Finding housing in Korea isn’t just about the price — the type of accommodation you choose will affect your comfort, privacy, and lifestyle. Unlike some other countries, Korean housing has unique formats like goshiwons and officetels that might be unfamiliar to newcomers. Let’s break down the most common housing options and what makes them different.
🛏️ 1. Goshiwon (고시원)
A goshiwon is a small, single-room accommodation originally designed for students preparing for exams (goshi = exam).
- Size & Facilities: Very compact, usually 4–7m². Some rooms have private bathrooms, but in cheaper goshiwons, bathrooms are shared — which is less common in Korea compared to countries where shared bathrooms are standard in student dorms.
- What’s Included: Often comes with a bed, desk, internet, and sometimes free rice or kimchi in a shared kitchen.
- Price Range: 200,000–500,000 KRW per month.
- Who It’s For: Students, short-term residents, or those who want to save money.
👉 Compared to other countries, it’s like a student dorm but on a much smaller scale and often located in central city areas.
🏢 2. Officetel (오피스텔)
An officetel is a mix between an office and a residential studio.
- Size & Facilities: Typically larger than goshiwon, around 20–40m². Has a private bathroom, kitchenette, and sometimes building amenities (gym, security).
- What’s Included: Semi-furnished, with air-conditioning, fridge, and washing machine in many cases.
- Price Range: Rent starts around 500,000 KRW/month, deposit can be high.
- Who It’s For: Young professionals, couples, or foreigners wanting privacy and a modern space.
👉 Compared to Japan’s “one-room apartments” or Singapore’s serviced studios, officetels are similar but often in mixed-use buildings (offices downstairs, residences upstairs).
👥 3. Sharehouse (셰어하우스)
A sharehouse is a co-living arrangement where tenants rent a private room but share living spaces.
- Size & Facilities: Individual rooms with shared kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms. Usually modern and stylish.
- Price Range: 400,000–800,000 KRW/month depending on location and facilities.
- Who It’s For: Expats, young locals, or people looking to make friends.
👉 In Western countries, shared housing is common, but in Korea, it’s less traditional. Recently, however, co-living is growing in popularity, especially among young workers in Seoul.
🏘️ 4. Villas & Apartments (빌라 / 아파트)
These are more traditional housing types.
- Villa (빌라): Low-rise building, often without an elevator. Cheaper but may be older.
- Apartment (아파트): High-rise complexes with security, parking, and facilities. Expensive but comfortable.
- Price Range: Villas 400,000–800,000 KRW/month; Apartments often 1M KRW+ monthly rent or high deposit jeonse contracts.
👉 Compared to U.S. apartments, Korean complexes are highly standardized and often come with facilities like recycling centers, security guards, and community spaces.
🔑 Key Differences from Other Countries
- Bathrooms: In Korea, most people expect a private bathroom — sharing one (like in some goshiwons) feels unusual.
- Furniture: Korean rentals are usually semi-furnished, unlike many Western rentals that are completely empty.
- Contracts: Korea has unique jeonse (deposit-based) contracts, which differ from standard monthly rent in most countries.
- Community Living: Sharehouses are new to Korea, while in Western countries, shared flats are more common.
✅ Final Tip
When choosing a place:
- Think about your lifestyle (privacy vs. community).
- Be cautious about bathroom arrangements if you value privacy.
- Compare not just rent, but also deposit and included facilities.
Korea offers many unique housing options — understanding them will help you make the right choice for both budget and comfort.