What I Wish I Knew Before Finding My First Room in Seoul
Moving to South Korea as an international student is an exciting step — new experiences, new food, new friends. But before you immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Seoul or the quiet alleyways of Daegu, there’s one crucial thing to sort out: where you’ll live. Finding affordable housing in Korea, especially as a foreigner, can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down clearly, with practical tips and cultural insights to help you find a safe, affordable place to call home.
1. Understanding Korea’s Housing Terms: What’s a Goshiwon? A One-Room?
Before you start your housing hunt, it helps to learn some common Korean housing types. You’ll see words like goshiwon, hasukjip, one-room, officetel — but what do they actually mean?
- Goshiwon: Tiny, affordable rooms, often used by students or those preparing for exams. Usually furnished with a bed, desk, and sometimes a private bathroom.
- Hasukjip: Similar to a dorm, these boarding houses typically offer meals. They’re becoming rare but still exist near universities.
- One-room: A studio apartment with a private kitchen and bathroom. Popular among students, but can be pricey in city centers.
- Officetel: A mix between office and hotel — compact studio apartments often in high-rise buildings. Great location, but rent can be higher.
Each option has pros and cons. For example, a goshiwon may be your cheapest option, but it also means no cooking space and minimal privacy. If you’re looking to live more independently, a one-room might suit you — but expect to pay more for the freedom.
2. How Much Does It Actually Cost?
The cost of housing in Korea varies a lot depending on where you live and what type of housing you choose. Here’s a rough idea of monthly rent prices:
| Housing Type | Monthly Rent (KRW) | Monthly Rent (USD, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Goshiwon | 250,000 ~ 500,000 | $190 ~ $380 |
| One-room (small) | 400,000 ~ 700,000 | $300 ~ $530 |
| Officetel | 600,000 ~ 1,000,000+ | $450 ~ $800+ |
Don’t forget that in Korea, many landlords ask for a “jeonse” or “deposit.” This can range from 1 million KRW to over 10 million KRW ($800 ~ $8,000+). If you’re on a tight budget, look for places that offer wolse (monthly rent) with a low deposit.
3. Where to Start Your Housing Search Online
Many students use apps and websites to find rooms. A few popular platforms include:
- Zigbang (Korean interface only)
- Dabang (also in Korean, but user-friendly)
- Goshipages (English-friendly for goshiwon searches)
- University student forums and bulletin boards (Ask your school’s student support center!)
If you’re not confident in your Korean, ask a Korean friend or your university’s international office to help. Some landlords may not respond unless you call — so having a local number or Korean-speaking friend helps.
Check our Seoul Subway Cafe Trails to learn how students turn long subway rides into little adventures. ☕
4. Location, Location, Commute
Most international students aim to live near campus — understandably. But in Korea, excellent public transportation opens up more possibilities. Living 2–3 subway stops away can save you 100,000–200,000 KRW per month (or more).
For example, if your school is in Hongdae, living in nearby Sinchon or Daeheung might lower your rent. Near Korea University? Look at Anam or Sungshin stations. Make sure to check commute times using Kakao Map or Google Maps.
5. Avoiding Scams and Bad Landlords
Scams targeting foreign students are rare, but not unheard of. Red flags include:
- Landlords asking for full deposit upfront via bank transfer — without a contract
- Too-good-to-be-true prices, especially near universities
- Rooms with no address, or agents unwilling to meet in person
To protect yourself:
- Always sign a contract. Use your university’s legal support center if unsure.
- Ask for a “jeonse” receipt if you pay a large deposit.
- Use registered real estate agents (“budongsan”).
Bonus Tip: What to Know About Real Estate Agents (Budongsan)
Most of the housing listings you see on platforms like Zigbang or Dabang are uploaded not by landlords, but by licensed real estate agents (called “budongsan”). This means that even if you’re using an app, you are still working with a certified agent who is legally responsible for explaining the terms and legal framework of the lease. While it’s possible to make a private deal directly with a landlord, going through a budongsan is usually safer — especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the legal process.
Of course, like in any industry, there are rare cases of unethical agents (less than 1% based on local estimates). That’s why it’s essential to understand the following before signing:
- How real estate commissions work: Agents are paid a legal fee based on a percentage of your deposit + 100 times your monthly rent. For example, if your monthly rent is 300,000 KRW and your deposit is 10 million KRW, your commission will be capped at 200,000 KRW (not 240,000 KRW), because commissions are legally capped when the total lease amount is under 50 million KRW. You can calculate your exact rate using this official Korean commission calculator (Korean only).
- When to pay the commission: Viewing a property with an agent doesn’t mean you owe them anything. If you don’t like the place, you can simply thank them and move on — no guilt necessary. However, if you find a place you want, agents may ask you to send a small “pre-contract deposit” of around 30–50% of the main deposit’s 10% (so about 300,000–500,000 KRW on a 10 million deposit) before the actual contract day. This is normal in Korea and not considered a scam. The rest of the contract deposit is paid on contract day, and the agent’s full commission is only paid on the move-in day (when you receive the key). This protects you in case the landlord cancels unexpectedly.
If you’re unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to ask questions — and remember, a good agent will explain everything clearly. That’s what they’re legally required to do. Being informed is your best protection, and knowing how the system works means you’ll have a smoother, safer experience finding your new home in Korea.
More tips? The Korean Ministry of Justice has resources in English for foreign residents.
6. Should You Live in a Dorm?
University dormitories are often the safest and cheapest option — especially for first-year international students. Benefits include:
- Lower rent (250,000–500,000 KRW/month)
- Fully furnished rooms
- Utilities included
- Curfews, but also better security
The downsides? Dorms often have strict rules. No cooking. Curfews. And they fill up fast. Still, it’s a smart choice for newcomers figuring out life in Korea.
7. Tips from Former Students
We asked a few international students who’ve lived in Seoul:
“My goshiwon was tiny, but the location was perfect. I just needed a safe place to sleep and study.” — Maya, Malaysia
“One-room apartments give you freedom, but be prepared to pay for it. Utilities and Wi-Fi add up fast.” — Leo, France
“I found my place through my school’s KakaoTalk group chat. Ask around before signing anything.” — Emma, USA
8. Hidden Costs That Add Up
Even if rent seems cheap, don’t forget these extra monthly costs:
- Utilities: 50,000–100,000 KRW (electricity, gas, water)
- Internet: 30,000 KRW on average
- Maintenance fees: Ask before signing! Some include cleaning and security.
Tip: Check if the room has heating (“ondol”) or air conditioning. Korean winters and summers are intense — and heating bills can be brutal without insulation.
9. Final Thoughts: Housing is More Than a Roof
For international students in Korea, your housing isn’t just a place to sleep. It shapes how you experience life here — the people you meet, the food you cook, the way you study. Affordable housing exists, but it takes time and smart planning to find it.
Whether you’re staying for one semester or your entire degree, know this: there is no “perfect” place. But there’s a place that will become yours. And with this guide, hopefully, you’ll find it a little easier to get there.