Accommodation in South Korea: Costs, Best Areas, and Student Housing Guide

Planning to move to South Korea for studies or work? Finding the right accommodation in South Korea? Seoul is the top choice for many, but cities like Busan and Incheon offer affordable housing with great student and professional networks.

This guide is for:

• Students searching for student housing options in South Korea
• Expats and young professionals planning to rent apartments
• Families relocating and exploring best cities to live in South Korea for expats

Inside, you’ll find:

• How the Jeonse and Wolse systems impact rent
• Average rent in Seoul for international students and expats
• Monthly rent trends in Busan, Incheon, and other affordable cities
• Tips on renting a goshiwon in South Korea or finding furnished apartments
• How to move smart with our moving to South Korea housing guide for students and expats

Use this blog to plan smart — whether you’re booking a dormitory, a furnished studio, or a short-term rental before you move.

Before you plan your accommodation, explore these options:

– Find your ideal Bachelor’s Program Abroad or Master’s Program Abroad based on your career goals.

Between 2013 and 2024, South Korea’s Rent Price Index steadily rose, reaching 108.4 in 2024 — reflecting a decade of consistent rental growth.

Average Accommodation Costs in South Korea (2025)

Group	Average Monthly Rent (KRW)
Students	KRW 400,000 – KRW 800,000 (₹25,000 – ₹50,000)
Working Professionals	KRW 700,000 – KRW 1,500,000 (₹43,000 – ₹92,000)
Families	KRW 1,500,000 – KRW 3,000,000 (₹92,000 – ₹1.83 lakh)

Rent and living expenses in South Korea can vary by city. Get all the details in this Cost of Living in South Korea guide.

Student Accommodation in South Korea: Options, Costs, and Popular Cities

Where you live can change how easy or hard your first year feels. Accommodation in South Korea gives students many choices—dorms, goshiwons, studios—but knowing the real costs early can save you from last-minute stress.

Are you wondering how much the average rent in Seoul for international students is?

Or trying to pick between a university dormitory and a private studio?

Here’s everything you should know before booking your first home.

Main Student Housing Options in South Korea

Housing Type	What You Get	Average Monthly Rent
University Dormitory	Shared/private rooms, Wi-Fi, utilities included, near campus	₩200,000–₩500,000 (₹12,500–₹31,000)
Goshiwon	Tiny private room, shared kitchen/bathrooms, flexible stay	₩300,000–₩600,000 (₹18,700–₹37,400)
Shared Apartment (Hasukjib)	Private bedroom, shared kitchen/living, split bills	₩400,000–₩800,000 (₹25,000–₹50,000)
Private Studio (One-Room)	Complete privacy, kitchen, bathroom, bigger space	₩500,000–₩1,000,000 (₹31,000–₹62,500)

• Student housing options in South Korea work for every budget, but Seoul remains the most expensive.
• Renting a goshiwon in South Korea suits short stays or students on tight budgets.
• Private studios fit students who want full independence and fewer roommates.

Studying abroad opens new opportunities for career growth and cultural exposure. Here's why it’s worth it: Advantages of Studying Abroad.

Wondering how to manage costs better? Explore ways to Study Abroad for Free.

Top Student Cities and Rent Expectations in South Korea

Living costs vary sharply between cities.
If you plan smartly, you can save on rent and daily expenses.

City	Why Students Choose It	Average Rent (Monthly)
Seoul	Best universities, fast city life, higher rents	₩600,000–₩1,000,000 (₹37,000–₹62,000)
Busan	Coastal lifestyle, cheaper housing, student-friendly	₩400,000–₩700,000 (₹25,000–₹43,500)
Daegu	Low living costs, smaller student communities	₩350,000–₩600,000 (₹22,000–₹37,500)

• Monthly rent in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon looks very different—budget carefully based on where your university is located.
• Affordable cities for students to live in South Korea like Daegu and Daejeon stretch your money further.

Dormitory vs Private Housing in South Korea: What Fits You?

Deciding between a university dormitory and private rentals in South Korea depends on what you need most—affordability or freedom.

Factor	Dormitories	Private Studios
Cost	Lower, often includes Wi-Fi/utilities	Higher, pay bills separately
Flexibility	Tied to university semesters	Choose lease terms, renew easily
Privacy	Shared facilities, less personal space	Full privacy, your own routine
Community	Meet classmates easily	Quiet, independent living

• If you're moving for the first time, university dormitories vs one-room studios in South Korea decision matters.
• Dorms help you settle faster. Private studios give you your own space but stretch your budget.

Best Websites and Apps to Find Housing in South Korea

If you want to find good housing fast, these trusted platforms help:

• Gosiwon.kr – Best for affordable goshiwon searches
• Zigbang, Dabang – Popular apps to find studios and shared rooms
• University Housing Portals – Apply early for dormitories through your university
• Facebook Housing Groups – Good for last-minute private rentals (but double-check listings)

How to find affordable accommodation in South Korea? Start at least 5–6 months early. Dorms and cheaper studios near universities get snapped up quickly.

If you're planning to apply to Korean universities, here’s everything you need to know about Studying in South Korea.

Thinking about both short courses and full degrees? Explore your options with this overview of Study in Korea.

Accommodation in South Korea for Working Professionals: Where to Live and What to Expect 

Accommodation in South Korea for working professionals ranges from modern officetels to cozy shared flats, depending on your lifestyle and budget.

If you’re wondering how the lease system works or where professionals usually stay, here’s a simple breakdown.

Housing Needs for Young Professionals and Expats in South Korea

Unlike students, most professionals look for privacy, good Wi-Fi, and fast access to their office districts.

Furnished apartments for rent in Seoul are common but costlier near business hubs like Gangnam or Yeouido.

Typical rental expectations for working professionals:

Housing Type	Features	Average Monthly Rent
Officetels (Studio Apartments)	Fully furnished, kitchen, private bathroom	₩600,000–₩1,200,000 (₹37,000–₹74,000)
Regular Apartments (2–3 Rooms)	Unfurnished or semi-furnished, family-friendly	₩800,000–₩2,000,000 (₹49,000–₹1.24 lakh)
Shared Flats	Private bedroom, shared living spaces	₩400,000–₩800,000 (₹25,000–₹49,000)

• Furnished apartments for rent in South Korea save you moving costs but add to monthly rent.
• Shared flats work better for new expats adjusting to life in the country.

Best Cities for Professionals to Live in South Korea

City choice shapes your daily life, your budget, and your career opportunities.

City	Why Professionals Choose It	Rent Range
Seoul	Top jobs, business hubs, vibrant expat life	₩700,000–₩2,000,000
Incheon	Affordable, close to airport, tech hubs growing	₩500,000–₩1,200,000
Daejeon	Quiet, science and tech industries, better value	₩450,000–₩1,000,000

• Best cities to live in South Korea for expats like Incheon and Daejeon offer a calmer lifestyle than busy Seoul.
• Monthly rent in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon varies, but proximity to metro stations adds to costs everywhere.

Lease Options in South Korea: Jeonse vs Wolse

If you’re renting an apartment in South Korea as an expat, expect two types of rental agreements:

Lease Type	How It Works	Who It Suits
Jeonse	Huge deposit (50–80% of property value), no monthly rent	Professionals with savings looking for long-term stays
Wolse	Small deposit + monthly rent payment	Most common for young professionals, easy setup

• Guide to deposit and jeonse rental system South Korea tip: Jeonse needs huge upfront cash. Wolse is easier for newcomers.

Always check if utility bills are included before signing.

How the Rental Process Works for Foreign Workers in South Korea

Here’s what to expect when house-hunting:

• Step 1: Hire an expat-friendly real estate agent or use apps like Zigbang, Dabang.
• Step 2: Show proof of employment or valid visa (E-7, D-2, D-8 visas accepted).
• Step 3: Pay security deposit and first month’s rent (or full Jeonse deposit if applicable).
• Step 4: Sign lease contract—ask for English translation if needed.
• Step 5: Register your address at the local community center (gu-office).

Renting an apartment in South Korea without a guarantor is possible in officetels and short-term leases, but private apartment landlords often ask for local cosigners.

Family Housing in South Korea: Space, Schools, and Suburbs

Accommodation in South Korea for families covers everything from modern apartments to spacious villas, depending on where you want to settle and how much you plan to spend.

If you’re wondering where expat families usually live and what costs to expect, here’s a clear guide.

Housing Options for Families in South Korea

Family accommodation types vary depending on your needs for space, privacy, and daily convenience.

Housing Type	Features	Average Monthly Rent
Family Apartments (Apt Complexes)	Secure, near schools, playgrounds inside complex	₩1,500,000–₩3,000,000 (₹92,000–₹1.84 lakh)
Villas (Low-Rise Apartments)	Larger floor plans, private entry, fewer amenities	₩1,200,000–₩2,500,000 (₹73,000–₹1.54 lakh)
Detached Houses	Standalone homes, bigger yards, rare in cities	₩2,500,000–₩5,000,000 (₹1.54 lakh–₹3.08 lakh)

• Villas give families a quieter lifestyle compared to large apartment towers.
• Family apartments in Seoul offer access to parks, playgrounds, and community events.

Best Neighborhoods for Families in South Korea

Picking the right suburb shapes your daily life and your kids' schooling.

City	Top Family Areas	Why Families Choose Them
Seoul (South)	Bundang, Pangyo	Top international schools, new parks, safer neighborhoods
Incheon	Songdo	Clean, green city, top-ranked English-speaking schools
Seoul (Central/West)	Hannam, Itaewon	International vibe, near embassies, English clinics

• Best cities to live in South Korea for expats with families often include Bundang and Songdo for their modern planning and strong schooling networks.
• Expat-friendly areas in Seoul and Busan give you a mix of bilingual facilities, international grocery stores, and community centers.

Things Families Should Check in South Korea

Family accommodation in South Korea needs a different checklist compared to solo renters.

Factor	Why It Matters
School Proximity	Saves travel time; popular areas fill up faster
Parks and Playgrounds	Essential for younger kids' daily activities
Hospitals and Clinics	English-speaking pediatric care important for expat families
Safety and Community Events	Family-friendly zones often host festivals, local gatherings
Commute to Office	Less than 45 minutes keeps work-life balance manageable

• Housing options for English-speaking expats in South Korea usually cluster near international schools and expat hubs.
• Public transport links matter if your kids are older and will commute independently.

Average Family Rental Costs by Area in South Korea

If you’re budgeting for a 2–4 bedroom home, here’s what typical rents look like:

City/Suburb	Typical Rent (Monthly)
Bundang (Seongnam)	₩1,800,000–₩2,800,000 (₹1.10 lakh–₹1.71 lakh)
Pangyo (Seongnam)	₩2,000,000–₩3,500,000 (₹1.22 lakh–₹2.13 lakh)
Songdo (Incheon)	₩1,500,000–₩2,500,000 (₹92,000–₹1.54 lakh)
Hannam (Seoul)	₩3,000,000–₩5,000,000 (₹1.84 lakh–₹3.08 lakh)

• Monthly rent in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon for families is higher near city centers but suburbs give more value and better community facilities.
• Furnished apartments for rent in South Korea are available but expect higher costs compared to unfurnished units.

South Korea consistently ranks high among the Best Education Systems in the World.

Tips for Finding the Right Accommodation in South Korea

The rental system in South Korea can feel very different when you first arrive.

Accommodation in South Korea follows two common models: Jeonse (a big deposit, low or no monthly rent) and Wolse (a small deposit, monthly rent).

Knowing such basics before you start your search helps you save money and avoid stress.

Do’s and Don’ts of Finding the Right Accommodation in South Korea

Do’s	Why It Matters
Use licensed real estate agents (부동산)	Official agents handle Jeonse and Wolse safely and legally.
Check your lease terms fully	Jeonse and Wolse work differently; confirm your total cost early.
Visit neighborhoods personally	Distance to metro, noise, and shops affect your daily life.
Insist on written contracts	Written agreements protect you from last-minute changes.

Don’ts	Why It Matters
Pay deposits without a contract	Always secure legal paperwork before paying.
Rely only on online listings	Photos often miss key details like noise, smell, or poor maintenance.
Skip comparing two or three options	Apartments in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon vary sharply in cost and quality.

Tip:

How to find affordable accommodation in South Korea often starts with university housing boards, trusted apps like Zigbang, and direct agent visits. Early applications save you the most money.

How upGrad Abroad Assists Students and Expats Heading to South Korea

upGrad Abroad gives you the tools and knowledge you need for a smooth move.

Here’s how we support your accommodation search:

• Guides on housing options: Understand student housing options in South Korea.
• Personalized advice: Learn about the cost of living in South Korea for students 2025 and how to plan smartly.
• Verified listings: Discover trusted platforms for renting a goshiwon in South Korea or a studio without a guarantor.
• University support: Get direct help with early dorm applications through South Korea’s top universities.

Explore free resources or book a counseling session today to get expert housing support before you move.

If you need help planning your move to South Korea, book a free counseling session today.

You can also explore free short courses to build skills that will help you settle in faster.

Is Accommodation in South Korea Affordable for International Students and Expats?

Accommodation costs in South Korea depend on the city, the lease type, and how early you book.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Advantages	Challenges
Goshiwons and dormitories are affordable choices for students	Private apartments in Seoul cost much higher monthly
Public transport allows cheaper suburbs to stay practical	Jeonse deposits can feel very heavy without early planning
Cities like Daegu and Daejeon offer cheaper alternatives	Early lease applications matter if you want good locations

Verdict:

Accommodation in South Korea stays manageable if you apply 5–6 months early, understand lease options, and stay flexible with location.