🏠 Housing — South Korea
How difficult is it to find student housing in South Korea?
It is usually easier than in some European countries if you are open to dormitories or goshiwon, but private apartments can be difficult because deposits are high. In Seoul, competition is strongest around universities such as Korea University, Yonsei, SNU, Hanyang, Hongik, Kyung Hee and Sungkyunkwan. Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju and Incheon are usually more affordable.
SNU says its student residence halls are intended for incoming and enrolled students and can house thousands of students, but like most universities, places are not unlimited. Korea University also publishes dormitory rates for international accommodation, showing that some university options can be much cheaper than private rent.
University dormitories
Dormitories are the best first option. They are close to campus, furnished and easier for international students. However, they may have curfews, shared rooms and strict rules.
Typical dormitory prices:
- Public or university dorm: ₩200,000 to ₩500,000 per month
- Dorm with meals or better facilities: ₩500,000 to ₩700,000 per month
- Semester billing is common
A 2026 student cost guide reports that many Korean universities operate on-campus dormitories for international students, with costs often around ₩200,000 to ₩500,000 per month depending on room type.
Goshiwon and share houses
A goshiwon is a small private room, often with shared kitchen facilities. It is cheap and flexible, but rooms are very small. It is useful as temporary housing or for students on a tight budget. A Korea housing guide reports goshiwon costs around ₩250,000 to ₩400,000 per month, often with low or no deposit.
Share houses and coliving spaces are more comfortable but more expensive. In Seoul, international student housing guides estimate share houses at around ₩650,000 to ₩1,200,000 per month, while goshiwon may be around ₩300,000 to ₩550,000.
One-room apartments and officetels
A one-room is a private studio-style apartment. An officetel is a small mixed-use studio building. These are more private but require deposits. Deposits can range from ₩5,000,000 to ₩15,000,000 or more, especially in Seoul.
Typical prices:
- Goshiwon: ₩250,000 to ₩550,000
- Dormitory: ₩200,000 to ₩700,000
- Share house: ₩500,000 to ₩1,000,000
- One-room: ₩500,000 to ₩1,200,000 plus deposit
- Officetel: ₩700,000 to ₩1,500,000 plus large deposit
Best platforms to find housing in Korea
- University dormitory portal.
- Zigbang: popular apartment app.
- Dabang: popular rental app.
- Naver Real Estate.
- Peterpanz: rooms and student rentals.
- StayKorea: focuses on verified, low-deposit housing for students and expats.
- Goshiwon-specific websites.
- Facebook groups around each university.
Final advice
For the first semester, apply for dormitory housing or book a flexible goshiwon or share house before signing a private lease. Do not underestimate deposits. If you need help comparing Korean universities, planning your budget or choosing between Seoul and other cities, we can help.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start looking for student housing?
Start as soon as you receive your admission. In competitive cities, apply for dormitories immediately and begin searching for private rooms 2 to 4 months before arrival. Never send money before verifying the landlord, the contract and the address.
This is starter guidance and changes often — always confirm on the official source before applying.
Use the free Scholarship Finder and country comparison, then get a personal plan.