Are you planning to move to Korea for work, study, or adventure? If so, you might be wondering what life in Korea is like for foreigners, and what you need to prepare before you go. Korea is a fascinating country with a rich culture, history, and entertainment, but it also has its own challenges and quirks that you need to be aware of. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the most important things you need to know before living in Korea, such as the cost of living, the visa process, the language barrier, the food options, and more. By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of what to expect and how to make the most of your time in Korea.

Cost of Living

One of the first things you need to consider before living in Korea is the cost of living. Depending on where you live and what your lifestyle is, the cost of living in Korea can vary greatly. However, here are some general estimates based on the web search results I found:

  • Housing: The biggest expense for most foreigners living in Korea is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Seoul is about 800,000 won ($680) per month, but it can go up to 1.5 million won ($1,275) or more in popular areas. You also need to pay a large deposit (key money) that can range from 10 million won ($8,500) to 100 million won ($85,000) or more. However, if you are coming to Korea as a teacher or a student, you might be able to get subsidized or free housing from your school or employer.
  • Transportation: The public transportation system in Korea is very convenient and affordable. You can use buses, subways, trains, and taxis to get around easily. A one-way ticket for bus or subway costs about 1,250 won ($1.06), and a taxi ride starts from 3,800 won ($3.23). You can also use a rechargeable transportation card (T-money) that allows you to transfer between different modes of transportation for free within 30 minutes.
  • Food: Food is another major expense for foreigners living in Korea. Eating out can be cheap or expensive depending on where and what you eat. A typical meal at a Korean restaurant costs about 7,000 won ($5.95), but it can go up to 15,000 won ($12.75) or more at fancier places. Western food tends to be more expensive than Korean food. A burger meal at a fast-food chain costs about 8,000 won ($6.80), and a pizza delivery costs about 20,000 won ($17). If you cook at home, you can save some money by buying groceries at local markets or discount stores. A loaf of bread costs about 2,500 won ($2.13), a dozen eggs costs about 3,000 won ($2.55), and a kilogram of chicken costs about 10,000 won ($8.50).
  • Entertainment: Entertainment is another variable expense that depends on your preferences and hobbies. There are many things to do and see in Korea for fun, such as visiting museums, palaces, parks, temples, shopping malls, cinemas.