This page lists recent single-adult cost snapshots by city. Values vary by neighborhood, building age, and deposit type (jeonse vs. wolse).

1. Quick Cost Snapshot (Monthly · 1 person · 2025)

Seoul: ~$1,383 total with rent.

Gyeonggi (close to Seoul): Suwon ~$1,047, Ilsan (Goyang) ~$1,097, Yongin ~$1,120, Pyeongtaek ~$1,141.

Mid-sized cities: Daejeon ~$971, Ulsan ~$1,032, Daegu ~$1,132, Gwangju ~$1,128.

Exception: Seongnam (Bundang/Pangyo) ~$1,435.

2. Cost Details by City

Seoul

  • Rent (1BR city center): ~$764
  • Utilities (1 person): ~$97 (seasonal variation)
  • Home internet (60–100 Mbps): ~$16–18
  • Transit: base fare ₩1,550; 30-day unlimited Climate Card options available
  • Food: local lunch ~$7–8; coffee ~$3–4

Busan

  • Rent (1BR center): ~$414
  • Utilities: ~$98
  • Internet: ~$24–25
  • Transit: adult card fare typically starts around ₩1,600; mobile monthly options exist
  • Food: lunch ~$6–7

Daegu

  • Rent: ~$337
  • Utilities: ~$118
  • Internet: ~$19–20
  • Transit: metro + bus; modest monthly totals for typical commutes
  • Food: lunch ~$6

Daejeon

  • Rent: ~$302
  • Utilities: ~$84
  • Internet: ~$21–22
  • Transit: compact network; predictable spend
  • Food: lunch ~$6

Gwangju

  • Rent: ~$390
  • Utilities: ~$119
  • Internet: ~$19–20
  • Transit: buses + Line 1 cover most routines
  • Food: lunch ~$6–7

Ulsan

  • Rent: ~$354
  • Utilities: ~$88
  • Internet: ~$23–24
  • Transit: bus-centric; steady monthly budgets
  • Food: lunch ~$5–6

Gyeonggi (Seoul-accessible picks)

Suwon — rent ~$381–390; utilities ~$94–100; internet ~$22.

Ilsan (Goyang) — rent ~$450–460; utilities ~$88; internet ~$22–23.

Yongin — rent ~$470–530; utilities ~$100; internet ~$21.

Pyeongtaek — rent ~$415–420; utilities ~$87; internet ~$23.

Seongnam (Bundang/Pangyo) — rent ~$790–800; utilities ~$99; internet ~$18.

3. Day-to-Day Prices (typical ranges)

  • Groceries: home-cooking trims monthly spend versus eating out.
  • Lunch (local): ~$5.5–8 · Latte: ~$3–4 · Beer (convenience store): ~$1.5–3
  • Phone plans: prepaid/light postpaid keep first-month costs predictable.
  • Utilities + Internet: many single-occupant studios land near $100–130 combined outside peak seasons.

4. Quiet Money-Saving Pattern

Gyeonggi (Suwon/Ilsan/Yongin/Pyeongtaek) generally offers lower rent than inner Seoul with direct rail access. Daejeon and Ulsan trend lower still if monthly savings are a priority.

5. Car-Free Weekend Ideas

Seoul & Gyeonggi

  • Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: Line 1 or Bundang Line → Suwon; short bus/taxi to Paldalmun; wall walk + markets.
  • Seongnam/Bundang green day: Shinbundang → Seohyeon/Jeongja; Central Park & Yuldong Lake trails; cafés in Jeongja.
  • Ilsan Lake Park: Line 3 → Jeongbalsan/Madu; lakeside walk + La Festa/Western Dom.
  • Yongin Korean Folk Village: subway to Suwon or Giheung; short local bus/taxi; traditional homes & performances.
  • Pyeongtaek café stroll: SRT Jije ↔ Suseo; cafés and riverside paths around AK Plaza.

Busan

  • Haeundae → Gwangalli: Metro Line 2; beach walk, Dongbaek, sunset by the bridge.
  • Gamcheon Culture Village: metro + local bus; hillside alleys and viewpoints.
  • Igidae Coastal Walk: metro to Kyungsung Univ.–Pukyong; short bus/walk to the cliffs.

Daegu

  • Apsan Park: city bus; ridge trails + cable car lookout.
  • Seomun Market: Metro Line 3; classic night snacks loop.

Daejeon

  • Hanbat Arboretum & Expo Park: metro to Government Complex/City Hall; bikeable loops.

Gwangju

  • Asia Culture Center (ACC): Line 1; indoor exhibitions + outdoor plaza.
  • Mudeungsan: city buses to mellow trailheads.

Ulsan

  • Taehwagang National Garden: bus-friendly; bamboo groves & riverside paths.
  • Daewangam Park: buses to pine-covered cliffs & bridges.

6. Etiquette (small things, big wins)

  • Offer/receive with two hands; greet seniors first and use polite language.
  • At the table: let the eldest begin; pour drinks for others; never leave chopsticks upright in rice.
  • Shoes off indoors; use a quiet voice on public transit.

7. Apply

Apply now — include location preferences, commute limits, and budget.

8. Sources & Notes