Monthly Budget Calculator
Select your city to see a realistic monthly budget on the GKS stipend.
Seoul: Deficit of ₩200,000+/month
You will likely need savings or part-time work to survive in Seoul.
Busan: Small surplus of ₩100-150K/month
Daegu: Comfortable surplus of ₩200K+/month
Gwangju: Best value — surplus of ₩250K+/month
Daejeon: Good surplus of ₩200K+/month
The Work Restriction Trap
On a D-2 student visa, you can work part-time — but only 20 hours per week during semesters (with university permission). During language year, working is essentially prohibited. Many scholars work under the table at restaurants or tutoring, which risks visa problems.
Between Korean classes, homework, and TOPIK prep, there is barely time for part-time work anyway. Budget assuming zero income beyond your stipend. If you do work later during your degree, treat it as bonus money, not money you depend on.
See the full scholarship amount breakdown and dormitory guide.