What are the different types of accommodation in Korea, and how do I book them?

Korea has diverse accommodation options for short and long stays, each with distinct pricing and processes. For short stays (under 30 nights): Airbnb is the most foreigner-friendly with English booking, ratings, and host communication. Stayfolio specializes in design-focused boutique stays. Mr. Mansion offers serviced studios. Major hotels like Lotte, Shilla, and international chains accept all foreign cards.

For mid-term (1 to 6 months) without big deposits: Goshiwons (고시원) are the cheapest at 350,000 to 600,000 won/month with no deposit required, just a tiny private room (2 to 4m²) with shared kitchen and bathroom, common near universities. Sharehouses like Borderless House, Comeinn, Woozoo, and Gulbom offer private rooms in shared apartments (700,000 to 900,000 won/month) with manageable deposits (300,000 to 1 million won), English contracts, and foreigner-friendly amenities. Officetels (오피스텔) on monthly rent (월세, no big deposit) run 800,000 to 1.5 million won/month for fully furnished studios. Search through Zigbang (직방), Dabang (다방), or Naver Real Estate, or use foreigner-friendly agents.

For long-term (1+ year) with traditional Korean rentals: Wolse (월세) is monthly rent with a refundable deposit, typically 10 to 30 million won deposit plus 500,000 to 1.5 million won monthly. Jeonse (전세) is the Korean system where you pay a large lump-sum deposit with no monthly rent, refunded when you leave. Banjeonse (반전세) is a hybrid with a medium deposit and lower monthly rent. Most foreigners start with wolse, since jeonse requires a great deal of capital and the loan products that make it workable are tied to eligibility rules you have to check individually.

Where to live by area: Itaewon and Hannam for international community, Hongdae and Sinchon for younger urban vibe, Gangnam and Seocho for business district premium prices, Yongsan for embassy district mid-range, Mapo for trendy younger families, Seongdong (Seongsu) for tech and creative industry, Bundang and Pangyo for tech families, Songpa for Olympic Park area family living. Commute and subway access matter more than absolute neighbourhood prestige.

Booking process: For short stays, just book on Airbnb. For mid-term sharehouses, apply online with passport and ARC photos, get accepted within 1 to 3 days, sign the English contract, transfer first month''s rent plus deposit, move in. For traditional rentals, engage a real estate agent (부동산), view several units over a few days, negotiate with the landlord, and transfer the deposit through a traceable bank transfer. After you move in, file the move-in report (전입신고) at the local community centre, and as a foreign resident file the change-of-residence report (체류지 변경신고) within 15 days of moving in under Article 36 of the Immigration Control Act — a fine of up to 1,000,000 won applies if you miss it. The Seoul Global Center provides free contract reviews. Always ask about utilities (전기, 가스, 수도, 관리비), since some include them and others do not, and confirm the deposit refund mechanism in writing.

Sources: 출입국관리법 제36조, 찾기쉬운 생활법령정보.

Last verified: 2026-09-28