| 🏙 Seoul | 🌿 Jeju | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living (single person, est. / month) | ₩1,649,000 | ₩1,277,000 |
| Cost index | Very High | Medium |
| One-room rent (월세) | ₩700,000 | ₩450,000 |
| Officetel rent | ₩1,100,000 | ₩750,000 |
| Mid-range meal | ₩15,000 | ₩13,000 |
| Monthly transport pass | ₩65,000 | ₩0 |
| Home internet / month | ₩30,000 | ₩28,000 |
| Population | 9.7 million | 670,000 |
| Internet speed | 250+ Mbps avg | 150+ Mbps avg |
| Best for | Most job opportunities | Unique island lifestyle |
Frequently asked questions
- Is Seoul or Jeju cheaper to live in?
- Jeju is cheaper — about ₩1,277,000 per month for a single person versus ₩1,649,000 in Seoul, roughly 23% less. The biggest difference is rent.
- Should I move to Seoul or Jeju?
- Choose Seoul for Most job opportunities, Best public transport. Choose Jeju for Unique island lifestyle, Clean environment. Your visa, job and budget usually decide it.
- Which has a bigger international community, Seoul or Jeju?
- Seoul has the larger foreign community and more English-language services, which makes early settlement easier.
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