Thinking about spending a month in Korea? Whether you’re a K-pop fan, remote worker, student, or digital nomad, Korea offers an exciting blend of modern city life, traditional culture, and convenience for long-term visitors.
In this one-month living guide, we’ll cover where to stay, budget planning, transportation, best neighborhoods, and essential survival tips to help you make the most of your time in Korea!
1 Choosing the Best City for Your One-Month Stay
While Seoul is the most popular choice, Korea has several great cities that cater to different lifestyles.
Best Cities for One-Month Stay in Korea:
Seoul – Best for K-pop fans, digital nomads, and city lovers
Busan – Best for beach lovers, seafood enthusiasts, and laid-back vibes
Jeju Island – Best for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing escape
Daegu – Best for affordable cost of living & rich cultural experience
Incheon – Best for easy airport access and a mix of urban and coastal living
2 Finding Short-Term Housing in Korea
Unlike hotels, renting a short-term stay in Korea requires some planning. Here’s where you can find affordable and comfortable housing for a one-month stay.
Best Platforms for Monthly Rentals
- Airbnb – Ideal for fully furnished apartments and good for short stays.
- Ziptoss (집토스) – Best for finding Korean-style officetels (small studios).
- Goshiwon (고시원) Apps – Affordable tiny rooms (low-cost option).
- Coliving Spaces (Hive Arena, Borderless House) – For meeting new people & networking.
- Serviced Apartments (Oakwood, Fraser Place) – More expensive, but great for luxury stays.
Budget Tips:
- Seoul's hot areas (Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon) are more expensive. Consider Sinchon, Mapo, or Seongsu for better prices.
- Some apartments require deposit fees (보증금), so ask in advance if refundable.
3 Cost of Living: Budget Breakdown
Korea is relatively affordable compared to major Western cities, but your budget depends on your lifestyle.
Estimated One-Month Budget (in USD)
| Expense | Budget-Friendly ($) | Mid-Range ($) | Luxury ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (studio) | 400-600 | 800-1,200 | 1,500+ |
| Food | 200-300 | 400-600 | 1,000+ |
| Transportation | 50-80 | 80-120 | 150+ |
| Entertainment | 100-200 | 300-500 | 800+ |
| Total (per month) | 800-1,200 | 1,500-2,500 | 4,000+ |
saving Tip: Use Korea’s affordable public transportation instead of taxis!
4 Getting Around Korea: Transportation Guide
Korea has one of the best public transport systems in the world. Here’s how to navigate it easily.
Subway & Bus
- T-Money Card – Korea’s reloadable transit card for buses, subways, and taxis.
- Subway Apps: Use KakaoMetro or Naver Maps for real-time subway schedules.
- Bus Stops Have Free Wi-Fi!
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- KakaoTaxi – Korea’s most reliable taxi app (similar to Uber).
- International Taxis – Available at airports for non-Korean speakers.
Bonus Tip: Many signs are in Korean & English, but having Papago App for translations helps!
5 Best Cafés & Workspaces for Digital Nomads
For those working remotely in Korea, here are the best cafes & co-working spaces to stay productive.
Seoul:
- Anthracite Coffee (Hannam) – Minimalist aesthetic, quiet vibes.
- WeWork Seoul (Gangnam) – A global co-working brand in Korea.
Busan:
- Waveon Coffee – Ocean view + work-friendly ambiance.
Jeju:
- Café Delmoondo – A stunning beachfront café with Wi-Fi.
Pro Tip: Korea has free Wi-Fi almost everywhere, but a local SIM card helps for stable connection.
6 Survival Guide: Essential Apps & Tips
Before arriving in Korea, download these must-have apps!
Must-Have Apps for Korea
- Naver Maps – Best for navigating Korea (Google Maps doesn’t work well).
- Papago – Best for real-time translations.
- KakaoTalk – Korea’s #1 messaging app (everyone uses it).
- Baemin (배달의 민족) – Korea’s top food delivery app.
- Korea Subway App – Find subway routes faster than Google Maps.
Useful Travel Tips
-Most places take credit cards, but always carry a little cash.
- Download a Korean SIM card (EG Sim, KT Olleh) for data.
- Public restrooms are clean & free, but bring tissues (some don’t provide toilet paper).
7 Unique Experiences You Should Try in One Month
If you’re in Korea for a month, don’t miss these bucket-list activities!
K-Pop Fan Experiences
- Attend a live music show (M Countdown, Music Bank).
- Visit HYBE, SM, and YG Entertainment headquarters.
Korean Cultural Immersion
- Rent a Hanbok & visit Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- Take a Korean cooking class (Learn to make Kimchi & Bibimbap!).
Trendy Seoul Hotspots
- Explore Seongsu-dong (Korea’s “Brooklyn”).
- Go shopping in Hongdae & Gangnam Underground Mall.
Weekend Getaways
- Jeju Island (Nature & beaches).
- Busan (Food, beaches, and coastal city life).
Final Thoughts: Is One Month in Korea Worth It?
Absolutely! Whether you’re here for K-pop, food, work, or adventure, Korea offers a perfect balance of tradition and modernity.
What are you most excited about for your one-month stay? Let us know in the comments!
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