If you’re new to Korea, one of the most overwhelming parts of settling in can be finding a place to live.
You might be wondering: Which areas are safe? What’s the average price? How does renting even work here?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
Today, I’ll walk you through 3 main ways foreigners can find housing in Korea, plus some extra tips on why moving around different neighborhoods can actually make your life here more exciting 😊
1. Naver Real Estate – The Most Popular Online Platform
When Koreans search for housing, Naver Real Estate is the go-to website and app.
It’s super easy to use, and you can search by city, neighborhood, rental type (monthly, yearly, or purchase), and price range.
You can also filter by the number of rooms, size, floor level, and amenities (like air conditioning, washing machine, etc.).
Most listings include photos, so you can get a feel for the place before visiting.
You can even contact real estate agents directly through the app.
Just a bit of Korean or a translation app is usually enough to get started.
💡 Pro tip: Use the filter “Foreigner-friendly” to find listings that openly welcome foreign tenants!
2. Visit a Local Real Estate Office – For the Most Accurate Listings
If you want more up-to-date and detailed listings, visiting a real estate office in person is a great option.
These offices (called “budongsan” in Korean) are usually located near apartment complexes and offer real-time listings that may not appear online.
You can tell the agent your budget, preferred area, and requirements—they’ll give you customized recommendations and even show you around.
Many agents are helpful and willing to guide foreigners through the contract process.
💡 In neighborhoods popular with foreigners (like Itaewon, Hongdae, Haebangchon, or Seongsu), you’ll often find English-speaking agents as well.
3. Short-Term Rentals – Try Living in Different Neighborhoods
In Korea, you’re not limited to 1-year leases.
Thanks to platforms like Airbnb, Zigbang (short-term rentals), or Today’s House (shared living options), you can rent a place for just a few weeks or months (1–6 months).
This option is perfect if you want to explore different areas before deciding where to settle down.
For example, you might start off in Gangnam, then move to Yeonnam-dong, Suji, or Gwanghwamun, and experience each neighborhood’s unique vibe and lifestyle.
You don’t have to stay in one place!
Thanks to Korea’s amazing public transportation system, moving is pretty easy.
Every neighborhood has its own charm, so living on the move can feel like an extended adventure.
🍀 Final Tips Before You Sign Anything
- Always visit the place in person before signing. Photos can be misleading!
- Besides the deposit and rent, make sure to ask about maintenance fees, internet bills, and utilities.
- Having an Alien Registration Card (ARC) helps a lot—it makes renting and banking much easier!
Finding a home in Korea may feel overwhelming at first,
but don’t forget: building your own space in a new country is also part of the excitement.
And remember—you don’t have to settle in just one area.
Try out different neighborhoods, and you’ll discover a whole new side of Korea each time.
That’s what makes life here so uniquely special 💛
