Buong Road: Everyday Korea

Updated breakdown of rent, food, transportation, and other daily expenses in South Korea Overview of Average Living Costs in Korea (2025) "The average monthly living cost for a single person in Korea ranges from 1.7 to 2.2 million KRW (approximately USD 1,200 to 1,500)." Costs vary significantly based on location and lifestyle. Living in Seoul is about 20–30% more expensive than in other cities. In regional cities like Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju, costs are about 20–30% lower than in Seoul. In 2025: Inflation and rising real estate prices have pushed average living costs up by around 7% compared to 2023. Major Expenses Breakdown  Category Seoul (Monthly) Regional Cities (Monthly) Studio Apartment Rent 600,000 ~ 1,000,000 KRW 400,000 ~ 700,000 KRW Food (Groceries + Dining Out) 400,000 ~ 600,000 KRW 350,000 ~ 500,000 KRW Transportation Around 70,000 KRW Around 60,000 KRW Internet + Mobile 50,000 ~ 80,000 KRW About 50,000 KRW Miscel...

Everything You Need to Know About Using T-money Cards in Korea 1. What Is a T-money Card? T-money is Korea’s most widely used transportation card , used for: Subway and bus fares Taxis Convenience store purchases Airport transfers and more It’s a prepaid card, so you load it with money and tap to use— simple and contactless . 2. Where to Buy a T-money Card You can purchase a T-money card easily at: Convenience stores : GS25, 7-Eleven, CU, Emart24 (look for the T-money logo) Subway stations : Ticket machines or station counters Incheon or Gimpo Airport : Arrival halls or travel counters Cost: The card itself costs around 2,500 – 4,000 KRW , depending on design. Special edition cards or character designs may be slightly more expensive. 3. How to Load (Recharge) Your T-money Card Reloading is simple and can be done at: Subway station kiosks (multi-language support) Convenience stores (ask cashier to charge your card) Some recharging machines also accept cre...

What You Need to Know Before Opening a Korean Bank Account 1. Can Foreigners Open Bank Accounts in Korea? Yes! Foreigners can open a bank account in Korea. However, there are a few important conditions: You must have a valid passport . Most banks require an Alien Registration Card (ARC) . Some banks allow account opening without ARC, but with restrictions. Having an ARC makes the process smoother and gives you access to full banking services. 2. Required Documents for Opening a Bank Account Here’s what you usually need: Passport (essential) Alien Registration Card (ARC) Korean phone number (SIM card) Proof of address (such as a lease agreement) Employment certificate or student ID (sometimes requested) Tip: Some banks may ask for additional documents depending on the type of account you open. 3. Best Banks for Foreigners in Korea Bank Features KEB Hana Bank English service, foreigner-friendly Woori Bank Easy mobile banking setup ...

How to Choose the Best SIM Card for Your Korea Trip 1. Why You Need a Local SIM Card in Korea Having a local SIM card ensures: Stable internet access everywhere Easy use of navigation apps like Naver Map or KakaoMap Smooth communication via apps like KakaoTalk Access to online translation and travel information in real-time Wi-Fi is common in Seoul, but a SIM card offers reliability beyond city centers. 2. Types of SIM Cards Available for Travelers Type Best For Duration Data-Only SIM Travelers needing internet access only 1 to 30 days Voice + Data SIM Travelers needing calls and data 5 to 90 days eSIM Travelers with compatible phones Varies Choosing depends on how long you’re staying and whether you need voice services. Most travelers prefer data-only SIMs for ease and lower cost. 3. Where to Buy a Korean SIM Card You can get your SIM card from: Incheon or Gimpo Airport kiosks Online preorder services (pickup at the airport) Mobile carrier stores (K...

What You Must Know Before Riding Public Transport in Seoul 1. Understanding Seoul’s Public Transportation System Seoul offers one of the most efficient and affordable transportation systems in the world. The main modes of public transport are: Subway (Metro) Buses (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red) Taxis (an affordable backup option) Most services operate from 5:30 AM to midnight , with some late-night buses running beyond that. Using public transport in Seoul is safe, clean, and very foreigner-friendly. 2. Essential Item: T-Money Card The T-Money card is a rechargeable smart card that can be used for: Subway rides Bus rides Taxis Convenience stores and even vending machines You can purchase a T-Money card at: Airport kiosks Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) Subway stations Loading money onto the card is easy and can be done at any subway station machine or store. 3. How to Ride the Seoul Subway Here’s a simple guide to navigating the ...