Seoul Living Guide
Everything Canadians need to know about living, working, or studying in Seoul
Districts & Neighborhoods
Gangnam
Seoul's business and luxury district, made famous by PSY's song
Vibe
Modern, upscale, busy
Daily Budget
High (₩50,000-100,000/day)
Best For
Canadian Comparison:
Similar to downtown Toronto - expect higher prices but premium experience
Key Spots
COEX Mall
ShoppingAsia's largest underground mall
Bongeunsa Temple
CultureBuddhist temple in the city center
Garosu-gil
StreetTree-lined street with boutiques and cafes
Transport
Lines 2, 3, 7, 9 - excellent connectivity
Seoul Transportation Tips
Download Citymapper
Best English subway app with real-time updates
Buy T-money card at station
Works for subway, bus, and some taxis. 5-10% discount.
Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM)
Extremely crowded, especially Lines 2, 4, 7
Learn exit numbers
Korean addresses reference subway exit numbers
Last train around midnight
Plan your night out accordingly, taxis expensive after midnight
Monthly Living Costs
housing
Goshiwon
₩400,000-600,000Tiny private room, shared facilities
Sharehouse
₩600,000-900,000Private room, shared common areas
Studio
₩800,000-1,500,000Private studio apartment
food
Home cooking
₩200,000-300,000Groceries and cooking at home
Mixed (home + eating out)
₩400,000-600,000Balanced approach
Eating out mostly
₩600,000-900,000Restaurant meals and delivery
transport
T-money monthly
₩60,000-80,000Unlimited subway/bus within Seoul
Occasional taxi
₩20,000-40,000Late night or convenience rides
Get Personalized Cost Estimates
Use our cost calculator to estimate your monthly expenses based on your lifestyle
Calculate My CostsEssential Seoul Survival Guide
Business Hours
Most shops open from 10 AM to 10 PM. Many restaurants and cafes, especially in busy districts, are open 24/7, reflecting Korea's dynamic culture.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary or expected in Korea. Service charges are typically included in the bill. Attempting to tip can sometimes cause confusion.
Photography
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Photography may be restricted in some religious sites or private properties. Check for signs.
Language
English is commonly understood in major tourist areas, but less so in local neighborhoods. It's highly recommended to download the Papago translation app.