Seongnam, South Korea
A tech-centric satellite city of Seoul, hosting the Pangyo Techno Valley and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Overview
Seongnam is a city in GYE with a population of 951,000. A tech-centric satellite city of Seoul, hosting the Pangyo Techno Valley and a thriving startup ecosystem. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs South Korea Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Seongnam vs South Korea Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₩37,000,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 951,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 205/year
- Summer High: 85°F
- Winter Low: 22°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: ₩320,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₩420000/mo
Cost of Living
Seongnam's cost of living index is 80 (South Korea average = 100).
| Category | Seongnam | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 80 | 100 | -20.0% |
| Housing | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
Data source: KOSIS / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₩320,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₩420000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₩525,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₩213,333 |
Data source: KB Kookmin Bank / Zigbang, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Seongnam:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₩50000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ₩785 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₩15000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₩30000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ₩5000 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ₩100785 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: KEPCO, Korea Water Resources, SK Broadband 2025
Remote Work Score
Seongnam scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Seongnam has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F | 22°F | 2.5" |
| April | 70°F | 37°F | 2.8" |
| July | 85°F | 60°F | 1.5" |
| October | 65°F | 40°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Seongnam faces the following natural hazards:
Significant typhoon risk.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Monsoon and typhoon floods.
South Korea experiences winter storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in March. Many students attend private academies (hagwons) after school.
Demographics
The population of Seongnam is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Korea (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Seongnam, South Korea?
The cost of living index in Seongnam is 80, which is Lower the South Korea national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Seongnam?
The median home price in Seongnam is ₩320,000,000. The housing index is 78.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Seongnam is approximately ₩420000/mo.
Does Seongnam, GYE have income tax?
Seongnam is in GYE, which has an income tax rate of 6%.
What is the climate like in Seongnam?
Seongnam enjoys approximately 205 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 22°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: KOSIS / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: KB Kookmin Bank / Zigbang, 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities KEPCO, Korea Water Resources, SK Broadband 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.