How Do You Find an Apartment When You First Arrive in Korea?
A Practical Guide from a Korean Local
Finding an apartment as soon as you arrive in South Korea can feel like navigating a maze — especially if you’re dealing with a new language, unfamiliar rental systems, and a whirlwind of living costs. As someone who has lived in Korea for years and helped many foreign friends settle here, I’ll share a clear, realistic, and friendly walkthrough of how to find a place to live when you first arrive.
Understanding the Korean Rental System Before You Start
Before we get into the how, let’s clarify a bit of what. Korean housing often follows two main rental systems:
- Jeonse (Key Money Lease) — a large upfront deposit (sometimes tens of thousands of dollars), no monthly rent
- Wolse (Monthly Rent) — smaller deposit with monthly rent payments
As a newcomer, most foreigners start with monthly rent (wolse), because saving for a large Jeonse deposit takes time. Knowing this upfront helps you focus your search in the right direction.
Step 1: Decide Where You Want to Live
Korea’s cities, especially Seoul, are divided into gu (districts), each with its own character.
If you’re a foreigner:
- Near universities (e.g., Hongdae, Sinchon) if you’re a student
- Near business hubs (Gangnam, Yeouido) for professionals
- Near international communities (Itaewon, Seongsu) for familiar amenities
Start by listing your priorities:
- Budget
- Commute to work or school
- Nearby facilities
- Quiet neighborhood vs. lively area
This makes your search focused rather than random.
Step 2: Use Real Estate Offices (부동산, Budongsan)
In Korea, budongsan (real estate agents) are everywhere. This is usually the most effective way to find a place quickly.
Here’s how it works:
- Walk into a local real estate office in your chosen neighborhood
- Tell them your budget, room size, and preferred lease type
- Agents show you available listings
- You visit the apartments you like
Agents are usually paid by landlords, not tenants, so many listings are free to view. If you don’t speak Korean well, bring a Korean friend or coworker — or use translation apps — because most agents speak little English.
Step 3: Online Platforms and Apps
Many foreigners start their search online even before arrival. Useful websites and apps include:
- Zigbang
- Dabang
- Naver Real Estate
These platforms allow filtering by:
- Price range
- Deposit vs. monthly rent
- Distance from a subway station
- Building age and size
Most listings include photos, maps, and details — but beware: photos can sometimes be outdated. Always confirm in person.
Step 4: Temporary Housing First
Many expats begin with temporary housing — like a guesthouse, Airbnb, or share house — while they search more thoroughly.
This strategy lets you:
- See neighborhoods in person
- Meet locals and other foreigners
- Take your time with your apartment search
Trying to find a long-term apartment on your first day is easier said than done. A short stay gives you the breathing room to make a good decision.
Step 5: Attend Property Viewings and Ask Questions
When you visit apartments, pay attention to:
- Noise levels (especially in older buildings)
- Water pressure and ventilation
- Heating system (important in Korean winters)
- Proximity to public transport and convenience stores
Ask:
- What’s included in the maintenance fee?
- Are utilities separate or bundled?
- How old is the building?
Korean landlords often expect renters to make decisions quickly, so being prepared matters.
Step 6: Understand the Contract Before Signing
Rental agreements in Korea are legal documents. Make sure you understand:
- Deposit amount and monthly rent
- Contract length (usually one year)
- Move-in date
- Cancellation rules
If you don’t speak Korean well, consider having someone translate the contract before signing. Small clauses about deposits or fees can make a big difference.
Step 7: Register Your Residence
Once you sign your lease and move in, you’ll need to register your address at the local community service center (dong-office). This is important for:
- Getting your alien registration card
- Opening a bank account
- Signing up for utilities
Don’t skip this step — it’s core to living legally and smoothly in Korea.
Tips from a Korean Local
Here are some practical insights that many foreigners learn only after living here:
1. Be proactive but patient
Good apartments get taken fast — sometimes within hours. If you like a place, act quickly, but don’t settle for the first you see unless it fits your needs.
2. Know that room sizes can feel small
Korean apartments, especially in Seoul, can be compact. Look at both square meters and the layout to avoid surprises.
3. Ask about building maintenance
You’ll hear about “관리비” (maintenance fees). These can be surprisingly high, especially in winter months, so always check what’s included.
4. Be ready to negotiate
Sometimes you can negotiate deposit or maintenance terms — especially if the place has been on the market for a while.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many newcomers make these mistakes:
- Not visiting in person before signing
- Forgetting to check transport access
- Ignoring contract details written in Korean
- Overlooking hidden fees
These missteps can turn an otherwise good apartment into a stressful experience.
Final Thoughts
Finding an apartment in Korea when you first arrive doesn’t have to feel like crossing the Rubicon. With a clear plan, a budget in mind, a bit of Korean help, and a willingness to explore neighborhoods on foot, you can find a place that feels like home.
The steps are:
- Decide your ideal area and budget
- Visit real estate offices (budongsan)
- Search online listings
- Use temporary housing if needed
- Visit and evaluate properties
- Understand and sign the lease
- Register your address legally
These steps may seem many at first, but they form a system that with experience becomes second nature.