Finding Housing in Seoul with Only 1 Million Won Deposit
How Exceptional Is a 1 Million Won Deposit?
To understand just how special a 1 million won deposit is, let's look at the typical Seoul housing market:
Standard Seoul Studio Apartment (One-Room):
Deposit (보증금): ₩5,000,000 - ₩20,000,000
Average in decent areas: ₩10,000,000 - ₩15,000,000
Monthly rent (월세): ₩500,000 - ₩800,000
Real estate agent fee: ₩300,000 - ₩500,000
Utility deposits: ₩200,000 - ₩300,000
Typical total upfront: ₩10,000,000 - ₩20,000,000
With 1 Million Won Deposit Housing:
Deposit: ₩1,000,000 only
Monthly rent: ₩700,000 - ₩900,000 (all-inclusive)
No agent fees required
No utility deposits needed
Total upfront: ₩1,700,000 - ₩1,900,000
You save ₩8,000,000 - ₩18,000,000 in upfront costs.
This is not a minor difference—it's transformational. A 1 million won deposit represents just 5-10% of what Seoul housing typically demands, making the city accessible to:
Digital nomads and remote workers
Students on language programs
Working holiday visa holders
Young professionals on temporary assignments
Career break travelers exploring Asia
Unlike the 5-10 million won required for traditional rentals, 1 million won doesn't require months of saving or wiping out your emergency fund.
Best Housing Options with 1 Million Won Deposit
1. Modern Co-Living Spaces (Recommended)
Co-living has revolutionized Seoul's housing market for international residents, and many properties accept deposits of exactly 1 million won.
Deposit: ₩1,000,000
Monthly Costs:
Private rooms: ₩600,000 - ₩900,000
Premium locations: ₩900,000 - ₩1,200,000
All-inclusive (utilities, WiFi, cleaning)
What's Included:
Fully furnished private bedroom
High-speed internet (100+ Mbps)
Shared kitchen with appliances
Common living areas
Laundry facilities
Weekly cleaning services
Community events
Advantages:
Exact 1 million won deposit requirement
Professional property management
English-speaking staff
No furniture or utility setup needed
Flexible month-to-month terms
Instant international community
Prime locations near transit
Best Neighborhoods:
Hongdae: Creative, youthful atmosphere
Gangnam: Modern, professional district
Itaewon: International, diverse community
Jongno: Historic center, excellent transit
Sinchon: Student-friendly, affordable
Ideal For:
First-time Seoul residents
Those staying 1-6 months
Remote workers and digital nomads
Anyone seeking community and convenience
2. Premium Goshiwon
Higher-end goshiwon offer better facilities while maintaining affordable deposits.
Deposit: ₩500,000 - ₩1,000,000
Monthly Costs:
₩400,000 - ₩600,000
Budget-friendly option
What's Included:
Private room (6-8㎡)
Bed, desk, and storage
Shared or private bathroom
Shared kitchen facilities
Basic utilities included
Some provide meals (rice, kimchi)
Advantages:
Very affordable monthly rent
Deposit within 1 million won range
Central Seoul locations
Immediate availability
No long-term commitment
Considerations:
Small room size
Shared facilities
Less privacy than co-living
Minimal common space
Ideal For:
Extreme budget consciousness
Solo travelers
Short stays (1-3 months)
Those prioritizing location over space
Featured Property: Noden Jongno
An excellent example of what 1 million won deposit can get you in Seoul.
Why Noden Jongno Stands Out
Perfect 1 Million Won Deposit Noden Jongno's deposit is exactly ₩1,000,000—no need to negotiate or find additional funds. This removes the financial barrier while providing access to premium co-living.
Brand New Construction The building is newly constructed with modern amenities throughout. Everything is pristine—from the furniture to the appliances to the common areas. You're getting fresh, contemporary living spaces.
Prime Jongno Location Located in the heart of Jongno, one of Seoul's most central districts. The area perfectly blends historic Seoul charm with modern convenience:
Traditional palaces within walking distance
Historic markets and modern shopping
Authentic Korean restaurants
Contemporary cafes and coworking spaces
Cultural sites and museums nearby
Exceptional Transit Access Just 3 minutes walk from the nearest subway station. This isn't just convenient—it's transformative for Seoul living:
Quick commute to Gangnam (20 minutes)
Easy access to Hongdae nightlife (25 minutes)
Direct routes to Itaewon (15 minutes)
Connected to all major Seoul districts
No need to own a car
All-Inclusive Living Your monthly rate covers:
Fully furnished private room
High-speed internet
Cleaning services
Building maintenance
Professional management
Transparent Pricing Your monthly rate covers your room and building amenities, with utilities billed separately based on actual usage. This straightforward pricing structure makes budgeting simple and fair.
Learn More: Visit Noden Jongno to explore available rooms, check current availability, and book your stay.
Start Your Seoul Journey
Finding housing in Seoul with just 1 million won deposit represents an exceptional opportunity that very few properties offer. Instead of the typical 10-15 million won required for standard studios, you can access quality modern accommodation for a fraction of the cost.
Ready to find your Seoul home?
Explore quality options like Noden Jongno—where 1 million won deposit gets you modern co-living in the heart of Seoul.
Your Seoul adventure awaits—and it's more affordable than you think.