Where You Live

Housing Guide

Understand housing types, deposits, contracts, and risks before signing anything.

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Note: Rental laws, deposit amounts, and contract terms in Korea vary and can change. This page is for general reference only — not legal advice. Review all contracts carefully and consider consulting a licensed real estate agent (공인중개사) before signing.

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Housing Types

Students in Korea typically choose between dorms, one-rooms (원룸), goshiwons (고시원), or shared housing — each with very different trade-offs.

▸University dorms: Easiest and safest option for your first semester. Apply early — spots fill up fast, especially at competitive schools.
▸One-room apartments (원룸): Your own private studio, usually 10–20㎡. Most common choice for students after their first year. Typically requires a deposit of 1,000,000–5,000,000 KRW plus monthly rent of 300,000–600,000 KRW depending on location.
▸Officetel (오피스텔): A mix between a residential apartment and an office space. More expensive, but often newer and better equipped. Usually needs a higher deposit.
▸Goshiwon (고시원): Very small private rooms (often just a bed and desk) in a shared building with communal bathrooms and sometimes kitchens. Cheapest option — around 200,000–400,000 KRW/month — but limited space and privacy.
▸Shared housing (쉐어하우스): Rent a room in a shared apartment. Cheaper than a private one-room; often comes with furnished common areas. Popular among students wanting a social environment.

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Do not choose housing based on price alone. Factor in commute time, safety of the neighborhood, and building condition before deciding.

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Deposits & Rent (월세 vs 전세)

Korea has a unique rental system that surprises most new arrivals. Understanding it before you sign is essential.

▸Wolse (월세): Standard monthly rent with a smaller upfront deposit (보증금). Most common for foreign students. Deposit is typically 500,000–10,000,000 KRW, returned at the end of your lease if there is no damage.
▸Jeonse (전세): A lump-sum deposit system where you pay a very large sum (often tens of millions of KRW) upfront and pay zero monthly rent. The landlord returns 100% at the end. Not practical for most students but important to understand.
▸Always confirm the full monthly cost — many listings quote rent without utilities. Ask explicitly: "Does this include electricity, water, gas, internet, and management fees (관리비)?"
▸Management fees (관리비) are charged separately in most buildings, typically 50,000–150,000 KRW/month. They often cover cleaning common areas, elevator use, and building insurance.
▸Typical total cost for a student: one-room in Seoul near a university runs 500,000–800,000 KRW/month all-in. Outside Seoul (Busan, Daejeon, Daegu) tends to be 30–40% cheaper.

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Always ask for the total monthly cost in writing before agreeing to anything. "Deposit" money is yours — but only if you protect it legally (see the Contracts card below).

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Contracts & Legal Protection

Signing a rental contract in Korea without knowing the basics can cost you your deposit. Take these steps seriously.

▸Never pay a deposit or rent without a signed written contract (임대차계약서). Verbal agreements are not enforceable.
▸Register your lease (전입신고) at your local district office (주민센터) within 14 days of moving in. This legally protects your deposit if the landlord defaults or the property is sold.
▸Check the property registration document (등기부등본) before signing — a real estate agent (부동산) can pull this for you. It shows whether there are existing mortgages on the property that could endanger your deposit.
▸Take time-stamped photos or videos of every room, wall, and appliance before moving in. Share them with the landlord via KakaoTalk to create a record. This protects you from unfair deductions when you leave.
▸Your lease period is usually 12 or 24 months. Check the termination clause carefully — breaking a lease early often incurs a penalty.

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Registering your lease and checking the property registration are the two most important things you can do to protect your deposit. Most students skip this — do not.

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Finding Housing

Knowing where to look — and what to avoid — saves you time and protects you from scams.

▸Naver Real Estate (네이버 부동산) and Zigbang (직방) are the most popular listing platforms. Listings include photos, deposit/rent details, and floor plans.
▸For English-language support, try Foreigner-friendly Facebook groups such as "Seoul Foreigners Housing" or search "[your city] foreigner housing" — many landlords who rent to foreigners advertise there.
▸Going through a licensed real estate agent (공인중개사) is safer than dealing directly with landlords. Agents charge a legally capped commission (typically 0.3–0.5% of the deposit + annual rent).
▸Be cautious of listings that are significantly cheaper than average for the area — too-good-to-be-true prices are sometimes associated with fraud or hidden problems.
▸Many universities maintain a list of verified off-campus housing options or partnerships with nearby landlords. Check your international office or school housing portal first.

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Visit at least two or three options in person before deciding. Never transfer a deposit to an account you cannot verify belongs to the legal landlord.

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Moving In Checklist

The first 48 hours in your new place are the most important for protecting yourself.

▸Photograph everything — walls, floors, ceiling, appliances, windows. Upload to KakaoTalk or Google Drive immediately and share with your landlord.
▸Test all appliances: water heater, gas range, washing machine, AC unit, and any heating system (Korean apartments often use under-floor heating / 온돌).
▸Locate the electricity breaker box and gas shutoff valve in case of emergencies.
▸Register your new address (전입신고) at the nearest 주민센터 within 14 days — bring your ARC card and lease contract.
▸Set up internet — most Korean landlords allow or facilitate Gigabit LAN installation. KT, SKT Broadband, and LG U+ are the main providers. Installation usually takes 1–3 days.

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Complete the address registration the same week you move in. This one step legally protects your entire deposit.

Housing Guide

Housing Types

Deposits & Rent (월세 vs 전세)

Contracts & Legal Protection

Finding Housing

Moving In Checklist

Read Next

Rent Deposit System

Getting Started

Visa & Immigration