First month in Seoul budget planner.
How much cash to bring for your first month, with the refundable deposit kept apart from spending.
Your figures
Assumes a dormitory, goshiwon or shared one-room. These are editorial starting points, not quotes. Replace them with your real numbers.
Key money (bojeunggeum) held by the landlord and returned when you leave, minus any agreed deductions. Not spending.
Monthly rent (wolse) for your room or flat.
Building management fee (gwanribi), often billed separately.
Electricity, gas, water and internet if not included.
Subway and bus. Climate Card is an option for heavy use.
First month plan plus any SIM or activation fee.
Supermarket and convenience-store food.
Meals and cafés in your first weeks.
Bedding, kitchen basics, hangers, adaptors, toiletries.
Health check, ARC/visa fees, photos, anything else.
A buffer for surprises, added to spending only.
Show totals in another currency (optional)
Type today's rate from your bank. We don't fetch live rates.
These are planning estimates, not financial, tax or legal advice. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere. Starting figures were checked 2026-10-29 against Settle Seoul's housing, transport and phone guides. Prices vary by neighbourhood and season.