What are the Housing Options Available in Seoul?

Seoul offers diverse housing options to suit every lifestyle, budget, and duration of stay. From traditional Korean apartments to modern co-living spaces, understanding your choices helps you find the perfect home in Korea's dynamic capital. Here's your complete guide to all housing types available in Seoul.
What are the Housing Options Available in Seoul?

Representative Korean Housing Types

Apartment (아파트)

The most popular housing choice for Korean families and long-term residents:

Features:

  • Size: 30-200㎡ (1-5 bedrooms)

  • Cost: ₩800,000-5,000,000 monthly + ₩50-500M deposit

  • Amenities: Modern facilities, security, parking, community spaces

  • Best for: Families, long-term residents, those wanting complete independence

Villa (빌라)

Low-rise residential buildings offering a middle ground between apartments and houses:

Features:

  • Size: 20-80㎡ (studio to 3 bedrooms)

  • Cost: ₩500,000-2,500,000 monthly + ₩20-200M deposit

  • Character: More intimate than apartments, often with unique designs

  • Best for: Couples, small families, those preferring smaller communities

Officetel (오피스텔)

Compact studio units that combine living and working spaces:

Features:

  • Size: 15-40㎡ (studio format)

  • Cost: ₩600,000-1,800,000 monthly + ₩10-50M deposit

  • Amenities: Reception desk, business facilities, central locations

  • Best for: Young professionals, graduate students, city center living

Studio Flat (원룸)

Single-room apartments with separate bathroom and kitchenette:

Features:

  • Size: 12-25㎡ (open-plan living)

  • Cost: ₩400,000-1,200,000 monthly + ₩5-30M deposit

  • Layout: Combined bedroom/living area, separate bathroom, small kitchen

  • Best for: Students, young professionals, minimalist living

Budget-Friendly Options

Goshiwon (고시원)

Ultra-compact private rooms designed for efficiency:

Features:

  • Size: 3-8㎡ (very small)

  • Cost: ₩300,000-700,000 monthly + ₩300K-1M deposit

  • Includes: Bed, desk, shared kitchen/bathroom

  • Best for: Students, short-term stays, ultra-budget living

Hasukjib (하숙집)

Traditional Korean boarding houses with family atmosphere:

Features:

  • Size: Small private room

  • Cost: ₩400,000-800,000 monthly (including meals)

  • Includes: 2-3 meals daily, family environment, house rules

  • Best for: Cultural immersion, meal convenience, budget-conscious living

Share House (셰어하우스)

Shared accommodations with individual rooms and common areas:

Features:

  • Size: Private bedroom, shared common spaces

  • Cost: ₩400,000-900,000 monthly + ₩500K-3M deposit

  • Community: International residents, social atmosphere

  • Best for: Young professionals, cultural exchange, social living

Modern Housing Solutions

Co-living Spaces

Purpose-built accommodations with community focus and modern amenities:

Features:

  • Size: Private rooms with premium shared facilities

  • Cost: ₩800,000-1,800,000 monthly + ₩1-5M deposit

  • Amenities: Study lounges, fitness centers, community events, high-speed internet

  • Services: English support, cleaning service, flexible contracts

  • Best for: International professionals, students, community-minded individuals

Short-term Rentals (14-60 nights)

Flexible accommodations for temporary stays:

Features:

  • Cost: Daily/weekly rates

  • Deposit: ₩0 (zero deposit required)

  • Target: Business travelers, exchange students, area exploration

  • Benefits: Fully furnished, immediate availability, maximum flexibility

  • Best for: Testing neighborhoods, short assignments, semester transitions

Serviced Residences

Hotel-like accommodations with apartment-style living:

Features:

  • Size: Studio to 3-bedroom units

  • Cost: ₩2,000,000-8,000,000 monthly

  • Services: Daily housekeeping, concierge, business facilities

  • Best for: Expatriate executives, luxury living, full-service lifestyle

Choosing the Right Housing Type

For Long-term Residents (2+ years)

  • Traditional apartments: Complete independence, family-friendly

  • Premium co-living: Community with modern amenities

  • Consider: Jeonse for capital efficiency, established neighborhoods

For Medium-term Stays (6 months - 2 years)

  • Studio flats: Affordable independence, flexible lease terms

  • Officetels: Central locations, moderate commitment

  • Co-living spaces: Community and convenience

  • Share houses: Budget-friendly social option

For Short-term Stays (1-6 months)

  • Short-term rentals: Zero deposits, maximum flexibility

  • Goshiwons: Budget option with minimal commitment

  • Serviced residences: Luxury with full services

For Students

  • University dorms: Cheapest, campus convenience

  • Student co-living: International community, study-focused

  • Goshiwons: Budget-friendly, exam preparation atmosphere

Budget Planning by Housing Type

Ultra Budget (₩300-600K monthly)

  • Goshiwon, university dorms, basic hasukjib

  • Total cost: ₩500K-900K including utilities and food

Moderate Budget (₩700K-1.2M monthly)

  • Share houses, studio flats, basic officetels, co-living

  • Total cost: ₩1M-1.8M including utilities and food

Comfortable Budget (₩1.5-3M monthly)

  • Modern apartments, premium co-living, central officetels

  • Total cost: ₩2M-4M including utilities and food

Luxury Budget (₩3M+ monthly)

  • Premium apartments, serviced residences, Gangnam locations

  • Total cost: ₩4M+ including all services

Application Process Overview

Traditional Rentals

  1. Real estate agent: Find properties through 부동산

  2. Documentation: ARC, income proof, guarantor

  3. Deposits: Large upfront payments required

  4. Timeline: 2-4 weeks process

Modern Options

  1. Online platforms: Direct booking available

  2. Minimal documentation: Basic ID and payment method

  3. Flexible deposits: Low or zero deposit options

  4. Timeline: Same-day to 1-week process

Conclusion

Seoul offers housing options for every lifestyle and budget, from ultra-budget goshiwons (₩300K/month) to luxury serviced residences (₩8M+/month). Modern solutions like co-living and short-term rentals provide international residents with community, convenience, and flexibility without traditional barriers.

New to Seoul? Start with zero-deposit short-term options to explore different neighborhoods and housing types before committing to long-term accommodations.


Quick Housing Options Summary

Budget Options:

  • Goshiwon: ₩300-700K + small deposits

  • Share houses: ₩400-900K + moderate deposits

  • Hasukjib: ₩400-800K (meals included)

Modern Options:

  • Co-living: ₩800K-1.8M + low deposits

  • Short-term: Zero deposits, flexible duration

  • Serviced residences: ₩2M+ all-inclusive

Best for beginners: Zero-deposit short-term rentals for maximum flexibility and area exploration.

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