Cost of Living in South Korea for Indian Students 2025

Cost of Living in South Korea for Indian Students in 2025: South Korea is one of the most hyped countries for its K-Pop culture, K-Food, and beautiful Korean culture, attracting thousands of Indian students in 2025. Understanding South Korea's living expenses and strategies to manage money in the country is hereby utmost importance for Indian students planning to study in South Korea. We have mentioned in detail the average living expenses in South Korea for reference in this article. The average monthly living expense for Indian students in South Korea is Rs 65,000. This is an estimate of living expenses in South Korea, the actual cost might vary. The cost of living in South Korea for Indian students is about 213.9% higher than in India (excluding rent). On the other hand, the cost of Living, including rent in South Korea is 220.7% higher than in India in 2025. However, one must note that the living expenses in South Korea are manageable for Indian students, with 1 South Korean Won equaling 0.060 INR on average at the current exchange rate. Hence, the crucial aspect is to explore how to manage the cost of living in South Korea, given the plenty of options of heavy spending on entertainment places and all.

This Story also Contains

1. Overall Cost of Living in South Korea for Indian Students 2025
2. Accommodation Cost in South Korea
3. Food Expenses in South Korea
4. Cost of Transportation in South Korea
5. Utility Cost in South Korea
6. Cost of Studying in South Korea For International Students 2025
7. Top Student Cities in South Korea 2025
8. Cost of Living in South Korea vs India
9. Tips for Saving Money in South Korea 2025

The actual cost of living in South Korea for international students depends on a variety of factors such as housing, food, clothing, and an individual's spending habits. Tuition fees and accommodation are the two most prominent variables determining Indian students' monthly spending in South Korea 2025. An undergraduate degree in South Korea typically costs between Rs. 3 lakhs and INR 17 lakhs annually. This article discusses the significant factors determining the cost of living in South Korea 2025 compared to India. Students wishing to study in South Korea should read the complete article to learn about differences in living expenses in popular South Korean cities, top university tuition fees, methods to save money in the country, and much more.

Overall Cost of Living in South Korea for Indian Students 2025

The average living expenses in South Korea for international students is approximately Rs 65,000 per month. These living expenses are calculated by summing up all the basic expenditures such as accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. Hence, it is important to ideally budget at least Rs 65,000 for the average cost to live in South Korea for Indian students. All major expenses which one can expect while living in South Korea are mentioned in detail below:

Living Expenses In South Korea 2025

Let us now check the factors contributing to the living expenses in South Korea for Indian students in detail for reference. Prospective students can read it for financial and academic budgeting in South Korea.

Accommodation Cost in South Korea

Rent prices in Seoul are 245.1% more than in Delhi. Single-room lodging in South Korea costs between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000 per month. However, outside the city centre, housing options are significantly more affordable. Also, finding affordable housing in South Korea in 2025 can be challenging for Indian students; however, they can select the right and cheap accommodation with the right approach. Some of the budget-friendly options specifically as cost of housing in South Korea for international students include University dorms (₩350,000–₩700,000 per month), Goshiwons (starting at ₩350,000 per month), and Off-campus apartments (starting at ₩350,000 (USD 280) in Seoul and even less in other cities). Let us further delve into the average housing costs in South Korea for international students in 2025 through a table below:

Cost of Housing in South Korea For Indian Students

Food Expenses in South Korea

The cost of food and restaurant meals in South Korea is quite expensive for Indian students if they choose to eat out. Restaurant prices in Seoul are 74.8% more than in Delhi. Students in South Korea must prepare their meals to save money on food. Grocery prices in Seoul are 270.6% more than in Delhi. Generally, the cost of food in South Korea for Indian students can be delicious and affordable in street food stalls and local markets. Also, casual restaurants serve classics like bibimbap and kimbap at reasonable prices, often with student discounts available. One must also note that they can save a lot of money if they use some tips and tricks. A few of the tips to save some amount on your monthly food expenditures in South Korea includes cooking at home rather than frequenting restaurants, creating a meal plan to avoid impulse buys at the market, and taking advantage of student discounts. These can help students to save a lot on cost of food in South Korea in 2025. Other than this, here's a breakdown of food expenses for Indian students in South Korea:

Food Costs in South Korea 2025

Note: If students want to know the cost of food in South Korea in Indian rupees, 1 Won = 0.060 INR approximately.

Cost of Transportation in South Korea

Public transport in South Korea is cheaper than taxis and other modes of transportation. Students are encouraged to take public buses and trains to save money. Hence, travelling in South Korea is quite affordable due to the efficient public transport system. There are various options, including a T-money card offering discounts on subways, buses, and trains, making travel more cost-effective. Generally, South Korea's subway for students is extensive and budget-friendly, with fares starting at ₩1,250, while buses provide affordable access to various routes.

Travel Expenses in South Korea

Note: If students want to know the cost of transportation in South Korea in Indian rupees, 1 Won = 0.060 INR approximately.

Utility Cost in South Korea

In addition to housing, food, and transportation fees, international students need to pay for water, electricity, mobile phone bills, internet charges, and other expenses. The cost of utilities in South Korea for Indian students are essential expense while living there. Below is a breakdown of these costs to help with financial planning.

Living Expenses for South Korea: Utilities

Note: If students want to know the cost of utilities in South Korea in Indian rupees, 1 Won = 0.060 INR approximately.

Cost of Studying in South Korea For International Students 2025

Tuition fees in South Korea are quite affordable for international students. Tuition fees in South Korea can vary widely depending on the university and program. On average, you can expect to pay between Rs. 3 lakhs and INR 17 lakhs per year. Apart from tuition fees, students are subjected to pay additional charges such as application fees, scholarship funds, sports association fees, and more. Candidates must check the official website of the university to learn more about the tuition fees, and other related costs. Also, here are the top universities in South Korea and their average tuition fees in 2025:

Tuition Fee in South Korea for International Students

Also Read: Top Engineering Universities in South Korea

Top Student Cities in South Korea 2025

According to QS Best Student Cities 2025, Seoul, Daejeon, and Busan have been ranked among the top popular student cities in South Korea for international students. Seoul is ranked 3rd in the world with an overall score of 97.8, Daejeon is ranked 74th with an overall QS score of 66.2, while Busan is ranked 136th worldwide with an overall score of 48.6. The cost of living in Seoul 2025 is the highest in the country and is approximately 176.4% higher than in India. However, the cost of rent is 207.8% higher than in India. The overall cost of living in both cities is approximately Rs 3 to Rs 4 lakhs per month for Indian Students.

QS Top Cities in South Korea

Cost of Living in South Korea vs India

South Korea and India offer vastly different living experiences, shaped by their economies, cultures, and lifestyles. While South Korea boasts advanced infrastructure and modern conveniences, India provides a more cost-effective way of living. Let us check the living expense for South Korea vs India in 2025

Tips for Saving Money in South Korea 2025

South Korea is highly expensive, as overseas students face heavy living costs. Living in South Korea can be financially challenging for Indian students, therefore they must budget their living expenses while studying there. Here are some excellent strategies for saving money while living in South Korea:

• Candidates can look for accommodations outside the city centre or share rent and utilities bills with roommates.

• Students could try home-cooked meals to save money on food and expensive restaurants; instead, they can visit the country's small Chinese and Korean restaurants.

• To save money, get a monthly transport pass and go by bus instead. Students can also walk or rent a bike to travel short distances.

• While shopping, take advantage of discounts at stores like Daiso or buy during sales. Students are recommended to utilise their student IDs to receive discounts.

• For sightseeing, go to free parks or festivals.

• Visit public clinics to receive low-cost medical care.

• Finally, make an expense tracker to help you manage your South Korean living expenses.