I arrived in Seoul in March with a D-4 Korean study visa. I thought I knew what to expect after months of watching K-dramas and following travel accounts, but the reality went beyond anything.
Cost of living in Seoul
Living in Seoul is more affordable than many think. My monthly budget was USD 900-1,100, distributed as follows:
- Accommodation (one-room near Hongdae): KRW 500,000-700,000
- Food: KRW 250,000-350,000 (including cheap restaurant meals)
- Transport: KRW 60,000 (the T-money card)
- Korean school: KRW 1,500,000 per trimester (10 weeks)
Best neighborhoods for students
- Hongdae: young, full of bars, street concerts and night food. My favorite.
- Sinchon: close to universities like Yonsei. Good price/nightlife balance.
- Itaewon: the most international, ideal if you've just arrived and need Western food.
- Gangnam: expensive, but cool if you can afford it.
Study culture
Academies (hagwon) are intense. Studying Korean in one requires 4 hours daily, Monday to Friday. At first it was exhausting, but progress was rapid. In 6 months I went from not knowing the alphabet to holding basic conversations.
What surprised me most
Safety. You can go out at 3 AM and no one bothers you. Public transport is perfect, cafes open 24 hours, and people are respectful though distant at first.
Practical tips
- Learn the alphabet (Hangeul) before arriving — it takes 4 hours and changes your life
- Download Naver Map instead of Google Maps
- Get a T-money card and a Korean debit card as soon as possible
- Coupang Eats is your best friend for food
Living in Seoul transforms you. If you're thinking of doing it, contact us at ORIEN and we'll help you plan it step by step.