How can you find suitable housing when studying abroad in Korea?
Many students often wonder how to choose the best type of accommodation or which housing option would be most suitable. This is also a common concern among the majority of international students.
The living conditions in Korea are generally much better than in Vietnam, giving you a wide range of options when searching for a comfortable and appropriate place to live during your studies.
You can look for housing through popular Korean platforms such as Zigbang (직방) and Dabang (다방). Landlords or real estate agencies typically post detailed information including deposit amounts, monthly rent, and room specifications, allowing you to choose a place that fits your needs.
If you want greater convenience, you can even start looking for housing while still in Vietnam by reviewing listings in advance to better prepare for your stay.
Another common method is renting through a real estate agency. In Korea, there are many agencies available to meet your housing needs. This option is highly recommended because contracts handled by agencies are generally more secure.
When you sign a rental agreement, the agency acts as an intermediary between you and the landlord. They keep the official contract, and when your lease ends, the landlord will return your deposit to you.
An additional advantage of using an agency is personalization. You can specify your preferred price range, and the agent will find options that match your budget. This method helps you save time and effort while ensuring your rights and benefits are well protected. However, keep in mind that you will need to pay a service fee to the agency.
Besides the methods mentioned above, you can also find housing more easily by making use of your personal network. Through friends or acquaintances already living in Korea, you may receive accurate and trustworthy housing information. This option can help reduce unnecessary costs and time while still allowing you to find suitable accommodation.
There are many types of housing available for students in Korea. Below are eight common housing options along with key details.
Dormitories are the most suitable option for students coming to Korea for the first time, especially those who are not yet familiar with the environment and have no established personal connections.
Unlike dormitories in Vietnam, Korean dormitories typically house 2–4 students per room.
Advantages
Most university dormitories are located on campus or very close to the school, allowing students to save significant time when commuting.
Dormitories are generally clean, comfortable, and secure. Each student receives an individual access card, and only those with a valid card can enter the building, ensuring a high level of security.
Disadvantages
Dormitories do not have private kitchens for students to cook. This can be inconvenient, especially for new students who are not yet accustomed to Korean food.
In addition, living in a dormitory requires strict adherence to the school’s regulations, including curfews, which may limit personal freedom.
The cost of dormitories varies depending on the university’s location; however, most dormitory fees range from 350,000 to 450,000 KRW.
A Goshiwon is a unique and extremely popular type of budget accommodation in Korea. It is the cheapest housing option, typically designed solely for studying and sleeping, with room sizes ranging from only 3 to 6 square meters.
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Advantages : The rental cost is low, and no deposit is required. Each room is private and equipped with essential amenities such as a bed, study desk, and air conditioning.
Disadvantages : The space is quite small—just enough for studying and sleeping—and cooking is not allowed. Facilities such as washing machines and bathrooms are shared with other tenants.
For students who spend most of their time studying or working and only need a simple place to rest, a goshiwon is a suitable choice. Rental fees typically range from 280,000 to 450,000 KRW per month, and this usually includes all utilities such as internet, electricity, and gas.
A One-room is a fully private studio-style apartment that includes a kitchen and bathroom—similar to self-contained rental rooms or mini-apartments in Vietnam. Thanks to its privacy and convenience, this housing type is popular not only among international students but also among Korean university students.
A one-room apartment can accommodate 1–2 people. Students who want to reduce living expenses may choose to share the room with a friend to lower the monthly cost.
Advantages:
Disadvantage:
If you choose to live in a one-room apartment, you will typically need to sign a contract for at least one year and pay a relatively high deposit, usually ranging from 2 to 5 million KRW. Monthly rent starts at around 250,000 KRW. Additionally, you will be responsible for covering utility costs such as electricity, water, gas, and internet, as well as handling any issues that arise—such as repairs for damaged appliances or fixtures in the room.
Two-room and three-room apartments consist of two or three separate rooms. Typically, one room is the largest, while the others are smaller. For students who do not have many belongings, each person can take one room—allowing everyone to save on rental costs while still maintaining personal privacy.
If you have a close group of friends who want to live near one another while still respecting each other’s personal space, a two-room or three-room apartment is an ideal option.
Rental prices usually start from 360,000 KRW per month.
This is a type of accommodation where you live together with a local Korean family. They usually prepare meals and take care of basic daily needs for you. However, not many students choose this option due to differences in culture, food, lifestyle, and daily routines.
Nevertheless, if you are interested in experiencing authentic Korean family life and culture, staying with a Korean host family can be a worthwhile choice.
The rental cost for this type of housing ranges from 120,000 to 550,000 KRW per month, depending on the location.
Advantages:
Disadvantage: As mentioned above, you will need to follow the host family’s eating habits as well as their daily schedule. Naturally, when sharing a living space, your personal privacy and freedom will also be somewhat limited.
These are some of the most common types of accommodation chosen by international students during their studies in Korea. Students with better financial conditions can opt for rooms or apartments with higher levels of comfort and convenience.
The housing options in Korea are generally similar to those in Vietnam, and you may seek assistance from intermediaries for consultation and room searching. You can also contact GEA Busan directly for guidance on various housing types and related support.
If you are planning to study in Korea and would like more information about universities or accommodation options, feel free to contact us via our HOTLINE: 094.994.3688 – 090.389.3688 for free consultation!
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