Furniture in Korea: Rent, Buy, or Other Options?
Moving to Korea as a student, worker, or expat often raises the same question: how do I furnish my new home without overspending or creating headaches when I move out?
In Korea, you’ll find not only traditional furniture stores but also a mature rental industry and active secondhand communities. Below we break down every option—rental, purchase, and free/used sources—so you can make the best decision for your stay, whether it’s two months or two years.
1. How Furniture Rental Works in Korea
Furniture rental is common in Korea, especially among one-person households (which now account for over one-third of all households). Rental companies deliver, set up, and later collect the items. Packages often include bed + sofa + table + appliances, so you can walk in with just your luggage.
Typical features:
- Contract length: From 1 month (rare, premium cost) up to 60–84 months (cheaper monthly fee).
- Pricing: A basic bed can cost ₩30,000–₩40,000/month; a full package (bed, sofa, fridge, washer) may run ₩250,000–₩350,000/month.
- Deposit: Usually 1 month’s rent for contracts over 6 months; sometimes waived for students or foreigners with credit cards.
- Maintenance: Repairs and replacements included. Many companies offer quarterly check-ups.
- Delivery: 7–14 days on average; fast-delivery options exist in Seoul.
- Support for foreigners: Some services (e.g., Ziptoss, The Arrival) provide English consultation and catalogs with staged room photos.
“I only stayed for 5 months in Seoul. Renting furniture saved me from buying a bed and then struggling to sell it on 당근마켓. Everything was picked up the day I moved out.” — Foreign student in Mapo
2. Buying Furniture: When Does It Make Sense?
If you plan to stay over 18–24 months, purchasing is usually more cost-effective.
For example, a queen mattress at ₩1.7M may cost ₩2.2M total if rented for 60 months. Buying also gives you ownership and the ability to resell.
Pros of buying:
- Cheaper for long stays (3+ years).
- Greater variety—Korean brands (Hanssem, Enex) or IKEA Korea.
- Possibility to resell or transfer to the next tenant.
Cons:
- Up-front cost can be high.
- Disposal is complicated; large items require city hall “bulky waste” stickers.
- Warranty is limited (1–2 years), after which repair is on you.
3. Other Ways to Furnish Your Home
Not everyone chooses rental or new purchase. Many foreigners combine creative options:
Option | How it works | Best for | Downsides |
Secondhand apps (당근마켓, 번개장터, Craigslist Seoul) | Buy from locals, often very cheap. | Budget stays, quick finds. | Must arrange pickup; Korean language helps. |
Free donation groups (Facebook “Seoul Freecycle,” expat forums) | Expats leaving Korea often give away furniture. | Ultra short stays, students. | Limited selection, fast claim needed. |
Discount retailers (IKEA, Gmarket, Naver Shopping) | Buy low-cost new items, sometimes same-day delivery. | 1+ year residents. | Assembly required; quality varies. |
Serviced/fully furnished apartments | Monthly rent includes furniture, appliances, linens. | 2–12 month contracts, hassle-free. | Higher monthly rent. |
4. Cost Comparison by Duration
Stay Length | Best Option | Why |
2–3 months | Short-term rental package OR furnished apartment | No need to buy or resell; pickup arranged at end. |
6 months | Rental (negotiated 6-month contract) OR used furniture | Costs balanced; easier disposal later. |
1+ year | Mix of purchase + rental (buy cheaper items, rent expensive appliances) | Saves money, while avoiding repair burden on key appliances. |
3+ years | Purchase | Up-front cost pays off; resale possible. |
5. Practical Tips for Foreign Tenants
- Check contract terms carefully: Some rental companies impose heavy cancellation fees for ending early.
- Ask about delivery speed: Especially important if you arrive mid-semester or for a short work contract.
- Budget for disposal: When buying, factor in bulky waste sticker fees (~₩5,000–₩20,000/item).
- Look at credit card discounts: Rental contracts often give ₩10,000–₩20,000/month off if tied to a partner card.
- Consider hybrid strategy: Rent expensive appliances (washer, fridge), buy inexpensive or portable items (chairs, lamps).
6. Voices from Residents
- “The rental company arranged everything before I landed. Bed, desk, even bed linens. It was like checking into a hotel but cheaper.” — Exchange student, Seoul
- “I bought a couch on 당근마켓 for ₩50,000 and sold it back when I left. Great deal, but moving it without a car was tricky.” — English teacher, Incheon
- “Serviced apartments are expensive, but for 6 months they saved me the headache of dealing with contracts and disposal.” — IT worker, Gangnam
Conclusion
There is no single best option—the right choice depends on your length of stay, budget, and willingness to manage logistics.
- Staying under 6 months? → Rental or furnished housing is simplest.
- Around 1 year? → Consider used + small purchases.
- Several years? → Buying outright is cheaper.
The good news is that Korea offers all these paths. With clear planning and an understanding of costs, you can create a comfortable home here—whether you’re unpacking for a semester abroad or settling in for a long career.
Find a Place You’ll Actually Like—Without Paying Extra Fees
You’ve got the furniture plan. Now make housing simple. FOHO connects you to affordable listings across Korea, keeps landlord communication smooth before and after move-in, and charges low, transparent service fees—so you spend less on fees and more on living.
- Affordable listings across Korea
- Low, transparent service fees
- Seamless communication with landlords (pre- and post-move-in)
- Responsive, human support when you need it
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