Living Expenses for International Students in Busan, South Korea

Living in Busan, South Korea, as an international student can be both affordable and enriching. The cost of living varies greatly depending on lifestyle choices and personal spending habits. Below is a detailed breakdown of typical monthly expenses for an international student in Busan.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is a significant portion of a student's budget in Busan. The options range from on-campus housing to shared off-campus apartments. Here are the general costs:

On-campus housing: 200 - 400 Off-campus shared apartment: 300 - 600 Off-campus studio apartment: 400 - 800

Factors such as proximity to the university and local amenities can further influence the cost of on-campus vs. off-campus living.

Food Expenses

Food is another major component of the monthly budget. The following estimates can help you plan accordingly:

Groceries: 150 - 300 Eating out (inexpensive restaurant): 5 - 10 per meal Monthly food budget: 200 - 400

It's wise to explore local markets and street food for affordable meals. Breakfasts can be simple and inexpensive, while lunches and dinners might require more budget.

Transportation Costs

Busan's public transportation network makes it a cost-effective city for students. Here are the estimated monthly expenses:

Public transport bus/subway: 30 - 50 Bicycle rental: 10 - 20

Riding a bicycle is also a popular and budget-friendly way to get around.

Utilities

Utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet vary by accommodation and personal usage. On average, the monthly cost is 50 - 150 .

Health Insurance

Health insurance costs may vary based on the provider, but a monthly premium typically ranges from 20 - 50 .

Miscellaneous Expenses

Covering personal expenses, clothing, entertainment, and books and supplies, you can expect to spend 100 - 200 monthly. Additionally, books and supplies can cost 50 - 100 .

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses

Based on the above estimates, here are the total estimated monthly expenses for a low-end and high-end budget:

Low-end: 700 High-end: 1500

These figures are estimates, and actual expenses may vary based on personal choices and circumstances. Always consider budgeting for unexpected costs as well.

Additional Considerations

Tuition fees are not included in these estimates and can vary from 2000 to 10000 per year depending on the program. Many international students choose to work part-time to offset living expenses.

Comparing Busan to Other Cities

Busan is more affordable compared to Seoul or other seodongwon Seoul Metro area cities. Rent prices in Busan are typically 40 of the cost in Seoul. Therefore, costs of living in Busan are significantly lower.

Busan is a dynamic and less costly city. It offers affordable options for food, transportation, and utilities. Additionally, the city offers convenient access to public transportation, including a subway system and buses. WiFi is widely available and affordable.

Personal experiences can greatly influence living expenses. For instance, an international student named shares that they could live on a low budget, spending about 300,000 Korean won (

In summary, Busan is a cost-effective choice for international students, offering a dynamic and affordable living environment.