Living in Korea: Practical Guide to Housing, Cost of Living, Healthcare & Daily Life (2025)

Housing in Korea: Jeonse, Wolse & Short-Term Options

Korea uses two main rental types: Jeonse (전세) — a large deposit with little/no monthly rent — and Wolse (월세) — a standard deposit plus monthly rent. Short-stay options include officetels, serviced residences, and coliving spaces.

• Where to search: Korea Life Hub Housing, local realtor apps, neighborhood agencies.
• Documents: Passport/ARC, employment/contract, bank info; verify building registration and rental contract.
• Pro tip: Get a translated lease addendum covering deposit return, repairs, and early termination.

Cost of Living: What to Budget (Monthly)

• Rent: Wide range by area (studio to 2BR). Jeonse reduces monthly outflow, wolse is pay-as-you-go.
• Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, internet/mobile ~ manageable if you monitor usage.
• Transit: Subways/buses are affordable; T-money works nationwide.
• Food: Eating out is common; mix local eateries with home cooking to save.

See our Cost of Living Breakdown by city and lifestyle.

Setting Up Utilities: Internet, Gas, Electricity

1. Schedule meter transfers for gas/electricity on move-in day.
2. Choose fiber internet; most buildings support fast plans.
3. Ask your realtor/landlord to help register bills to your name.

Starter checklist: Move-In & Utilities Checklist

Healthcare & Insurance: NHI, Clinics & Pharmacies

Most residents join the National Health Insurance (NHI). Major hospitals have international clinics; pharmacies are widely available and efficient.

• Registration: Usually via employer or at the local NHI office after receiving your ARC.
• Using care: Walk-in clinics for minor issues; ER for emergencies; bring ARC for claims.
• Extras: Consider supplemental private insurance for dental/vision.

Guide: Healthcare in Korea for Foreigners

Banking, Payments & Mobile Plans

• Banking: Bring passport/ARC; set up mobile banking + ATM PIN.
• Payments: Cards widely accepted; transit and convenience stores take T-money.
• Mobile: Postpaid plans require ARC; prepaid SIMs are easy for the first weeks.

Compare plans: Mobile & Internet Plans

Transport: Subways, Buses & T-money

Cities are connected by clean, punctual metro and bus systems. Get a T-money card (or mobile wallet) and tap across subway, bus, taxis, and some shops.

• Apps: Subway maps, Kakao/Apple/Google Maps, Kakao T for taxis.
• Intercity: KTX for fast rail between major cities.

Starter: Transport & T-money Guide

Groceries & Eating Out

• Markets & marts: Mix traditional markets with big chains and online delivery.
• Eating out: Affordable Korean meals; vegetarian and halal options are expanding.
• Delivery: Popular, quick, and app-based; check your building’s delivery access.

Food tips: Shopping & Eating Guide

Popular Neighborhoods (Seoul & Beyond)

See our Best Areas to Live in Seoul (2025)

Etiquette, Safety & Daily Apps

• Etiquette: Polite speech, two-handed exchange, shoes-off in homes, quiet transit.
• Safety: Very safe cities; still use common sense at night and in crowds.
• Apps: Messaging, maps, translation, food delivery, banking, transit, and navigation.

Download list: Must-Have Apps for Living in Korea

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Living in Korea — FAQ