Life@Korea
Korea Advantage
While on-campus dormitories are ideal, as it easier for students to get to their classes, students can also choose off-campus options like single-room apartments, exclusive student boarding houses, or homestays with Korean families as pay guests.
Living Conditions in South Korea
Although English is not widely spoken among the general public, university students often speak English well and enjoy socializing with international visitors and practicing English with them. South Korea’s public transport system, with its extensive metro and bus networks, is efficient and user-friendly. While Korean cuisine is largely non-vegetarian, vegetarian options, international foods, and Indian restaurants are available. Campus cafeterias also offer affordable meals. As in many developed countries, daily expenses can be higher compared to India.
The growing popularity of South Korea as a popular student destination means increased cost of living, particularly in a city like Seoul. It is still far lower than major U.S. cities like like New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Seoul costs 33.7% less than New York, 20.6% less than Washington, D.C., and 27.3% less than San Francisco.
The currency in South Korea is Won (₩), which can be challenging to get outside the region of East Asia. If unable to exchange you currency to Won before your travel, bring US dollars or Chinese Yuan to exchange upon arrival in the country.
Food
- Affordable meals and groceries are available at university canteens and supermarkets respectively. A monthly food budget of around $300 USD is more than sufficient for you to get by. The food expenses are quite reasonable.
Public Transport
- The transport expenses are relatively low. Major cities like Seoul and Busan boast of efficient and environmental-friendly public transportation networks. If your accommodation is in the city where you study, you can get by on just a few dollars.
Internet and Mobile
- High-speed internet is available at low-cost.
Medical Insurance
- Required for all international students arriving in South Korea; options are available for affordable insurance coverage.
Overall, South Korea offers a practical, safe and budget-friendly environment for students with quality education, infrastructure and exciting opportunities.
Student Housing in Korea
Students can choose on-campus dorms or off-campus housing. Dorms offer shared rooms and facilities like gyms, study areas, social areas and cafeterias, with fees around 2,600,000 KRW ($2,100 USD) per semester. Cafeteria meals typically cost about 3,500 KRW ($2.9 USD), but dorms have curfews and other rules like restrictions for visitors, curfew, to a possible close for a certain timeframe during holidays.
For more privacy, students can live off-campus in shared apartments or with host families, offering greater freedom and flexibility.
Here’s a breakdown of the average living expenditures in Seoul:
| Particular | Amount (Monthly) |
| Rent | INR 59K (₩ 975K) |
| Utilities | INR 12K (₩ 200K) |
| Transport | INR 3.5K (₩ 55K) |
| Groceries | INr 3.5K (₩ 55K) |
| Entertainment | INR 3.6K (₩ 58K) |