How to Find an Apartment in South Korea: A Complete Guide 🏠🇰🇷

Finding a home in South Korea can be challenging, especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the local rental system. Whether you're a student, an expat, or moving for work, understanding the different types of housing and rental contracts will make your search much easier. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding an apartment in South Korea!

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1. Types of Housing in South Korea

🏢 Apartments (아파트, Apateu)

• High-rise buildings with modern facilities
• Suitable for families and long-term stays
• Higher rent, but often more spacious

🏠 Villas (빌라, Billa)

• Low-rise apartment buildings (3-5 floors)
• More affordable than high-rise apartments
• Common in residential areas outside the city center

🏡 Officetels (오피스텔, Opiseutel)

• Studio-style apartments with office and residential functions
• Convenient locations near business districts
• Great for single occupants or couples

🏠 Goshiwon (고시원) & Hasukjib (하숙집)

• Small, affordable rooms with shared facilities
• Popular among students and budget travelers
• Some include meals and free utilities

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2. Types of Rental Contracts

In South Korea, there are two main types of rental agreements:

1️⃣ Jeonse (전세) – Lump-Sum Deposit System

• Tenant pays a large deposit (usually 50-80% of the property value)
• No monthly rent, but utilities are paid separately
• The deposit is fully refunded at the end of the contract
• Good for long-term stays (2+ years) but requires a high initial investment

2️⃣ Wolse (월세) – Monthly Rent System

• Tenant pays a smaller deposit and a fixed monthly rent
• Deposit amount affects the monthly rent (higher deposit = lower rent)
• More common among foreigners and short-term residents

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3. How to Search for an Apartment in Korea

🏠 Online Platforms

Several websites and apps can help you find rental listings in Korea:

• Zigbang (직방) – Popular for finding officetels and apartments
• Dabang (다방) – Offers rental listings with virtual tours
• Naver Real Estate (네이버 부동산) – Comprehensive property listings
• Craigslist Seoul – Occasionally has rental options for foreigners

🏢 Using a Real Estate Agent (부동산, Budongsan)

• Agents help navigate rental contracts and find suitable places
• The service fee is usually 0.3-0.8% of the deposit or one month’s rent
• Recommended for first-time renters unfamiliar with Korean contracts

📌 Facebook & Expat Communities

Many expats find housing through Facebook groups like:

• “Seoul Housing & Apartments”
• “Expat Apartments in Korea”

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4. Average Rent Prices in Major Cities

💰 Seoul (서울)

• Officetel (Studio): ₩500,000 – ₩1,500,000/month
• Apartment (2-3 rooms): ₩1,500,000 – ₩3,500,000/month

💰 Busan (부산)

• Officetel: ₩400,000 – ₩1,000,000/month
• Apartment: ₩1,200,000 – ₩2,500,000/month

💰 Daegu (대구) & Other Cities

• Officetel: ₩300,000 – ₩800,000/month
• Apartment: ₩800,000 – ₩2,000,000/month

🔹 Jeonse deposits can range from ₩50 million to ₩1 billion, depending on the location and apartment size.

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5. Things to Check Before Signing a Lease

✅ Check the Contract Terms – Ensure deposit, rent, and lease duration are correct.
✅ Confirm Maintenance Fees – Some buildings have high monthly maintenance costs.
✅ Inspect the Apartment – Look for mold, plumbing issues, and security.
✅ Understand Deposit Refund Rules – Landlords should return your deposit at the end of the lease.

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Conclusion

Finding an apartment in South Korea can be overwhelming, but knowing the rental system and where to look will make the process much smoother. Whether you prefer a high-rise apartment, a cozy officetel, or a budget-friendly goshiwon, there are plenty of options available!

🔹 Are you moving to Korea? Let us know in the comments if you have any questions! 😊