South Korea · Capital city · 9.4M people
A 24-hour megacity of palaces, tech and neon-lit streets.
Overview
A fast, safe and endlessly interesting megacity with Korea's biggest international community.
Seoul is divided by the Han River into Gangbuk (north) and Gangnam (south). The north holds royal palaces, old neighbourhoods and the government district, while the south is home to business districts, shopping and newer apartments. Mountains ring the city.
Last reviewed September 2026
Housing
From compact one-rooms to high-rise apartments, with deposits the biggest upfront cost.
A one-room or officetel costs about 700,000 to 1,500,000 won a month with a deposit of 5 to 20 million won. Lower deposits usually mean higher monthly rent.
Use Zigbang, Dabang and local agents. Some agencies in Itaewon and Hongdae specialise in foreign tenants and speak English.
Last reviewed September 2026
Cost of living
Affordable transport and meals balance high housing deposits and pricey imported goods.
A single person renting a one-room typically needs 2.5 to 3.5 million won a month for a comfortable life.
Last reviewed September 2026
Jobs
Korea's largest job market, especially for tech, finance, teaching and international business.
Salaries for professionals in large companies are competitive. English teachers typically earn about 2.2 to 3 million won a month, often with housing.
LinkedIn works for international roles, while Saramin and JobKorea dominate the local market. Seoul Global Center offers support and events for foreign job seekers.
Last reviewed September 2026
Transportation
One of the world's best subway systems, plus buses, bikes and cheap taxis.
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway has more than 20 lines, reaching Incheon, Gyeonggi province and the airports. Buses are frequent and colour-coded by route type.
Seoul Station and Suseo station serve KTX and SRT high-speed trains.
Last reviewed September 2026
Lifestyle
Palaces, mountain hikes, late-night food and a nightlife that never really stops.
Seoul never sleeps. Restaurants, cafés and convenience stores stay open late, and delivery apps bring food almost anywhere, including parks by the Han River.
Hongdae, Itaewon, Seongsu and Euljiro are known for bars, clubs and live music. Language exchanges and expat meetups happen every week.
Last reviewed September 2026
Education
Our editors have not published a education guide for Seoul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityHealthcare
Our editors have not published a healthcare guide for Seoul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityVisas
Our editors have not published a visas guide for Seoul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityTypical prices in KRW, reviewed by our editors. Use the calculators to shape them to your household.
| Item | Group | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rent, 1 bedroom in the centre | Housing | ₩1,300,000 |
| Rent, 1 bedroom outside the centre | Housing | ₩800,000 |
| Rent, 3 bedrooms in the centre | Housing | ₩3,500,000 |
| Rent, 3 bedrooms outside the centre | Housing | ₩2,000,000 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | Utilities | ₩180,000 |
| Home internet | Utilities | ₩30,000 |
| Mobile phone plan (per person) | Utilities | ₩55,000 |
| Groceries (per person) | Food | ₩500,000 |
| Eating out (per person) | Food | ₩350,000 |
| Monthly public transport pass (per person) | Transport | ₩62,000 |
| Health insurance and medical costs (per person) | Health | ₩160,000 |
| Gym membership (per person) | Health | ₩70,000 |
| Leisure and going out (per person) | Leisure | ₩200,000 |
| Childcare or school fees, per child | Education | ₩600,000 |
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ₩10,000 |
| Cappuccino | ₩5,500 |
| Local beer at a bar | ₩5,000 |
| Taxi ride, 5 km | ₩9,000 |
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I spent six days in Seoul over the Chuseok long weekend last year, flying up from Singapore. I have used public transport in many Asian cities, and Seoul's system is one of the best I have ever used.…
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