Last Updated: January 2026
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF):
To survive in Korea comfortably as a student, you need a monthly budget of 800,000 KRW – 1,200,000 KRW (approx. 66,000 – 100,000 BDT).
- Good News: The minimum wage in 2026 has risen to 10,320 KRW/hour (~850 BDT/hr), meaning working just 20 hours/week can cover your entire living cost (excluding tuition).
- Bad News: You need a large chunk of cash (approx. 3-5 Lakh BDT) upfront for your housing deposit.
1. Monthly Living Expenses (Seoul vs. Regional Cities)
Seoul is expensive. Cities like Busan, Daejeon, or Gwangju are 20-30% cheaper.
Exchange Rate Used: 1 KRW = ~0.083 BDT (Jan 2026 Rate)
| Expense Category | Cost (Seoul) | Cost (Regional Cities) | Monthly Cost (BDT Approx) |
| Housing (Rent) | 500k – 800k KRW | 300k – 500k KRW | 25k – 66k BDT |
| Food & Groceries | 400k – 600k KRW | 300k – 500k KRW | 25k – 50k BDT |
| Transport | 70,000 KRW | 50,000 KRW | ~5,800 BDT |
| Phone/Internet | 40,000 KRW | 40,000 KRW | ~3,300 BDT |
| Health Insurance | 70,000 KRW* | 70,000 KRW* | ~5,800 BDT |
| Total Est. Budget | ~1.2 Million KRW | ~800,000 KRW | 66k – 1 Lakh BDT |
Insurance Note: National Health Insurance (NHIS) is mandatory for foreigners. The student rate is approx. 70k-80k KRW per month.
2. The “Hidden” Costs: What No One Tells You
Most Bangladeshi students budget for rent but forget the “Setup Costs.” You need to bring this money with you from Dhaka.
- Housing Deposit (Bo-jeung-geum):
- Dormitory: Usually no deposit, or small ($200).
- One-Room (Studio): Huge deposit required. Usually 5 Million – 10 Million KRW (4 Lakh – 8 Lakh BDT). You get this back when you leave, but you must pay it upfront.
- Alien Registration Card (ARC): 30,000 KRW (One time).
- SIM Card Setup: ~30,000 KRW.
- University Entrance Fee: Most unis charge a one-time “Matriculation Fee” of ~500k – 900k KRW in the first semester.
3. Part-Time Jobs (Arbaiteu / Baiteu)
Can you survive on part-time jobs? Yes.
Can you pay tuition with part-time jobs? Very difficult.
2026 Minimum Wage: 10,320 KRW per hour (~850 BDT).
| Job Type | Difficulty | Hourly Wage | Korean Level Req. |
| Convenience Store (GS25/CU) | Medium | 10,320 KRW | TOPIK 3+ |
| Restaurant Server | Hard (Fast) | 11,000 KRW+ | TOPIK 2+ |
| Factory/Packing | Hard (Physical) | 12,000 KRW+ | None / Basic |
| English Tutor | Easy | 30,000 – 50,000 KRW | Native/Fluent |
The “Factory” Trap: Many Bangladeshi students work in factories illegally for cash. Do not do this. If caught, you will be deported and banned from Korea for 5 years. Stick to legal jobs (Restaurant/Mart) with your D-2 permit.
4. How to Save Money (Bangladeshi Hacks)
- Eat at “Hak-Sik” (Uni Cafeteria): A full meal costs only 4,000 – 5,500 KRW. Eating outside costs 10,000 KRW+.
- Shop at “No Brand” or “Daiso”: Buy your shampoo, plates, and snacks here. It is 50% cheaper than Emart or CU.
- Get the Climate Card (Seoul): For ~65,000 KRW, you get unlimited subway and bus rides in Seoul for a month.
5. FAQ: Money Matters
Q: How much money should I bring from Bangladesh initially?
A: Excluding tuition, bring at least $1,500 – $2,000 USD (approx. 2-2.5 Lakh BDT) in cash. This covers your first month’s rent, bedding, pots/pans, and ARC fees before you get a bank account.
Q: When can I start working?
A: D-2 Visa: You can work after your first semester begins (must get permission from immigration).
A: D-4 Visa: You CANNOT work for the first 6 months. You must survive on savings.
Q: Is Halal food expensive?
A: Yes. Cooking at home is key. Chicken/Beef in Korea is expensive. Buying from “Foreign Marts” in Itaewon or Ansan is cheaper than regular Korean supermarkets.
