Apartment in Seoul: 5 Best Options for Foreigners

KOREA HOUSING GUIDE

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Researched and reviewed by the Factly9 Korea Travel Editor

Not everyone looking for an apartment in Seoul plans to move here permanently.

Long-term travelers staying for weeks or months, international students, people on temporary work assignments, and new residents settling into life in Korea may all need something more practical than a hotel.

Monthly rent itself is familiar to most visitors. In many countries, tenants sign a one-year lease, pay rent each month, and leave a security deposit equal to one or two months of rent.

The surprise in Seoul is usually the size of the deposit. Even a regular monthly lease often requires several million won — sometimes far more — before you move in.

So when comparing apartments in Seoul, look at the deposit, monthly rent, maintenance fee, and contract length together.

Jeonse vs. Wolse: The Basic Difference

Jeonse

Jeonse (전세) is a lease system in which the tenant gives the landlord a large lump-sum deposit and generally pays no monthly rent during the contract period.

The money is returned when the lease ends. Because the upfront amount runs so high, Jeonse is usually impractical for newcomers or anyone planning a short stay.

Wolse

Wolse (월세) is closer to the monthly rent system used in many other countries.

The main difference is that a Korean monthly lease often comes with a sizable deposit in addition to the rent.

In this example, you’d pay KRW 10 million before moving in, then KRW 800,000 each month, plus a separate maintenance fee in most buildings.

Start With How Long You Plan to Stay

Your length of stay should shape the type of home you search for.

5 Ways to Find an Apartment in Seoul

1. Visit a Local Real Estate Agency

For regular apartments, officetels, villas, and studios, the most traditional route is a neighborhood real estate office.

You will see signs that say “부동산” throughout Seoul. These offices are usually run by licensed real estate agents, known as 공인중개사, who introduce available properties and arrange contracts between landlords and tenants.

Before visiting, prepare:

• Preferred neighborhood
• Maximum deposit
• Monthly budget
• Move-in date
• Expected stay
• Number of rooms
• Furniture requirements
• Preferred distance from a subway station

If Korean is difficult, look for an English-speaking office or use a translation app. Once you find a place you like, verify the owner and property information before sending a deposit or signing anything.

2. Borderless House

Borderless House offers share houses where Korean and international residents live under one roof.

Residents usually have a private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen and living room.

A good fit for:

• International students
• First-time arrivals
• People who want a furnished room
• Residents comfortable with shared spaces

Fees and minimum stays vary by property, so review the current terms on the official site before applying.

3. 33m2

33m2 is a Korean short-term rental platform with officetels, apartments, studios, and multi-room units.

It can be useful for:

• Work trips
• One- to three-month stays
• Temporary accommodation before a long-term lease
• People waiting to move into a permanent home

The service is mainly in Korean, so pay close attention to payment, cancellation, refund, and deposit terms shown for each listing.

4. LiveAnywhere

LiveAnywhere has an English-language site and focuses on flexible stays from weeks to months.

Categories include:

• Studio apartments
• Private spaces
• Gosiwon and share houses
• Homes under KRW 1 million per month
• Fully furnished homes

This makes it useful for long-term travelers, temporary workers, and anyone who needs a furnished place without committing to a conventional one-year lease.

5. Facebook Housing Groups

Facebook has several active communities where people post apartments, rooms, roommates, and sublets around Seoul.

Try searching:

• Housing in Seoul
• Seoul Apartment Rent
• Rent House Foreigner in Korea
• Seoul Sublet
• Roommates in Seoul
• Expat Housing Korea
• Housing for International Students in Korea

Some groups have tens of thousands of members and receive fresh listings every day.

What About Craigslist Seoul?

Craigslist Seoul is the local section of the long-running classified advertising site.

Its housing section includes:

• Apartments / housing
• Rooms / shared
• Sublets / temporary
• Housing swaps

It adds more English-language listings to the mix, but many posts come directly from individuals with no vetting. For newcomers, treat it as a secondary source, not your first stop.

Understanding the Residential Lease Contract

A Korean-language contract can be one of the most difficult parts of renting a home here.

The Ministry of Justice provides a Standard Residential Lease Contract, including an official version with English explanations.

Key sections include:

• Landlord and tenant details
• Property address
• Building information
• Contract type
• Lease period
• Deposit
• Monthly rent
• Tax-related information
• Senior lease rights and related property information
• Special terms

Never sign a document you do not understand. Compare unfamiliar sections with the government’s English version and ask a licensed agent or trusted Korean speaker for clarification when needed.

Before You Sign

Verify the Owner

Make sure the person named as the landlord matches the registered owner. If someone is acting on the owner’s behalf, confirm that they are authorized to do so.

Review the Property’s Legal Information

Before transferring a large deposit, review ownership and any important rights attached to the property.

Use a Registered Agency

When using a neighborhood real estate office, make sure it is properly registered and operated by a licensed agent.

Put Financial Terms in Writing

The written agreement should clearly state:

• Deposit
• Monthly rent
• Maintenance fees
• Contract period
• Repair responsibilities
• Early termination rules
• Move-out date
• Deposit return conditions

Does Your Lease Need to Be Reported?

Certain residential leases in designated areas fall under Korea’s lease reporting system.

Reporting kicks in when either of these applies, in a covered area:

• Deposit exceeds KRW 60 million
• Monthly rent exceeds KRW 300,000

You don’t need to exceed both limits — meeting either one is enough if the property sits in a covered area. Confirm the current rules when you sign, since procedures do change.

Address Reporting for Foreign Residents

If you’re a registered resident moving to a new address, immigration or residence-reporting steps apply depending on your visa and status. Check the current official guidance once your lease is signed.

Photograph the Home on Move-In Day

Before unpacking, take photos or video of the property’s condition.

Pay attention to:

• Walls and floors
• Windows
• Bathroom
• Kitchen sink
• Signs of water damage
• Air conditioner
• Refrigerator
• Washing machine
• Stove
• Furniture
• Doors and locks

A dated record of existing damage can help prevent disputes when you leave. If you notice a serious issue, notify the landlord or agent in writing.

How to Reduce the Risk of a Housing Scam

Do Not Rush a Large Payment

When dealing directly with an individual, confirm the property and the person’s identity before transferring money.

Be Careful With Unusually Cheap Listings

A price far below similar homes in the same neighborhood deserves extra scrutiny, especially if immediate payment is requested.

Identification Does Not Prove Ownership

An ID card only proves who the person is. It does not prove that they own the apartment.

Know How Your Deposit Will Be Returned

Because deposits often run high, the contract should spell out exactly when the money comes back and under what conditions.

Choose the Right Type of Stay

The cheapest apartment is not always the best choice.

Someone staying a month doesn’t need a one-year contract with a huge deposit. Someone planning to stay a year can end up overpaying by sticking only to short-term accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find an apartment in Seoul?

You can use local real estate agencies, short-term platforms, share houses, and Facebook housing groups. Start by deciding how long you will stay and how much deposit you can comfortably afford.

How is Korean monthly rent different from rent elsewhere?

The monthly payment works in a familiar way, but Wolse often comes with a much larger deposit than the one or two months of rent commonly used as a security deposit elsewhere.

What is Jeonse?

Jeonse is a lease in which the tenant provides a large lump-sum deposit and generally pays no monthly rent. The money is normally returned when the contract ends.

Are short-term apartments available in Seoul?

Yes. Services such as 33m2 and LiveAnywhere offer stays ranging from weeks to months. Prices, deposits, and cancellation rules vary by listing.

Can international residents use Korean real estate agencies?

Yes. Neighborhood agencies are a common way to find apartments, officetels, villas, and studios. Look for signs that say “부동산.”

Is an English residential lease contract available?

The Ministry of Justice provides an official Standard Residential Lease Contract with English-language information that can be used as a reference.

Is it safe to find a place through Facebook?

Facebook groups are useful for finding current listings, but every property and person offering one should be verified independently.

What should I do after signing a lease?

Depending on the rent, deposit, location, visa, and residence status, lease reporting or address-related procedures can apply. Check current government guidance for your situation.

Final Takeaway

There is no single housing option that works for everyone.

Short-term visitors tend to do best with furnished monthly stays. Students often find a share house or off-campus room more practical. Anyone planning a longer stay can weigh those options against the wider local market through a licensed real estate agency.