Goshiwon vs. Sharehouse: Comparing Pros and Cons of Budget Accommodations
Taking the First Step in Korean Life: Choosing Your Own Space
Deciding where to stay when you first arrive in Korea is both exciting and a matter for careful consideration. Especially in large cities like Seoul, the burden of a Deposit (보증금, Bojeunggeum) can be quite heavy. Fortunately, Enkostay has a variety of stays registered that do not require a deposit at all, allowing you to drastically reduce your initial settlement costs. Today, Enkostay will compare the characteristics of two representative housing types: Goshiwon and Sharehouse.
1. Goshiwon: A Choice Centered on Independence and Efficiency
Goshiwon is an optimized space for those who value personal privacy. Since individual rooms are equipped with essential furniture for living, such as a bed, desk, and refrigerator, it is a very efficient option for foreign guests with little luggage.
Characteristics and Advantages of Goshiwon
Independent Living Environment: Many are in the form of "One-room-tels" that include a toilet and shower inside the room, making them suitable for those who want to focus on their own time without bumping into others.
Clear Budget Management: As it is a space for communal living, guests rarely have to pay additional individual Utility Bills (공과금, Gonggwageum). Since you only pay a fixed Monthly Rent (월세, Wolse) every month, budget management is very convenient.
Simple Meal Support: Many places provide rice or ramen in the kitchen at all times, allowing you to save on food expenses and resolve meals quickly in your busy daily life.
Recommended for:
Guests who want to focus solely on rest and sleep at home, or those for whom securing an independent private space away from the gaze of others is most important.
2. Sharehouse: A Pleasant Environment and a Spacious Kitchen
A Sharehouse is a housing style where several people share a typical house structure, preferred by those who want a slightly wider living radius than the small rooms of a Goshiwon.
Characteristics and Advantages of Sharehouse
High-Quality Living Environment: You can freely use a relatively spacious Living Room (거실, Geosil) and Kitchen (주방, Jubang), so there is less feeling of being cramped inside the house. It is advantageous for those who enjoy resting in the living room or value a sense of space.
Home Appliances at a Residential Level: Appliances similar to those used in a typical home, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and cooking tools, are provided. This makes daily life more convenient and enhances the quality of life.
Free Use of the Kitchen: One of the great advantages of a Sharehouse is that you can cook your own meals in a spacious Kitchen (주방, Jubang). This is a very attractive factor for guests who want to cook food that suits their own taste.
Recommended for:
Those who prefer a pleasant residential environment with a relatively large Living Room (거실, Geosil) and Kitchen (주방, Jubang) rather than staying only in a room. For those who want to enjoy the same convenience as a regular house, a Sharehouse is a great alternative.
3. Things to Check Before Moving In
Regardless of which accommodation you choose, it is essential to check the House Rules (규칙, Gyu-chik) that fit your lifestyle. Also, please note that most Goshiwons and Sharehouses prohibit bringing friends or acquaintances home or having them stay overnight to protect the security and privacy of other residents. Additionally, since multiple people live in one building or house, moving in with a pet is almost impossible. If there are matters requiring special confirmation, it is safest to receive a definitive answer by inquiring directly with the host via Enkochat before booking.
Quick Korean Dictionary
Knowing these terms will help you communicate with hosts and understand housing rules:
보증금 (Bojeunggeum): Deposit
월세 (Wolse): Monthly Rent
공과금 (Gonggwageum): Utility Bills
거실 (Geosil): Living Room
주방 (Jubang): Kitchen
규칙 (Gyu-chik): House Rules
Finding Your Perfect Accommodation with Enkostay
Between the independent efficiency of a Goshiwon and the pleasant common spaces of a Sharehouse, which one do you prefer? Without worrying about complicated paperwork or deposits, check out the stay type that perfectly fits your taste through Enkostay. To ensure your first step in Korea is not overwhelming, Enkostay will connect you to the most comfortable and warm home :)