Cost of Living in South Korea for Indian Students in 2026

South Korea, due to its booming STEM courses, technological advancements, K-pop culture and top universities is sought after as a study destination by many students. Hence, learning about the cost of living in South Korea is beneficial for students.

Many students going to study in South Korea keep wondering, "Is South Korea expensive for Indian students?" Well, the cost of living in South Korea, especially for Indian students, is less than in most major countries like the US, the UK, Canada and Australia. According to data from Numbeo, a single person’s monthly living expenses in Seoul average approximately ₩1,517,500 excluding rent. Hence, the average cost of living in South Korea per month in Indian rupees ranges from INR 45,000 to INR 1.4 L. When optimising for budget-friendly student lifestyles - such as living in university dormitories or shared Goshiwons and dining at campus cafeterias - the Korean Government's Study in Korea Portal estimates the standard monthly student baseline to range between ₩750,000 and ₩1,000,000 (approx. INR 53,465 to INR 71,288) to cover rent, food and local transit.

The major part of the living expenses in South Korea is contributed by accommodations, and we will discuss all types of accommodations available in South Korea for students, along with their estimated average rent. This article covers details on the cost of living in South Korea, from affordable eateries to budget-friendly entertainment places. Additionally, the article also includes the average estimated costs to live in South Korea in 2026.

Note:- All the KRW to INR conversions in this article are done as per the exchange rate on Oct 30, 2026, i.e. KRW 1 = INR 0.071.

You may also read "How to Learn Korean Language?" to boost your chances of getting admitted to a course of your choice.

Cost of Accommodations in South Korea for Students

As a student abroad, it's always best to keep a close eye on your expenses and keep them limited while you're there, including the cost you spend on accommodations. If you don't know about all the available accommodation options in South Korea, then you might land on an accommodation that is pricier than most other options available. Here is the list of all the housing options available in S. Korea for students-

• University dorms- These are the most budget-friendly options for international students in South Korea. The monthly cost of renting university dorms ranges from ₩ 350,000 to ₩ 800,000.
• Goshiwons- Commonly known as the “off-campus housing” in South Korea, Goshiwons are isolated study rooms built especially to house and feed scholars and test takers in S. Korea. Goshiwons are much more affordable than private apartments and come with basic living amenities. The cost of renting Goshiwons start from ₩ 300,000 per month.
• Off-campus apartments- Sharing a flat with friends can be cost-effective, with studio apartments starting around ₩500,000 in Seoul and even lower in other cities.

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Cost of Transportation in South Korea

Below are the different transportation methods in South Korea for international students.

• T-money card- It is a rechargeable card that offers discounts on subways, buses, and trains.
  
• Subways and Buses- The metro is cheap, with fares starting from ₩1,250. Buses are equally affordable but cover various routes.
  
• Korail trains- They connect cities with high-speed trains, although fares can be pricier than buses.

The breakdown of transportation costs is given below.

Tips for managing transportation costs in South Korea are-

• Get a monthly pass- For public transport, a monthly pass can save you a lot of money.
• Walk or cycle- Move to nearby areas on foot or rent a bicycle. This will not just save you some money but will also keep you healthy.
• Share taxis- Split the taxi fare with your friends, and travel together whenever possible.
• Download navigation apps like KakaoMap and Naver Map for navigating the public transport in the country.

Cost of Dining & Entertainment

When you are in South Korea for higher studies, don't forget the Korean street food, which is drooled over by many tourists and visitors. Also, you can try the budget-friendly eateries in South Korea that offer dishes like bibimbap, kimbap, and more.

Miscellaneous Costs

Apart from food, travel and accommodation, other expenditures must be taken care of while planning your stay in South Korea. Such a cost breakdown is given below.

Total Cost of Living in South Korea for Indian Students

The average cost to live in South Korea for Indian students including stationery costs and college tuition fees, is given below.

Top 5 Universities in South Korea and Their Average Tuition Fees

The top 5 universities in South Korea and their fees are given below.

Cost of Living in South Korea Vs. India

The cost of living in South Korea is generally higher than in India. Here is a breakdown of the monthly expenses in South Korea and in India:

This was all about the living cost in South Korea. You must also check the cost of studying in South Korea for Indian students to get a total estimate for 2027. This was all about the cost of living in South Korea. If you have any doubts - feel free to drop your queries in the comments section.