One of the first and biggest challenges for foreigners living in Korea is finding a place to live.

Korea’s housing system can be quite unfamiliar, with its unique “jeonse” (lump-sum deposit lease)

and “wolse” (monthly rent) structure, rental contracts, and the concept of security deposits.

This guide explains the housing options available to foreigners and the key concepts and steps you should understand before signing a lease.

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What Types of Housing Are Available for Foreigners in Korea?

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There are five main types of housing options:

1. Dormitories – Provided by schools or institutions; safe and low initial cost

2.Share Houses – Affordable and often house many other foreigners

3. Boarding Houses (Hasuk) – Provide meals and housing; commonly near universities

4. Studio Apartments (One-Room) / Officetels – Fully furnished and ideal for individuals

5. Regular Apartments or Villas – More spacious but often expensive and involve complex contracts

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❗️If you’re staying in Korea for less than 6 months, consider short-term rentals through Airbnb or similar platforms.
If you're new to Korea or not fluent in Korean, starting out in a dormitory, share house, or boarding house is often the most manageable option.
For international students, university dormitories offer the best safety and affordability.
If you're planning to rent independently, you’ll typically go through a real estate agency for house tours and signing a lease.

Finding a Home in Korea: What Foreigners Must Know Before Renting

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1. Understanding Korea’s Rental Systems: Jeonse vs. Wolse

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✅ Jeonse (Key Money Deposit Lease)

✔ Security deposit: High (typically KRW 50 million to several hundred million)

✔ Monthly payment: None

✔ Contract period: Usually 2 years

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✅ Wolse (Monthly Rent Lease)

✔ Security deposit: Lower than Jeonse (typically KRW 1 to 10 million)

✔ Monthly payment: Typically KRW 300,000 to 1 million

✔ Contract period: 1–2 years

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Understanding the difference between Jeonse and Wolse is essential for foreigners looking for housing in Korea.

Jeonse is a unique Korean rental system where tenants pay a large lump-sum deposit to the landlord and do not pay monthly rent.

On the other hand, Wolse — the more familiar system to many foreigners — requires monthly rent payments in addition to a smaller deposit.

Due to the high upfront cost and longer contract period, Jeonse may not be practical for most foreigners. Wolse, with its lower deposit and flexible terms, is generally a more suitable option.

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2. Steps to Finding a Home in Korea

1) Search by Location and Preferences

Use apps like Naver Real Estate, Zigbang, Dabang, or Ziptoss to browse available listings.

You can message or call the agent to schedule a visit.

Or, you can walk into a nearby real estate agency to find listings that match your criteria.

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❗️Ziptoss is highly recommended for foreigners. They have a team specialized in foreigner support
and list many short-term rentals and share houses with low deposits.
❗️If you’re not fluent in Korean, consider living in foreigner-friendly areas like Gangnam, Hongdae, or Itaewon.

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2) Visit the Property

Do not sign a contract based on photos alone. Always visit the property in person and check for:

✔Noise insulation

✔Mold or wall condition

✔Water pressure

✔Window/door condition

✔Surrounding area

🏠 In Korea, it’s common and safest to sign a contract through a certified real estate agent, not directly with the landlord. (Note: a brokerage fee applies.)

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3) Sign the Lease

You’ll sign a contract and transfer the deposit to the landlord’s official bank account (account name must match the name on the contract).

The contract must clearly state:

✔Deposit amount

✔Monthly rent

✔Maintenance fees

✔Rental period

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3. Things to Check Before Signing

✔Real Estate Register (등기부등본): Confirms that the landlord is the legal property owner.

For jeonse contracts, this is essential to check for mortgages or liens, to avoid deposit scams.

✔Contract Terms: Read carefully for conditions related to:

Contract length

What utilities are included

Early termination rules

❗️Bring a Korean friend or translator if possible.

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4. After Signing the Contract

1) Report Your New Address (전입신고)

Go to your local district office (dong office) to register your address.

This is crucial to protect your lease rights and prevent housing fraud.

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2) Update Address with Immigration

You must report your new address to the Immigration Office within 14 days.

Failure to update can result in fines under the Immigration Control Act.

Need a Custom Visa or Labor Support Service?

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HanGuk Visa offers personalized services for

: Personal and corporate visa processing, Translation support, Employment and labor-related solutions.

We go beyond just visa processing — we support foreign workers with:

✔Employment contracts

✔Wage condition reviews

✔Unpaid wage responses

✔Practical legal guidance on labor issues

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We provide customized visa solutions tailored to your specific situation.

If you have any questions or need detailed consultation, please feel free to contact us using the information below :)

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📞 Tel: +82-2-3210-1113

✉ KakaoTalk Channel: 한국비자

📣 Instagram: @hanguk_visa