Discover the different types of housing available in Korea, from apartment complexes to goshiwons for single individuals. Each type offers unique amenities and price points.
📍 For students, studios and pensions are popular options near universities.
1️⃣ Apartment
An apartment in Korea refers to a collective housing building with 5 or more floors, containing several independent living units. Complexes usually include amenities such as stores, parking, and concierge services. Utilities (electricity, water, gas) are billed monthly.
2️⃣ Officetel
An officetel, a combination of “Office” and “Hotel,” is a space designed for both living and working. Though classified as professional space, it’s popular among workers and singles due to its furnished rooms and appliances. Most officetels offer parking and similar monthly charges as apartments.
3️⃣ Detached house
This refers to independent housing built on private land, usually owned by one or two individuals.
4️⃣ Row house (yonrip) / multi-family housing (dasaedae)
A row house is low-rise housing (4 floors or fewer) containing multiple living units.
5️⃣ Studio (one-room)
Similar to an officetel but smaller, a one-room can have the kitchen either separate or integrated into the main room. It’s popular with students, especially near universities.
6️⃣ Pension (hasuk)
Pensions provide accommodation without a security deposit. Rent covers utilities, taxes, and meals (breakfast and dinner). Tenants share common areas, and the owner lives on-site. These are common near universities.
7️⃣ Goshiwon
A goshiwon is a budget housing option with little to no deposit required. Designed for one person, goshiwons have shared bathrooms and kitchens, and the landlord provides basic ingredients like rice, eggs, and kimchi.
