How International Students Choose Housing in Korea
A Practical Guide to Finding the Right Place to Live
One of the biggest challenges international students face when coming to Korea is finding the right housing.
Even after choosing a school, many students struggle with questions like:
“Is a dormitory better?”
“Is renting an apartment too expensive?”
“Can foreigners rent easily in Korea?”
This guide explains how international students can choose housing in Korea without stress or costly mistakes.
1️⃣ Decide First: Dormitory or Off-Campus Housing
🏫 University Dormitories
Pros
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Lower cost
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Close to campus
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Easy for first-time arrivals
Cons
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Limited availability
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Fixed move-in and move-out dates
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Curfews or visitor restrictions
👉 Best for short-term students or first-semester stays
🏠 Off-Campus Housing
Pros
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More freedom and privacy
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Long-term flexibility
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Wider choice of locations
Cons
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Harder to find
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Often requires a deposit
👉 Better for students staying 6 months or longer
2️⃣ Housing Types That Work Best for International Students
✔ Goshiwon / Goshi-tel
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No or very low deposit
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Monthly contracts
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Utilities included
👉 Budget-friendly and popular among language students
✔ Studio Apartments / Officetels
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Private space
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Better living conditions
👉 High deposits and long contracts make them less ideal for short-term students
✔ Share Houses
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Furnished rooms
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Many international residents
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Lower upfront costs
👉 Good for social students adjusting to life in Korea
✔ Foreigner-Focused Long-Term Housing ⭐
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No deposit
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Monthly contracts
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Furnished and move-in ready
👉 Best option for most international students
3️⃣ Distance to School Matters—But Not Too Much
Living right next to campus isn’t always necessary.
Instead, consider:
✔ Public transportation access
✔ Commute within 30 minutes
✔ Nearby supermarkets, clinics, cafés
👉 Areas with good transit often offer better housing at lower prices.
4️⃣ Calculate the Total Monthly Cost, Not Just Rent
Many students focus only on rent, but hidden costs add up.
Always check:
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Utilities
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Internet
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Building maintenance fees
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Cleaning fees (if any)
Foreigner-friendly housing usually:
✔ Includes utilities
✔ Has simple, transparent pricing
5️⃣ Fully Furnished Housing Saves Time and Money
For international students, unfurnished housing is rarely practical.
Make sure your room includes:
✔ Bed and desk
✔ Storage space
✔ Access to kitchen and laundry
✔ Ready-to-move-in condition
👉 “Suitcase-only move-in” is ideal.
6️⃣ Match the Contract Length to Your Study Period
Most exchange and language programs last:
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3 months
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6 months
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1 year
However, many regular apartments:
❌ Require 1-year contracts
❌ Penalize early move-out
👉 Look for monthly or flexible contracts that match your program length.
7️⃣ Use a Foreigner-Focused Platform to Avoid Problems ⭐
Searching housing through local real estate offices can be difficult due to:
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Language barriers
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Limited short-term options
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Time constraints
Platforms like StayKorea.org are designed for:
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International students
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Deposit-free housing
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Monthly stays
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Clear, foreigner-friendly conditions
👉 The easiest and safest way for students to find housing in Korea.
Final Thoughts: Choose Comfort Over Complexity
Your housing choice will directly affect your study experience in Korea.
Before deciding, remember:
✔ Avoid large deposits
✔ Choose flexible contracts
✔ Prioritize furnished housing
✔ Use platforms made for international students
👉 Start your housing search with StayKorea.org
and focus on studying—not housing stress.
