What It’s Like Living in a Goshiwon as a Foreigner (Read This Before You Book)
Whether you are going on an exchange program, language study, work, or a working holiday trip, planning a trip to South Korea is indeed exciting. But one question soon surfaces: Where to stay?
Many foreigners express their surprise at finding themselves in a goshiwon that first night. Typically, a goshiwon room hardly measures larger than the single bed inside. Most standard suitcases could barely open up inside without hitting both walls. And yet, each year, these little spaces become home to thousands of international visitors to Seoul.
So, for those considering living in a goshiwon during their time in Korea, itis essential to understand the absolute, unfiltered truth of what life is like there.
What Exactly Is a Goshiwon?
A goshiwon (고시원) was initially meant for Korean students preparing for national examinations such as the bar or civil service tests. These students required cheap environments that were free from outside disturbances for studying for many months or sometimes years. Nowadays, goshiwons are embraced by foreigners who are looking for inexpensive accommodation in pricey cities across Korea.
They are especially common in university areas. Think of it as a micro-studio: a private room typically measuring between 3-8 square meters (yes, that small) with basic furnishings. Most include:
- A single bed (sometimes a bunk bed in larger rooms)
- A small desk and chair.
- Mini-refrigerator.
- Air conditioning unit.
- Shared bathroom and kitchen facilities (though some premium options include private bathrooms)
The Brutal Truth About Goshiwon Living
The Size Will Shock You
Most visitors find it quite unexpected how small these rooms are. Many visitors report that if they stretch out their arms, they can simultaneously touch the opposite walls. People above 6 feet, perhaps a little taller, may find it difficult to lie comfortably on the bed. That is not an exaggeration; it is reality.
The Community Experience Varies Wildly
The experience of goshiwon varies with the management of the building as well as the fellow residents. Some sites are friendlier with shared dinners and movie nights, whereas other goshiwons can feel a little like isolated cells because residents hardly see their neighbors.
Most of them have a mix of Koreans and foreigners in them. Some other goshiwons are oriented toward international residents that have English-speaking staff. In contrast, most of the other goshiwons are populated primarily with Korean students or workers.
The Hidden Perks Few Talk About
Although small, many goshiwons provide their guests with free rice, kimchi, and occasionally ramen. For a budget-oriented person, it might save considerable costs in the long run.
Most goshiwons also have laundry, WiFi, and utilities included in the monthly rent. Some goshiwons even offer common area cleaning every week.
What You’ll Pay
The price range for goshiwons varies dramatically based on location, size, and amenities:
- Basic goshiwons: ₩250,000-350,000/month ($200-280)
- Mid-range options: ₩350,000-500,000/month ($280-400)
- Premium goshiwons: ₩500,000-700,000/month ($400-560)
Most goshiwons require a deposit (usually one month’s rent) plus the first month’s payment upfront. Unlike typical Korean housing that demands massive key money deposits (jeonse), goshiwons remain accessible to foreigners on limited budgets.
The Neighborhood Makes All the Difference
The goshiwon experience varies dramatically depending on its location. Here’s what prospective residents should know about popular areas:
- Sinchon/Hongdae: Vibrant university districts with excellent nightlife, shopping, and transportation. Goshiwons here tend to house many international students and young professionals. Expect slightly higher prices but better social opportunities.
- Gangnam: Korea’s most famous district offers upscale goshiwons with better facilities but at premium prices. The area provides excellent shopping, dining, and networking opportunities, but can feel impersonal.
- Jongno/Hyehwa: These central districts offer good value with proximity to historic sites and Seoul’s business center. Many goshiwons here cater to students preparing for civil service exams, creating a more studious atmosphere.
Need personalized advice on finding the perfect goshiwon?
Our team at Stay Korea specializes in matching foreigners with their ideal accommodation based on budget, location preferences, and lifestyle needs.
Daily Life in a Goshiwon
Living in a goshiwon requires adjusting daily habits. Here’s what a typical day might look like:
- Morning: Residents typically wake to the sounds of others preparing for their day. Shared bathrooms mean timing showers strategically to avoid waiting.
- Daytime: Most residents leave during the day for work, school, or exploration. Rooms feel most spacious when they’re empty.
- Evening: Common areas become busy as residents return. The shared kitchen might have wait times during peak dinner hours (usually 6–8 pm).
- Night: Paper-thin walls mean neighbors’ conversations, phone calls, and sometimes snoring are audible. Quality earplugs become essential for light sleepers.
Making Friends vs. Finding Privacy
Many goshiwons have communal kitchens and host events for residents to bond. Others are further removed from that scheme of things, operating like hotels for residents who maintain their living arrangements. There is nothing superior about either one or the other- it is strictly dependent on individual preference.
The Cultural Adjustment
Every goshiwon has unwritten cultural norms that foreigners must navigate:
- Noise sensitivity: Koreans typically expect quieter living environments than many Westerners are accustomed to. Even normal conversation volumes can draw complaints.
- Cleanliness standards: Most goshiwons have strict expectations about keeping common areas spotless. This includes immediately washing dishes after use and cleaning bathroom surfaces after showering.
- Food etiquette: Strong-smelling foods might draw complaints. Many foreigners learn this the hard way after cooking their homeland’s cuisine.
- Shoe removal: Always remove shoes before entering rooms or common areas. This non-negotiable rule reflects Korean homes’ cleanliness standards.
Internet and Connectivity
The speed of internet services in South Korea surpasses that of other nations, and most goshiwons offer free WiFi facilities. The quality can greatly vary by building, though, with some choosing to provide dedicated high-speed internet connections to rooms. In contrast, others use a network that is shared and slowed down during peak times.
This setup consideration becomes paramount for telecommuting workers and digital nomads who must inquire about internet speeds, reliability, and whether a connection is dedicated or shared before making a booking.
What to Watch For
An electronic door lock or key card accesses the room. Most goshiwon entrances and public areas are covered by a network of cameras. The security standards vary, nevertheless. For example, budget goshiwons might offer only minimal measures. In contrast, high-end goshiwons will have a front desk available 24 hours a day and all-around surveillance.
Women-only goshiwons would be another option for solo female travelers. Such types, typically popular, are usually stricter with entry requirements while offering extra security and comfort to female travelers.
Bathroom Situations – The Make-or-Break Factor!
Nothing impacts goshiwon satisfaction more than the bathroom situation. Residents encounter three standard setups:
- Shared floor bathrooms: Multiple residents share communal bathroom facilities on each floor. These typically include 2-4 toilet stalls and shower booths per floor.
- Semi-private bathrooms: Two adjacent rooms share a single bathroom accessible from both sides. This arrangement offers more privacy but requires coordination with bathroom-mates.
- Private bathrooms: Some premium goshiwons include tiny en-suite bathrooms within each room. While convenient, these micro-bathrooms often feature a “shower toilet” combination where the entire bathroom doubles as a shower stall.
The shared bathroom experience generates the most complaints from foreign residents. Cultural differences in bathroom use (including disagreements in cleaning expectations) create friction. Before booking, it is essential to ask detailed questions about the bathroom situation and cleaning schedules.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose a Goshiwon?
Goshiwons are ideal for:
- Solo travelers on tight budgets.
- Short-term visitors (1-6 months).
- Minimalists are comfortable with limited space.
- Students or workers spending minimal time at home.
- Those prioritizing location over living space.
Goshiwons are NOT recommended for:
- Couples or families.
- Those working from home full-time.
- People with claustrophobia.
- Light sleepers are sensitive to noise.
- Those requiring significant kitchen facilities.
- Anyone bringing large amounts of luggage.
How to Book a Goshiwon That Won’t Disappoint
Finding a decent goshiwon can take time, so consider visiting the area for some local help. Most owners of goshiwons do not speak English, and the better places seldom advertise globally.
Working with specialized services like Stay Korea removes all those hurdles. Our pre-managed accommodations, honest assessments, and helpful move-in support make the whole process much easier for clients.
In Conclusion
Goshiwon presents to society the purest taste of city life, which hotels and Airbnb cannot bring. For the budget-minded traveler, they offer the best deal, assuming the understanding is correct about being a resident here.
For many, cramped room space, with shared amenities, and the roar from somewhere outside may seem like harsh compromises. But it is liveably affordable in some of the best locations that would be otherwise unavailable to most foreign visitors.
For thousands who come every year to Korea, a goshiwon has now not just housing but a very core part of the experience of Korea, with all its challenges and unexpected delights.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Korean Accommodation?
Whether leaning toward a goshiwon, share house, or studio apartment, finding the right place makes all the difference in the Korean experience. Stay Korea specializes in helping foreigners navigate Korea’s unique housing market.