Mokpo, KoreaCost of Living in Mokpo
Summary: If you're moving to Mokpo, understanding the the cost of living in Mokpo helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
| Apartment Rentals | The average cost of renting an apartment in Mokpo is around 500,000 won per month for a one-bedroom apartment. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average cost is around 700,000 won per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Mokpo is around 1,000,000 won per square meter. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is around 40,000,000 won. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is around 60,000,000 won. |
| Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Mokpo is very affordable. A single bus ride costs 1,200 won and a single subway ride costs 1,250 won. A monthly bus pass costs around 30,000 won and a monthly subway pass costs around 35,000 won. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Mokpo is relatively affordable. A loaf of bread costs around 2,000 won, a liter of milk costs around 3,000 won, and a dozen eggs costs around 4,000 won. |
| Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Mokpo is relatively affordable. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around 5,000 won, a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 10,000 won, and a meal at a high-end restaurant costs around 20,000 won. |
| Utilities | The cost of utilities in Mokpo is relatively affordable. The average cost of electricity is around 30,000 won per month, the average cost of water is around 10,000 won per month, and the average cost of gas is around 20,000 won per month. |
| Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Mokpo varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around 500,000 won per month, the average cost of elementary school tuition is around 1,000,000 won per month, the average cost of middle school tuition is around 1,500,000 won per month, and the average cost of high school tuition is around 2,000,000 won per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Mokpo
"The cost of living in Mokpo is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other major cities in South Korea. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also relatively low. Groceries in Mokpo are affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants is also quite cheap, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation in Mokpo is also affordable, with a one-way ticket on local transport being quite cheap. Taxis start at a reasonable rate, with a one-kilometer ride being quite inexpensive. Healthcare in Mokpo is of a high standard and is reasonably priced. A short visit to a private doctor is quite affordable. Overall, the cost of living in Mokpo is lower than in cities like Seoul or Busan, making it an attractive place for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle in South Korea," said one expat living in Mokpo.
Can I live in Mokpo on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Mokpo for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might have to live in a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to save on rent. In terms of neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into areas like Hadang, Samhakdo, and Dalseong-dong. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Yongdang-dong and Sinan-dong, as they can be quite pricey.When it comes to transportation, Mokpo has a decent public transportation system, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of taxis. Eating out can be quite affordable too, especially if you stick to local Korean restaurants and street food. However, if you're craving Western food, it can be a bit more expensive.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Mokpo. You can visit local parks, museums, and cultural sites for little to no cost. However, if you're into more expensive hobbies like golf or skiing, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Mokpo on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and enjoying local entertainment options, you can live comfortably and still enjoy the modern amenities you're used to," commented an expat living in Mokpo.
Can I live in Mokpo on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Mokpo for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it's quite doable. First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Hadang or Samhak-dong. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $400 to $500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Dalseo-dong or Sinan-dong, but keep in mind that the rent there can be significantly higher, around $800 to $1,000 a month.As for transportation, Mokpo has a pretty good public transportation system, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of relying on taxis or owning a car. A monthly transportation pass will cost you around $50, which is quite reasonable.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local Korean restaurants, where a meal can cost you around $5 to $10. However, if you prefer Western-style food or dining at fancier restaurants, you might end up spending more, around $15 to $30 per meal. Groceries are also relatively affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products.Entertainment and leisure activities can vary in cost, but there are plenty of affordable options in Mokpo. For example, you can visit local parks, museums, and cultural sites for free or at a low cost. Movie tickets are around $8, and a night out at a local bar or club can cost you around $20 to $50, depending on your preferences.In terms of healthcare, if you have insurance, you'll find that medical expenses are quite reasonable in Korea. A visit to a local clinic for a minor issue can cost you around $10 to $20, while more specialized treatments or procedures might be more expensive.Overall, I'd say that living in Mokpo on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices, especially when it comes to housing and dining out. But if you're willing to adapt to the local lifestyle and explore more affordable options, you can live quite comfortably here," said one expat living in Mokpo.
Can I live in Mokpo on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Mokpo for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can save some money while living here. The cost of living in Mokpo is generally lower than in bigger cities like Seoul or Busan.As for sacrifices, I haven't had to make too many. The city has most of the modern amenities you'd expect, like high-speed internet, shopping centers, and a variety of restaurants. The only thing you might miss is the hustle and bustle of a larger city, but Mokpo has its own charm and a more relaxed pace of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are a few neighborhoods you might want to consider. Hadang and Samhak-dong are both affordable areas with a good mix of apartments and houses. They're close to public transportation and have plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, you might want to check out the apartments near Mokpo Station or in the newer developments in the northern part of the city. These areas tend to be a bit more expensive, but they offer more modern amenities and are closer to the city center.On the other hand, I'd recommend avoiding the neighborhoods near the industrial areas in the southern part of the city, as they can be a bit noisy and polluted. Additionally, the older parts of the city near the waterfront might not have all the modern amenities you're used to, so you might want to steer clear of those areas as well.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Mokpo on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy the city's unique culture and attractions without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Mokpo.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
