As of January 12, 2026, $100 USD is worth approximately 146,461 South Korean Won (KRW).
10,000 won (about $7-9 USD) isn't a lot of money in Korea for big purchases but is a decent amount for daily spending, easily covering a simple meal, street food, many convenience store items, or skincare products, making it a good budget for small treats or groceries but not much for clothes or luxury goods. It's enough for essentials like a casual meal or several subway rides but not a large shopping spree, with more expensive items costing significantly more.
Based on up-to-date 2024 data from the Korea Real Estate Board and statistics analyzed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (source), the average sale price for a 3 bedroom home (approximately 85–100㎡ or 914–1,076 sq ft) in Seoul falls between ₩800 million to ₩2.5 billion KRW ($600,000–$1.8M USD).
A rough extrapolation suggests that a McCrispy meal in South Korea would set one back about 7,000 won (or $5.17 USD, versus $10.19 domestically) or a Quarter-Pounder with Cheese meal about 7,100 won (or $5.25, against $10.19 in the U.S.).
“1004” comes from the Korean word “chun sa,” which means “angel.” “1004” is pronounced the same way!
South Korea's 52-hour work rule caps most employees' weekly working hours at 52, consisting of 40 standard hours plus 12 allowed overtime hours, aiming to reduce overwork, improve work-life balance, and boost productivity by ending excessively long workweeks previously common in the country. Implemented in phases for different company sizes, this law applies to a seven-day week, including weekends, and was a major revision to the Labor Standards Act, phasing in from 2018 to 2021 for most businesses.
Between credit card, debit cards and the popular T-money cards, South Korea is quickly becoming a cashless society. The best way to make payments in South Korea is to use credit, particularly a card that reimburses or waives foreign transaction fees.
Eating at local restaurants is inexpensive and a great way to experience authentic Korean cuisine. A typical meal at a casual eatery usually costs 7,000 to 10,000 KRW ($5 to $8 USD). Popular chain restaurants and small diners offer set menus for similar prices.
Things You Can Get For ￦1,000 In Korea
The exchange rate for US dollar to South Korean wons is currently 1458.21 today, reflecting a 0.415% change since yesterday. Over the past week, the value of US dollar has remained relatively stable, with a 0.868% increase compared to its value 7 days ago.
In Thailand, a minor is a person under 20 years of age, and, in South Korea, a person under 19 years of age. In New Zealand, the age of majority is also 20 years of age, but most of the rights of adulthood are assumed at lower ages.
In South Korea
The number 4 sounds like the hanja for "death" (사) (although Korean has no tones), so the floor number 4 or room number 4 is almost always skipped in hospitals, funeral halls, and similar public buildings.
The Korean consonant ㅋ meaning “k” which has the same sound as the laughing “ha.” When used online, both “hhh” (ㅎㅎㅎ) and “kkk” (ㅋㅋㅋ) represent laughter.
It can be either, depending on the language and context: "Gaja" (가자) is the common Korean informal word for "Let's go," though pronounced closer to "Kaja" by many, while "Kaja" is used in some Slavic languages (like Slovenian) as a name or for "effort/work," and the Italian wine brand Gaja is pronounced "Gah-yah," not "Gaja," notes a YouTube video.
What can 50,000 won buy in Korea? In South Korea, 50,000 won can cover different costs depending on what you need. This amount might pay for several meals at average restaurants or one or two meals at fancier places.
Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected in South Korea, unlike in most countries in Europe and in the United States. The general rule is the service should be exceptional at all times, and with no expectation of extra pay. Tipping in South Korea can be considered rude and frowned upon.
Eating out in Korea is affordable, but it will be significantly cheaper to cook and eat at home than to eat out. I recommend going “local” by eating the basics, things like fruit, vegetables, eggs, and rice.
So, you may be wondering, “Can foreigners buy property in Pyeongtaek, South Korea?” Yes, foreigners can buy property in Pyeongtaek, but as of August 2025, you now need government approval first. The legal experts at Pureum Law Office, with offices in Seoul and Pyeongtaek, are here to explain.
Is It Expensive to Live in South Korea? South Korea has a lower cost of living than the United States. This is due, in large part, to the lower rent prices in South Korea. Taxes may be higher in South Korea, but the taxes will help cover more of your medical expenses.