Living in Korea - Webring Blog

Korea Housing Guide: Buying, Renting, and Leasing

2024년 02월 26일 로 Webring

In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide to living in Korea as an expat, including the ins and outs of renting a house(Korea housing). As we’ve seen in our guide to living in Korea as an expatriate, the common types of housing in Korea include apartments, office buildings, multi-family, single-family, and multi-family houses. People who live in cities tend to favor shared housing, such as apartments, for the convenience of living, and home ownership is highly valued. Housing prices are generally high, especially in urban areas.

Korea Housing: Buying and renting a home

Buying a home
It’s rare for foreigners to buy a home in Korea, but if you do, you should check the location, orientation, transportation, and neighborhood carefully. Once you’ve decided to buy, you should take great care to review legal relationships, such as ownership and encumbrances, through the land registry to avoid any disadvantages. It’s important to make sure all essential details are included in the contract.

Renting(Jeonse)
This is a unique way for foreigners to rent a home in Korea, where you pay a deposit, live in the home for a set period of time, and receive your deposit back in full at the end of the contract. The deposit is usually between 40-80% of the price of the house, and the rental contract is usually for two years (one year for offices), and the law stipulates that the landlord cannot break the contract within two years unless the tenant wants to. This means that even if you have a one-year rental contract, the tenant (foreigner) can stay for two years if they want to.

Reverse leases(Ban Jeonse)
During the economic downturn and low interest rates, landlords are turning to split the rental into a deposit and rent to make money. In recent years, it has become more common to charge renters by converting the increase in the rental price into rent. Recently, about 3 out of every 10 houses are rented as a reverse lease. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases where the increased charter price is converted into monthly rent (usually twice the bank deposit rate) and rent is collected from tenants.

For example, if the charter price has increased to 400 million won ($300 million) two years after signing a charter contract, the increase of 100 million won is converted into monthly rent at the rate of 400,000 to 600,000 won per month for a deposit of 300 million won.

Monthly rent
This is a rental method where you pay a security deposit and a monthly fee, and is the most preferred method for foreigners. It is also the most familiar method because there is no such thing as a rental in other countries. The deposit is relatively low compared to a rental, and the deposit and monthly fee are negotiable.

The monthly rent may vary depending on the size, number of rooms, and facilities, and utilities (electricity, water, gas, telephone, internet, TV, etc.) are paid separately. Also, furniture and appliances are usually not included, so you will have to buy them separately, but many multi-family or office buildings have basic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose a place with basic furniture and appliances when looking for a place to rent as a foreigner.

Dormitory
This refers to accommodation provided by a company or school. If you’re an international technical trainee or a non-specialty work visa holder, your company may provide housing, but it’s not required.

Korea Housing: What to look for when looking for housing

There are many ways to find Korea housing. You can look at ads on the street or go door-to-door, but the most common way is through a real estate agency. A real estate agent can check important things for you, help you prepare the necessary paperwork for the contract, and resolve legal issues. When using an agent, you’ll pay a statutory fee based on the value of the transaction, which you can check online in advance.

If you feel that the commission is excessive, you can report it to the illegal brokerage center at your local ward office. In principle, both the landlord and tenant pay the real estate agent, and if you terminate the lease before the expiration of the contract, it is common for the agent to charge the next tenant a commission as well.

Korea Housing: What to Know Before Signing a Contract

Who to sign with
You’ll need to sign a contract with the landlord. Important details include the length of your tenancy, security deposit, and rent. Sometimes you’ll be signing with an existing tenant rather than the landlord directly, in which case you may not be able to get your deposit back if the landlord doesn’t recognize the contract. Therefore, it’s important to verify who the owner is before signing, and to see a seal certificate and power of attorney from the owner or their representative. In some cases, a real estate agent may say they have power of attorney, but it’s always best to verify that the landlord’s information is accurate.

Land Registry
You can check the landlord’s information, the size and layout of the property, and any debts, and it’s easy to obtain online. It’s a good idea to check it multiple times before you make a down payment, mid-term payment, or balance payment. If you’re working with a real estate agent, they should be able to print out the deed for you to check.

How much and how to pay
The down payment is usually 10% of the deposit, and the rest is paid before and on move-in day. You must keep your receipts. If the landlord (a foreigner) unilaterally cancels the contract after signing it, you cannot legally get your deposit back, so you should proceed with caution.

Korea Housing: What must be written in the contract

The location of the home (the address on the deed must match the address on the contract)
The amount of the contract (deposit and rent)
Amount and timing of the down payment, midway payment, and balance (it’s safe to give only 10% of the deposit as a down payment)
The length of the contract
Signatures or handprints of the landlord and tenant (finger stamp)

Korea Housing: Contract Expiration and Security Deposit Returns

If you have to move out before the end of the contract, your landlord can deduct the remaining rent from your security deposit. For example, if you live in a room with a 2,000,000 won deposit and a 150,000 won monthly rent, and you decide to move out three months before your contract expires, there’s no problem if you find a new tenant right away, but if not, it’s not illegal for the landlord to deduct the remaining three months’ rent of 450,000 won (150,000 won × 3 months) from your deposit, leaving you with 1,550,000 won.

If your contract expires and you give a month’s notice of your intention to move out, but the landlord refuses to return your security deposit because there is no new tenant, this is illegal. In this situation, you may have to take legal action, and it is recommended that you seek legal counsel as it can be a complicated process.

As a foreigner, signing a lease in Korea can be a daunting prospect(Korea Housing), but it’s increasingly common for people to do it directly, and since you’re a foreigner, we recommend using a real estate agent if you can. While it may seem like a lot of money to pay a real estate agent, it’s worth it to consider paying a small fee to cushion the blow of a bad deal.

Long-term stay in Korea: 4 procedures and reporting obligations

2024년 02월 20일 로 Webring

In the previous article, we discussed the need to register as a foreigner when planning to long-term stay in Korea for more than 90 days and the process for doing so. In this article, we will discuss extending your long-term stay in Korea, changing your status of residence, activities outside of your status of residence, re-entry permits, and foreigners’ reporting obligations. This article is part of a series of 24 articles in the Complete Guide to Living in Korea for Foreigners.

Long-term stay in Korea: Extending your stay

The length of stay for foreigners in Korea is basically based on their visa. For visa-free entry, a 90-day stay is the norm. Foreigners usually depart Korea within this authorized period of stay, but if a foreigner wishes to stay in Korea beyond the authorized period of stay, he/she must apply for an extension of stay from 4 months before the expiration date to the expiration date. If you apply for an extension after the expiration date, you will be charged a penalty.

The process for extending your stay is as follows

1) Application (citizen) → 2) Reception (immigration officer) → 3) Examination (survey if necessary) → 4) Approval (payment) → 5) Computerized entry and recording of permit → 6) Issuance of passport (foreigner)

The following documents are required when extending your period of stay.

Consolidated Application
Passport and Alien Registration Card (if you are registered as an alien)
Proof of residence
Attachments for each status of residence
Fee 60,000 KRW (30,000 KRW for marriage immigrants (F-6))

Long-term stay in Korea: Change of status

If a foreigner in Korea wants to stop an activity that falls under his/her current status of residence and start an activity that falls under a different status of residence, he/she must obtain permission from the competent Immigration and Refugee Service (office/branch office) before starting the new activity. Some examples of when you may need to obtain authorization include

Foreigners on short-term visitor (C-3) visa who want to invest in Korea (D-8)
- However, group tours (C-3-2) during short-term visits are restricted from changing status in Korea.
To study at a university after completing language training (D-4) (D-2)
Foreigners with other statuses in Korea (excluding short-term visa holders for 90 days or less, illegal immigrants, etc.

If you want to change your immigration status, here’s what you’ll need to bring

Unified Application, one standard-sized photo
Passport and Alien Registration Card (if you are registered as an alien)
Attachments for each status of residence
Status change fee 100,000 won (30,000 won registration fee)
- However, in case of change of status to permanent resident (F-5), 200,000 won (plus 30,000 won for issuance of permanent resident card)

Long-term stay in Korea: Activities outside the status of residence

If a foreign national who is staying in Korea for 91 days or more (excluding those with a short-term certificate (visa) for 90 days or less) wishes to engage in activities related to another status of residence while maintaining their current status of residence, they must obtain an out-of-status activity permit before engaging in activities related to the other status of residence. Examples include the following In many cases, foreigners stay in Korea to teach a language such as English. In this case, you must follow the following procedures

Those who have been confirmed by the school’s international student affairs officer as having the status of study abroad (D-2) and language training (D-4-1, D-4-7) (there are separate qualifications, contact ☎1345)
Language students are allowed after 6 months from the date of entry.
Missionaries with religious status (D-6) who wish to give lectures (E-1) at an institution affiliated with the same foundation.

Married immigrants (F-6) are not restricted from working, which means that they are free to work at any time, and do not need to obtain a separate authorization to work outside of their immigration status. However, even if you are allowed to work, you must meet certain qualifications or requirements according to domestic laws.

If you want to engage in activities outside your status of residence, you must prepare the following documents to obtain permission.

Consolidated Application
Passport and Alien Registration Card (if you are registered as an alien)
Attachments for each status of residence
Fee 120,000 KRW, but no fee for studying abroad (D-2) and general training (D-4)

Long-term stay in Korea: Re-entry permit

Those who need a re-entry permit include foreigners who have been in Korea for 91 days or more and are registered as aliens, as well as employees and family members of foreign missions and international organizations, and those who are exempted from alien registration under an agreement with the Korean government, such as diplomats or consuls who enjoy privileges and status similar to that of a diplomat or consul, and their family members.

The maximum period for a re-entry permit is one year for single re-entry, which is a one-time re-entry, and two years for multiple re-entry, which is a two-time or more re-entry. There are also exemptions and exclusions to the reentry permit: A-1 through A-3 and registered aliens (all statuses) are exempt from the reentry permit if they are reentering the country within one year of their departure (or within their period of stay if they have less than one year remaining), and F-5 (permanent resident) status holders are exempt if they are reentering the country within two years of their departure.

The required documentation for reentry authorization is as follows

Consolidated Application
Passport and Alien Registration Card (if you are registered as an alien)
Fee – Single: KRW 30,000, Multiple: KRW 50,000

If you are granted a re-entry permit and you have a reason that prevents you from entering the country within the permit period or the exemption period, you can apply for an extension of the re-entry permit period by going to the local Korean embassy or consulate within the period. If you fail to enter the country within the re-entry permit period, you will lose your status of residence.

Long-term stay in Korea: Reporting obligations for foreign nationals

If a foreigner who has registered as an alien encounters any of the following events, he/she is obligated to report them to the Immigration Bureau of Japan at his/her place of residence or the competent Immigration Bureau (office or branch office) within 14 days of the event. Please note that if you fail to do so, you may be subject to fines or penalties and may face disadvantages in your stay.

Your name, gender, date of birth, and nationality have changed.
Change in passport number, date of issue, or expiration date
D-1, D-2, D-4 to D-9 Changes (including name changes) or additions to the credential holder’s affiliation or organization
D-10 A change in the fact that the holder began training or a change in the training organization (including a name change)
H-2 status holder’s first employment with a person, institution, organization, or business, if the employment was commenced by the H-2 status holder
If already employed by an individual, institution, organization, or business, a change in the individual, institution, organization, or business and a change in the name of the individual, institution, organization, or business
A change of domicile

To do this, you’ll need

Declarations
Passport and Alien Registration Card
Proof of change (proof of address if your residence has changed)

While all countries are similar, there are different filing procedures for foreigners who plan to stay in Korea for an extended period of time. Check carefully to see if any of these apply to you, and make sure you don’t face any penalties for not filing.

Staying in Korea Long Term: Alien Registration Process and Required Documents

2024년 02월 15일 로 Webring

If you’re a foreigner planning to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days, you must complete alien registration within 90 days of arrival. This is an essential step to legally stay and live in South Korea. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process, what documents you’ll need, and what to expect. This article is part of a series of 24 articles in the Complete Guide to Living in South Korea for Foreigners.

Foreigner registration

Importance

This is required for all foreigners staying in South Korea for more than 90 days, and it will give you an Alien Registration Card. It is used as an identification card for the duration of your stay in Korea and can be used to open a bank account, purchase or subscribe to a cell phone, visit a hospital, and use a variety of other services for everyday needs. In addition, if you are granted a status of residence or change of status of residence during your stay in Korea, you will be required to register at the same time as you are granted a status of residence or change of status of residence.

Explore the Alien Registration Card

When you finalize the alien registration process, you receive the fWhen you finalize the alien registration process, you receive the following alien registration card.

Front and back of the Alien Registration Card

On the front, it says

Identification Card Names
- (Korean) Alien Registration Card (English) RESIDENCE CARD
Alien registration number: ○○○○○○-○○○○○○○
Gender: M for male and F for female
Name: English name on the passport
Country/Region: Indicate your nationality in English
Status of Residence: Indicate the status of residence according to Article 12 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act (Married Immigrant (F-6))
Issuing organization: Indicate in Korean and English

Here’s what it says on the back

Period of Stay
Approval date: Date of approval for residence permit application, etc.
Expiration date: Expiration date of the period of stay
- If it is a permanent resident status (F-5), it is written as ‘expiration date’, and the expiration date is 10 years from the date of issuance.
Confirmation: Indicate the permit office, but omit ‘Immigration and Foreign Affairs (Office)’ and indicate ‘Seoul’, ‘Busan’, etc.

Documentation

Passport (+original, photocopy)
Consolidated Application Form (Form No. 34 available at the Immigration and Refugee Affairs (Offices and Branches) Civil Affairs Section)
One passport-size photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
A natural-color, head-on photo of the face on a white background taken within the last 6 months
Registration certificate issuance fee of 30,000 won (cash)
Proof of residence
(Documents vary depending on your status of residence, so be sure to check with the Foreigner Information Center ☎1345)

Apply and issue

You can apply for and (re)issue an Alien Registration Card at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (office/branch office) in charge of your place of residence. It takes about 3 weeks from the date you apply for Alien Registration, and you can receive it in person at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (office/branch office) or at home using a courier service (prepaid).

Cautions

The Alien Registration Card is an identification card that proves you are a foreigner, so you must carry it with you at all times, and you can be fined up to KRW 1,000,000 for violating the carrying obligation.
Application deadline: You must complete your alien registration within 90 days of your arrival in Korea. If you miss the deadline, you may be fined.
Provide accurate information: All information on your application must be accurate, and you may be held liable if you provide false information.
Gather your documents: The documents you need may vary depending on your visa type and purpose of stay, so you should contact the immigration office in advance for an accurate list of documents.

Registering as a foreigner is the first step to a long-term stay in Korea. It allows you to legally stay in the country and access a variety of services. Make sure to prepare well in advance to ensure a smooth stay.

Guide to Entering South Korea for Foreigners: Passport, Visa, and K-ETA Information

2024년 02월 13일 로 Webring

One of the most important preparations for foreigners entering South Korea is the passport and visa requirements associated with the entry process. These documents are mandatory items that you must have in place before stepping foot on South Korean soil. Passports and visas have different requirements depending on your purpose of travel, length of stay, and nationality. The information below will help you learn more about the process of preparing your passport and visa to enter South Korea. This is part 24 of our Complete Guide to Living in South Korea for foreigner series.

Prepare your passport

Your passport is the most important document that proves your identity when traveling internationally. All international visitors must have a valid passport, and it must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, which means it must remain valid for the duration of your planned stay and until you return home.

Guide to Entering South Korea for Foreigners: Passport, Visa, and K-ETA Information

The process for getting a passport varies from country to country, and you can usually apply through your country’s foreign ministry or equivalent organization. To get a passport, you’ll need documents such as ID and photos, and some countries require an interview process. The length of time it takes to get a passport depends on the country you’re applying to and the process, so you’ll need to take this into account when planning your trip.

South Korea Visa Information

A visa is permission to enter, stay in, or travel through a specific country. Depending on the purpose of your visit to South Korea and the length of your stay, you might need a visa. Below is an example image of a South Korean visa.

2) Status of Residence: You can see the purpose of entering Korea (Married immigrants: Status of Residence F-6).
The date in the immigration confirmation is the date you entered Korea. Your period of stay in Korea is calculated from the day after your entry.
3) The period of stay depends on your status of residence, and you must apply for alien registration and extend your stay before your period of stay expires (within 90 days from the date of entry) (whether you can extend your stay depends on your status of residence and the reason for the extension).
6) Expiration date, located just below the period of stay, indicates the validity of the visa.

South Korea Visa Waiver Countries and K-ETA

South Korea offers visa-free visits for short-term stays to citizens of countries with which it has visa-free agreements. This applies to stays of at least 30 days to 180 days, including tourism, short-term business, and family visits. You can find a list of countries with visa waiver benefits on the following website.

As you can see in the image above, South Korea allows citizens of countries with visa-free agreements to enter South Korea without applying for a visa. Some countries range from 6 months (180 days) to 30 days in the case of Canada. However, with the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system, there are some countries that can enter Korea after applying for a K-ETA.

Full list of visa-free agreement countries you can enter after applying for K-ETA

6Month	Canada
3Month	Greece, Netherlands, New Zealand, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Belgium, Suriname, Switzerland, Switzerland
90Days	Guatemala, Grenada, Norway, Nicaragua, Taiwan, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Dominican Commonwealth, Germany, Latvia, Romania, Lithuania, Macau, Morocco, Malta, United States, Barbados, Bahamas, Venezuela, Botswana, Bulgaria, Brazil, Serbia, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Haiti, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, Estonia, Ecuador, El Salvador, United Kingdom, Austria, Uruguay, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Czech Republic, Chile, Qatar, Costa Rica, Colombia, Kuwait, Croatia, Thailand, Turquoise, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Peru, Portugal[2], Poland, France, Finland, Hungary, Australia, Hong Kong
60Days	Russia, Lesotho
30Days	Guyana, Vatican, Nauru, South Africa, New Caledonia, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mauritius, Montenegro, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, and Cyprus, San Marino, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Andorra, Albania, Eswatini, British Protected Persons, British Subjects, Overseas Citizens, Overseas Citizens, Overseas Territories, Oman, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu, Tunisia, Paraguay, Palau, Fiji

The 112 countries listed above are visa-free as of February 2024 and can be entered into Korea with a K-ETA application. For example, citizens of many countries, including Latin American countries in green, need to apply 72 hours in advance through K-ETA to enter Korea. The fee is 10,000 won (plus tax) and can be paid with Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and Amex credit cards.

However, for 22 of these 112 countries, you can enter without applying for a K-ETA. This means that you can visit and stay in Korea without applying for a K-ETA.

Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Poland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand

Jeju Island once had a 30-day visa-free entry, but now requires a K-ETA application. Please note this.

South Korea Visa Types and Entering South Korea

For countries other than the 112 countries above, you must apply for a visa that fits your purpose. Also, even for the visa-free countries above, you must apply for a visa that fits your purpose if you need to stay in Korea for an average of 90 days or more. If you need a visa, you must apply for the right type of visa for the purpose of your visit, and South Korea offers a variety of visa types, including tourist (K-ETA, B-2), business (B-1), student (D-2), and work (E-1 through E-7).

Visa applications are typically made through a South Korean embassy or consulate and require an application form, a copy of your passport, a photo, and an application fee. Depending on the purpose of your visit, additional documents may be required, such as an invitation letter, school acceptance letter, or employment contract.

The visa application process can vary depending on the country and your individual circumstances, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to prepare before you leave. Visa issuance is typically within a few weeks of receipt of your application, but can take longer in some cases, so be sure to allow for this in your travel plans.

Having your passport and visa ready to enter and stay in South Korea is the first step in ensuring your trip goes smoothly. Make sure you have all the documents you need ahead of time to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans.

Foreigner housing, a guide to housing options for your stay in South Korea

2024년 02월 08일 로 Webring

For foreigners planning to live in South Korea, choosing housing (foreigner housing) is one of the most important considerations. South Korea’s housing culture is unique and there are many different options, so it’s important to understand them well. In this article, we’ll provide information on the main choices and resources foreigners should consider when choosing a place to live in Korea. This is the fifth installment of our complete guide to living in South Korea for foreigners.

1. Foreigner housing

With its unique culture, rapidly developing economy, and vibrant city life, South Korea has become a destination for many foreigners, many of whom are now looking forward to a longer stay. One of the most important tasks to start your life in Korea is finding the right foreigner housing. Korea has four distinct seasons, and there are a variety of housing options depending on where you live. Here are the pros and cons of each option, as well as some helpful advice when choosing a place to live.

2. Housing options for foreigners in South Korea

South Korea, like most countries, is a mix of urban life in mega-cities like Seoul, with more rural and tourist-oriented living. Depending on where you live, South Korea offers many different types of foreigner housing options, each of which suits different lifestyles and budgets. Here are some of the main housing options you can find in South Korea.

2.1. Single and double rooms

Studio: This is one of the most common types of foreigner housing in South Korea. A studio usually consists of one room and includes a kitchen and a bathroom. This type of living space is popular with students and single professionals. A studio in a foreign country is called a studio in Korea. However, since studios are usually located in a building called a villa, they have good access to the city center, but the living space can be a bit cramped, and depending on the building, there may be noise problems from neighbors.

Two rooms: These offer a little more space than a studio, often with an extra bedroom or separate living room. Two Rooms are perfect for individuals or couples who want a little more living space. They offer a higher quality of life than a studio because they’re more separate, and they’re usually rooms within a villa building.

2.2. Officetel

An office space is a modern form of housing that combines living and working space. This type of housing is typically located in city centers or business districts and is often equipped with the latest facilities and amenities. They’re popular with professionals who want to live close to their workplace. They’re similar in appearance to apartments and often have separate doormen, making them a safer place to live when compared to studios and villas.

However, they’re usually more expensive than studios, and you’ll have to pay an additional fee on top of the rent, called a management fee. From a foreigner’s perspective, they’re also a good option for long-term expats, as they’re often located in convenient transportation locations and are more affordable than apartments.

2.3. Villas, apartments, and single-family homes

Villa: In South Korea, a villa is a residential space, usually located within a small building. Villas come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and are ideal for people who want an independent living space at a relatively low price. Villas are typically no more than five stories tall, and within a villa, there may be more than one room, two rooms, or three rooms, depending on the configuration of the space. In terms of foreigner housing, one- and two-bedroom units are common in villas.

Apartments: Apartments in South Korea are homes located in large residential complexes, and are one of the most popular forms of housing in South Korea. Apartment complexes usually have a wide range of amenities and community facilities and are popular with families. Each apartment complex has its own management office and a large staff to provide communal care, making it a preferred and safe place to live in the city center.

Single-family homes: This is a type of housing that is now rarely found in favor of apartments, offices, and villas, but it is the equivalent of a detached house in foreign countries. Some neighborhoods still have single-family home complexes, while others build them for retirement or as part of new urban developments. While this is an option sometimes chosen by foreigners who are used to living in a single-family home in a foreign country, it is not a good choice for short-term stays because it requires the renter to take care of the entire house, including maintaining the garden if there is one.

2.4. Boarding(Gosiwon) and lodging(Haseok)

Gosiwon: A low-cost housing option that includes a very small private room with basic furnishings. They’re often suitable for students or working professionals on a budget. You’ll often have to use a shared kitchen and bathroom. They don’t require a large deposit and you pay rent monthly, making them an easy option for foreigners. However, the space itself is usually quite small, with just a single bed and a desk, so be sure to look at the size of the room when choosing. Gosiwon was literally designed as a space for studying, but nowadays, there are quite a few people who live here due to the low rent. There is usually one caretaker on duty, so safety is at a minimum.

Haseok: Haseok is a service that includes room and meals, usually provided by a family. It offers privacy and home-cooked meals, and can be a good option for foreigners who want to experience Korean home culture. However, in recent years, hagwon has become much less popular, with only a few universities keeping it alive. It is characterized by having a small private space, such as a gosiwon or studio room, and a common area where you can eat meals.

Each foreigner housing option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should consider location, cost, and your personal lifestyle and needs when making your choice. Living close to the city center can be more convenient but more expensive, and conversely, living farther away from the city center can be quieter and less expensive, but transportation and accessibility can be inconvenient. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to explore your options and, if possible, visit the space in person before choosing a place to live in South Korea.

3. Considerations for choosing a residential space

If you’ve been thinking about choosing one of the living space options in South Korea, now you can finalize your decision by considering your personal lifestyle, budget, and the location of your daily activities. Below, we’ll detail the main things to keep in mind when choosing a living space.

3.1. Location and accessibility

One of the most important factors when choosing a place to live is location. In particular, proximity to work or school, access to public transportation, and nearby amenities can make a big difference in the convenience of your daily life. If living in a city center is important to you, then a place in the heart of the city should be your first choice. Otherwise, convenient transportation should be your next choice.

Distance to work or school: A shorter commute to work or school can make your daily life less stressful. On the other hand, areas outside the city center or in the suburbs can offer more living space at a lower price, but may require longer travel times. In Seoul, a place within an hour of public transportation is considered highly accessible. When choosing a neighborhood, consider the amount of time you’ll need to spend traveling to and from your primary destinations.
Public transportation accessibility: It’s important to choose a location with easy access to public transportation facilities like subway stations and bus stops. The convenience of public transportation is an important consideration, especially for people without a car, and for foreigners, subways are often a more important mode of transportation than buses. It’s a good idea to find a home within walking distance of a subway station if possible, or even if not, within easy reach of a town bus.
Nearby amenities: Accessibility to various amenities for your daily needs is also important, such as supermarkets, hospitals, pharmacies, banks, restaurants, and more. Having these facilities nearby will make your life much easier. You don’t necessarily need to have all of these things in your neighborhood, but with the current culture of home delivery and courier services, it’s important to choose a location that fits your primary lifestyle.

3.2. Budget

One of the most decisive factors when choosing a place to live is your budget. The cost of foreigner housing is not just the rent, but also includes various expenses such as management fees, utility costs, parking fees, etc. Korea does not yet have a thriving short-term rental market (less than one year) for foreigners, so places like the aforementioned studios, villas, apartments, and single-family homes require a minimum of one year, and usually two years.

On the other hand, places like gosiwon can be rented for as little as 6 months, and in areas with a large foreigner population, some landlords allow for shorter contracts. Otherwise, you can use places like Airbnb to rent for as little as 1 month. Length of stay is ultimately the first important factor in your budget, so if you want to live in a place you know, think about the length of your stay first.

Rent: Rent can vary greatly depending on the type of foreigner housing, location, size, and more. A studio or high rise might be relatively inexpensive, while an office building or apartment might be more expensive.
Management fees and utilities: Most apartments and offices charge a management fee, which covers services such as building maintenance, security, and cleaning. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Deposit and contract terms: Housing contracts in South Korea often include a large security deposit (called a security deposit). Check the terms of the contract carefully and make sure you clearly understand the length of the lease, conditions for returning the deposit, etc.

3.3. Lifestyle

Your personal lifestyle and preferences are also important factors in choosing a living space. For example, if you prefer a social life, an office in the city center might be right for you, while a small villa or studio might be better for you if you prefer quiet and independence.

3.4. Safety and security

The safety and security of your living space is also an important consideration. It’s a good idea to check the building’s structural safety, fire protection, security systems, and local law enforcement. Korea is generally safe due to good public security, but apartments and offices with extra safety management, i.e. security guards, are the best options.

3.5. Terms and legal matters

It’s common for rental contracts in Korea to be brokered by a professional agent, called a real estate agent, between the landlord and tenant. For stays of less than six months, you can pay directly through services like Airbnb, but we recommend using a real estate agent for contracts of at least one year. Before signing a rental agreement, it’s a good idea to carefully review all the terms of the contract, and seek legal advice if necessary. You should clearly understand all the details, including the length of the contract, security deposit, rent increases, and conditions for terminating the contract.

When choosing a place to live, it’s important to weigh these different considerations together to make the best decision. If possible, physically visiting the area, checking out the surroundings, and talking to local residents is also a great way to gain useful information.

4. Conclusion

Finding the right foreigner housing is an important part of starting your life in South Korea. It’s important to understand the different foreigner housing options, their features, and make the best choice for your personal needs and budget. We hope this article will help you choose a place to live in Korea. Next time, we’ll look at more detailed rental arrangements such as buying, renting, and leasing..