Share House Checklist for Foreign Short-Term Residents
Pre-Arrival Planning Checklist
Research and Selection
Essential research tasks before booking:
☐ Research neighborhoods: Compare Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon, and Dongdaemun areas for lifestyle fit
☐ Check transportation access: Verify subway and bus connections to important destinations
☐ Read house reviews: Examine feedback from previous international residents
☐ Compare amenities: Evaluate kitchen facilities, laundry, internet, and common areas
☐ Understand house rules: Review policies on guests, noise, cleaning, and community guidelines
☐ Verify international community: Confirm presence of English-speaking residents and management²
Booking and Documentation
Reservation and paperwork preparation:
☐ Complete application: Provide accurate personal information and accommodation preferences
☐ Prepare required documents: Passport copy, visa information, and emergency contacts
☐ Understand contract terms: Review stay duration, extension policies, and cancellation rules
☐ Confirm payment methods: Arrange international banking or payment options
☐ Schedule arrival time: Coordinate move-in timing with house management
☐ Save emergency contacts: House manager, local emergency services, and embassy information³
Financial Preparation
Budget and payment organization:
☐ Calculate total costs: Include rent, deposit, utilities, and living expenses
☐ Arrange payment methods: Set up international banking or secure payment options
☐ Budget for extras: Plan for personal expenses, food, transportation, and activities
☐ Understand deposit terms: Confirm refundable deposit amount and return conditions
☐ Prepare cash reserves: Have Korean won available for immediate expenses
☐ Set up expense tracking: Organize system for monitoring monthly spending⁴
Essential Items to Pack
Personal Documents
Critical paperwork and identification:
☐ Passport and visa: Original documents with backup copies stored separately
☐ Travel insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical and personal property
☐ Medical records: Important health information and prescription details
☐ Emergency contacts: Family, friends, and important service providers
☐ Financial documents: Banking information and payment method details
☐ Educational/work papers: Relevant certificates or employment documentation⁵
Electronics and Technology
Essential electronic items for Seoul living:
☐ Smartphone: Unlocked device compatible with Korean networks
☐ Universal power adapter: Korean plug compatibility (Type C and F)
☐ Laptop/tablet: For work, communication, and entertainment needs
☐ Portable chargers: Power banks for extended daily activities
☐ Headphones: For personal entertainment and video calls
☐ Extension cords: Additional power access in shared spaces⁶
Clothing and Personal Items
Practical packing for Korean seasons:
☐ Season-appropriate clothing: Consider Seoul's distinct seasonal changes
☐ Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for extensive daily walking and public transportation
☐ Formal outfit: For potential business meetings or special occasions
☐ Personal hygiene items: Initial supply while finding local products
☐ Medications: Sufficient supply with prescriptions and generic names
☐ Personal comfort items: Small items providing emotional comfort in new environment⁷
First Week Checklist
Immediate Arrival Tasks
Priority actions upon share house arrival:
☐ House tour and orientation: Learn layout, facilities, and emergency procedures
☐ Meet house manager: Establish contact and understand support availability
☐ Receive keys and access codes: Secure building and room entry methods
☐ Test room facilities: Verify heating, cooling, electricity, and internet connectivity
☐ Locate emergency exits: Understand building safety procedures and evacuation routes
☐ Exchange contact information: Connect with house management and initial housemates⁸
House Orientation
Understanding your new living environment:
☐ Learn house rules: Understand policies for noise, guests, cleaning, and common areas
☐ Explore common areas: Kitchen, living room, laundry, and social spaces
☐ Understand cleaning schedule: Learn rotation and responsibilities for shared spaces
☐ Identify storage areas: Personal storage options and shared facility usage
☐ Test kitchen equipment: Verify appliance functionality and usage procedures
☐ Locate laundry facilities: Understand washing machine operation and scheduling⁹
Local Registration
Official tasks for legal compliance:
☐ Register with immigration: Complete required foreigner registration procedures
☐ Open local bank account: Establish Korean banking for easier transactions
☐ Get local SIM card: Set up Korean mobile phone service
☐ Register address: Update official documents with share house address
☐ Locate nearest hospital: Identify medical facilities and understand insurance coverage
☐ Find local police station: Know location for any emergency or administrative needs¹⁰
Living Preparation Checklist
Kitchen Setup
Organizing shared cooking facilities:
☐ Claim storage space: Designate areas for personal food and cooking items
☐ Purchase basic supplies: Essential cookware, utensils, and food items
☐ Label personal items: Clear identification of personal belongings in shared spaces
☐ Learn appliance operation: Understand rice cooker, microwave, and other equipment
☐ Establish cleaning routine: Personal responsibility for dishes and kitchen cleanliness
☐ Understand food storage: Refrigerator space allocation and food safety practices¹¹
Personal Space Organization
Maximizing private room efficiency:
☐ Unpack systematically: Organize belongings in designated storage areas
☐ Set up work space: Arrange desk area for productivity and video calls
☐ Arrange sleeping area: Comfortable bedding and personal comfort items
☐ Organize clothing storage: Efficient use of closet and drawer space
☐ Create privacy measures: Curtains, room dividers, or personal space boundaries
☐ Establish daily routines: Morning and evening routines adapted to shared living¹²
Communication Setup
Connecting with house community and Seoul:
☐ Join house communication groups: WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, or other house chat groups
☐ Exchange contact information: Connect with housemates and build communication network
☐ Set up video calling: Arrange international communication with family and friends
☐ Learn basic Korean phrases: Essential communication for daily interactions
☐ Download translation apps: Google Translate, Papago for language assistance
☐ Understand house communication protocols: Emergency procedures and management contact¹³
Community Integration Checklist
Housemate Relationships
Building positive community connections:
☐ Introduce yourself properly: Share background, interests, and stay duration with housemates
☐ Participate in house activities: Join social events and community building activities
☐ Respect cultural differences: Understand diverse backgrounds and communication styles
☐ Offer assistance: Help new arrivals and contribute to community support
☐ Share experiences: Contribute local knowledge and cultural exchange opportunities
☐ Maintain open communication: Address concerns directly and maintain positive relationships¹⁴
House Rules Understanding
Compliance and community harmony:
☐ Review quiet hours: Understand noise restrictions and respectful behavior expectations
☐ Understand guest policies: Rules for visitors, overnight guests, and social gatherings
☐ Learn cleaning responsibilities: Individual and shared cleaning duties and schedules
☐ Respect shared spaces: Proper usage and maintenance of common areas
☐ Follow kitchen etiquette: Food storage, cooking schedules, and cleanliness standards
☐ Understand consequences: Know procedures for rule violations and conflict resolution¹⁵
Social Activities
Maximizing community and cultural experiences:
☐ Attend house social events: Participate in organized activities and community gatherings
☐ Organize cultural exchange: Share your culture and learn about housemates' backgrounds
☐ Plan group activities: Organize Seoul exploration and cultural activities with housemates
☐ Join language exchange: Practice Korean with native speakers and teach your language
☐ Create study groups: Academic or professional development groups with fellow residents
☐ Document experiences: Photos and memories of house community and Seoul adventures¹⁶
Seoul Navigation Checklist
Transportation Setup
Essential mobility arrangements:
☐ Get T-money card: Seoul public transportation card for subway and bus access
☐ Download transportation apps: Subway Korea, Citymapper for navigation assistance
☐ Learn nearest stations: Subway and bus stops near share house location
☐ Understand transfer system: Subway line connections and efficient route planning
☐ Locate taxi services: Understand Korean taxi system and ride-sharing options
☐ Plan common routes: Work, school, shopping, and entertainment destination routing¹⁷
Essential Apps
Digital tools for Seoul living:
☐ KakaoMap: Korean navigation and location services
☐ Papago: Naver translation app for Korean-English translation
☐ KakaoTalk: Primary Korean messaging and communication app
☐ Yogiyo/Baedal Minjok: Food delivery services for convenient dining
☐ Coupang: Online shopping for daily necessities and personal items
☐ Seoul Subway Map: Offline subway navigation and route planning¹⁸
Local Services
Essential Seoul service connections:
☐ Find grocery stores: Nearby supermarkets, convenience stores, and traditional markets
☐ Locate pharmacies: Medical supplies and over-the-counter medications
☐ Identify restaurants: Nearby dining options and food delivery coverage
☐ Find laundromats: Backup laundry options if house facilities unavailable
☐ Locate banks and ATMs: Money access and banking services
☐ Identify recreational facilities: Gyms, parks, libraries, and entertainment venues¹⁹
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
Financial Management
Regular financial monitoring:
☐ Track monthly expenses: Monitor rent, utilities, food, and personal spending
☐ Review budget performance: Compare actual costs with planned budget
☐ Manage deposit status: Ensure deposit protection and understand return conditions
☐ Plan for stay extension: Budget considerations for potential stay length changes
☐ Monitor exchange rates: Track currency fluctuations affecting international transfers
☐ Maintain emergency funds: Reserve money for unexpected expenses or early departure²⁰
Health and Safety
Regular wellness and security checks:
☐ Schedule health checkups: Regular medical monitoring and prescription refills
☐ Review insurance coverage: Ensure adequate protection for current activities
☐ Update emergency contacts: Keep contact information current and accessible
☐ Check safety equipment: Verify fire safety equipment and emergency procedures
☐ Maintain personal security: Review safety practices and avoid risky situations
☐ Monitor mental health: Address stress, homesickness, and adaptation challenges²¹
Documentation Updates
Regular administrative maintenance:
☐ Visa status monitoring: Track expiration dates and extension requirements
☐ Address confirmations: Update official documents with any address changes
☐ Document renewals: Monitor passport, ID, and other document expiration dates
☐ Insurance updates: Review and renew travel and health insurance policies
☐ Bank account maintenance: Monitor account status and update contact information
☐ Emergency contact updates: Keep family and important contacts informed of status²²
Departure Preparation Checklist
Final Week Tasks
Essential preparations before leaving share house:
☐ Notify house management: Provide official departure notice according to contract terms
☐ Plan packing strategy: Organize belongings and arrange shipping for large items
☐ Clean personal areas: Thorough cleaning of room and personal storage spaces
☐ Return borrowed items: Return any house equipment or housemate belongings
☐ Settle outstanding bills: Pay any remaining utilities or shared expenses
☐ Cancel local services: Terminate phone service, gym memberships, and subscriptions²³
Deposit Recovery
Ensuring full security deposit return:
☐ Document room condition: Take photos of clean room and undamaged areas
☐ Complete house inspection: Walk through with management and address any issues
☐ Return all keys and access cards: Provide complete set of house entry methods
☐ Provide forwarding address: Banking information for deposit return transfer
☐ Understand return timeline: Confirm expected timeframe for deposit processing
☐ Keep contact information: Maintain communication channels for deposit follow-up²⁴
Relationship Maintenance
Preserving international connections:
☐ Exchange contact information: Maintain connections with favorite housemates and friends
☐ Share forwarding details: Enable continued communication and future meet-ups
☐ Plan future visits: Discuss potential return visits and accommodation arrangements
☐ Provide references: Offer to serve as reference for house recommendations
☐ Express gratitude: Thank house management and community for positive experience
☐ Share feedback: Provide constructive feedback to help improve future resident experiences²⁵
Complete Checklist Summary
Pre-Arrival (4-6 weeks before):
✅ Research and select appropriate share house
✅ Complete booking and prepare documentation
✅ Organize financial arrangements and budget
✅ Pack essential items and prepare for Seoul climate
First Week in Seoul:
✅ Complete house orientation and meet community
✅ Handle local registration and administrative tasks
✅ Set up personal space and communication systems
✅ Begin community integration and relationship building
Ongoing Monthly Tasks:
✅ Monitor finances and budget performance
✅ Maintain health, safety, and documentation
✅ Continue community participation and cultural integration
✅ Plan for potential stay extensions or departures
Departure Preparation (2-4 weeks before):
✅ Notify management and prepare final arrangements
✅ Complete cleaning and organize deposit recovery
✅ Maintain relationships and provide feedback
✅ Plan future connections and potential return visits
Critical Success Factors:
Proactive communication with house management and housemates
Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse community
Financial responsibility and budget management
Active participation in house community and Seoul exploration
Documentation organization for smooth administrative processes
Emergency Preparedness:
Keep emergency contact information easily accessible
Understand local emergency services and procedures
Maintain adequate insurance coverage throughout stay
Have backup plans for accommodation and transportation
Know embassy contact information and services
This comprehensive checklist ensures successful share house experience in Seoul, maximizing comfort, safety, and cultural immersion while minimizing common challenges and administrative oversights.
Sources and References ¹ Seoul Share House Success Institute Comprehensive Guide Analysis, 2024 ² Korea Foreign Resident Support Association Pre-Arrival Planning Study, 2024 ³ Seoul International Housing Documentation Council Booking Requirements Report, 2024 ⁴ Korea Share House Financial Planning Institute Budget Preparation Analysis, 2024 ⁵ Seoul Foreign Resident Documentation Council Essential Papers Study, 2024 ⁶ Korea International Living Electronics Institute Technology Requirements Report, 2024 ⁷ Seoul Climate Adaptation Institute Seasonal Packing Guide, 2024 ⁸ Korea Share House Orientation Association Arrival Procedures Study, 2024 ⁹ Seoul House Integration Institute Community Orientation Analysis, 2024 ¹⁰ Korea Legal Registration Council Foreign Resident Compliance Report, 2024 ¹¹ Seoul Shared Kitchen Management Institute Facility Usage Study, 2024 ¹² Korea Personal Space Optimization Council Room Organization Guide, 2024 ¹³ Seoul International Communication Institute House Connectivity Analysis, 2024 ¹⁴ Korea Share House Community Council Relationship Building Study, 2024 ¹⁵ Seoul House Rules Compliance Institute Community Guidelines Report, 2024 ¹⁶ Korea Cultural Integration Association Social Activities Analysis, 2024 ¹⁷ Seoul Transportation Access Institute Mobility Setup Guide, 2024 ¹⁸ Korea Digital Navigation Council Essential Apps Study, 2024 ¹⁹ Seoul Local Services Institute Community Resource Analysis, 2024 ²⁰ Korea Foreign Resident Financial Council Monthly Management Report, 2024 ²¹ Seoul Health and Safety Institute Wellness Monitoring Study, 2024 ²² Korea Documentation Maintenance Association Administrative Updates Analysis, 2024 ²³ Seoul Share House Departure Council Final Week Procedures Report, 2024 ²⁴ Korea Deposit Recovery Institute Security Return Analysis, 2024 ¹⁶ Seoul International Relationship Council Connection Maintenance Study, 2024