The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Long-Term Housing Options in Korea for Foreigners
Seoul & Capital Area – Real Experience, Trends, and Stay Korea Insights
Finding a stable, affordable, and comfortable home is the top priority for foreigners preparing for mid- to long-term stays in Korea. In the capital region, the variety of housing types—even among seemingly similar names—can dramatically affect your living experience, budget, and convenience. Below is a comprehensive and in-depth overview of seven major housing types, with particular emphasis on Goshiwon (plus Goshitel and One-roomtel), now evolving beyond their cheap-and-simple roots, plus coliving houses, studios, officetels, share and guest houses, and apartments.
1. Goshiwon, Goshitel, One-roomtel – From Budget Minimalism to Premium Mini-Apartments
Goshiwon (classic, Goshitel, One-roomtel) is Korea’s unique micro-housing solution, traditionally appealing to budget-conscious students and newcomers. But recently, these options have evolved dramatically:
Classic Goshiwon:
Smallest rooms (6–9㎡), with shared bathrooms, showers, and kitchens. Basic furnishings (bed, desk, closet), rent around ₩200,000–400,000/month, usually no deposit. Immediate move-in, super-flexible short contracts.Goshitel:
Larger rooms (9–12㎡), often with private bathroom/shower; enhanced cleanliness, noise proofing, and sometimes a staffed management office. Rents ₩350,000–600,000/month.One-roomtel/Premium Goshiwon:
Almost indistinguishable from “one-room studios” in structure: private ensuite, mini-kitchen, washing machine, modern interiors with TV, Wi-Fi, often soundproofing. Rents ₩500,000–800,000/month (depending on location and options). Marketed as Goshiwon due to legal categorization, but function as de facto studios.
TIP: Always check the specific room options—some “Goshiwon” are, in effect, completely private studios. Review photos and details, not just the property name.
All the accommodations in the photos can be booked through Stay Korea. Feel free to contact us!
Advantages:
Rapid move-in (1–3 days), minimal deposit, month-to-month flexibility
Free basic meals (rice, ramen, kimchi) in many places, near university districts and transport
Premium and one-roomtel tiers offer near-total privacy, hygiene, and modern amenities
Disadvantages:
Classic/old Goshiwon: poor sound/air quality, small rooms, basic shared facilities
Higher-end Goshitel/One-roomtel can cost nearly the same as regular studios
Visitor and guest restrictions, public facilities may not suit everyone
Who is it for?
Anyone on a tight budget (under ₩1,000,000/month)
Exchange students, first-time expats, short-to-medium termers who value flexibility
Those seeking a wide range of options from minimalist classic all the way to self-contained premium mini-apartments
2. Coliving Houses – Social Community + Privacy
Coliving houses have gained enormous popularity as a new living concept among single expats, digital nomads, and local young professionals.
Structure: Private bedroom, expansive shared areas (kitchen, living room, lounge, sometimes gym, cinema, or coworking space)
Contracts: Short & Long terms (1–3 months+), deposits ₩1,000,000–2,000,000 , rent ₩1,000,000–2,000,000/month depending on location/brand/amenities
Community: Organized companies manage tenants from all backgrounds, hold social events/parties/language exchanges, and offer smart security and professional cleaning
All the accommodations in the photos can be booked through Stay Korea. Feel free to contact us!
Advantages:
Top-tier management, 1:1 personal space plus active social life
Deposits and paperwork far lighter than classic apartments
Many options with global tenants and English-speaking staff
Disadvantages:
Rents can be higher than basic studios; waitlists for prime locations
Adjusting to communal life (cleaning, noise, privacy) is a must
Who is it for?
Sociable students, working professionals, anyone who enjoys networking
Those who want modern, flexible, amenity-rich accommodation in Seoul
3. Studio (One-room) – The Standard for Independent Living
Studio apartments (원룸) are the staple for singles who want a private, self-contained living space:
Layout: Bedroom, kitchen, bathroom in one unit (20–35㎡)
Financials: Deposit ₩5-10 million; rent ₩400,000–900,000/month, additional utilities
Other: Fully furnished options common; can register address, suitable for long-term visa/status
All the accommodations in the photos can be booked through Stay Korea. Feel free to contact us!
Advantages:
Maximum privacy; total control of cleanliness, visitors, furnishing
Central locations, good access to shopping, transport, universities
Full legal protection under Korea’s Lease Act (with long contracts)
Disadvantages:
Higher initial deposit
Quality varies—always check photos, visit, and confirm manager/language support
Who is it for?
Long-term solo expats, digital nomads, professionals
Those who want the classic “Korean urban living” experience
4. Officetel (Studio-type) – Modern, Premium, Full Service
Officetels are high-end studio-type apartments equipped with premium amenities:
Rent: ₩1,000,000–2,000,000/month; Deposit ₩ ₩1,000,000–2,000,000 or none
Features: Built-in appliances, soundproofing, security, private gym/lounge/concierge, frequent cleaning
Location: New high-rises in business and trendy districts, excellent transport
Who is it for?
Expats on long-term/assignment, professionals prioritizing safety and modern comfort
Those wanting to combine home and office in one place
All the accommodations in the photos can be booked through Stay Korea. Feel free to contact us!
5. Share Houses – Affordability Meets Social Life
Similar to coliving but usually smaller (4–10 tenants), share houses combine private bedrooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms.
Rent: ₩600,000–800,000/month, low deposit
Perks: Social network, global tenant mix, flexible contracts
Drawbacks: Less privacy, shared cleaning responsibilities
All the accommodations in the photos can be booked through Stay Korea. Feel free to contact us!
6. Guest House – Low-commitment, for the Flexible and Short-Stayers
Guest houses suit travelers and recently arrived expats—short stays, social, simple:
Rent: ₩20,000–50,000/night (weekly/monthly discounts often available)
Type: Dorms/private rooms, shared kitchen, lounge, laundry
Fits: English teachers, backpackers, freelancers, students before finding long-term housing
All the accommodations in the photos can be booked through Stay Korea. Feel free to contact us!
7. Apartment (Including Villa Types) – Spacious, Stable, and Family-Ready
Classic apartments (including villas, multiplexes) offer maximum long-term security for families and professionals:
Size: Multiple bedrooms, living room, kitchen, sizable square footage
Cost: Deposit ₩50–200 million; rent ₩1–3 million/month; long-term contracts standard
Features: Security, elevators, parking, community amenities
Drawbacks:
More paperwork, deposits, and possible language barriers
Legal paperwork can be complex—using a foreigner-specialized agency is wise
Comparative Table
| Type | Monthly Rent | Deposit | Structure/Features | Privacy | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Goshiwon | ₩200–400K | ₩0–300K | Shared bath, tiny room | Medium | Cheap, instant, easy |
| Goshitel | ₩350–600K | ₩0–500K | Private bath, larger room | Medium | Cleaner, more privacy |
| One-roomtel/Premium | ₩500–800K | ₩0–1M | Private bath/kitchen/WM | High | Like studios, new |
| Coliving House | ₩1,000–2,000K | ₩1,000–2,000K | Private bed + shared area | Med-High | Social, flexible Com. |
| Studio (One-room) | ₩400–900K | ₩1,000K–10M | All private, full option | High | Fully independent |
| Officetel | ₩700–1,500K | ₩10–30M | New, security, gym | Highest | Premium, safe, modern |
| Share House | ₩350–700K | ₩0–1M | Private bed + shared bath | Medium | Cheap, sociable |
| Guest House | ₩20–50K/night | None | Dorm/private, communal | Low | Flexible, short stay |
| Apartment/Villa | ₩1–3M | ₩50–200M | Multi-bed, living room | Highest | Space, stability |
Stay Korea Tips
Many “Goshiwon” today are actually one-roomtels (private bath/kitchen) in disguise—always check the actual facilities, not just the category name.
Coliving offers a blend of community, low deposits, and flexible contracts: great for social, modern expats.
Studios and officetels provide independence, comfort, and security, but require higher upfront costs.
Share and guest houses suit sociable and flexible short- or mid-term stays.
Apartments are better for families, long-termers, or those needing maximum privacy, though contracts are more complex.
Want a personalized, verified listing that matches your needs, budget, and lifestyle?
Use Stay Korea’s 1:1 English/Chinese real-estate matching and counseling service—for safe, fast, and realistic housing in Seoul and the capital area.
Still unsure? Submit your preferred housing type, location, budget, and period—Stay Korea will connect you with the right home and expert local advice right away.
Looking for accommodation in Seoul?
Start with Stay Korea
Fill Out the Form Below to Get Started
The more info you share, the better we can match you!