How to Find Super Cheap Housing in Korea

Are you planning on moving to Seoul? Starting up in a new country is always difficult. And it s even harder if you ve got no money! We can t help you out with being broke, but if you re looking for housing in Korea and don t have much cash with you, there s a number of super cheap options that are available!

If you want some professional help, try stayes.com. They ll help find short to long term housing as well as deal with all the paperwork so you don t have to.

Note: These housing options are for those looking to live on their own. Super cheap usually means smaller living spaces. Sorry couples!

Studio Apartments/One Rooms in Seoul (원룸)

Studio apartments (aka one room in Korean) are just regular ol apartments. And although studio apartments in Itaewon, Gangnam, and other popular/central areas come with big price tags, you can still get your own apartment in Seoul without being a baller. You should check out less central areas for very cheap housing, and in Seoul that means the suburbs (i.e. Incheon, Ilsan, Anyang, Bundang, Uijeongbu, Seongnam, etc.). And if you re ok with walking a bit from public transportation, housing will be even cheaper.

Of course, the problem with finding housing for most foreigners in Korea is the very large security deposits. The rental system in Korea is different. and before moving into an apartment in Korea, tenants will give landlords a security deposit starting anywhere from 5 to 10 million won (approximately 5,000 to 10,000 USD). You ll of course get that money back, but that s not cheap at all. However, if a 2 million won (

2,000USD) security deposit sounds doable, there are places with ultra cheap monthly rent, starting from 250,000 won (

250USD). The apartment will definitely be small, but at least you ll be living by yourself and no one will see that embarrassing Jay Park pillow you sleep with every night.

Check out pics of this apartment in Uijeongbu. Security deposit is 2million won and monthly rent is 320,000 won. Not bad!

If you re ready to find your own super cheap apartment in Seoul, apply these tips to our post on how to get your own apartment in Korea .

Tip: If you can afford to give more security deposit, many landlords will be open to lowering your monthly rent.

Check out this video for a typical cheap apartment. Actual apartment tour starts at 1:22.

Goshiwon (고시원)

If you don t want to live in the suburbs of Seoul and are looking to live somewhere super cheap so you can spend all your money on boozing in Hongdae, why not check out a goshiwon, housing for super small people or for people that just want mega cheap rent. Rent can be as cheap as 250,000 won a month, and if you re ok with living in these closet-sized rooms, you ll get the benefit of free furniture (typically come with a bed, table, and mini-fridge) as well as free internet and TV (sometimes even free rice and kimchi!). Be warned though, you re typically not allowed to bring friends and you most likely will have to use a communal bathroom (although you can pay extra for private bathrooms at some goshiwon). It s probably uncomfortable for most, but it s also perfect if you re outside all the time and all you want is a place to sleep (for cheap!). Hooray! say all the tiny and broke people