How Much Korean University Housing Really Costs
If you’re planning to study abroad in Korea, securing housing is one of your biggest hurdles. While the vibrant, hyper-modern student life is exciting, the cost of accommodation—especially in Seoul—can make or break your budget.
Korean university dormitories (Gisuksa, 기숙사) are a popular, convenient, and relatively safe option. But how much will they actually cost you? The price tag varies wildly based on location, room type, and the university’s prestige.
As a local, I’m here to give you the honest breakdown of the costs, the factors that drive the price, and a realistic idea of what you’ll pay per semester.
The Three Factors That Decide Your Dorm Cost
The price of a Korean dorm isn’t standardized. It depends primarily on these three variables:
1. Location, Location, Location (The Seoul Premium)
Seoul & Major Cities (The High End): Universities in Seoul (like SNU, Yonsei, Korea University) and other major metropolitan areas (Busan, Daegu) are the most expensive. High real estate costs translate directly into higher dorm fees. Expect to pay anywhere from ₩350,000 to ₩550,000 KRW per month (approx. $260–$410 USD).
Regional & Provincial Universities (The Budget Option): Universities located outside of the major cities or in quieter provincial areas often offer significantly lower rates. Expect to pay between ₩250,000 to ₩400,000 KRW per month (approx. $190–$300 USD).
2. Room Type (Single vs. Double)
Korean dorms overwhelmingly favor double or even triple occupancy rooms to maximize space. The standard Double/Triple Room is the cheapest and most common experience. Single Rooms are rare, highly sought-after, and almost always cost significantly more—often 1.5x the price of a double room.
3. Meal Plan Inclusion
Many Korean dormitories require you to purchase a basic meal plan (usually breakfast and dinner) as part of your fee. This can add anywhere from ₩50,000 to ₩150,000 KRW (approx. $40–$115 USD) per month to your overall fee. While it increases the base price, a required, subsidized meal plan often ends up being cheaper than buying all your meals separately outside of the campus.
The Realistic Semester Cost Breakdown
Korean universities typically charge dorm fees on a semester basis (usually 4–6 months). Based on the factors above, here are the typical ranges for a single semester (4 months)
Seoul (Double Room, Meal Plan Included): The estimated 4-month fee is typically between ₩1,800,000 – ₩2,500,000 KRW (approx. $1,350 – $1,880 USD). You can expect modern facilities and high competition.
Regional (Double Room, No Meal Plan): The estimated 4-month fee is often lower, around ₩1,000,000 – ₩1,600,000 KRW (approx. $750 – $1,200 USD). These facilities might be older but spacious.
Seoul (Single Room, Full Service): This high-demand option can cost ₩2,800,000 – ₩3,500,000+ KRW (approx. $2,100 – $2,650+ USD) for 4 months.
Final Budget Tip: Look Beyond the Dorm
While dorms are convenient, if you find the price too high, consider an off-campus alternative like a Goshiwon (고시원) or One-Room (원룸) apartment. These are often cheaper, especially if you plan to stay in Korea for over a year and can commit to a long-term lease.
Use the dorm cost as your benchmark, but always check the price against nearby private options!