Studying abroad in Korea is an exciting opportunity, but one of the first and biggest challenges international students face is finding the right place to live. Housing in Korea comes in many forms, officetels, one-room studios, goshiwon, and share houses. Each option has its pros and cons, and for foreign students, things like contracts, deposits, and location can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common housing options for international students and share tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
1. Officetels & Studios (원룸/오피스텔)
What they are:
Small, private apartments with a bathroom, kitchen, and sometimes furnished with basic appliances. These are popular among students who want independence and privacy.
Pros:
Private space, no sharing required.
Convenient locations near subway stations or universities.
Often include built-in furniture (bed, desk, closet, air conditioner).
Cons:
Higher rent compared to other options.
Traditionally require a large deposit (보증금), which can be a burden for foreign students.
💡 Enkostay Advantage: Normally, officetels and studios require students to prepare millions of KRW as a deposit. But with Enkostay, you can find officetels and one-room studios without any deposit, making it much easier to secure a home without financial stress.
2. Goshiwon (고시원) & Share Houses
What they are:
Budget-friendly rooms, usually with shared facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms. Share houses are often designed for students or young workers, with a stronger sense of community.
Pros:
Lowest upfront cost (goshiwon often requires no deposit).
Utilities are usually included in the rent.
Opportunities to meet other students.
Cons:
Smaller rooms with less privacy.
Shared kitchens/bathrooms may be less comfortable.
💡 Enkostay Advantage: Through Enkostay, you can access a wide range of goshiwon and share house listings that are already tailored for international students—with no deposit required. This means you don’t need to worry about hidden fees or complicated landlord negotiations.
3. University Dormitories (기숙사)
What they are:
On-campus housing operated by universities.
Pros:
Affordable compared to private rentals.
Close to classes and campus facilities.
Great for building friendships early on.
Cons:
Limited availability; competition is high.
Strict curfews and dorm rules.
Short-term contracts only (usually per semester).
Tip: Many students start in a dormitory for their first semester, then move to an officetel or share house once they are more familiar with Korea.
4. What About the Deposit (보증금)?
One of the biggest barriers for international students is the deposit system in Korea. Traditionally, landlords require deposits ranging from ₩1 million to ₩10 million KRW or more, even for small studios.
For students, especially those staying only a semester or a year, this can feel impossible.
💡 Here’s the good news:
With Enkostay, you don’t need to prepare a deposit at all. Whether you choose a goshiwon, officetel, or share house, Enkostay’s system ensures deposit-free housing, making your transition to Korea smoother and financially stress-free.
5. How to Choose the Right Housing
When deciding where to live, consider:
Budget: Factor in monthly rent plus utilities.
Location: Close to your university or convenient subway lines.
Lifestyle: Do you prefer privacy (studio) or community (share house)?
Stay Duration: Short-term vs. long-term contracts.
Final Thoughts
Finding housing in Korea can feel intimidating, especially with deposits, contracts, and language barriers. But the good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
With Enkostay, international students can:
Find officetels, studios, goshiwon, and share houses.
Avoid expensive deposits.
Access housing options already suited for foreigners.
Studying abroad is stressful enough, your housing shouldn’t be. By choosing the right platform and the right type of stay, you’ll be able to focus on what really matters: your studies, your experiences, and building unforgettable memories in Korea.