Guides
Renting in Seoul: Guides for Foreigners
Plain answers about deposits, realtor fees, neighborhoods, contracts and moving in — written by bilingual housing assistants who do this in Seoul every week.
Latest
Maintenance fees in Korea: what 관리비 covers and how to tell if it's fair
What Korea's monthly maintenance fee (관리비) covers, what it costs by home type, what agents must disclose, and which part tenants can claim back.
Read the guide →Guide · Moving inUtility bills in Korea: setting up electricity, gas, water and internet in Seoul
Setting up and paying electricity, gas, water and internet in a Seoul flat: who to call, KEPCO's tariff tiers, the gas visit and 3-year internet contracts.
Read the guide →Guide · Moving inKorean address format: how to read and write an address in Korea
How to write a Korean address in English: road name vs lot number, dong and ho, postal codes, and why your unit number must match the property registry.
Read the guide →Guide · CostsHow much does it cost to move to South Korea? The upfront cash renters need
The cash you need to move to South Korea and rent in Seoul: three worked budgets, what comes back, visa and card fees, and health insurance from month six.
Read the guide →Guide · Moving inMoving to Seoul: a housing-first checklist for your first 90 days
Moving to Seoul as a foreigner? The order that works: temporary stay, lease, 15-day address report, residence card within 90 days, bank, phone, insurance.
Read the guide →Guide · CostsCan you rent in Seoul without a deposit?
Low- and no-deposit options in Seoul compared: short-term platforms, goshiwon and low-deposit leases, what each costs and what it means for protection.
Read the guide →Every guide, by topic
Renting basics
- Korean real estate agents: how to find, check and work with one in Seoul
- Officetel vs villa vs apartment: which should you rent in Seoul?
- Goshiwon in Seoul: prices, what you get and who it suits
- Renting in Seoul for one to three months: your real options
- How to rent an apartment in Seoul as a foreigner
Costs & deposits
- Maintenance fees in Korea: what 관리비 covers and how to tell if it's fair
- How much does it cost to move to South Korea? The upfront cash renters need
- Can you rent in Seoul without a deposit?
- Cheap student housing in Seoul: dorms, one-rooms and what they cost
- Key money in Korea: how much it is, and how to get your deposit back
- How much is rent in Seoul?
Neighborhoods
- Living in Hongdae and Mapo: where to rent and what it costs
- Living in Itaewon and Hannam: apartments, rent and safety
- Where should expats live in Seoul? Eight neighborhoods compared
Contracts & safety
Moving & settling in
Moving to Seoul soon?
Tell us your dates and budget — we’ll tell you honestly what’s realistic.