Cost of Living in Korea for International Students (2026)
How much money do you really need to study in Korea? Here is a realistic monthly budget, with real 2026 prices, so you and your family can plan with confidence.
The official estimate
Korea's government study portal, Study in Korea, estimates living costs of about KRW 750,000–1,000,000 a month. That includes housing, food, transport and small personal costs. Prices have risen since that estimate was made, so plan for the upper end, especially in Seoul.
A sample monthly budget
| Item | Typical monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (dorm) | KRW 250,000–450,000 | Busan dorms cost about KRW 0.9–2.4M per semester |
| Housing (one-room) | KRW 350,000–650,000 | Plus a deposit. Seoul averages about KRW 625,000 |
| Food | KRW 250,000–400,000 | Cooking yourself is much cheaper |
| Transport | KRW 40,000–70,000 | Subway and bus rides cost about KRW 1,500–1,600 |
| Phone | KRW 11,000–50,000 | Budget carriers are the cheapest |
| Health insurance | KRW 79,320 | 2026 student rate for D-2 students |
| Personal | KRW 50,000–150,000 | Toiletries, clothes, going out |
Total: roughly KRW 800,000–1,300,000 a month, depending on your city, housing and habits.
Tuition
Tuition is the biggest cost. As a rough guide, undergraduate tuition averages about KRW 2.1 million per semester at national universities and KRW 3.8 million per semester at private universities, and it varies a lot by major. Korean language courses (D-4) usually cost about KRW 1.3–1.9 million per 10-week term. Always check your university's official fee table.
Why Busan costs less
- Dorms and one-rooms are generally cheaper than in Seoul.
- The Dongbaek Pass refunds transport spending above KRW 45,000 a month.
- Many Busan universities offer tuition discounts for good TOPIK scores. See scholarships.
Money-saving tips
- Choose a dorm with a meal plan in your first semester.
- Cook with friends and shop at traditional markets.
- Use a student ID for discounts at museums and some shops.
- Part-time work can help, but only with permission. Read the rules first.
