Types of Housing in South Korea (2025): Full Guide for Students, Nomads, and Long-Term Visitors

Whether you’re a student starting your semester, a digital nomad setting up for a few months, or a first-time visitor preparing for a long-term stay in Korea, This guide focuses specifically on real, livable long-term housing options available in Korea, with foreigner-friendly contract tips, and smart advice for first-time residents. 

If you're just starting your housing search, we recommend beginning with our first blog in this series: “A Guide to Finding the Right Housing in South Korea (2025 Edition).“ It walks you through how to set your priorities, understand Korea’s rental system, and get familiar with the main housing types before diving deeper into each one here.

What You’ll Get From This Guide

• A breakdown of every major housing type in Korea: 

• What to expect, the pros, cons, and 2025 cost ranges of each

• How deposits, contracts, and minimum stay rules work in Korea

• How to find secure, verified housing through Enkostay

Types of Housing in Korea 2025:

1. Dormitories (On-Campus & Off-Campus)

Dormitories are mainly for students and are managed either by universities or housing partners. They fall into two categories: on-campus and off-campus.

• Best for: University students who want to live affordably and close to class

• Avg. Cost: 500,000–800,000 KRW per semester

• Deposit: Usually not required

What to Expect: Dorms are managed either by the university (on-campus) or by private providers (off-campus). Expect shared rooms, cafeteria-style meals, gender-separated floors, and possible curfews. On-campus dorms are highly secure and connected to school facilities, while off-campus dorms offer a bit more freedom and may include shared kitchens and snacks like rice or noodles.

Pros: Affordable, secure, convenient for class, built-in support
Cons: Curfews, guest restrictions, limited privacy, shared bathrooms

2. Goshiwon

• Best for: Budget-conscious students and short-term stays

• Avg. Cost: 300,000–450,000 KRW/month

• Deposit: None

What to Expect: Goshiwons are tiny rooms usually located near universities or subway stations. Rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, fridge, and closet. Some have private bathrooms, others share floor-wide facilities. Most include free Wi-Fi, rice, and kimchi. No deposit or paperwork makes them one of the easiest rentals for foreigners. They are also excellent substitutes for university dormitories, especially if you're too late to apply or prefer not to follow dorm rules. They typically don’t have curfews, gender-segregated floors, or required meal plans. 

Pros: No deposit, move-in ready, ideal for budget stays or short-term housing
Cons: Tiny rooms, shared bathrooms, thin walls, limited natural light

Avoid curfews and crowded dorms. Get your own room in minutes with zero deposit and flexible check-in. Click the banner below to explore verified, affordable accommodations available now on Enkostay.

3. Boarding House (Hasook)

• Best for: Korean-speaking students who want meals included

• Avg. Cost: 500,000–600,000 KRW/month

• Deposit: None

What to Expect: Run by local hosts (usually older women), these homestays offer furnished rooms and 2–3 meals a day. Rooms are basic, with shared bathrooms. The environment is quiet and respectful, but guests should expect house rules and a language barrier.

Pros: Meals included, Korean language immersion, affordable
Cons: Curfews, shared spaces, strict house rules, language barrier

4. Sharehouse

Best for: Students, long-stay visitors, and travelers who want a social environment
Avg. Cost: 400,000–650,000 KRW/month
Deposit: 1–2 months' rent

What to Expect: These co-living spaces give you a private bedroom with shared kitchen, bathroom, and lounge access. They're fully furnished and foreigner-friendly, often located near schools or transport hubs. Some offer weekly cleaning or events. A few premium sharehouses also have private bathrooms. They offer a strong sense of community, lower costs, and easy move-in for foreigners. 

Pros: Social, cost-effective, foreigner-friendly, minimal upfront setup
Cons: Shared kitchen and bathrooms, noise issues, variable roommate compatibility

5. One-Room (Studio)

• Best for: Individuals who want a private and independent lifestyle

• Avg. Cost: 700,000–1,200,000 KRW/month (can reach up to 5,000,000 KRW for larger, high-end units)

• Deposit: 1,000,000–5,000,000 KRW

What to Expect: Studios include a private bathroom, kitchen, and sometimes a washing machine. Many are modern and well-equipped, but lower-end versions can feel cramped. Enkostay listings often require only a 1-month deposit and come fully furnished, making them popular for solo professionals. For those with higher budgets, upgraded listings can offer even more space, including private two- or three-bedroom apartments without the hassle of multiple roommates. One-room studios offer total control of your living environment. 

Pros: Full privacy, personal kitchen, ideal for long-term stays
Cons: Higher cost, small size for budget units, some require ARC or Korean contracts

6. Officetel

• Best for: Professionals or long-term stays with modern needs

• Avg. Cost: 1,000,000–2,000,000 KRW/month

• Deposit: 5,000,000–20,000,000 KRW

What to Expect: Officetels are studio or 1-bedroom units in high-rises that combine living and office space. Most come with full appliances, secure entry, and sometimes gym access. Great for remote work, but leases are often handled by agents and can be harder to navigate without Korean.They’re ideal for those who prioritize convenience, style, and easy access to business hubs. Many are located near subway stations and downtown areas. 

Pros: Modern design, prime locations, remote work-ready
Cons: High deposits, long-term contracts, agent or Korean required

7. Villa

• Best for: Small groups or roommates sharing a multi-room unit

• Avg. Cost: 900,000–1,500,000 KRW/month (shared)

• Deposit: 10,000,000 KRW+

What to Expect: Villas are older low-rise apartments with multiple bedrooms. They offer more space for less money per person and are found in quieter neighborhoods. Expect shared utility bills and the need for a Korean-speaking agent.While not as modern as apartments, they’re often more affordable per square meter. Many villas are available through local real estate offices, but vetted Enkostay listings can help foreign renters avoid scams.

Pros: Spacious, affordable per room, good for groups, private bathrooms
Cons: Older interiors, shared bills, language barrier when leasing

8. Apartment

• Best for: Families or expats seeking a long-term home with amenities

• Avg. Cost: 1,500,000–3,000,000 KRW/month

• Deposit: 20,000,000–50,000,000 KRW

What to Expect: Located in modern high-rises, these units offer 2–4 bedrooms, secure entry, and often gyms or playgrounds. Best for families and long-stay professionals, though they usually require a large deposit and long-term lease. In return, they’re modern, secure, and spacious, often located in residential zones with good schools, parks, and shopping nearby. 

Pros: Safe, modern, full amenities, family-ready, private bathrooms
Cons: High deposits, long-term commitment, many listings only in Korean

How Deposits, Contracts, and Stay Durations Work in Korea

Most long-term housing in Korea uses a deposit-based rental model. The most common structure is monthly rent (Wolse), where tenants pay a refundable deposit along with a fixed monthly payment. Typically, the higher the deposit, the lower the monthly rent.

Shorter-stay options such as goshiwons or sharehouses often do not require a deposit. However, studios, officetels, and apartments generally require a deposit equal to one or two months’ rent. Villas and higher-end apartments may require significantly more.

Minimum lease durations vary by housing type. Goshiwons may allow stays as short as two weeks. Sharehouses often require at least a three-month commitment. Enkostay specializes in long-term stays, usually starting at one month or more. In some cases, hosts may approve stays as short as two weeks. Exact durations depend on the host, with many allowing mid-length or extended stays without long-term contracts. Always review your lease closely, paying special attention to early termination fees, move-out notice periods, and utility responsibilities.

How to Find Verified Housing with Enkostay

Enkostay simplifies the housing process for foreigners in Korea by removing common barriers and making each step more accessible and secure:

• Multilingual Listings: Browse listings in English, 한국어 (Korean), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), or 日本語 (Japanese). Each listing includes clear move-in details, rental conditions, and verified photos.

• No ARC Required: You don’t need an ARC to search, inquire, or book. You can also filter listings that don’t require ARC at all.

• Flexible Options for All Lifestyles: Choose from shared, private, or mixed accommodations. Filter for women-only or pet-friendly housing to match your needs.

• Deposit-Free Housing: Most Enkostay listings don’t require a large deposit. You can pay monthly just like you would back home.

• Verified Hosts Only: Every listing is vetted by our team. You won’t deal with scams or unknown landlords.

• Secure Payment Protection: Your rent is held by Enkostay until you move in. If something feels off or doesn’t match the listing, report it within 24 hours and we’ll step in.

• Foreigner-Friendly Design: We support ARC documentation, provide multilingual assistance, and guide local hosts to understand international renters’ needs.

Whether you're staying for one month or one year, Enkostay helps you skip the paperwork and language barriers, so you can move into a trusted space with peace of mind.

Want to Learn More Before You Book?

We’ll dive deeper into Korea’s rental systems, contract types, and deposit return tips in Blog 3 of this series,  coming soon. In the meantime, check out these helpful reads to better understand what’s available and what to expect when planning your stay in Korea:

• The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Seoul for Foreigners and Students
  Explore which areas offer the best balance of price, convenience, and lifestyle for international visitors.

• What to Wear in South Korea in 2025 – Seasonal Fashion Tips for Visitors
  Prepare for your stay with practical outfit advice for Korea’s changing weather and fashion norms.

• A Guide to Finding the Right Housing in South Korea (2025 Edition).
  Understand the major housing types available, from goshiwons to officetels, plus what works best for your visa type, budget, and lifestyle.

These resources are a great way to get a head start on choosing the right neighborhood, understanding local housing options, and knowing how to dress confidently and comfortably throughout your stay in Korea.