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Case Study: FOHO helps Gabriel from South America overcome housing challenges in Korea

Discover how Gabriel, a young professional from South America, overcame Korea’s housing challenges with FOHO. Fast responses, clear English support, and stress-free move-in made all the difference. Learn why foreigners trust FOHO when finding housing in Korea.

Evan Han
Evan Han
CEO & Founder of FOHO, a housing platform for foreigners in Korea. Experienced in rental market trends, proptech innovation, and foreign tenant support.
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Case Study: FOHO helps Gabriel from South America overcome housing challenges in Korea

Table of contents

Background: A foreigner searching for a home in Korea

Gabriel, a young professional from South America, arrived in Seoul with excitement but also with one of the most common challenges foreigners face: finding a reliable place to live.
Like many others, his first approach was through local real estate agents. While agents were willing to show him properties, the process was far from easy. Communication often broke down due to the language barrier, and small misunderstandings about rent, deposits, or contract terms created unnecessary stress.
Gabriel recalls,
“Before FOHO, I usually looked for housing through real estate agents. But it was hard to communicate, and I often felt lost in translation.”
This situation is not unique. Many expats in Korea—whether students, language teachers, or professionals—struggle with the same problem: too many options, too little clarity, and not enough trust in the process.

Objectives: What Gabriel needed in a housing solution

Gabriel wasn’t looking for luxury—he was looking for clarity, speed, and trust. Specifically, his goals were:
  1. Overcome the language barrier – Understanding contracts, deposits, and housing rules without worrying about misinterpretation.
  1. Faster responses – Avoiding the long waiting times he experienced with traditional agents.
  1. Peace of mind – Having someone who could bridge the gap between him and local landlords.

FOHO’s Solution: Fast, responsive, and foreigner-friendly

When Gabriel discovered FOHO, he immediately noticed a difference.
  • Fast response times: Unlike the delays he was used to, FOHO responded almost instantly to his questions. This speed reduced the uncertainty and anxiety he had felt before.
  • Clear English communication: FOHO explained key terms like 보증금 (deposit), 월세 (monthly rent), and 관리비 (maintenance fee) in simple English, ensuring Gabriel always knew what he was agreeing to.
  • Smooth landlord coordination: FOHO acted as the communication bridge, making sure Gabriel could get accurate information without the stress of language misunderstandings.
Gabriel shared,
“FOHO responded very fast. That made the whole process smooth and stress-free.”
For someone far from home, that responsiveness made a world of difference.

Outcomes: A successful and stress-free move-in

With FOHO’s support, Gabriel was able to secure a home quickly and confidently.
  • Reduced stress – No more waiting for days to hear back about a property.
  • Trust in the process – Every step was explained clearly, making him comfortable signing the lease.
  • Confidence to recommend FOHO – Gabriel now tells his foreign friends in Seoul to use FOHO, especially if they are worried about communication.
“If I recommend FOHO to other foreigners, I’d highlight how responsive they are. It gave me peace of mind.”

Why this matters: A common challenge for foreigners in Korea

Gabriel’s story is one of many. Foreign residents in Korea often face the same three challenges:
  1. Language barriers that make it hard to negotiate with landlords.
  1. Slow communication that leaves them feeling ignored or uncertain.
  1. Lack of trust due to confusing or inconsistent contract details.
FOHO directly addresses these issues. By combining fast communication, foreigner-friendly explanations, and trustworthy connections to landlords, FOHO provides more than just listings—it provides confidence and clarity.

Looking ahead: Housing made simple for every foreigner

Gabriel’s journey shows how important it is for foreigners to have a service built with their needs in mind. FOHO is not just about finding a room; it’s about making sure every foreigner feels supported from the first inquiry to the day they move in.
Whether you are a student, a working professional, or someone relocating for the first time, FOHO ensures that finding housing in Korea doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Are you a foreigner looking for a home in Korea?

Don’t let language barriers or delays hold you back. FOHO is here to respond quickly, explain clearly, and support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to start your housing journey with peace of mind.

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