A Guide to Finding the Right Housing in South Korea (2025 Edition)

Planning a move to Korea? Whether you're coming to study, work, or explore, finding the right place to live is one of the most important and often stressful parts of your journey. With updated housing trends, clearer visa policies, and new housing support systems, this 2025 guide will help you secure the right home in Korea without falling for scams or settling too soon.

What You'll Learn in This Guide:

• How to list and prioritize your housing needs
• Where to find verified and safe listings
• What rental systems and housing types exist in Korea
• How to avoid common scams
• Why EnkoStay is one of the easiest platforms for foreigners

Step 1: Make Your Housing Priority List

Before diving into listings, write down your needs, wants, and non-negotiables. Having a clear list will save time and help you stay focused when comparing different options.

Use the following questions to help define your priorities:

Location

• Do you need to be near a subway station or bus stop?

• Should your place be close to your university, workplace, or training center?

• Do you prefer a quiet neighborhood or a vibrant city area?

• Is it important to be near markets, cafes, or parks?

Space and Layout

• Are you okay with a studio, or do you need a separate bedroom?

• Do you need natural light or a good view?

• Would you like a balcony or outdoor space?

Building Amenities

• Do you need an elevator or wheelchair access?

• Is soundproofing or building security important to you?

• Do you need a parking space or bike rack?

Appliances and Utilities

• Do you want a fully furnished unit?

• Is high-speed Wi-Fi essential?

• What appliances do you need (washer, fridge, microwave, air conditioner)?

Lease and Budget

• Are you looking for short-term housing (1 to 6 months) or long-term housing (1 year or more)?

• Are you open to roommates, or do you prefer a private place?

• What is your ideal monthly rent budget?

Safety and Privacy

• Do you want a secure entry system (keypad or card access)?

• How do you feel about security cameras in shared spaces?

Step 2: Use Verified Housing Sources

Housing scams still exist in 2025, especially on unregulated platforms. That’s why Enkostay only works with verified listings and trusted hosts to ensure every option is safe, secure, and foreigner-friendly.

Our platform provides:

• Listings with no key money required

• English-speaking host support

• ARC-compatible housing contracts

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Payment Policy: With Enkostay, you can book a verified home without any deposit and pay monthly, just like you would back home. Your payment is held safely by Enkostay and is only released to the host after you’ve moved in. If something feels off when you arrive, such as the condition not matching the listing, you can report the issue within 24 hours. Our team will step in to help resolve the situation so you feel secure and supported from day one. For stays of 90 days or more, the initial payment covers the move-in month and the next month. Remaining charges are billed monthly on the 1st.

You can browse short-term or long-term stays that match your needs today at Enkostay, find your perfect stay today either by browsing our easy-to-use search page or by clicking the house icon to get a personalized and tailored list made by our Room Matching Help Team

🔍 Ready to find your perfect home in Korea?
Skip the stress. Explore verified, foreigner-friendly listings with Enkostay by clicking the banner below. Click the 🏠 icon on our search page for a personalized list from our Room Matching Help Team.

Step 3: Understand Korea’s Rental Systems

Wolse (월세)

The most common system. Renters pay a monthly fee plus a deposit. A higher deposit usually means lower monthly rent.

Jeonse (전세)

This involves paying a large deposit (often 50 to 80 percent of the property’s value) with no monthly rent. It’s less common now due to high interest rates and limited access for foreigners.

Ban-Jeonse (반전세)

A hybrid system that requires a mid-sized deposit and reduced monthly rent.

Step 4: Know the Housing Types

Korea offers a wide range of housing styles to fit different budgets, lifestyles, and stay durations. From compact studios to spacious multi-room apartments, understanding the differences will help you choose the right type for your needs. Here's a quick overview of the most common options available.

Goshiwon (Minimal Studio)

• Extremely compact, usually with shared kitchens or bathrooms

• Deposit: ₩1M to ₩5M

• Monthly Rent: ₩200K to ₩500K

One Room (Studio)

• Private unit combining bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom

• Deposit: ₩5M to ₩20M

• Monthly Rent: ₩300K to ₩1M

Shared House

• Private bedroom with shared living spaces

• Deposit: ₩1M to ₩10M

• Monthly Rent: ₩200K to ₩1M

Officetel (Studio or 1BR)

• Compact apartments in mixed-use buildings

• Deposit: ₩10M to ₩30M

• Monthly Rent: ₩400K to ₩1.5M

Villa (2 to 3BR)

• Low-rise homes offering more space and privacy

• Deposit: ₩10M to ₩30M

• Monthly Rent: ₩300K to ₩1.5M

Apartment (2 to 4BR)

• Modern high-rise units with separated rooms and living areas

• Deposit: ₩10M to ₩50M or more

• Monthly Rent: ₩500K to ₩2M or more

Step 5: Protect Yourself From Scams

• Request the building registration and verify the landlord’s name matches the ownership.

• Register your lease at the local community center to protect your deposit.

• Submit your Move-in Report (Jonip Singoseo) for ARC and immigration registration.

• Take clear photos during move-in and move-out.

• Carefully read your lease agreement and never sign unless you fully understand the terms.

When using EnkoStay, listings are already verified and vetted for safety, and our support team is available if you ever need help understanding the process.

Why Use EnkoStay in 2025

• Pay-as-you-go pricing with no large deposits required.

• ARC-compatible housing contracts for immigration and legal use.

• Fully furnished units with Wi-Fi, laundry machines, and kitchen basics.

• English-speaking support staff before and during your stay.

• Verified and vetted listings to prevent scams and miscommunication.

• Flexible stays starting from just 1 month.

Whether you're a student, remote worker, or long-term expat, EnkoStay makes your move to Korea easier, safer, and more convenient.

Explore More: Recommended Reads for a Smooth Landing in Korea

• Busan for Foreigners: Where to Study and Stay in Korea’s Coastal Gem
• The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Seoul for Foreigners and Students
• Simple Guide to ARC, Bank Account, and Insurance in Korea