Salary guide · KR

Software Engineer salary in Seoul: can you afford rent?

A Software Engineer in Seoul typically earns ₩48,000,000₩128,000,000/year, with a median around ₩76,000,000/year. Median 1-bedroom rent is ₩1,000,000/month.

Affordability verdict

Comfortable

At a typical Software Engineer salary of ₩76,000,000/year, spending on median Seoul rent (₩1,000,000/mo) would take up 16% of gross income. That's within the recommended 30% threshold — a comfortable situation.

Software Engineer salary range in Seoul

₩48,000,000

Entry level

lower quartile

₩76,000,000

Typical

median estimate

₩128,000,000

Experienced

upper quartile

Software engineers design, build, and maintain applications and systems software. Figures are gross annual salary estimates for Seoul.

How much rent can a Software Engineer afford?

25% of income (comfortable)₩1,583,333/mo
30% of income (standard)₩1,900,000/mo
35% of income (stretch)₩2,216,667/mo
Median Seoul rent₩1,000,000/mo

Rent landscape in Seoul

₩550,000

Budget

cheapest 10%

₩1,000,000

Median

most common

₩2,000,000

Premium

top 10%

1-bedroom equivalent. Statistics Korea household survey — jeonse system complicates monthly rent comparisons · 2023

Check your own rent affordability →

Frequently asked questions

What does a Software Engineer earn in Seoul?

A Software Engineer in Seoul typically earns between ₩48,000,000 and ₩128,000,000/year, with a median around ₩76,000,000/year. Salaries vary by experience, employer, and sector.

Can a Software Engineer afford to live in Seoul?

At a typical Software Engineer salary of ₩76,000,000/year, median Seoul rent (₩1,000,000/month) takes up 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold. Budget options in Seoul start around ₩550,000/month.

How much rent can a Software Engineer afford in Seoul?

On a median Software Engineer salary of ₩76,000,000/year, the recommended 30% rent budget is ₩1,900,000/month. Compared to Seoul's median rent of ₩1,000,000/month, this means median-priced accommodation is within reach.

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Explore Seoul further

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