Housing in Korea: A Guide for Foreign Residents

For foreigners planning to stay in Korea for study, work, or long-term living, housing options, structures, rental systems, and costs are among the most important concerns. Korea’s housing culture has developed around modern apartments but also includes villas, officetels, one-room studios, detached houses, and even traditional hanok houses. Let’s take a closer look. 

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1. Main Housing Types in Korea

1. Apartments

   • The most common housing option in Korea.

   • Usually high-rise buildings with facilities such as parking lots, playgrounds, gyms, and security offices.

   • Popular among families and professionals due to convenience and safety.

2. Officetels

   • A mix of office and residential space, usually located in city centers.

   • Compact but convenient, ideal for single residents or foreigners working in urban areas.

3. Villas

   • Low-rise residential buildings (3–5 floors).

   • More affordable than apartments, often with limited parking.

   • Newly built villas often come in one- or two-bedroom layouts, attractive to young tenants.

4. One-room & Goshiwon

   • Affordable options for students, short-term residents, or those on a budget.

   • One-rooms are small studios with private bathrooms and kitchens, while goshiwon are very compact with shared kitchens and laundry areas.

5. Detached Houses

   • Stand-alone homes, more common in suburban or rural areas than in cities.

   • Often include parking and yard space, suitable for families or those who prefer quiet environments.

   • Recently, modern detached houses and renovated hanok-style homes have become popular among foreigners seeking unique experiences.

6. Hanok (Traditional Houses)

   • Wooden structures with tiled roofs and courtyards, featuring Korea’s traditional ondol floor heating.

   • Many hanok are now used as guesthouses or cultural accommodations.

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2. Structure and Lifestyle Customs

• Ondol Heating: Korea’s unique floor heating system that keeps homes warm during cold winters.

• Shoes Off Indoors: A key cultural rule—shoes are left at the entrance, and houses have built-in shoe cabinets.

• Balconies: Common in apartments, used for laundry, storage, or extending living space.

• Furnished Homes: Most rental properties come with appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.

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3. Housing Preferences of Koreans

• Transportation Access: Proximity to subway stations is highly valued.

• Education: Families prefer areas with good schools, even at higher prices.

• New or Renovated Properties: Modern facilities and interiors are preferred.

• Safety & Amenities: CCTV, security guards, and community facilities raise housing demand.

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4. Rental Systems and Prices

Korea has unique rental systems that foreigners should understand:

1. Jeonse (Key Money Lease)

   • A lump-sum deposit (often 50–70% of the property value) paid to the landlord.

   • No monthly rent is required, and the deposit is returned at the end of the contract.

   • Unique to Korea, but often difficult for foreigners due to the high upfront cost.

2. Wolse (Monthly Rent)

   • A deposit plus monthly payments, the most common option for foreigners.

3. Ban-jeonse (Mixed System)

   • A middle ground between jeonse and wolse, with a higher deposit and lower monthly rent.

4. Example Prices (Seoul)

   • One-room: Deposit 5–10 million KRW / Rent 400,000–700,000 KRW per month

   • Officetel: Deposit 10–30 million KRW / Rent 600,000–1,000,000 KRW per month

   • Apartment (Jeonse): 300 million KRW or more, with monthly rent equivalents over 1.5 million KRW

   • Detached houses: Cheaper outside Seoul, but vary widely by location and size

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5. Tips for Foreign Residents

• Use a licensed realtor (공인중개사) when signing contracts.

• Ask for English-friendly services or bring a translator to avoid misunderstandings.

• To save costs, consider dormitories, share houses, or goshiwon for short-term stays.

• For a cultural experience, try renting or staying in a hanok.

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Conclusion

Korea’s housing culture is a blend of modern apartment living and traditional customs such as ondol heating and removing shoes indoors. While the jeonse rental system may be unfamiliar, options like officetels, villas, and one-rooms make it easier for foreigners to find suitable housing. Whether you prefer the convenience of city apartments or the charm of a traditional hanok, Korea offers diverse choices to match your lifestyle and budget.