Accommodation in Seoul

As South Korea’s economic powerhouse, Seoul has a wide range of accommodation options available. You’re unlikely to buy property in Seoul, but renting accommodation in South Korea can be considerably more complicated than doing so in Western countries. As a result, employers often organise accommodation close to their offices on behalf of their foreign employees.

Most accommodation in Seoul frequently comes in the form of towering apartment blocks. These tend to consist of four to eight apartment buildings, which are clustered together. Most will have small communal playgrounds or recreational areas along with parking facilities.

Areas and suburbs in Seoul

When choosing accommodation in Seoul, one of your most important considerations will be proximity to your workplace and your children’s schools. With 25 districts and countless neighbourhoods, Seoul has plenty of diverse areas and suburbs to choose from. Traffic congestion in Seoul gets terrible during peak hours (typically 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm), so you could find yourself spending hours on the road.

Students and young professionals interested in being in the thick of things should look no further than neighbourhoods like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam. These are some of the most sought-after areas, as they offer excellent amenities, bars, restaurants and clubs. That said, accommodation in these areas can sometimes go for a premium, so expats will need to factor this in if their employer doesn’t cover their housing. The areas south of the Han River, particularly Gangnam, tend to command higher rents than neighbourhoods north of the river.

While Seoul may be a sprawling metropolis, expat families will find pockets of tranquillity and green spaces nestled between the concrete jungle. Seodaemun-gu is a family-friendly neighbourhood that won’t break the bank. With plenty of nature parks, Seodaemun-gu offers apartments but with more opportunities for outdoor living.

Hannam-dong and UN Village, Seongbuk-dong, Pyeongchang and Seorae Village are all family-friendly areas that have beautiful freestanding houses with gardens. As these areas offer convenient access to international schools and have majestic properties, they’re largely home to diplomats and affluent expat families.

Read about the Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Seoul

Types of accommodation in Seoul

While the apartment is by far the most common type of housing in Seoul, there are other accommodation options for expats to consider. Serviced apartments are a good option if you’re staying in Seoul for a short period. They’re usually furnished and offer services like cleaning and a foyer concierge, as well as amenities such as a swimming pool and gym. These are usually quite expensive compared to non-serviced apartments.

An officetel is a studio-style unit within a high-rise building designed for both office and residential use. These units are usually furnished and are popular with young professionals and students.

You might also come across villas, which in Korea refer to low-rise apartment buildings with five stories or fewer. Despite the name, these aren’t luxury properties but rather more modest residential buildings that often appeal to those seeking quieter neighbourhoods.

Private houses are ideal for expat families, but unfortunately, these are extremely rare in a city like Seoul. You might find one on the outskirts of the city if you’re extremely lucky.

Finding accommodation in Seoul

Finding accommodation in Seoul might be difficult for expats whose employers haven’t arranged housing for them. There are, however, some useful tools available to assist you in your search for the perfect accommodation. Online property portals and expat social media groups are the primary resources for finding listings. Some people moving to Seoul will be fortunate enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, assessing preferences and shortlisting properties to view. It’s also a good idea to check the advertising boards in apartment buildings for listed vacancies.

Visiting estate agents directly is the most reliable approach, as they’ll be privy to the widest selection of properties. Although many estate agents don’t speak English, there are several agencies which specialise in the expat market and offer English-speaking services. Estate agent fees in Seoul are typically shared between the tenant and the landlord.

Useful links

• Zigbang
• Dabang
• Rentberry
• Nestpick

Renting accommodation in Seoul

Making an application

Renting an apartment in Seoul requires a lot of time and energy, and usually a helpful Korean-speaking colleague or friend to handle negotiations and lease agreements. You won’t need to go through this process if your employer provides accommodation, which is typical for many expats in Seoul. If you’re new to South Korea, you’ll need proof of employment, your residence card, and your passport to legally rent accommodation in the city.

Leases, costs and fees

Typically, rental leases in Seoul are signed for a one- to three-year term. You’ll typically need to give two to three months’ notice if you want to move out. The financial aspect of renting accommodation in Seoul will depend on which rental system you choose. South Korea allows tenants to choose between the jeonse, wolse and banjeonse rental systems, which differ in the deposit amount required. All deposits are refundable at the end of the term, should there be no damage to the property.

Terminating the lease

Terminating your lease early in Seoul typically requires reasonable cause to avoid penalties. Many contracts allow early termination after you’ve completed half the lease period, although you may need to forfeit part of your deposit or pay a penalty. The landlord will often try to find a replacement tenant, and you may be liable for rent until a new tenant is found. It’s worth noting that rental laws in Korea generally favour tenants, but early termination terms vary by contract, so review your agreement carefully.

Learn more about the Rental Process in South Korea

Useful links

• Hi Korea: Visa and immigration information
• Housing Lease Protection Act: Rental laws
• Seoul Metropolitan Government: Housing information

Utilities in Seoul

Utilities aren’t typically included in the monthly rent, so you’ll need to budget extra for this. If you’re moving into apartment complexes or villas, you’ll usually have your utilities connected and will only need to add your name to the bill. Utility bills can be paid via bank transfer at the bank, ATM, mobile app, or possibly even at your local convenience store.

Electricity and gas

South Korea’s electricity provider is Korea Electricity Power Corporation (KEPCO), and you must call or email the local office in Seoul to set up your account. It’s also possible to do this online, and your service will usually be activated quickly.

Seoul City Gas Company supplies the gas in the city. Expats are encouraged to monitor their usage as the monthly bill can be unpredictable.

Water

Water in Seoul is provided by the waterworks of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and is sourced from the Han River. Similar to electricity and gas connections, if you’re moving into complexes and villas, you’ll likely only need to change the name on the bill. This can be done by visiting a local waterworks office with your passport and bank account details.

Bins and recycling

Waste management and recycling in South Korea are taken seriously, and you may be subjected to warnings or fines if you fail to adhere to local regulations. Waste disposal in Seoul works on the Volume-Based Waste Fee (VBWF) system, making residents pay for the waste they generate.

You’ll need to buy different designated bags to dispose of your food waste, recyclable materials, general waste and large items. These bags are district-specific and cannot be used in other districts. They can be purchased from local grocery or convenience stores – often at the counter – and sizes and prices vary by region.

Waste collection typically takes place once a week, and there will usually be a designated collection area if you’re living in apartments or officetels. For large items, it’s best to contact your local district office and schedule a collection for a fee. There are also additional regulations regarding how rubbish should be disposed of, and you should visit your local district’s website for specifics.

Internet

Seoul has several excellent telecommunications companies that provide fast internet and mobile services.

Keeping in Touch in South Korea

Useful links

• KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation)
• Seoul City Gas
• Seoul Waterworks (Arisu)
• Seoul Metropolitan Government