🇰🇷 Seoul · KRW salary guide
Is ₩4,000,000 enough in Seoul?
A full breakdown of whether ₩4,000,000/month covers the cost of living in Seoul — including take-home pay after tax, monthly costs, your savings rate, and how long until financial independence.
📊 A 7% savings rate means reaching financial independence in roughly 46 years. To accelerate: increase income, reduce rent (your largest cost at ₩1,500,000/month), or plan to spend retirement in a lower-cost location.
Key facts about Seoul
Growing FIRE movement (파이어족). Strong tech and entertainment industry salaries. High housing costs in central Seoul are the main headwind.
Tax situation
Income tax + local tax effective roughly 22% for mid-range. National Pension (NPS) on top.
Best investment accounts
IRP + ISA accounts for tax benefits. Kiwoom Securities or Samsung Securities for ETF investing.
Your path to financial independence in Seoul
FIRE number for SeoulBased on average costs of ₩2900000/month, your financial independence number is ₩870,000,000 — the portfolio that covers your costs indefinitely at a 4% annual withdrawal.