For foreigners starting a long stay in Korea, housing cost is the first thing to sort out. The same mid-size apartment jeonse runs about 800 million won in Gangnam, 600 million in Bundang, and high-400 millions in Busan's Haeundae, nearly double across cities.
Prices by city
- Seoul: studio wolse around a 10-million-won deposit plus 500,000 to 800,000 won a month, best infrastructure and expat community but most expensive
- Gyeonggi (Bundang, Ilsan, Gwanggyo): cheaper as a Seoul suburb, new towns have good transit
- Busan: high-400-million jeonse for a mid-size unit in Haeundae, studio wolse around 350,000 won, relatively affordable
Popular areas for foreigners
In Seoul, Itaewon and Hannam, Haebangchon, Yeonnam and Hongdae, Gangnam and Samseong-dong, and Mapo and Hapjeong are popular. For the same budget, size and commute vary a lot by city and neighborhood, so weigh them together.
Full guide with jeonse and wolse price tables, foreigner-friendliness, transit, and recommended areas