| 🏙 Seoul | 💻 Seongnam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living (single person, est. / month) | ₩1,649,000 | ₩1,489,000 |
| Cost index | Very High | High |
| One-room rent (월세) | ₩700,000 | ₩600,000 |
| Officetel rent | ₩1,100,000 | ₩1,000,000 |
| Mid-range meal | ₩15,000 | ₩13,000 |
| Monthly transport pass | ₩65,000 | ₩62,000 |
| Home internet / month | ₩30,000 | ₩29,000 |
| Population | 9.7 million | 920,000 |
| Internet speed | 250+ Mbps avg | 250+ Mbps avg |
| Best for | Most job opportunities | Best tech job market in Korea |
Frequently asked questions
- Is Seoul or Seongnam cheaper to live in?
- Seongnam is cheaper — about ₩1,489,000 per month for a single person versus ₩1,649,000 in Seoul, roughly 10% less. The biggest difference is rent.
- Should I move to Seoul or Seongnam?
- Choose Seoul for Most job opportunities, Best public transport. Choose Seongnam for Best tech job market in Korea, Modern planned city. Your visa, job and budget usually decide it.
- Which has a bigger international community, Seoul or Seongnam?
- Seoul has the larger foreign community and more English-language services, which makes early settlement easier.
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