🏠 Where to Stay in South Korea — From Hotels to Local Housing

 

Whether you’re visiting South Korea for a few days or settling in for a longer stay, the country offers every type of accommodation — from futuristic hotels to traditional hanoks and cozy student rooms. Here’s a full guide to help you choose the right home away from home.

 

 

🌸 Short Stays — Hotels, Guesthouses & Hanoks

South Korea’s hospitality scene is one of the most diverse in Asia. For short trips or business stays, you can find everything from high-end luxury to charming local guesthouses.

 

1) Hotels

• International chains like Marriott, Lotte, Shilla, Four Points, and Accor are common in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.
• Mid-range hotels (₩80,000–₩150,000 per night) are abundant around Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam.
• Budget hotels and business hotels start around ₩60,000, often with breakfast included.

Tip: Book through Agoda, Booking, or Trazy for English support and real-time availability.

 

2) Guesthouses & Hostels

• Popular among solo travelers or backpackers — ₩25,000–₩50,000 per night.
• Communal kitchens and laundry often included.
• Neighborhoods: Hongdae, Itaewon, Insadong, Haeundae (Busan).

 

3) Traditional Hanok Stays

• Experience traditional Korean architecture in Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul), Jeonju Hanok Village, or Gyeongju.
• Prices range ₩90,000–₩200,000 per night depending on location and amenities.

For travelers and business visitors, Etourism Korea can handle all accommodation arrangements — from boutique hotels to cultural hanok experiences — ensuring a seamless stay from arrival to check-out.

 

 

 

 

🏙️ Medium to Long Stays — Local Housing Options

For students, interns, and long-term visitors, Korea offers several housing models adapted to different budgets and lifestyles.

 

1) Goshiwon (고시원)

• Tiny rooms (6–10m²) with shared kitchen and laundry.
• Private bathroom optional; rent ₩350,000–₩600,000/month.
• Ideal for short to mid-term stays or language students.
• Websites: goshipages.com, Zigbang.

 

2) Officetel (오피스텔)

• Studio apartments mixing office & residential space.
• Fully equipped: kitchenette, aircon, washer, often furnished.
• Average rent: ₩700,000–₩1,200,000/month depending on district.

 

3) Share House & Coliving

• Private room + shared kitchen/living space.
• Common among young professionals or exchange students.
• Apps: Ziptoss, Commontown.

4) University Dorms

• Most universities provide dorms for international students.
• Rooms: ₩400,000–₩800,000/month including utilities and meal options.

 

💰 Understanding Jeonse & Wolse

Korea’s rental system is unique. You’ll often see two main formats:

• Jeonse (전세) — pay a large refundable deposit (e.g. ₩100 million+) with no monthly rent. The landlord invests it and returns it at contract end.
• Wolse (월세) — smaller deposit (₩5–20 million) + monthly rent (₩500,000–₩1,500,000).

Tip: Always sign a written contract and register it at your local district office (gu-office) to protect your deposit.

 

 

📱 Useful Apps & Websites

• Zigbang — largest real-estate app, with filters for officetels, one-rooms, and villas.
• Dabang — similar to Zigbang, with detailed maps and prices.
• Naver Real Estate — comprehensive listings with street-view integration.
• Airbnb — widely used for flexible mid-term stays.
• Agoda / Booking — best for hotel comparisons in English.

 

🧾 Contracts & Paperwork

• Bring a copy of your passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC).
• Ask for a rental contract in English or bilingual version.
• Deposit transfers usually done via Korean bank account; cash is rare.
• Report any suspicious offers or deposit issues to Korea Consumer Agency (KCA).

 

 

📍 Popular Neighborhoods (2025)

• Seoul: Hongdae (youth & nightlife), Gangnam (business), Yeonnam-dong (trendy cafés), Jamsil (family-friendly).
• Busan: Haeundae (beachfront), Seomyeon (central shopping), Gwangalli (night view).
• Jeju: Aewol and Seogwipo for ocean views and relaxed pace.

 

 

🔗 Useful Contacts

• Etourism Korea — accommodation, business & incentive travel support: etourkorea.com
• Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) — verified lodging info: visitkorea.or.kr
• Travel Hotline 1330 — 24/7 support in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean.

 

 

✨ Summary

From elegant hotels to cozy goshiwon rooms, South Korea has accommodation for every traveler. Check apps like Zigbang or Dabang for local rentals, or let Etourism Korea manage your short-term bookings for a worry-free stay.