Ep.1 — 🏠 Housing in Seoul: How to Find Your Perfect Stay

When you decide to spend a month in Seoul, one of the most important choices you will make is where to stay. Unlike a short trip where a hotel might be enough, a month-long stay requires comfort, convenience, and a sense of “living” rather than “visiting.” Housing in Seoul is diverse, from budget guesthouses to modern co-living spaces, and understanding your options will make your one-month adventure smoother and more enjoyable.

✨ Why Housing Matters in a One-Month Stay

Seoul is not just a tourist city; it is a megacity of more than 10 million people with neighborhoods that feel completely different from one another. Choosing housing isn’t only about a bed to sleep in—it’s about lifestyle. Do you want to live like a student in a tiny but lively studio, or like a digital nomad in a stylish co-living space, or perhaps like a traveler in a fully serviced apartment? Your choice will shape your daily rhythm.

🛏 1. Short-Term Options: Guesthouses and Airbnb

If you want the simplest solution, Airbnb and guesthouses are the most convenient. They require no long-term contract, and utilities like internet and water are already included. Most guesthouses are located in tourist-heavy neighborhoods such as Hongdae, Itaewon, or Myeongdong, where it’s easy to meet other travelers.

Airbnb in Seoul ranges widely: you might find a cozy studio near a subway station for $40 a night, or a luxury high-rise apartment overlooking the Han River for $120 a night. The benefit of Airbnb is flexibility: you can book one month, extend if you like, and avoid the bureaucracy of rental contracts.

🏢 2. Mid-Term Comfort: Serviced Apartments and Residences

For those who want a bit more privacy and hotel-like comfort, serviced residences such as Fraser Place, Oakwood, or Somerset are popular choices. These offer hotel-style services—cleaning, reception, sometimes even gyms and pools—combined with apartment features like kitchens and washing machines.

Prices are higher than Airbnb, often starting at $1,500 to $2,500 per month, but they are perfect for families, business travelers, or those who want to “live” without the hassle of setting up utilities.

🏘 3. Local Experience: Officetel and One-Room Rentals

If your goal is to live like a local, then renting an officetel (office + hotel) or a one-room studio is the most authentic choice. These are small, efficient apartments, often near subway stations. They come with a tiny kitchen, washing machine, and sometimes a loft bed.

However, renting in Korea involves the famous deposit system (jeonse or wolse). Even for short stays, landlords may require a deposit of $1,000–$5,000, refunded at the end of the contract. Monthly rent (wolse) can range from $400 to $1,000 depending on location. This option is not the easiest for first-time visitors, but if you have local help or are staying longer than a month, it can be the cheapest in the long run.

👥 4. Co-Living Spaces: Community Meets Comfort

Seoul has seen a rise in co-living spaces designed for young professionals, digital nomads, and foreigners. Places like Hive Arena or Borderless House offer shared kitchens, community events, and furnished private rooms. They are modern, stylish, and often located in trendy districts such as Gangnam, Mapo, or Itaewon.

The advantage here is community: you’re not just renting a room, you’re joining a network. For many foreigners, this makes the transition to Seoul life smoother, because you instantly meet people to explore the city with.

🏙 5. How to Choose the Right Neighborhood

Seoul is a city of neighborhoods, each with a different personality:

  • 🎨 Hongdae (Mapo-gu): Youthful, creative, full of nightlife and cafes.

  • 🌍 Itaewon (Yongsan-gu): International, diverse restaurants, English-friendly.

  • 💼 Gangnam: Modern, upscale, business district with shopping malls.

  • ☕ Seongsu-dong: Hipster, artsy, filled with unique cafes and design shops.

  • 🏯 Jongno & Insadong: Traditional, close to palaces, museums, and history.

Where you live will affect not only your daily commute but also the flavor of your stay.

📌 6. Practical Tips for Housing in Seoul

  • 📶 Wi-Fi is Everywhere: Most apartments and residences come with fast internet.

  • 🚇 Transport First: Always check subway access. Living near a subway line is more important than square footage.

  • 💰 Budget Realistically: $800–$1,200/month is a comfortable budget for most foreigners.

  • 🗣 Language Barrier: Airbnb hosts and serviced residences often speak English; local landlords usually do not.

  • 📅 Book Early: Especially in spring and autumn, demand is high, so secure your place 1–2 months in advance.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Finding housing in Seoul is more than a practical step—it is the foundation of your “live like a local” experience. Whether you choose the flexibility of Airbnb, the comfort of serviced apartments, the authenticity of officetels, or the community of co-living spaces, your choice will shape how you remember Seoul.

If you are planning a one-month stay, think not only about price and convenience but also about the lifestyle you want. Do you want to wake up in the heart of Hongdae surrounded by music and art? Or do you prefer a quiet riverside apartment where you can jog along the Han in the morning? Your home in Seoul will become part of your story, and that story will make your stay unforgettable.

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