Cost in South Korea

Key Takeaways

• Average annual tuition: ₩5,000,000 per semester (≈ ₩10,000,000 per year typical)
• Monthly living expenses: ₩822,000 - ₩1,161,000 (monthly); Numbeo verified housing+groceries+transport ≈ $660/month
• Health insurance: ₩43,490 per month (~$200–$500 per year)
• Visa proof of funds: ₩5,000,000 - ₩10,000,000 deposit for off-campus living; approx $10,000 - $15,000 per year
• Textbooks: ₩150,000 - ₩200,000 per year
• Clothing and personal items: ₩250,000 - ₩300,000 per year
• Monthly gym membership: $44.78
• Cinema ticket: $9.09

Tuition and Mandatory Academic Costs

• Tuition: ₩5,000,000 per semester. Many programs charge the same per semester; fees vary by university and field.
• Textbooks: ₩150,000–₩200,000 per year.
• Student union or campus fees: vary by institution. Check your offer letter for exact amounts.

Practical steps:

1. Confirm per-semester fees on the university website before accepting an offer.
2. Budget for at least one set of textbooks per term (₩150,000–₩200,000).
3. Ask admissions about mandatory campus fees so you can pay them on time.

Living Costs with Verified Local Prices

Use the tables below as verified monthly benchmarks. Numbeo figures are in USD and reflect typical city costs.

Housing (monthly)

Markets (food Prices)

Transportation

Sports & Leisure

How to use these numbers:

• Start with housing. A typical one-bedroom with utilities and internet is $581/month per Numbeo.
• Add groceries and transport: $33 + $46 = $79. That totals about $660/month for essentials listed above.
• Expect higher totals if you choose private housing or live in central Seoul.

Detailed Breakdown in Korean Won

• Rent examples: one-bedroom ₩500,000–₩800,000/month; goshiwon ₩300,000–₩800,000/month.
• Utilities: ₩230,000/month.
• Public transport: ₩70,000–₩110,000/month; verified monthly pass ≈ ₩62,000.
• Total monthly living expenses reported: ₩822,000–₩1,161,000. One source lists an average living cost of ₩1,500,000/month excluding rent.

Quick actions:

• Compare housing ranges by city (Seoul, Busan, Incheon).
• If you plan off-campus living, prepare a deposit of ₩5,000,000–₩10,000,000.

Health Insurance and Visa Proof of Funds

• Health insurance is required for international students. Typical premium: ₩43,490/month (~$200–$500 per year).
• Visa application commonly requires proof of funds: a deposit of ₩5,000,000–₩10,000,000 or approx $10,000–$15,000 per year.

Documents to prepare for your student visa:

• Valid passport
• Official acceptance letter from your university
• Proof of funds (bank statement showing required deposit)
• Health insurance proof or enrollment confirmation

Steps:

1. Buy or confirm student health insurance covering your stay.
2. Obtain a bank statement that meets the proof-of-funds threshold used by immigration.

Other Recurring Costs and One-off Fees

• Application and admission: apply to each university separately; deadlines often fall March–May (fall intakes) or September–November (spring intakes).
• Personal items and clothing: ₩250,000–₩300,000 per year.
• Leisure costs to budget monthly: gym $44.78, cinema $9.09.

Money-management tips:

• Keep a 1–2 month buffer for rent and initial deposits.
• Track textbook and course-material charges each semester.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study in South Korea?

Tuition example: ₩5,000,000 per semester. Monthly living costs vary; sources report ₩822,000–₩1,161,000 per month. Numbeo verifies housing, groceries and transport total about $660/month.

What proof of funds do I need for a student visa?

Immigration typically requires a deposit of ₩5,000,000–₩10,000,000 for off-campus living. This equates to roughly $10,000–$15,000 per year according to available guidance.

How much is health insurance for international students?

A typical student health insurance premium is ₩43,490 per month. The same source converts this to about $200–$500 per year.

What are realistic monthly housing and food costs?

Numbeo lists a one-bedroom apartment with utilities and internet at $581/month. Groceries for cooking at home are about $33/month, and a public transport pass is about $46/month.

How much should I budget for textbooks and personal items?

Textbooks cost about ₩150,000–₩200,000 per year. Clothing and personal items average ₩250,000–₩300,000 per year.

Explore more

• Study in South Korea
• Student visa for South Korea
• Student life in South Korea
• Education system in South Korea
• Scholarships in South Korea