Long-term Accommodation in Seoul with Friends: Your Complete 1-3 Month Guide

Why Seoul is Perfect for Long-term Stays with Friends

Seoul has become one of Asia's top destinations for extended visits, and for good reason. The city offers:

• World-class infrastructure: Lightning-fast internet (crucial for remote work), efficient public transportation, and modern amenities

• Rich cultural experiences: From ancient palaces to cutting-edge K-pop culture

• Affordable living costs: Especially when sharing accommodation

• Safe environment: Consistently ranked as one of the world's safest cities

• International community: Easy to meet both locals and fellow travelers

Types of Long-term Accommodation in Seoul

1. Goshiwon (고시원) - Individual Budget Rooms

What it is: Originally designed for students preparing for exams, goshiwons are small private single-occupancy rooms (typically 4-7㎡) with basic furnishings. Note: All goshiwons are 1-person rooms only.

Pros for friends traveling together:

• Each person has complete privacy in their own room

• No large deposit required

• Utilities and Wi-Fi included

• Flexible contracts (monthly basis)

• Usually located near universities and transit

• Can book rooms in the same building to stay close

Cons:

• Must book 2 separate rooms (doubles your cost)

• Very small room size per person

• Shared bathrooms in most facilities

• Thin walls (noise can be an issue)

• Limited storage space

• No shared living space with your friend

Average Cost: ₩350,000-₩550,000 per person/month ($260-$410 USD) × 2 people = ₩700,000-₩1,100,000/month total ($520-$820 USD)

Best for: Friends who want maximum privacy and don't mind being in separate rooms, or those who need individual quiet space for studying

💡 Pro tip: If choosing goshiwons, book on the same floor or neighboring rooms so you can easily visit each other while maintaining separate living spaces.

2. Officetel - Modern Studio Apartments

What it is: A hybrid between residential and office space, officetels are modern studio apartments with private bathrooms and small kitchenettes.

Pros for friends traveling together:

• More spacious than goshiwons (15-25㎡)

• Private bathroom and cooking facilities

• Modern amenities and security

• Often fully furnished

• Great locations near business districts

Cons:

• Higher deposit required (₩3-5 million or $2,200-$3,700)

• More expensive than goshiwons

• Utility bills separate

• Cleaning and maintenance your responsibility

Average Cost: ₩700,000-₩1,200,000/month ($520-$890 USD) for a studio

Best for: Professionals or students who want more comfort and are willing to pay for it

💡 Pro tip: Some officetels offer two-room units specifically designed for sharing—perfect for friends who want separate sleeping areas.

3. Share Houses (쉐어하우스) - Social Living Experience

What it is: Shared houses with private bedrooms and communal living spaces (kitchen, living room, sometimes bathrooms).

Pros for friends traveling together:

• Built-in community (great for networking)

• Affordable compared to renting alone

• Fully furnished with all essentials

• Social events and language exchange opportunities

• Often includes cleaning service

Cons:

• Less privacy in common areas

• Need to coordinate with other housemates

• House rules can be restrictive

• Popular places book up quickly

Average Cost: ₩450,000-₩750,000 per person/month ($330-$555 USD)

Best for: Social travelers who want to meet people while having their own bedroom

💡 Pro tip: Look for share houses with "2-person room" options—you get the community vibe while rooming with your friend.

4. Co-living Spaces - The Premium Option

What it is: Modern co-living facilities designed for digital nomads and young professionals, offering private or shared rooms plus coworking spaces.

Pros for friends traveling together:

• Professional work environment included

• High-speed internet guaranteed

• Networking events and community

• All-inclusive pricing

• Premium amenities (gym, cafe, lounge)

Cons:

• Most expensive option

• May have minimum stay requirements

• Limited locations (mainly Gangnam, Hongdae)

• Can feel corporate rather than homey

Average Cost: ₩800,000-₩1,500,000 per person/month ($590-$1,110 USD)

Best for: Remote workers, digital nomads, or those who value workspace and networking

💡 Pro tip: Some co-living spaces offer "duo packages" for friends traveling together with discounted rates.

5. Two-Person Rooms - The Sweet Spot

What it is: Purpose-built rooms designed for two people, with two beds, desks, and adequate storage for both occupants.

Pros for friends traveling together:

• ✅ Most cost-effective option when splitting

• ✅ Designed for shared living (proper space between beds)

• ✅ Two of everything (desks, chairs, storage units)

• ✅ Build stronger friendships through shared experiences

• ✅ Built-in travel buddy for exploring Seoul

Cons:

• Less privacy than separate rooms

• Need compatible living styles

• Potential for conflicts (which can usually be avoided with clear communication)

Average Cost: ₩450,000-₩750,000 total/month ($330-$555 USD) split between two people = ₩225,000-₩375,000 per person ($165-$280 USD)

Best for: Close friends who are comfortable sharing space and want maximum savings

💡 Why 2-person rooms are the best value:

• Save 40-50% compared to booking two separate goshiwons

• Better space per person than typical shared accommodation

• Includes all amenities designed for two people

• No awkward roommate matching—you already know your roomie!

Cost Comparison: What You'll Actually Save

Let's break down the real numbers for staying in Seoul with a friend:

Monthly Cost Breakdown

What Your Savings Mean

By choosing a 2-person room over individual rooms, each person saves ₩550,000 per month (₩1,650,000 over 3 months).

That's enough for:

• ✈️ Round-trip flights to Tokyo or Osaka

• 🏝️ A luxury 5-day trip to Jeju Island

• 🍖 60+ Korean BBQ dinners (at ₩25,000 per meal)

• 🎭 50+ K-pop concert tickets or entertainment experiences

• 🛍️ Serious shopping at Myeongdong and Gangnam

Real talk: Most travelers underestimate how much they'll spend on food and activities in Seoul. These savings give you the freedom to actually enjoy the city without constantly checking your bank account.

Best Neighborhoods for Friends Staying Long-term

1. Hongdae (홍대) - For the Young & Social

• Vibrant nightlife and cafe culture

• Close to universities

• Great for meeting other travelers

• Average 2-person room: ₩650,000/month

2. Itaewon (이태원) - International Hub

• Diverse international community

• English-friendly restaurants and services

• Central location

• Average 2-person room: ₩800,000/month

3. Gangnam (강남) - Modern & Convenient

• Business district with modern facilities

• Excellent public transportation

• Upscale shopping and dining

• Average 2-person room: ₩900,000/month

4. Sinchon (신촌) - Student-Friendly

• Affordable prices

• University area with lots of budget options

• Great food at reasonable prices

• Average 2-person room: ₩550,000/month

5. Yeonnam-dong (연남동) - Trendy & Quieter

• Hipster cafes and boutiques

• More residential feel than Hongdae

• Near parks and walking areas

• Average 2-person room: ₩700,000/month

Essential Checklist: What to Look for in a 2-Person Room

When booking accommodation for you and your friend, make sure the room has:

Space & Layout

• At least 15-20㎡ total space

• Beds positioned for privacy (not directly facing each other)

• Clear pathway between beds

• Window for natural light and ventilation

Furniture & Amenities

• Two separate desks with chairs

• Two closets or storage units

• Personal reading lights for each bed

• Adequate electrical outlets (min. 4-6)

• Air conditioning and heating

Shared Facilities

• Private or semi-private bathroom

• Kitchen or kitchenette access

• Washing machine availability

• Common area for socializing

Location & Convenience

• Within 10 minutes walk to subway

• Convenience store nearby (7-Eleven, CU, GS25)

• Affordable restaurants in the area

• Safe neighborhood (well-lit streets at night)

Practical Matters

• Clear rental agreement in English

• Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)

• Flexible cancellation policy

• Responsive landlord/management

• Wi-Fi speed test results

Red Flags to Avoid

🚩 Suspiciously low prices - If it's much cheaper than average, something's wrong

🚩 No photos or virtual tour - Legitimate places will show you the space

🚩 Pressure to pay immediately - Scammers rush you into decisions

🚩 Communication only via email - Reputable landlords use proper channels

🚩 Non-refundable deposits - Korean standard is mostly refundable deposits

🚩 Vague contract terms - Everything should be clear and in writing

🚩 No reviews or testimonials - Established places have social proof

Money-Saving Tips for Friends Sharing Accommodation

1. Book early: Many places offer 10-15% discounts for bookings 2+ months in advance

2. Stay longer: Monthly rates decrease significantly for 2-3 month commitments vs. month-to-month

3. Split everything smartly:

   • Accommodation (50/50)

   • Groceries (shared meals)

   • Transportation (T-money card can be used together)

   • Entertainment (buy tickets together for group discounts)

4. Cook together: Eating out for every meal adds up. Cooking even 50% of meals saves ₩300,000+ per month

5. Use free resources:

   • Free walking tours in Seoul

   • Public parks and hiking trails

   • Free museums (many have free days)

   • Library spaces for working/studying

6. Get a mobile plan together: Some carriers offer duo plans with discounts

Living Together: How to Make It Work

Before You Book - Have "The Talk"

Discuss these topics honestly with your friend:

• Sleep schedules: Are you a night owl or early bird?

• Cleanliness standards: What's your definition of "clean"?

• Guest policy: Can you bring other friends over?

• Quiet hours: When do you need silence for work/study?

• Expenses: How will you split costs?

• Personal space: How much alone time do you each need?

Set Ground Rules Together

Create a simple roommate agreement covering:

• Cleaning schedule (who does what, when)

• Shared items vs. personal items

• Food sharing policy

• Conflict resolution process

• Guest overnight policy

• Noise levels and quiet hours

Communication is Key

• Weekly check-ins: Quick 10-minute chat about how things are going

• Address issues early: Don't let small annoyances become big problems

• Be flexible: Compromise is essential

• Respect privacy: Even in shared space, create boundaries

• Plan together, explore alone sometimes: Balance togetherness with independence

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we book a 2-person room if we're not the same gender? A: Yes! Many modern accommodations are gender-neutral for 2-person bookings, though some traditional goshiwons may have restrictions. Always confirm with the landlord.

Q: What if my friend and I have different arrival dates? A: Most places allow staggered check-ins. You can book the room from the earlier arrival date and split costs accordingly. Some landlords may allow paying from individual check-in dates.

Q: Do we need to pay a deposit? A: It depends on the accommodation type:

• Goshiwons: Usually 1 month rent as deposit

• Officetels: ₩3-5 million (~$2,200-3,700)

• Share houses: 1-2 months rent

• 2-person rooms: Typically ₩300,000-₩600,000 (~$220-450)

Q: Can we extend our stay if we love Seoul? A: Usually yes, but inform your landlord at least 2-4 weeks in advance. Popular seasons book quickly, so early notice is crucial.

Q: What if we don't get along after moving in? A: While this is rare among friends, have an exit strategy discussed beforehand. Look for places with reasonable cancellation policies (at least 2 weeks notice).

Q: Is Wi-Fi included? A: Most accommodations include Wi-Fi, but always confirm speeds, especially if you're working remotely. Korea's internet is generally excellent (100+ Mbps is common).

Q: Can we receive mail/packages at our accommodation? A: Yes, but confirm the procedure with your landlord. Many buildings have package lockers or a management office that accepts deliveries.

Ready to Book Your Seoul Adventure?

Finding the perfect accommodation for your 1-3 month Seoul stay with a friend doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding your options, setting a realistic budget, and choosing the right neighborhood, you'll set yourself up for an incredible experience.

The bottom line: 2-person rooms offer the best value for friends traveling together—you'll save money, create lasting memories, and have a built-in adventure buddy for exploring everything Seoul has to offer.

Looking for the Perfect 2-Person Room in Seoul?

Mangrove offers thoughtfully designed 2-person rooms perfect for friends traveling together. Located in vibrant neighborhoods with easy access to subway stations, our rooms feature:

✨ Thoughtfully designed spaces with optimal bed placement for privacy
🪑 Two of everything - separate desks, storage units, and personal space
💰 All-inclusive pricing - Wi-Fi, utilities, and cleaning service included
🏢 Prime locations in Hongdae, Sinchon, and other popular areas
🤝 Flexible booking - Perfect for 1-3 month stays with no complicated contracts
🌐 English support - Easy communication from booking to check-out

Special offer: Book 28 nights or more and get 40% off!