Housing Tips: How to Rent a Place in Korea

Finding my own place to call home in Korea was one of the things I was most excited about, but also one of the most difficult challenges I faced. If you have housing provided by your school or company, things are a little easier and often cheaper. However, when it came to finding a place to rent on my own, I had no idea where to start. It felt like a huge challenge at first, as renting in Korea is a little different from what you might be used to. After going through the process, I thought I could share some tips to make the process easier. 1. Types of Housing: There are a few common types of housing in Korea. The most popular option for students and expats is the one-room (원룸), a small studio apartment comfortable enough for one person. It usually includes a small kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes a washing machine. It’s a good option if you don’t need a lot of space. If you're looking for more space and privacy, an officetel (오피스텔) might be a better choice. These are modern studio buildings with better soundproofing, elevators, and usually a security system. On a tight budget? Consider a goshiwon (고시원). These are rooms with just enough space for a bed, desk, and bathroom. They’re cheap and usually include utilities, but space is extremely limited. There’s also a shared kitchen and laundry room. Some even offer free rice, instant noodles or kimchi, which is a nice perk. Another budget-friendly option is a hasukjib (하숙집), a room in a shared home, often with a Korean family. It can be a great way to experience local culture. For longer-term stays or families, you might want to go for a full apartment (아파트) or villa (빌라), which provide more space. 2. The renting system: Jeonse vs. Wolse In Korea, there are two main ways to rent: Jeonse and Wolse. Jeonse (전세) requires a higher upfront deposit (sometimes 50–80% of the property's value) instead of monthly rent. While it sounds like a lot, the deposit is returned at the end of the lease. However, this is more common for long-term renters, and wasn’t an option for me as a student. Most expats and students go for Wolse (월세), which is a bit more like what you might be used to: you pay a smaller deposit (returned at the end of the contract) and a monthly rent. For example, 5 million KRW deposit and 500,000 KRW per month. Maintenance fees (관리비) are often not included in the rent, and these can add up to 100,000–200,000 KRW per month depending on the building, so make sure to clarify this before signing the contract. 3. Where to find housing? The most popular apps for house hunting in Korea are Zigbang (직방) and Dabang (다방). While these are mostly in Korean, they are fairly easy to navigate. For more foreigner-friendly listings, check out Facebook groups, or contact English-speaking real estate agents directly. Finding a place in Korea can seem overwhelming at first, but with some patience, you can find a great place to call home. Happy apartment hunting!