Are you planning to move to Seoul but don’t want to break the bank? While neighborhoods like Itaewon and Gangnam are popular among expats, they can also be expensive and crowded. The good news is that Seoul has many affordable, safe, and comfortable places where foreigners can live without sacrificing convenience.
Here are the top 5 budget-friendly neighborhoods in Seoul that offer a great balance of affordability, accessibility, and livability for foreigners.
1. Shinchon / Ewha / Hongje-dong (신촌/이대/홍제동)
- Great for Students and Young Professionals
Located near Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University, this area is vibrant but still affordable. Hongje-dong, just one subway stop away, is quieter and even more budget-friendly.
Why you'll like it:
- Direct subway to downtown (Line 2 and Line 3)
- Lots of cafes, street food, and shopping
- Affordable monthly rent (₩500,000–₩900,000)
- Safe streets, especially around universities
- ✅ Tip: Both Yonsei and Ewha offer highly regarded Korean language institutes (어학당), making this area ideal for international students and language learners.
2. Mangwon / Hapjeong (망원/합정)
-A Local Hidden Gem Near the Hip Hongdae Area
Mangwon is a rising neighborhood loved by locals for its traditional market, parks, and local charm. It’s close to trendy areas like Hongdae and Yeonnam but much quieter and cheaper.
Why you'll like it:
- Close to Mangwon Market and Hangang Park
- Subway Line 6 access
- Cozy cafes and small shops
- Rents are cheaper than Hongdae (₩550,000–₩950,000)
- Foreign-friendly without being touristy
3. Sangbong / Jungnang-gu (상봉/중랑구)
-Quiet, Green, and Connected
If you prefer a peaceful neighborhood with great transportation, Sangbong is perfect. It's located in northeast Seoul, has multiple subway lines (Line 7, Gyeongchun, Jungang), and is safe and quiet.
Why you'll like it:
- Cheaper housing (₩400,000–₩800,000/month)
- Very safe, family-friendly
- Direct trains to downtown Seoul and suburbs
- Less crowded, great for long-term living
4. Cheonho / Gangdong-gu (천호/강동구)
- Shopping, Nature, and Family-Friendly
Located on the eastern edge of Seoul, Gangdong-gu is a residential area that’s peaceful yet well-equipped with malls, hospitals, and public parks.
Why you'll like it:
- Close to Pungnap Fortress and Olympic Park
- Direct Line 5 subway to downtown
- Big apartments and studio units available
- Rents range from ₩450,000–₩850,000/month
- Ideal for couples and young families
5. Sillim / Gwanak-gu (신림/관악구)
-Affordable and Vibrant Student Town
Home to Seoul National University, Sillim is popular with students and young professionals. This means cheap food, fast Wi-Fi, and endless convenience stores.
Why you'll like it:
- One of the cheapest areas in Seoul (₩400,000–₩750,000)
- Busy, but safe and convenient
- Many foreign-friendly restaurants and shops
- Excellent public transportation (Line 2 + buses)
How to Choose the Right Area
Here are a few tips when deciding where to live:
- Check subway lines nearby (Line 2 is great for city-wide access)
- Use apps like Naver Pay or Zigbang to compare rental prices
- If you don’t speak Korean, look for areas with university students or younger locals—they’re more likely to speak some English
- Visit a few neighborhoods before signing a lease
🌱 Bonus Tip: Save Money with the Climate Companion Card (기후동행카드)
If you're staying in Seoul for a month or more and use public transportation regularly, consider getting the Climate Companion Card (기후동행카드)—a new unlimited transit pass that can save you money and time.
🔹 What is it?
- A 30-day unlimited transit card for subways, buses, and even Seoul public bikes (Ttareungi).
- Available for ₩65,000/month.
- Works across most areas in Seoul (subway lines 1–9, city buses).
🔹 Why it's great for foreigners:
- No need to recharge every ride.
- Cheaper than buying individual tickets if you commute or explore daily.
- Easy to use—just tap like a T-money card.
🔹 Where to get it:
- Visit major subway station service centers (e.g., City Hall, Gangnam, Seoul Station).
- Bring your passport or ARC (Alien Registration Card).
- Recharge monthly at any subway kiosk.
Tip: You can also get it as a mobile card via apps like T-money Pay if you have a Korean SIM and local bank setup.
You don’t have to live in Gangnam to enjoy a good life in Seoul. From the peaceful parks of Jungnang to the budget-friendly student zones in Gwanak, there’s a neighborhood for every budget and lifestyle.
With good planning and local insight, you can find a place that feels like home—without overspending. 🏡
