Moving to Korea Cost Calculator

Estimate the total upfront cost of relocating to South Korea.

Apartment is furnished?Skips furniture cost

Estimated upfront cost

16,192,600 KRW

~$11,819 USD

Cost breakdown

Housing11,257,600 KRW
70%
Setup2,000,000 KRW
12%
Buffer1,500,000 KRW
9%
Travel750,000 KRW
5%
Living600,000 KRW
4%
Admin85,000 KRW
1%
Shipping0 KRW
0%

All costs

One-way flight (1 person)
750,000 KRW
Checked luggage only (no extra cost)
0 KRW
Housing deposit (wolse)Refundable at end of lease
10,000,000 KRW
First month rent
1,200,000 KRW
Real estate agent fee~0.3-0.5% of contract value
57,600 KRW
ARC application fee
30,000 KRW
Phone plan setup + first month
55,000 KRW
Basic furniture and essentialsBed, desk, kitchen basics, cleaning supplies
2,000,000 KRW
First month utilities + internet
200,000 KRW
First month groceries
400,000 KRW
Emergency buffer (recommended)1-2 months of expenses as safety net
1,500,000 KRW

Estimates based on 2026 averages. Housing deposit is refundable. Does not include ongoing monthly expenses after the first month. Exchange rate: 1 USD = 1,370 KRW.