Choosing a Great Room in Korea: Why It’s Best to Check a House Twice, Day and Night
Finding your own cozy sanctuary in Korea is a very important process. Many foreign residents often select a house based on trust, looking at the clear photos and detailed information uploaded on the platform before arriving in Korea.
However, if you are already staying in Korea or have the opportunity to visit the property in person before signing a contract, it is very helpful to check the house twice—once during the day and once at night. Here is a checklist to help you understand the characteristics of the Korean residential environment and make a more satisfying choice.
The Core of Daytime Visits: Sunlight and Hidden Traces
Visiting a house during the day allows you to accurately assess the condition of the home under natural light. Since the amount of sunshine (일조량, Iljoyang) varies significantly by season in Korea, a daytime visit is particularly useful.
Checking Sunlight: Beyond simply seeing if it is bright, check if the house faces south or if surrounding buildings block the light. This significantly impacts maintaining indoor temperatures during winter and saving on heating costs.
Traces of Mold (곰팡이, Gompangi): Under the bright daylight, examine the corners of the wallpaper or the back of the furniture. In particular, checking for dark traces around window frames can help you gauge if the house is well-ventilated.
Water Pressure (수압, Suap) Test: Try turning on all the faucets in the kitchen sink and bathroom washbasin while flushing the toilet at the same time to see if the water pressure remains consistent. This is a factor that determines the quality of life during busy morning hours.
The Core of Nighttime Visits: Noise and the Two Faces of the Neighborhood
A neighborhood that seemed peaceful during the day can transform into a different atmosphere at night. A nighttime visit is a process to ensure a comfortable rest after work.
Changes in the Surrounding Environment: It is good to check if the streetlights around the house are bright enough for a safe walk home at night, or if noisy commercial areas that you didn't notice during the day become active at night.
Inter-floor Noise (층간소음, Cheung-gan-soeum): The evening is when neighbors return from work and begin their indoor activities. Visiting during this time allows you to indirectly gauge the level of living noise from the floor above or the next unit.
Blocking External Lights: Check if neon signs from nearby shops or streetlights shine too strongly into the bedroom.
Tips for Online Bookers
Don't worry if your schedule makes it difficult to visit in person. In addition to carefully examining the photos and information online, requesting a real-time room tour video from the host is very effective for understanding the actual layout and condition of the interior. This type of proactive communication alone is enough to find a great house. The list above will serve as an excellent standard for understanding Korean housing culture and for managing your home yourself in the future.
Simple Korean Vocabulary List
일조량 (Iljoyang): Amount of sunshine
곰팡이 (Gompangi): Mold / Mildew
수압 (Suap): Water pressure
층간소음 (Cheung-gan-soeum): Inter-floor noise
결로 (Gyeollo): Condensation
Finding Your Perfect Accommodation with Enkostay
A successful life in Korea begins with finding a safe sanctuary that is just right for you. We hope this guide helps you make a wise choice.
Would you like to find more optimal Korean housing options that fit your needs? Explore various room options on Enkostay right now!