For a basic student lifestyle in Seoul, budget CAD$1,200-1,600 (₩1.2-1.6 million) monthly. Breakdown: Rent ₩600-900k (goshiwon to studio), Food ₩300-400k, Transport ₩60-80k, Mobile ₩30-40k, Utilities ₩80-120k, Misc ₩50-100k. Consider university housing first - often cheaper and includes utilities.

Top 3 recommendations: 1) **Citymapper** - Best overall with English interface, real-time delays, and step-by-step directions. 2) **Subway Map** - Simple, works offline, clean design. 3) **KakaoMap** - Most accurate but in Korean, use as backup. Download all three, use Citymapper as primary.

**Steps**: 1) Use Zigbang or Peter Pan apps (Korean real estate), 2) Contact real estate agent (부동산), 3) Prepare documents: passport, proof of income/savings, Korean guarantor (if possible). **Key terms**: 전세 (lump sum deposit), 월세 (monthly rent), 보증금 (security deposit). **Canadian tip**: Start with foreigner-friendly areas like Itaewon or university districts.

**Required documents**: 1) University acceptance letter, 2) Financial proof (CAD$10,000+ bank statement or sponsor letter), 3) Health certificate from Canadian doctor, 4) Criminal background check (RCMP), 5) Passport photos (3.5x4.5cm), 6) Completed visa application form. **Processing time**: 5-10 business days. **Canadian tip**: Get documents apostilled if required by your university.

**Essential apps**: 1) **Citymapper** (subway navigation), 2) **Papago** (Naver translator - better than Google for Korean), 3) **KakaoMap** (most accurate maps), 4) **Yogiyo/Baemin** (food delivery), 5) **KakaoTaxi** (taxi booking), 6) **Coupang** (shopping/delivery). **Offline**: Download offline maps and save important addresses in Korean. **Banking**: Consider Revolut or Wise for better exchange rates.

**전세 (Jeonse)**: Pay large lump sum (50-80% of property value) as deposit, no monthly rent. Get full deposit back when moving out. **월세 (Wolse)**: Smaller deposit + monthly rent (similar to Canadian system). **For Canadians**: 월세 is more familiar and requires less upfront cash. 전세 offers savings if you have large capital and plan to stay 1-2 years.

**Best options**: 1) **Airport Railroad Express (AREX)** - ₩4,750, 43 minutes to Seoul Station, most convenient. 2) **Airport Limousine Bus** - ₹15,000, 60-90 minutes, drops at major hotels/areas. 3) **Taxi** - ₩60,000-80,000, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. **Canadian tip**: Buy T-money card at airport and load ₩20,000 for AREX + subway connections.

**Yes, mostly**: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at department stores, hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. **Limitations**: Small vendors, traditional markets, street food often cash-only. **Tips**: 1) Notify your bank before travel, 2) Bring backup cards, 3) Withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATMs (Global ATM service), 4) Consider Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates. **Daily cash needs**: ₩30,000-50,000 for meals and small purchases.

**No tipping required or expected** in Korea. This includes restaurants, taxis, hotels, and services. **Why**: Service charges are included in prices, and tipping can sometimes be seen as insulting. **Exceptions**: Some high-end hotels with international staff may accept tips, but it's not necessary. **Canadian adjustment**: This feels weird at first, but embrace it - service is excellent without tipping pressure.

**Top picks**: 1) **Hongdae** - Nightlife, international crowd, affordable, university vibe. 2) **Itaewon** - Most English-friendly, diverse food, expat community. 3) **Gangnam** - Modern, convenient, expensive but professional. 4) **Seongsu** - Trendy, cafes, artsy but limited English. 5) **Yongsan** - Central location, good transport, mixed international. **Canadian comparison**: Hongdae = Montreal Plateau, Itaewon = Toronto Kensington, Gangnam = Vancouver Downtown.