Seoul 2-Person Room Checklist: The Perfect Conditions for Living with a Friend
The difference between a great 2-person room and a nightmare scenario often comes down to a few critical details that most people overlook when booking. After speaking with dozens of students and long-term travelers who've shared rooms in Seoul, we've compiled the ultimate checklist of what makes a 2-person room actually livable—and enjoyable.
Use this guide before you book to ensure you're getting a space where you and your friend can create amazing Seoul memories, not drive each other crazy.
The Non-Negotiables: Must-Have Features
These are the absolute essentials. If a 2-person room doesn't have these, keep looking—no matter how good the price seems.
✅ 1. Minimum 18㎡ Total Space
Why it matters: Anything smaller and you'll be living on top of each other. 18㎡ (about 194 sq ft) is the bare minimum for two people to have personal space.
How to check:
Ask for exact square meters in the listing
Request floor plan or room dimensions
Be wary of listings that don't specify size
Compare to reference: A parking space is about 12㎡
Red flag: Rooms under 15㎡ marketed as "cozy 2-person rooms" are too small.
Ideal: 20-25㎡ gives you comfortable living space with room to breathe.
✅ 2. Two Beds with Adequate Space
Why it matters: Each person needs their own sleeping space for comfort and privacy.
What to look for:
Two beds (single beds or bunk beds both work)
Adequate space around beds for movement
Beds positioned thoughtfully in the room
Mattresses in good condition
Red flags:
Beds touching or pushed together (unless you're a couple)
Mattresses that are worn out or uncomfortable
No space to move around beds
Only one bed for two people
Bonus: Beds with storage underneath for extra space.
✅ 3. Two Desks with Chairs
Why it matters: If you're studying, working remotely, or just need to use a laptop, fighting over desk space will destroy your friendship.
What counts:
Two actual desks (not just one desk + a table)
Proper desk chairs (not stools or floor cushions)
Adequate desk size: minimum 80cm × 50cm
Each desk should have a desk lamp or good lighting
Not acceptable:
One desk with "plenty of cafe nearby!"
Foldable tables
Desks too small for a laptop + notebook
Shared desk space
Pro tip: Video tours should show both desk setups clearly.
✅ 4. Two Closets or Storage Units
Why it matters: You'll each bring 1-3 months of clothes, shoes, toiletries, and personal items. Shared storage = constant "where's my stuff?" arguments.
Minimum requirement:
Separate closets or wardrobes for each person
At least 1 meter width per closet
Hanging space + shelf space
Drawer or storage for small items
Good solutions:
Two standalone wardrobes
One large closet with clear divider
Built-in closets on each side of room
Under-bed storage + closet combo
Red flag: "Shared closet space" or single small wardrobe.
✅ 5. Private or Semi-Private Bathroom
Why it matters: Sharing a bathroom with your friend is manageable. Sharing with 10 strangers on your floor is not.
Best options (in order):
En-suite bathroom: Private bathroom in your room
Semi-private: Bathroom shared with only 1-2 other rooms
Floor bathroom: Shared with entire floor (avoid if possible)
Bathroom must-haves:
Hot shower with good water pressure
Toilet (Western-style preferred)
Sink with counter space
Mirror
Basic ventilation
Bonus features:
Shower curtain or door (not just open shower)
Shelf space for two people's toiletries
Hooks for towels
Red Flags: Walk Away If You See These
Some issues are serious enough that you should keep looking, no matter how good the price is.
🚩 Extremely Cheap Price
Why it's bad: If it's way below market rate (₩1,000,000 for a 2-person room in Gangnam?), something's wrong.
Likely issues:
Terrible location
Hidden fees
Serious problems with the room
Scam listing
Market rate check: ₩1,200,000-₩1,800,000 for decent 2-person rooms in good areas.
🚩 No Photos or Only 1-2 Photos
Why it's bad: Legitimate places have nothing to hide and will show you the full space.
What they're hiding:
How small it really is
Damage or poor condition
Bad layout or dark rooms
Misleading features
Minimum photos needed: 8-10 photos showing all angles, furniture, bathroom, building exterior.
🚩 Unclear or Complicated Contract Terms
Why it's bad: Confusing contracts often hide unfavorable terms.
Warning signs:
Lots of fine print
Vague cancellation policy
Unclear about what's included
Deposit non-refundable
Can't get English version
Must understand clearly:
Total cost (rent + fees)
What's included vs. extra charges
Cancellation/refund policy
Deposit return conditions
Move-in/move-out rules
🚩 No Contact with Current/Previous Tenants
Why it's bad: Real experiences tell you what the landlord won't.
Best practice:
Ask landlord to connect you with current tenant
Search for reviews online
Check expat Facebook groups for mentions
Trust people's experiences
If landlord refuses: Very suspicious
🚩 "Renovations Coming Soon"
Why it's bad: You'll live with construction noise, dust, and disruption.
Questions to ask:
What renovations exactly?
When do they start and end?
What hours will work happen?
Can you see written renovation schedule?
Better: Book after renovations are complete.
The Perfect 2-Person Room Checklist Summary
Print this and check off while viewing rooms:
MUST HAVE ✅
18㎡+ total space
Two separate beds (not bunks)
Two desks with chairs
Two closets/storage units
Private or semi-private bathroom
Natural light (window)
AC and heating
Strong Wi-Fi (100+ Mbps)
SHOULD HAVE 🌟 (aim for 5+)
Kitchen/kitchenette access
Washing machine access
Good soundproofing
8+ electrical outlets
Personal lighting
Secure locks
Convenient location
Cleaning service/clean building
NICE BONUSES 💎
Full-length mirror
Balcony/outdoor space
TV or monitor
Mini-fridge in room
Blackout curtains
Humidifier
Full kitchen
Elevator
Common lounge
Gym access
RED FLAGS 🚩 (Any = walk away)
Suspiciously cheap price
No photos or video tour
Reviews mention pests
Unclear contract terms
High-pressure sales tactics
Ongoing renovations
My Score: ___/8 must-haves + ___/8 should-haves = ___/16
Minimum to book: 13/16 (8 must + 5 should)
Real Example: Good vs. Bad 2-Person Rooms
❌ BAD Example: The "Budget" Room (₩900,000/month)
What the listing said:
"Cozy 2-person room in Gangnam!"
"Perfect for friends!"
Price seemed like a steal
What students found:
Only 14㎡ total (too small)
Bunk beds (awkward for adults)
One desk, one table (constant conflict)
Shared bathroom with 8 other rooms
Basement room (no natural light)
Wi-Fi kept dropping
No kitchen access
Super noisy at night
Result: One friend moved out after 2 weeks. The other stuck it out miserably for a month and left early, losing deposit.
Cost: ₩900,000/month BUT bad experience + lost deposits = expensive mistake
Checklist score: 3/8 must-haves = FAIL
✅ GOOD Example: The "Smart Choice" Room (₩1,500,000/month)
What the listing showed:
Clear photos of all angles
Honest about 22㎡ size
Virtual tour available
What students found:
Spacious 22㎡ with smart layout
Two single beds on opposite walls
Two full-size desks with good chairs
Large closet with divider
Private bathroom en-suite
Large window with good light
AC and floor heating both excellent
200 Mbps Wi-Fi
Kitchenette in room
Washer in building
5-minute walk to Hongdae station
Quiet floor, good soundproofing
10+ outlets throughout
Weekly cleaning included
Safe neighborhood
Result: Both friends loved it. Stayed the full 3 months, extended for 2 more weeks because they didn't want to leave. Still friends, would room together again.
Cost: ₩750,000/month per person = ₩2,250,000 total for 3 months
Checklist score: 8/8 must-haves + 7/8 should-haves = 15/16 = EXCELLENT
Value assessment: Paid ₩150,000 more per month than other options but had an amazing experience. Worth every won.
Ready to Find Your Perfect 2-Person Room?
Mangrove offers thoughtfully designed 2-person rooms that check all the boxes on this list. Located in vibrant neighborhoods with easy access to subway stations, our rooms feature:
✨ 22㎡+ spacious layouts designed specifically for two people
🛏️ Two separate beds with optimal positioning for privacy
🪑 Two complete workstations with desks, chairs, and task lighting
🚪 Two closets with ample storage for each person
🚿 Private bathrooms with modern fixtures
💡 Large windows with natural light and fresh air
❄️ Individual climate control with AC and heating
📶 High-speed Wi-Fi (200+ Mbps) included
🍳 Kitchenette access for cooking together
🧺 Washing machines available in building
🔒 Secure building with 24/7 access
🚇 Prime locations within 10 minutes of subway stations
🌐 English support throughout your stay
✨ Weekly cleaning service included
Every feature on the "must-have" and "should-have" checklist? We've got it.
Special offer: Book 28 nights or more and get 40% off!