7 Things Foreigners Must Know Before Renting a Home in Korea
A Practical Housing Guide for Long-Term Stays
Renting a home in Korea can feel overwhelming for foreigners.
Large deposits, strict rental periods, and unfamiliar living conditions often make the process more difficult than expected.
If you’re planning to stay in Korea for one month or longer, these 7 essential points will help you avoid common mistakes and find housing that truly fits your needs.
1️⃣ Korea’s Rental System Is Deposit-Centered
Most traditional rentals in Korea require:
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Monthly rent plus a large security deposit
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Long-term contracts (usually 1 year or more)
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High upfront costs even for small studio apartments
👉 For short- or mid-term foreign residents, this system is often impractical.
Better option:
Look for deposit-free or low-deposit housing designed specifically for foreigners.
2️⃣ Not All Housing Is Foreigner-Friendly
In reality, many landlords:
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Prefer Korean tenants
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Reject short-term stays
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Hesitate to rent to foreigners regardless of visa status
As a result, foreigners often hear
👉 “This unit is not available for foreigners.”
Solution:
Start with housing platforms that pre-verify foreigner-friendly properties instead of visiting random real estate offices.
3️⃣ Always Check the Contract Length and Early Termination Rules ⭐
One of the most common mistakes foreigners make is assuming short stays are flexible.
In Korea:
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Many rentals have minimum stay requirements
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Leaving early can result in penalties or extra rent
Foreigners often discover too late:
❌ “I can’t move out after one month”
❌ “I must pay additional fees to leave early”
✔ Confirm monthly contracts are allowed
✔ Check early termination conditions before committing
4️⃣ Short-Term Stays Are Rarely Accepted in Regular Apartments
Most standard apartments and studios:
Do not accept stays under 6 months
Prefer 1-year contracts
That’s why foreigners commonly choose:
Monthly hotels
Residence hotels / serviced apartments
Foreigner-focused long-term housing
👉 For stays under 6 months, regular apartments are usually not the right choice.
5️⃣ Furnished vs. Unfurnished Makes a Big Difference ⭐
Many Korean rentals are:
Unfurnished
Missing beds, desks, or basic appliances
Not move-in ready for short-term residents
For foreigners staying temporarily, buying furniture is:
👉 Time-consuming, expensive, and impractical.
✔ Check if the room includes bed, desk, storage
✔ Confirm access to kitchen and laundry
✔ Make sure the room is ready to live in immediately
6️⃣ Utilities and Maintenance Fees Vary Widely
In Korea, rent often does not include:
Electricity
Gas
Water
Internet
Building maintenance fees
What looks affordable at first can quickly become expensive.
Foreigner-oriented housing usually:
✔ Includes utilities
✔ Has simple, transparent pricing
7️⃣ Choosing the Right Platform Reduces Stress ⭐
Many foreigners struggle because they:
Pay unnecessary deposits
Choose housing unsuitable for short stays
Face unexpected living inconveniences
Platforms like StayKorea.org are built for:
Long-term foreign residents
Monthly stays
Deposit-free housing
Clear, foreigner-friendly conditions
👉 For most foreigners, this is the easiest and safest way to start living in Korea.
Final Thoughts: Choose Housing That Matches Your Stay
Your experience in Korea depends heavily on where and how you live.
Before renting, remember:
✔ A large deposit is not always necessary
✔ Short-term stays require flexible contracts
✔ Furnished, foreigner-friendly housing saves time and money
👉 Start your housing search with StayKorea.org
and focus on enjoying life in Korea—not dealing with housing stress.
