What it really costs

My parents asked a simple question: how much will Korea cost?

Great question, and a smart one to answer together.

Let's add up your first year, item by item.

Remember this: tuition is only one part of the bill.

Item one: tuition.

Korean universities charge it by semester, and it varies a lot by school and major.

Science and arts programs often cost more.

Item two: housing. Many international students start in a dormitory.

It's convenient in your first year, and the fee is often paid in advance for the

whole semester.

Item three: living costs. Food, transport, your phone, and books.

In Seoul and the capital area, these add up faster than in regional cities.

So where I live changes my budget too.

A lot. Item four: health insurance.

International students join Korea's National Health Insurance, and students get a

fifty percent reduction.

That's about seventy-nine thousand won a month.

When you join depends on your situation, so check your school's guide.

That wasn't on my list at all!

That's why we list it. And item five: starting costs.

Your flight, a deposit if you rent a room, bedding, kitchen basics, and a phone

plan.

They all come at once, right when you arrive. So plan for them separately.

Tuition, housing, living costs, insurance, and starting costs.

Together, that's your real first-year cost.

The exact numbers depend on your school and city.

At the end of this module, your budget sheet will help you fill them in.

Quick check. Which cost do students forget most often?