usually prioritise freshmen or international students. I would recommend checking out if there is an option, after choosing your university. Again, I\u2019ve never lived in a dorm in Korea either, but have a friend who does. It\u2019s definitely a more budget friendly option. And it\u2019s convenient because it\u2019s located close to the university. It\u2019s quite a save option too, due to being surrounded by other (foreign) students who share a similar situation &#8211; which on the other hand can be a minus if your main goal is to learn the language. But if you\u2019re lucky and you get along well with your roommate it might make you feel less lonely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-6fc7a4762bac225c3df19ce8f64d2243\"><strong>One-rooms (\uc6d0\ub8f8) and Officetels (\uc624\ud53c\uc2a4\ud154):<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e3ad3f39c8b89f54cbd4a67c667cc424 is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-2-color has-theme-palette-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f553cb876f40cc9d0467598bc8bd8714\">\n<li>500,000-800,000 won monthly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Private bathroom and kitchen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deposit money (\ubcf4\uc99d\uae08) can be very high (5,000,000+ won)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-437204cfe2f67f77a6a57e5c60da4f4e\">More freedom, but higher costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_0833-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-199\" style=\"width:256px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you prefer staying in a more comfortable place by yourself, there\u2019s of course also the option to just rent an apartment. The difference between a simple one-room and an officetel apartment is that you have to pay a higher maintenance fee for things like the elevator, cleaning, trash maintenance, surveillance etc. It can have advantages though like wifi discounts or a parking space &#8211; parking in Seoul is very expensive. In both cases it\u2019s important to really be informed before signing any contract. I\u2019ve heard of cases where foreign students paid way too much for their rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d5fad9a3996e1a2fd97b2d96a902b7a9\">There are <strong>three options<\/strong> how to pay for your place:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-2-background-color has-background\">\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-900c770eb6dff06fe492587c3674a977\">Monthly rent (\uc6d4\uc138)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-aecc8e8fdc676daac279d0145cba59a8\">Deposit money only (\uc804\uc138)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-330172bd9b552fbdeacc3476d55042f6\">A mix of both<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Koreans usually tend to chose the second option (\uc804\uc138) but I wouldn\u2019t recommend it to foreigners because the deposit will be very high and if you\u2019re forced to leave the country because your visa ended, there\u2019s no guarantee that you will get your money back. Also, the whole bank process is a bit complicated. Recently a lot of Koreans themselves start going for paying for rent instead, due to scam scandals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I would also recommend to compare places online, as prices differ a lot depending on the area. Usually housing in university areas are cheaper than touristic places. Some of the most expensive but also popular areas are Gangsam (\uac15\ub0a8) or Seongpa (\uc1a1\ud30c). The further away you get from the city centre the cheaper the rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Here are some links to compare apartments:<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/rentberry.com\/kr\/apartments\/s\/seoul-south-korea\">Rentberry<\/a> (English), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dabangapp.com\/map\/onetwo?m_lat=37.494367328004216&amp;m_lng=127.01446798508894&amp;m_zoom=11&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlPu9BhAjEiwA5NDSA0GXPIyy9N8F73EvRALcV-oxqvycT5gG5bYqilFsXN1tVNMACo3jxhoCeE4QAvD_BwE\">\ub2e4\ubc29<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zigbang.com\/\">\uc9c1\ubc29<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peterpanz.com\/villa?zoomLevel=12%C2%A2er=%7B%22y%22:37.566628,%22_lat%22:37.566628,%22x%22:126.978038,%22_lng%22:126.978038%7D&amp;dong=&amp;gungu=&amp;filter=buildingType;%5B%22%EB%B9%8C%EB%9D%BC\/%EC%A3%BC%ED%83%9D%22%5D%7C%7Clatitude:37.4901194~37.6430581%7C%7Clongitude:126.826976~127.1291&amp;\">\ud53c\ud130\ud32c\uc758 \uc88b\uc740\ubc29 \uad6c\ud558\uae30<\/a> (only Korean)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I would recommend to compare the prices on the Korean sites, because they are more accurate. Here&#8217;s how to read the numbers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uc804\uc138 1\uc5b59600 = only deposit money for 196,000,000 won<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uc6d4\uc138 5000\/45 = deposit: 50,000,000 won + monthly rent: 450,000 won<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uc6d4\uc138 500\/50 = deposit: 5,000,000 won + monthly rent: 500,000 won<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The deposit money system really shocked me. Unlike Switzerland, where deposits are typically three months&#8217; rent and strictly regulated, Korean housing often requires a so called \u201ckey money\u201d (\ubcf4\uc99d\uae08). This can range from a few million won to hundreds of millions in some cases! Up to a certain amount it should be insured but usually you only get your money back when the next tenant has signed their contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-b4aba4370b0ce18ea43bbb33ec986d4c\"><strong>Hidden Costs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-2-color has-theme-palette-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-eac4f2d85f088e8900744cd208b04616\">\n<li><strong>Maintenance fee (\uad00\ub9ac\ube44):<\/strong> 90,000+ won monthly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Utilities:<\/strong> Averaging 20,000 won in normal months, but can hit 50,000 won due to air conditioning or heating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Real estate agent (\ubd80\ub3d9\uc0b0) fee:<\/strong> One-time payment depending on your deposit money \u2192 Here\u2019s how you can calculate it: <a href=\"https:\/\/xn--989a00af8jnslv3dba.com\/%EC%A4%91%EA%B0%9C%EB%B3%B4%EC%88%98\">\ubd80\ub3d9\uc0b0\uacc4\uc0b0\uae30<\/a> (enter your deposit money in the left field ex.: 500 for 5,000,000 won and your monthly rent in the right field ex.: 50 for 500,000 won), then press the blue button bellow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-27-at-15.20.57-1024x97.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-205\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-2-color has-theme-palette-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-5dfb7d1e8753ab824ba864417f0126df\">\n<li><strong>Internet and TV:<\/strong> Varying deals around 30,000won \/ Officetel discount: around 10,000won<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the fees above can be included in your contract. Therefore be aware of your offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1436-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-201\" style=\"width:451px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>My monthly food expenses usually run between 600,000 to 700,000 won. But here&#8217;s the thing &#8211; it&#8217;s not just about groceries vs. restaurants. Korean social life revolves in many ways around food. So, depending on how much of a social person you are it can get quite expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-648bc838d056d5811412245cf4f7a789\"><strong>A typical day (example):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-2-color has-theme-palette-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-86142b2df2202fb25382979fc0e28767\">\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fb59127c5bd2b3b5ef96225688b6179b\"><strong>Breakfast at home:<\/strong> 2,000-4,000 won<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a8475ee404308916aafc43ce2e4a0182\"><strong>Lunch at university cafeteria:<\/strong> 4,500 won<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cde14443a6d7d2696140bc22b2b8f66b\"><strong>Afternoon coffee with classmates:<\/strong> 4,500-6,000 won<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ea282fe5081ead8553e745a143d693e7\"><strong>Dinner with friends:<\/strong> 15,000-50,000 won<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d28a5cfd537d57d99338ccc95932856c\"><strong>And maybe some late-night snacks:<\/strong> 5,000 won<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-23d72b174d278fe971bbb988a2ca427d\"><strong>Tips for balancing your food expenses:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grocery Shopping Strategy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-9-color has-theme-palette-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-40cde4e6b436b86301a5ef30e1e4e5a2\">\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b2591bf7faf7c483e823017d35401023\">Local markets or supermarkets for fresh produce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Big marts like Homeplus or Emart for bulk items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Online stores for items that aren\u2019t sold in stores and cheaper deals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convenience stores for quick meals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delivery service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Money-Saving Tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-9-color has-theme-palette-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-d9523a0d12b3ef0f8dc97ba71446aa13\">\n<li>University cafeteria meals are your best friend<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shopping at local markets or supermarkets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d47198cdf5c034d23db7c5e117ede706\">Using online stores like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coupang.com\/?src=1042016&amp;spec=10304902&amp;addtag=900&amp;ctag=HOME&amp;lptag=coupang&amp;itime=20250227164140&amp;pageType=HOME&amp;pageValue=HOME&amp;wPcid=17406420195113963092487&amp;wRef=www.google.com&amp;wTime=20250227164140&amp;redirect=landing&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlPu9BhAjEiwA5NDSA559EUnNwi22aF4KaN7dT1nPEDJTPDrwwCwMGR6l-f-wBq7jA5gvMxoCweIQAvD_BwE&amp;mcid=0f0a79940f3445379d420eba002a5d16&amp;network=g\">coupang<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go for Korean food, not Western food<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The only problem with buying groceries in Korea is that usually you have to buy your products in bigger amounts. Because I personally enjoy cooking I still chose to buy fresh produce. Sadly, quite often I had to throw away some of the vegetables or fruits I had bought, because I couldn\u2019t finish them all by myself. I\u2019m still figuring out how to deal with that problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, things like fruits and milk products are comparatively quite expensive. Fruits are considered a luxury and are often used as gifts. There&#8217;s something crucial about Korean culture &#8211; meals are social events. There&#8217;s this concept called &#8217;rounds&#8217;. After lunch (1\ucc28), friends might suggest coffee (2\ucc28), after dinner (1\ucc28) a bar (2\ucc28) and another bar(3\ucc28) and another(4\ucc28)\u2026 and then Noraebang\u2026 Your budget needs to account for this social aspect!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/hoang-trinh-4rkcLuqbi5s-unsplash-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-204\" style=\"width:323px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Compared to Switzerland, where a single train ticket can cost more than a meal, Korean public transportation is quite budget friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-7-color has-theme-palette-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3ccc3ea00eb5ae1717483bcc34a96124\">\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-da70cdf5f0ec3c20ed439814c87c9625\">Single <strong>subway\/bus <\/strong>ride: 1,400-1,500 won<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1facf800c240920bc58f488ac6a4e5dd\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/english.seoul.go.kr\/policy\/transportation\/climate-card\/\">ClimateCard<\/a> <\/strong>(\uae30\ud6c4\ub3d9\ud589\uce74\ub4dc): 55,000 won monthly for people under 39 62,000 won for people above \u2192 optional: Bicycle service in Seoul (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeseoul.com:457\/main.do\">\ub530\ub989\uc774<\/a>) if you pay an additional 3,000won<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f4cad6de2a94c1e93100223689c3a8c2\"><strong>Taxi base<\/strong> fare: 4,800 won, from 10pm to 2am: 5,800won from 2am to 4am: 6,700won (If you\u2019re using a taxi-app (<a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.kakao.taxi&amp;hl=en&amp;pli=1\">KakaoTaxi<\/a>) there\u2019s the option to pay in advance. If not, always ask for the cost first, before entering a taxi!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66abca2dd14796422549a298c70e94c6\"><strong>Trains<\/strong>: KTX, SRT, Saemaeul Train (Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.korail.com\/global\/eng\/intro\">Korail<\/a>, App: <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.korail.talk&amp;hl=en\">KorailApp<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-palette-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8f1889d89e87742001b11504014d1d22\"><strong>Express buses<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kobus.co.kr\/main.do\">Kobus<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Trains and express buses are only needed when taking a trip outside of Seoul. Trains are the faster option with KTX being the fastest but also most expensive one. Important: You have to make a reservation in advance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to save money, check out the express buses too. They are very comfortable to travel with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tips for Saving on Transportation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-9-color has-theme-palette-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-2dc740c0a294018a0172f403b27d7a5e\">\n<li>Get the Climate Card as fast as possible! I used to spend at least 80,000 won per month on public transportation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At night, take a night bus instead of a taxi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-49e974a8d62e32c839b30320c5458df0\"><strong>Total Monthly Expenses<\/strong> (based on my experience):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-2-color has-theme-palette-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-6dd027db0f2329558197c1fd14d3090b\">\n<li><strong>Housing: <\/strong>650,000 won + utilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food: <\/strong>600,000-700,000 won<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transportation:<\/strong> 55,000 won + taxi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Personal\/Entertainment:<\/strong> 600,000-700,000 won<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total:<\/strong> Around 2-2.5 million won monthly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But remember, this is based on my mid-range to upper-range lifestyle &#8211; you can definitely spend less or more depending on your choices. The key is understanding these costs before making the move! Good luck with setting your own budget!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In my next post I will focus on the topic apartment hunting.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maybe you have thought about coming to Seoul as a student to attend a language school or a university. Either way there must be a lot of questions regarding your preparations. In this post I want to share my experiences of studying in South Korea, starting with the financial aspect. In my case, making the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-south-korea","category-the-expat-life"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8\/revisions\/37"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nadia-sofia-fernandes.ch\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}