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. 

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. However, cost of living in major cities like Seoul is pretty high, with a single person needing approximately ₩2.1-3.7 million ($1,500-$2,600 USD) monthly, including rent, depending on lifestyle and location. In the rest of the locations, the average monthly expenses can come out to be $1044, on average. The major part of the living expenses 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 consists of the average estimated costs to live in South Korea in 2026.

Also read- How to Learn Korean Language?

Cost of Accommodations in South Korea for Students

As a student abroad, it's always best to keep a check and keep your expenses limited while your time there and it includes the cost you spend on accommodations. If you don't know about all the available accommodation options in South Korea, then you might land 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 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- 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.

The tips for managing the 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 the 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 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 the stationary 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 cost of living in South Korea. If you have any doubts - feel free to drop your queries in comments section.