●■●● Finding the Best Housing Options for International Students in Korea – Complete Guide
A safe and comfortable home in a new environment is essential for a stable and successful student life
●📗 Korea provides a wide variety of housing options for international students, depending on lifestyle, budget, and personal preference
From dormitories to goshiwons, one-room apartments, share houses, villas, apartments, and detached houses – understanding the pros, cons, and costs in advance is crucial
📌 This guide explains the main housing types in Korea to help international students find the most suitable option
●●🟧 Characteristics and Culture of Housing in Korea
●📗 Taking off shoes indoors
→ In every Korean home, you must remove your shoes at the entrance (Although it may feel strange at first, many foreigners quickly find it convenient and come to prefer it)
→ Wearing shoes indoors is considered impolite and should be avoided
●📗 Apartment-centered housing culture
→ More than 70% of homes in Korea are apartments or villas, which are multi-family housing types
→ Because of this, noise between neighbors and consideration for communal living are important issues
●📗 Bathroom structure
→ In most Korean homes, bathrooms do not have separate shower booths – the sink, toilet, and showerhead are in the same space
→ Since the floor gets wet after showering, using bathroom slippers is recommended
●📗 Stable electricity and water supply
→ Blackouts or water shortages are very rare in Korea, ensuring a stable living environment
→ However, electricity and water fees are often not included in the management fee and must be paid separately
●📗 Floor heating (Ondol system)
→ Most Korean homes are equipped with underfloor heating, providing warmth even in winter
→ Heating costs can be high, so it is important to manage usage (Most Koreans turn off the heating when leaving home – following this habit can keep costs reasonable)
●📗 Food waste disposal
→ In Korea, food waste must be separated from general trash and disposed of in designated bags or containers
→ Improper separation can cause conflicts with neighbors or result in fines
(For more details, see the “Korean Daily Life” section)
●📗 Bathrooms without bathtubs
→ Most small homes in Korea (especially one-rooms) do not have bathtubs
→ Bathtubs are usually found in apartments, new officetels, or hotel-style residences
●📗 Wallpaper culture
→ Instead of paint, wallpaper is commonly used for interior walls in Korean homes
→ If wallpaper is damaged, repair costs may be charged when moving out (depending on the landlord)
📌 Although water leakage is uncommon in Korea, always check before signing a contract, and if it occurs during your stay, notify the landlord immediately (repairs should be carried out promptly)
●📗 Windows and screens
→ Most Korean homes have window screens and dust filters to block insects, yellow dust, and fine dust (Check for holes upon moving in – landlords usually repair them if reported)
→ Many homes also have double-glazed or insulated windows, and it is important to ventilate regularly for fresh air
●📗 Bright lighting style
→ Korean homes generally use bright, white-toned ceiling lights (Lighting colors in the US, Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia may differ, but you can simply replace the bulb with your preferred color)
→ Ceiling lighting is the standard, often making homes brighter than those in the US or Europe, and indirect lighting is usually unnecessary
→ If a bulb goes out before moving in, the landlord replaces it; after moving in, tenants are responsible for replacement
●📗 Digital door locks
→ Most Korean homes use digital door locks with passcodes instead of traditional keys (Foreigners may find this unfamiliar at first, but once they return home, many miss the convenience of Korean door locks)
●📗 Food delivery culture
→ Food delivery is highly developed in Korea, and in apartments or one-rooms, food is usually left at the door with a bell ring or phone notification
→ Tenants are responsible for disposing of containers and packaging after eating
●📗 Management fee system
→ In addition to rent (monthly or Jeonse), apartments, villas, and officetels require a monthly management fee
→ This typically covers building cleaning, security, electricity for common areas, elevator use, and garbage disposal
→ Even in one-rooms, landlords often charge an additional management fee of around 30,000–50,000 KRW per month
(This can be considered part of the total rent, so always confirm the full monthly cost in advance)
●📗 Korea’s rental systems – Jeonse and Wolse
→ There are two main rental systems in Korea: Jeonse and Wolse (monthly rent)
→ Jeonse is unique to Korea, where tenants deposit a large sum with the landlord and live rent-free for the contract period (usually two years)
→ Wolse is similar to rental systems abroad, where tenants pay a smaller deposit along with monthly rent
→ In Korea, deposits and monthly rent are flexible – a higher deposit lowers the monthly rent, while a lower deposit increases it
→ This system allows tenants to choose the best option based on their financial situation
→ However, Jeonse fraud has been a social issue in recent years, so for newcomers, Wolse is generally the safer choice
→ If you want to sign a Jeonse contract, it is highly recommended to consult a trusted expert like BPKorea beforehand
📌 Because Jeonse is unique to Korea, foreigners should always seek professional guidance from BPKorea before signing a contract
●📗 Inconvenience of long-term contracts
→ Housing contracts in Korea are generally two years long, which can feel restrictive for foreigners
→ Short-term contracts such as 6 months or 1 year are less common, and if available, often involve stricter conditions or higher costs
→ This means that even if your plans change, you usually must wait until the end of the contract or pay a penalty for early termination
📌 For D-4 visa students, it is strongly recommended to choose a 6-month or 1-year lease, even if the monthly rent is slightly higher
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-동해바다/ir스튜디오]
●●🟧 1. Dormitory
●📗 Features and Advantages
→ Operated directly by universities, close to campus, and generally very safe
→ Easy to manage with low initial moving-in costs
→ Great opportunities to socialize and build friendships with other students
→ Most dormitories have 2-person rooms with private bathrooms
→ Equipped with basic furniture and appliances such as a desk, bed, closet, refrigerator, and air conditioner
→ Shared laundry facilities are available and usually inexpensive or free
●📗 Disadvantages
→ Limited personal space due to shared living
→ Strict rules, including curfews and visitor restrictions
→ High demand makes it difficult to secure a spot
→ Cooking is often restricted, so students must use common kitchens or school cafeterias
→ No private Wi-Fi; only building-wide shared Wi-Fi, which may be slow
→ Students must clean their own rooms, and extra fees may be charged if rooms are not kept clean upon moving out
●📗 Cost
→ Average 200,000–600,000 KRW per month (paid in advance per semester)
→ Contracts are usually by semester (6 months); additional application or fees may be required to stay during vacation
📌 The most stable and convenient choice for students starting their life in Korea
●●🟧 2. Goshiwon(고시원)
●📗 A Goshiwon is a special type of housing found only in major cities in Korea
→ Rooms are very small but usually include basic furniture such as a bed, desk, and closet, so you can move in right away
→ Deposits are minimal or not required, and monthly rent is low, making it suitable for short-term stays
●📗 Most goshiwons provide simple free food such as rice, kimchi, and ramen
→ Bathrooms, showers, and kitchens are shared, and cleanliness depends on the building
●📗 Features and Advantages
→ Small private rooms furnished with essentials (bed, desk, closet, etc.)
→ Move-in ready, with flexible contracts convenient for short-term stays
→ No deposit required, with very affordable monthly rent
→ Most goshiwons provide free basic food such as rice, kimchi, and ramen
●📗 Disadvantages
→ Very small rooms with limited space (difficult to invite friends or partners)
→ Poor soundproofing – noise can be uncomfortable for sensitive students
→ Bathrooms, showers, and kitchens are shared, and cleanliness may vary
→ Older buildings often have outdated facilities and poor maintenance
●📗 Cost
→ Average 200,000–400,000 KRW per month (no deposit required)
📌 Suitable for students focused on saving money or needing temporary housing
●●🟧 3. Share House
→ While less common in Korea than in the US or Europe, share houses are rapidly increasing in big cities
→ For students unable to secure dormitory housing, a share house is a strong alternative – it may have inconveniences, but offers valuable opportunities to exchange information with housemates
●📗 Features and Advantages
→ Shared living arrangements with communal kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms
→ Many chances to interact naturally and make friends with people of different nationalities
→ Lower living costs by sharing utilities (electricity, water, internet, etc.)
→ Well-managed share houses often feature modern interiors and clean facilities
●📗 Disadvantages
→ Limited privacy and the need to follow communal rules (cleaning schedules, noise control, etc.)
→ Potential conflicts due to differences in lifestyle (especially regarding cleanliness or noise)
→ Frequent tenant turnover can make it difficult to maintain stability
●📗 Cost
→ Average 300,000–600,000 KRW per month (deposit usually small and affordable)
📌 Recommended for students who want to reduce costs, enjoy social interaction, and avoid living alone
●●🟧 4. One Room / Studio
●📗 Features and Advantages
→ Small independent housing unit with private kitchen and bathroom
→ Full privacy and freedom in daily life
→ Usually located in convenient areas with good transportation access
●📗 Disadvantages
→ All living costs (utilities, management fees, etc.) must be covered individually
→ Limited space may be uncomfortable for students with many belongings
●📗 Cost
→ Average 400,000–800,000 KRW per month (deposit required)
📌 Recommended for students who value independence and personal space
●●🟧 5. Villa
●📗 Features and Advantages
→ Low-rise residential buildings, smaller than standard apartments
→ Larger living space at a more affordable price compared to apartments
→ Suitable for families or groups of friends living together
●📗 Disadvantages
→ Quality of building management depends heavily on the landlord
→ Noise issues are relatively common
→ Older villas may require frequent maintenance or repairs
●📗 Cost
→ Average 500,000–1,000,000 KRW per month (deposit required)
📌 A good choice for students who want more space or plan to live with friends
●●🟧 6. Officetel (High-quality studio apartment)
●📗 Features and Advantages
→ Higher-quality facilities and easier management than standard one-rooms
→ Strong security with convenient facilities such as parking and elevators
→ Usually located in commercial areas with excellent transportation access
●📗 Disadvantages
→ Rent and management fees are relatively higher
→ Stricter building regulations may apply
●📗 Cost
→ Average 600,000–1,000,000 KRW per month (deposit required)
📌 Recommended for students who prefer modern facilities and convenience
●●🟧 7. Apartment
(Considered a premium housing option for students)
●📗 Features and Advantages
→ Spacious and comfortable, ideal for family living
→ Excellent security and professional management systems
→ Well-developed surroundings with shops, parks, and other amenities
●📗 Disadvantages
→ Higher rent and management fees compared to other housing types
→ May feel unnecessarily large for a single student
→ Contracts are usually long-term (2 years)
●📗 Cost
→ Average 800,000–1,500,000 KRW per month (large deposit required)
📌 Best suited for families moving together or groups of students planning long-term stays
●●🟧 Step 1: Finding the Right House
●📗 How to Search for Housing
→ Use real estate apps like Zigbang or Dabang to search by location, price, and size
→ Visit local real estate agencies, explain your preferences, and receive tailored recommendations
●📗 What to Check When Viewing a House
→ Surroundings (transportation, convenience stores, neighborhood safety, etc.)
→ Building condition and maintenance (cleanliness, heating/cooling, water, electricity, etc.)
→ Rental conditions such as monthly rent, management fees, deposit, and contract period
📌 The safest approach is to always visit the property in person and check its actual condition before signing a contract
●●🟧 Required Documents
for Renting a House in Korea
●📗 International students typically need a passport, an Alien Registration Card, and either a student ID or an admission letter to sign a rental contract
→ Most contracts are handled through real estate agencies, and a separate brokerage fee must be paid
→ Since contracts are usually written in Korean, it is safer for foreigners to use translation support or have a trusted organization (such as BP Korea) review the contract before signing
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-설악산 울산바위/김경수]
●●🟧 Important Notes on Deposits
●📗 Deposits should always be transferred from the tenant’s own bank account to the landlord’s bank account
→ Handing over cash directly leaves no official record and increases the risk of fraud
→ Both Jeonse and Wolse agreements can involve problems with deposit refunds (cases where landlords delay or refuse to return deposits), so careful attention is required
📌 Before signing, always verify the landlord’s identity and check the property registration certificate to confirm that you are dealing with the actual owner
●●🟧 Things to Check Before Moving In
●📗 Internet installation
→ In one-rooms, villas, officetels, and apartments, internet is often not pre-installed. After moving in, it may take about a week to get it connected
●📗 Included appliances
→ One-rooms and officetels often come furnished with essentials such as a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, and air conditioner
→ Villas and apartments usually do not include furniture or appliances, which can increase initial living expenses
●📗 Heating system
→ Always check whether the property uses individual heating (gas boiler) or central heating
→ Individual heating is generally cheaper because you can use it only when needed
●●🟧 Contract Periods in Korea
●📗 Standard housing contracts in Korea usually last for two years (which may feel long for international students)
→ Apartments, villas, and officetels typically require two-year contracts for both Jeonse and Wolse, with the option to renew under the same terms after expiration
●📗 One-rooms, goshiwons, and share houses offer more flexible terms
→ Goshiwon: Monthly contracts available
→ One-room: Typically 6 months to 1 year, with some allowing 3-month short-term contracts
→ Share house: Usually available in 3-month, 6-month, or 1-year contracts
→ Shorter contracts may come with slightly higher rent, but for international students adjusting to a new life, shorter terms are often safer due to uncertainties
●📗 Dormitories are contracted by semester (6 months), and additional applications are required to stay during vacation periods
📌 For students on a D-4 visa (language training), contracts of 3 months to 1 year are recommended rather than committing to long-term agreements
●●🟧 Practical Advice for International Students
●📗 Recommended housing path
→ For newcomers to Korea, dormitories or share houses are the most stable choices for initial adjustment
→ Once comfortable with daily life in Korea, moving to a one-room or officetel is often the best next step
●📗 Early contract termination
→ If a foreign student suddenly needs to return to their home country, penalties may apply. Always review the “early termination clause” before signing the contract
📌 Avoid offers that seem far below market value or those that charge foreigners unusually high rates. Always use a trusted real estate agency when signing contracts for safety
●●🟧 Prepare for Your Study Abroad in Korea
with BP Korea
●📗 To start your student life in Korea smoothly,
you need accurate visa procedures and reliable local support
💊 BP Korea provides various visa services through the official website
You can easily check the services, apply online, and make payments directly
👉 Official Website: https://bridgeplankorea.com/(◀ Click here to go directly)
→ If you have questions or need consultation, please send an email to visa@bridgeplankorea.com
We will reply quickly and give you full support
●●🟧 Related Guides for International Students
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/international-student-money-transfer-korea.html
●✅ Curious about dorm life and student housing? Read Part 2: Studying in Korea – Costs, Dorms, Majors, and Campus Culture
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/study-in-korea-costs-dorms-majors.html
📌 These guides will help you get ready for life and study in Korea — from managing costs to finding housing and understanding student life.
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-서울한강/전형준 ]