Suwon, South Korea

Editor

Editor

March 12, 2023

The city of Suwon in South Korea is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a vibrant and exciting place to live and work. With its convenient location just outside of Seoul, Suwon is a great place to explore the culture and history of South Korea while still having access to the modern amenities of a big city. Suwon is also known for its low cost of living, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment costing just $500 USD. Additionally, the city is home to a number of coworking spaces, cafes, and other places to work, making it easy for digital nomads to stay connected and productive. Suwon also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing, making it a great place to relax and recharge. With its combination of modern amenities, low cost of living, and outdoor activities, Suwon is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and exciting place to live and work.

Living in Suwon, South Korea: Overview

Overall score | Worksplorer index

  • 71%

    Quality of life
  • 90%

    Cost of living
  • 72%

    Connectivity
  • 59%

    Weather

51

General

CurrencyKRW
Population (in millions)1.2
Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200)145
Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA10% more expensive
Best neighborhood to stayPaldal-gu, Suwon-si
Culture

Number of museums and galleries30
Top selling local beerHite
Most popular local dishBibimbap
Travel

Most popular tourist attraction(s)Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon Hwaseong Museum, Suwon City Wall
Discount airlineJejuair
Major airlineKorean Air
Largest ride sharing companyKakao Mobility
Primary train stationsSuwon Station, Gwanggyo Station, Yeongtong Station
Primary airportsSuwon Airport, Gimpo International Airport, Incheon International Airport
Best rental car companyAvis
Used car costsApproximately 5000000 KRW
Connectivity

Apple store addresses Apple Store Suwon is located at: Lotte Department Store, Suwon Station, 2F, 8, Paldal-ro, Suwon
Internet connection (in Mbps)100 Mbps
Power socket typeC, G
Supply voltage 220V
Best electronics storeLotte
Best internet carrierKT
Primary cellular carrierSKT
Average monthly cost for internetApproximately 40,000 KRW
Shopping

The best drug storeOlive Young
Best restaurant chainBon Ga
The best grocery storeHomeplus
The most popular fashion brandUniqlo
Regulatory

GDP per capita$30,845 / year
Average annual income$35,000
Sales tax rate10%
Income tax rate0%
Tourist visa valid (in days)90 days
Financial

Average mortgage rateIt is not possible to provide an answer to this question without more information about the specific lender and loan terms
Suggested ATM take out10,000 KRW
Bank that has the most ATM machinesShinhan Bank
Average tip in restaurant10-15%
Pay using credit or debit cardNot very common
Health

Emergency Phone Numbers119 (general), 112 (police), 119 (ambulance), 119 (firefighters)
Polution per square meter2,845
Health quality rank (according to WHO) 28
Main religionBuddhism
Quality of life

71%

  • 73%

    Safety, freedom, rights
  • 86%

    Traffic
  • 94%

    Property to income
  • 27%

    Crime
  • 89%

    Healthcare
  • 59%

    Weather
Salaries

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)₩3,638,889
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate7%
Childcare

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child₩100,000
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child₩30,000,000
Cost of living

90%

  • Purchasing Power

    0%

     

     

  • Rent

    11%

     

     

  • Food

    78%

     

     

  • Restaurant

    34%

     

     

  • Workspace

    53%

     

     

  • Transport

    85%

     

     

Rent

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month₩625,000
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month₩400,000
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month₩1,066,666.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month₩850,000
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure₩35,000
Food

Milk (regular), (1 liter)₩3,400
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)₩4,125
Eggs (regular) (12)₩3,265.33
Local Cheese (1kg)₩14,990
Water (1.5 liter bottle)₩1,050
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)₩22,625
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)₩2,425
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)₩3,625
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)₩4,500
Chicken Fillets (1kg)₩19,366.67
Apples (1kg)₩10,330
Oranges (1kg)₩5,193.33
Potato (1kg)₩5,166.67
Lettuce (1 head)₩5,740
Rice (white), (1kg)₩4,870
Tomato (1kg)₩9,250
Banana (1kg)₩4,233.33
Onion (1kg)₩3,366.67
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)₩20,733.33
Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant₩8,000
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course₩48,000
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)₩4,750
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)₩3,750
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)₩3,500
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)₩1,500
Water (0.33 liter bottle) ₩666.67
Cappuccino (regular)₩4,000
Connectivity

94%

Infrastructure

89/100

Internet speed

92/100

Internet cost

95/100

Pre-paid plan

98/100

Utilities (Monthly)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment₩250,638.89
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)₩250
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)₩37,500
Sports

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult₩57,166.67
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)₩35,000
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat₩12,000
Transportation

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)₩1,550
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)₩65,000
Gasoline (1 liter)₩1,665.35
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)₩44,200,000
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)₩24,330,000
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)₩3,800
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)₩960
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)₩11,612