1. My First Impression of Living Costs in Korea

At first, I didn’t think Korea was very expensive. Public transportation was cheap, and local food seemed affordable. But after settling in, I noticed that some costs — especially housing and small daily spending — added up quickly.

What surprised me the most was not the big expenses, but the small things I bought every day without thinking.

2. Housing: The Biggest Expense I Faced

The hardest part for me was understanding the housing system. In my case, I chose a small studio apartment (one-room), which felt like the most realistic option as a foreigner.

I had to pay a deposit first, which was something I wasn’t used to. Even though the monthly rent was manageable, the upfront cost felt heavy at the beginning.

Looking back, I think the most important lesson is this: don’t just look at the rent — always check the deposit, maintenance fee, and what is included.

3. Food: Where My Spending Changed the Most

In the beginning, I ate out a lot because it was convenient and relatively affordable. But after a while, I noticed my spending increasing faster than expected.

Now, I try to cook at home more often. Basic Korean ingredients are not too expensive, but imported food can be surprisingly costly.

One thing I realized is that eating out occasionally is fine, but doing it every day makes a big difference in your monthly budget.

4. Transportation: Easier Than I Expected

One of the best parts of living in Korea is transportation. I use public transit almost every day, and it’s very reliable.

I don’t own a car, and honestly, I don’t feel like I need one. Subways and buses are enough for most daily activities.

This is one area where I feel I can control my expenses quite well.

5. Small Daily Spending: The Hidden Cost

This was the biggest surprise for me. Coffee, snacks, delivery food, and convenience store visits — they don’t seem expensive individually, but they add up over time.

There was a period when I bought coffee almost every day. When I checked my monthly spending, I realized how much it affected my budget.

Now I try to be more aware of these small habits.

6. Utilities and Monthly Bills

My monthly bills include electricity, gas, phone, and internet. Most months, they are reasonable, but during winter, heating costs can increase.

This was something I didn’t think about before moving, but now I always consider seasonal changes when planning my budget.

7. What I Spend in a Typical Month

My monthly spending usually includes:

• Rent and housing-related fees
• Food and groceries
• Transportation
• Phone and utilities
• Personal spending

Of course, the exact amount changes depending on my lifestyle, but these categories stay the same every month.

8. What I Wish I Knew Before Moving

• I underestimated the housing deposit
• I didn’t think small daily spending would matter so much
• I relied too much on convenience at first
• I didn’t compare housing options carefully enough

If I could go back, I would plan my budget more carefully before arriving.

9. My Advice for Newcomers

If you are planning to live in Korea, my biggest advice is simple: track your spending from the beginning.

Try to understand your main costs early, especially rent and food. Once you control those, the rest becomes much easier.

Living in Korea can be very comfortable, but having a clear budget makes the experience much better.

10. Final Thoughts

Living in Korea has been a valuable experience for me. While the cost of living depends on your lifestyle, I believe it is manageable if you understand where your money goes.

Hopefully, my experience helps you prepare better and avoid the mistakes I made at the beginning.