Whether you are moving to South Korea for school, work, or adventure, one of the first major steps is finding a place to live. Renting an apartment in South Korea is very different from many other countries with unique systems, contracts, and cultural norms to be aware of. Here is everything you need to know before signing that lease.
1. Types of Housing in Korea 🏢
고시원 (Goshiwon): Extremely small, budget-friendly rooms often used by students or those staying short-term. They typically include a bed, desk, and shared kitchen/bathrooms.
원룸 (One-room): Small studio apartment with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Great for students or solo expats.
오피스텔 (Officetel): A hybrid of office + apartment. Usually newer, with better amenities (elevators, security).
빌라 (Villa): Low-rise building (2–5 floors), older but more spacious than one-rooms.
아파트 (Apartment): High-rise, family-style housing complexes. More expensive but well-maintained.
기숙사 (Dormitory): Available through schools. Affordable, but limited privacy.
2. Understanding Korea’s Rental Systems 💰
전세 (Jeonse): Huge lump-sum deposit (often tens of thousands of dollars), no monthly rent. You get it all back at the end of the lease.
월세 (Wolse): Monthly rent + smaller deposit (usually ₩1–10 million). This is the most common for foreigners.
반전세 (Ban-jeonse): Hybrid: larger deposit, lower monthly rent.
3. Contracts & What’s Included 📑
Contracts are usually 1 or 2 years, with penalties if you leave early.
Make sure utilities, internet, and maintenance fees are clearly listed.
Always check for:
Building age and condition
Heating type (gas vs electric)
Noise levels (thin walls are common!)
Most apartments come unfurnished unless noted. Some include a bed, fridge, washing machine, and air conditioner.
4. How to Find a Place 🕵️
부동산 (Budongsan): Local real estate agents are everywhere. They usually speak limited English, but they do all the paperwork.
Online platforms:
Zigbang (직방)
Dabang (다방)
Peterpan House (no agent fee)
Facebook groups (e.g., "Every Expat in Korea")
Craigslist Seoul
Note: Some landlords are hesitant to rent to foreigners. Go through an agent or use apps with English filters.
5. Fees & Costs to Expect 📦
Security deposit (보증금): Ranges from ₩1M–10M+ depending on the place.
Monthly rent (월세): Typically ₩400K–₩800K for one-room or officetel in Seoul.
Agent’s fee (중개수수료): Usually 0.3–0.9 months’ rent. Paid once.
Utilities: Gas, electricity, water, internet — budget ₩100K–200K/month.
6. Final Tips 🛠️
Visit in person if possible before committing. Photos can be misleading.
Check for mold or leaks, especially in older villas.
Ask about maintenance support. Who do you call if the boiler breaks?
Have a Korean-speaking friend help with contracts if you are unsure.
Keep your ARC (Alien Registration Card) ready — landlords will ask for it.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Renting in South Korea might feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the system, it gets easier. Know your budget, use trusted platforms or realtors, and don’t rush. With the right info, you will find a place that fits your needs and feels like home.
