Korea Housing Guide 2025: Dorms, Goshiwons, Sharehouses, and Studio Apartments Explained

The Practical Housing Guide to Korea (2025): Dorms, Goshiwons, Sharehouses, Studios & Corporate Residences

• Here <4 months: Goshiwon (ultra-budget private room) or Sharehouse (community + furnished).

• 1 semester or more (students): University Dorm first, else Sharehouse near campus.

• 6–12 months (professionals): Company residence if available; else Studio/Officetel.

• Need zero deposit & instant move-in: Goshiwon / some Sharehouses.

• Need privacy + kitchen + your schedule: Studio/Officetel (higher cost, deposit).

1) What each option really feels like

A. University Dormitories

• What you get: Shared rooms (2–4 beds common), campus security, dining halls, laundry, study lounges.

• Why people pick it: Safest, cheapest per month, built-in social life next to classes.

• You trade off: Curfew/visitor rules, less privacy, fixed application windows.

• Who fits: Exchange/degree students who value structure and savings.

B. Goshiwons (고시원)

• What you get: Tiny private room (bed + desk + storage), shared kitchen/bath, utilities bundled; often rice/kimchi included.

• Why people pick it: Lowest upfront cost, no long lease, immediate move-in.

• You trade off: Very small space, thin walls, maintenance varies; English support not guaranteed.

• Who fits: Short stays, exam period, tight budget, independence over amenities.

C. Sharehouses (Co-living)

• What you get: Private bedroom + shared kitchen/living room; furnished; bills usually included; weekly cleaning common.

• Why people pick it: Balance of community + cost control; many houses are international-friendly.

• You trade off: Shared bathrooms/kitchen, housemate compatibility matters.

• Who fits: Students & young professionals wanting friends and routine.

D. Studios / Officetels (원룸/오피스텔)

• What you get: Entire private unit with kitchenette and bathroom; often furnished; some buildings have gym/parking.

• Why people pick it: Privacy, flexibility of schedule, cook anytime, quiet.

• You trade off: Higher monthly rent and deposit; typical leases 6–12 months; documents may be needed.

• Who fits: Professionals, couples, anyone staying ≥6–12 months who prioritizes privacy.

E. Company Residences / Serviced Apartments

• What you get: Employer-arranged dorms or serviced apartments (kitchenette + cleaning); heavy subsidies are common.

• Why people pick it: Minimal cost and paperwork; reliable management.

• You trade off: Tied to job/location; leave when the contract ends; company rules may apply.

• Who fits: Interns, transferees, expats with HR support.

2) Side-by-side comparison (2025 typical ranges)

Note on ranges:

3) Decision flow (use this, not guesswork)

1. Stay length?

• ≤4 months → Goshiwon or Sharehouse.

• 1 semester → Dorm (apply early).

• ≥6–12 months → Studio/Officetel (or Company residence if offered).

1. Upfront cash available?

• <₩500k → Goshiwon / Sharehouse.

• ≥1–2 months’ rent deposit → Studio/Officetel options expand.

1. Lifestyle priority?

• Safety/structure/campus → Dorm.

• Lowest cost + immediate move-in → Goshiwon.

• Friends/community + furnished → Sharehouse.

• Privacy + kitchen + quiet → Studio/Officetel.

• Minimal hassle + cleaning → Company residence/serviced apt.

4) Hidden costs and fine print you should check

• Utilities & internet: Included (goshiwon/sharehouse often), separately billed (many studios).

• Maintenance/cleaning: Dorms/company/serviced often include; sharehouses: common-area cleaning weekly; studios: you handle it.

• Building fees: Some officetels charge monthly maintenance (관리비). Ask what’s included (heating, water, internet, parking).

• Furniture/appliances: Goshiwon/sharehouse are normally furnished. Studios: confirm fridge, washer, bed.

• Noise & insulation: Older buildings can be loud; bring earplugs; check windows/heating.

• Contract terms: Minimum stay, move-out notice, subletting rules, early termination penalty.

• Documents: Passport, visa/ARC, employment or enrollment proof; studios may ask for a guarantor.

5) Visit checklist (15 minutes that can save months of regret)

• Window opens/locks; mold signs; smell of damp; heater/AC works; sunlight at noon?
Noise:

• Stand quietly 60 seconds; listen for traffic, neighbors, pipes, elevator motors.
Bathroom:

• Hot water in 30–60 seconds; drainage; ventilation fan; water pressure.
Kitchen:

• Stove ignites; sink drains; visible pests; fridge seals; cooking smell pathways.
Wi-Fi:

• Speed test on phone; signal in room; where is router?
Security:

• Digital door lock; building CCTV; fire extinguisher/sprinkler; emergency exit map.
Contracts & Money:

• What exactly is in the monthly total? Any seasonal heating surcharge? Deposit refund timeline & condition list in writing.

6) Three realistic scenarios (how people actually choose)

Exchange student (4–6 months)

• Shortlist: Dorm → Sharehouse → Goshiwon.

• Why: Dorm for lowest cost & campus life. If dorm is full, sharehouse balances community and comfort. Goshiwon for late arrivals needing instant, no-deposit rooms.

Corporate intern / transferee (6–12 months)

• Shortlist: Company residence → Serviced apartment → Studio.

• Why: HR paperwork and subsidies reduce friction. If no company housing, consider serviced apartments first month, then move to a studio after viewings.

Language student / freelancer (3–12 months)

• Shortlist: Sharehouse → Studio (if budget allows) → Goshiwon (if saving).

• Why: Sharehouse gives community & predictable bills; studio for quiet work if you can cover deposit.

7) Budget planner (start conservative)

8) Application timing & documents

• Dorms: Apply 6–10 weeks before semester via your university’s International Office; prepare health docs and proof of enrollment.

• Goshiwon/Sharehouse: Can secure 1–4 weeks before arrival; some accept same-week move-in.

• Studios/Officetels: Plan 2–4 weeks for viewing, negotiation, contract signing, and key handover.

• Company Residences: Ask HR immediately after offer/assignment.

9) Red flags to watch (walk away if you see these)

• “All cash, no contract” for long stays.

• Refuses to itemize total monthly (rent + utilities + building fees).

• Mold smell, poor ventilation, no fire safety equipment.

• Deposit refund terms not written in contract.

• Key handover promised before contract signed and stamped.

10) Quick glossary (for smooth translation later)

• Goshiwon (고시원): Tiny private room with shared facilities; utilities often included.

• Sharehouse (쉐어하우스): Private bedroom + shared kitchen/living room.

• One-room (원룸): Studio apartment.

• Officetel (오피스텔): Studio in mixed-use building; common for singles.

• Wolse (월세): Monthly rent with smaller deposit.

• Jeonse (전세): Large lump-sum deposit; little/no monthly rent.

• Maintenance fee (관리비): Building fee (ask what’s included).

• ARC (외국인등록증): Alien Registration Card.

11) Print-friendly pre-move checklist

• Choose stay length and top two priorities (budget / privacy / community / location).

• Shortlist 3–5 neighborhoods near study/work + subway lines.

• Prepare documents (passport, visa/ARC, student/employment proof).

• Message 5–10 listings with your template; compare total monthly.

• Schedule in-person or video tours; use the 15-minute visit checklist.

• Confirm contract terms in writing: deposit amount, refund conditions, utilities, move-out notice.

• Keep 10–15% budget buffer.

Final note

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• You move in with confidence

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• List your room (for landlords) → Simple posting, quick responses, and polite tenant communication