Latest updated: March 2024.
Are you thinking of studying in South Korea, but don’t know how much the experience would cost if you studied in the capital? In this article, we will look at the main costs you will have to pay to study Korean in Seoul.
How much does a Korean language course cost in Seoul?
The cost of living and studying Korean in Seoul is generally higher than Busan or Daegu. In addition, you should find out the duration of the course you wish to attend before you can make a full price estimate.
On average, the cost of a language course at a private school is around 200 USD per week, including textbooks. These types of courses are suitable to short term students. Courses are flexible, you can start on any Monday of the month and you can decide the length of the course, starting from a minimum of one week.
Korean language courses run by universities have a faster pace and stricter timetables. These courses are very suitable for those who want to concentrate fully on their studies. These courses are structured in terms of 10 weeks each. Price is around 1400 USD for 3 months, and 2600 USD for 6 months, including textbooks and health insurance.
How much does accommodation cost in Seoul?
What type of accommodation would you prefer while learning Korean in Seoul? There are various options: university dormitories, goshiwons, shared houses, host family.
The average price of a double room (with en-suite bathroom) in a university dormitory is 700-900 USD for 3 months, and 1600-1800 USD for 6 months. Some dorms offer single rooms, which generally cost twice as much as double rooms, and which are always very difficult to book because they are the most popular.
A goshiwon is a good alternative to a dormitory if you are looking for accommodation on your own, without having to share a room with other students. The average price of a goshiwon in Seoul is around 400-500 USD per month, for a furnished single room with a private bathroom and utility bills included. We discuss this in detail in our article on goshiwon.
A share house is another good option if you want to live with Koreans in an intercultural environments. The average price of a private room in a shared house in Seoul is 500-600 USD per month, including utility bills.
Finally, many students choose a host family, for a full experience of living with locals. The price of a homestay in Seoul is around 220 USD per week, including breakfast and dinner, and a single room.
How much does it cost to eat in Seoul?
In Korea it is common to eat out, much more than in other parts of the world. If you’re going to study Korean in Seoul, you can usually get quick meals at a reasonable price. For lunch you can spend 5-6 USD for a complete set of Korean cuisine, with noodles or bibimbap rice. Otherwise, you can buy dosirak, lunch boxes sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, which you simply heat up before eating.
Those studying at universities have the opportunity to eat in the student canteen. Although some universities offer meal vouchers in advance, it is best to buy individual meals. By doing so, you are not tied to meal vouchers and only have to eat what the cafeteria offers. The canteen only serves pure Korean cuisine, and the cost for a full meal is 3-4 USD.
What are the other costs of studying Korean in Seoul?
One of the extra costs to consider when learning Korean in Seoul is the SIM card. Although free Wi-Fi is available in most stations in Seoul, as well as in restaurants, cafes and other venues, having a Korean phone number can be useful for various services in Korea. For language learners, prepaid SIM cards are recommended, which are not tied to phone contracts and which are quite cheap, between 30-40 USD per month for unlimited data and calls. For information on tariffs and phone plans, please contact us.
If you want to get around Seoul, the most convenient way is definitely the underground. The basic cost of a ticket is around $1, but an additional fee will be charged depending on the distance traveled. We recommend that you buy a T-money card to avoid buying a single ticket for each journey.
If you have any questions about language schools to learn Korean in Seoul or the procedure for studying in Korea, please contact us. We will provide free consultation and assistance with student visa, accommodation, and other services to settle down in South Korea.
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