Your first month in Korea: unexpected expenses can catch you off guard
The biggest financial challenge international students face after arriving in Korea is unexpected initial costs.
According to the Study in Korea system, average monthly living expenses for international students are about ₩750,000–₩1,000,000,
with housing taking the largest share at ₩500,000–₩700,000 per month (2026).
But don’t think only about rent. Move-in costs include more than the deposit—furniture and appliances, internet setup, phone activation, and utility bills are easy to overlook.
If you don’t plan for these, you may face financial strain from month one.
Managing first-month expenses matters because it shapes your first impression of life in Korea.
Handle early costs wisely and you’ll have space to focus on studies and enjoy Korean life. Many students assume everything will be cheap, but housing and move-in costs can be much higher than expected.
Long-term lease vs short-term rental — which is smarter?
Long-term rental contracts in Korea often burden international students with high security deposits.
According to housing law guidance, deposits commonly range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of won (2026).
Community reports on Reddit and Quora say renting can be very hard without Korean credit history or a local guarantor,
and landlords sometimes ask for deposits more than two months' rent (Reddit r/GradSchool, 2023; Reddit r/columbia, 2021).
Given that, which is more reasonable: a long-term lease or a deposit-free short-term rental?
① Hidden costs and risks of long-term contracts
Typical long-term contracts require high deposits—on average ₩5,000,000–₩20,000,000.
That ties up a student’s initial funds. While monthly housing is around ₩500,000–₩700,000, the deposit is separate.
Early termination can mean penalties or having to find a new tenant yourself.
If you leave before the contract ends, you may have to pay remaining rent or risk not getting your deposit back. Not fully understanding Korean contracts can also lead to legal disputes.
⚠️Note: Korean rental contracts are legally binding. If you sign without fully understanding the Korean terms, you could face disadvantages like not recovering your deposit.
② Practical benefits of deposit-free short-term rentals
No deposit means much less initial financial strain. With no millions tied up, you can use your funds for tuition or living costs.
Hosts report deposit-free short-term rentals for international students are a practical way to cut move-in expenses (2025).
Short-term stays also let you adjust your length of stay.
They offer flexible periods that match academic schedules so you can plan housing without the burden of a long-term lease. Most short-term places come fully furnished, helping students save on initial purchases and move in right away.
💡Tip: Start with a short-term rental for your first month. Get used to Korea and the neighborhood, then look for a long-term place that fits you.
September intake students: how to cut first-month living costs
If you’re arriving for the September term, using a deposit-free short-term rental is the smartest way to minimize move-in costs.
We recommend staying 1–3 months in a short-term place to adapt, explore the area, and search for long-term housing.
Step 1: Cover your first month with a deposit-free short-term rental
Before coming to Korea, book a deposit-free short-term place through platforms like plott LIFE.
These places are fully furnished—only basic items like bedding and dishes are needed.
This prevents a large upfront cash outlay and lets you settle in comfortably on arrival.
Step 2: Look for long-term housing while you settle in
While staying short-term, visit long-term options near your school or preferred neighborhood.
You’ll have time to compare places and learn the rental market. No need to rush into a contract, which reduces stress.
Step 3: Save on other living costs
Transport: Use a T-money card for public transit for convenience and transfer discounts. Bike-share 'Ddareungi' is another good option.
Food: Use campus cafeterias or cheap local eateries, and cook at home by buying groceries to cut food costs.
Phone bills: Start with a prepaid SIM and, after getting your Alien Registration Card (ARC), switch to a budget plan to save on telecom costs.
Starting life in Korea is easier with plott LIFE
plott LIFE offers services to help September intake international students settle in. The biggest benefit is deposit-free short-term rentals, which reduce initial financial pressure.
Deposit-free short-term rentals: Book without a multi-million-won deposit and use your funds for tuition or living expenses.
Multilingual support: Korean contracts confusing? plott LIFE provides multilingual help to ease contracts and communication. Ask us anytime.
Flexible weekly stays: Stay from 1 week up to 3 months so you can match your academic schedule without long-term commitment.
Support for Certificate of Accommodation: The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is required for all foreigners staying 90+ days (Immigration Act Article 36(1), 2026). plott LIFE supports issuing the residence certificate needed for ARC, streamlining visa and ARC procedures. ARC processing usually takes 3–4 weeks (2026 immigration service).
✅ Check: For September intake international students, starting with deposit-free, weekly short-term stays minimizes initial burden and helps you adapt flexibly to life in Korea.
plott LIFE makes starting in Korea much easier!
📚 References
This content was written using the following official sources.
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