Cost of Living in South Korea for Nepali Students (2026)

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Seoul vs. Other Cities

Living costs in Korea vary significantly between Seoul and regional cities. Here is a realistic monthly breakdown based on feedback from Nepali students currently in Korea:

Seoul Monthly Budget

• Accommodation: ₩300,000-500,000 (goshiwon/shared room) or ₩200,000-400,000 (university dormitory)
• Food: ₩200,000-350,000 (mix of cooking and eating out — university cafeteria meals cost ₩3,000-5,000)
• Transportation: ₩55,000 (T-money student pass for unlimited bus and subway)
• Phone: ₩25,000-35,000 (prepaid SIM from KT, SK, or LG)
• Personal/Misc: ₩100,000-150,000
• Total Seoul: ₩800,000-1,100,000/month (NPR 84,000-115,000)

Regional Cities (Daejeon, Busan, Gwangju, Daegu)

• Accommodation: ₩200,000-350,000 (lower rents)
• Food: ₩180,000-280,000 (slightly cheaper)
• Transportation: ₩40,000-55,000
• Phone: ₩25,000-35,000
• Personal/Misc: ₩80,000-120,000
• Total Regional: ₩600,000-850,000/month (NPR 63,000-89,000)

Money-Saving Tips from Nepali Students in Korea

• Live in university dormitories whenever possible — they are the cheapest and most convenient option
• Cook Nepali food at home using ingredients from Asian grocery stores in areas like Dongdaemun, Ansan, or online on Coupang
• Use the T-money card for all public transport — Korea's subway and bus system is world-class and cheap
• Take advantage of free campus facilities: gym, library, printing, medical clinic
• Korean convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) have surprisingly good and cheap meal options (₩3,000-5,000)
• Part-time work after your first semester can cover most or all living expenses

How GKS Allowance Compares to Costs

GKS Undergraduate scholars receive ₩900,000/month. In Seoul, this is tight but manageable with dormitory housing. In regional cities, this is very comfortable — many GKS scholars save ₩100,000-300,000/month. GKS Graduate scholars receive ₩1,200,000-1,500,000/month, which is comfortable even in Seoul.