How to Find Long-Term Accommodation in Korea: A Guide for International Students and Long-Term Visitors
Moving to Korea for university, language school, an internship, or an extended stay is exciting—but finding the right place to live can feel overwhelming, especially when you are arranging everything from overseas.
Many Korean housing platforms and rental contracts are available only in Korean. Large deposits, long contract periods, unfamiliar rental terms, and communication with landlords can also make the process difficult for international residents.
This guide explains the main types of long-term accommodation in Korea, what to check before booking, and how housing platforms such as Momstay can help international students and long-term visitors find a suitable home.
Why Is Finding Housing in Korea Difficult for Foreign Residents?
Unlike booking a hotel for a short trip, renting a room or apartment in Korea often involves several additional steps. Common challenges include:
• Language barriers: Listings, contracts, building rules, and communication with landlords may be available only in Korean
• High deposits: Traditional Korean rental contracts can require a large security deposit.
• Long contract periods: Some landlords prefer tenants who can sign a one- or two-year contract.
• Limited information: It may be difficult to confirm what is included in the rent, whether the photos are current, or how convenient the neighborhood is for daily life.
• Complicated booking procedures: International payment, identity verification, viewing appointments, and contract signing may be unfamiliar to first-time residents.
For students and newcomers, it is important to compare not only the monthly rent but also the deposit, contract term, utilities, location, room facilities, and available customer support.
Types of Long-Term Accommodation in Korea
Korea offers several housing options for different budgets and lifestyles. The best choice depends on how long you plan to stay, how much privacy you need, and whether you are comfortable sharing common areas.
1. Goshiwon
A goshiwon is a small, budget-friendly private room. Depending on the property, the bathroom may be private or shared, while kitchens and laundry facilities are usually communal.
Best for: Students, solo travelers, and budget-conscious residents
Main advantages: Low or no deposit, central locations, and flexible rental periods
Things to check: Room size, window availability, private bathroom, minimum stay, and included utilities
2. Boarding House or Homestay
A boarding house or homestay allows you to rent a room in a family-style residence. Some properties include meals, making this a helpful option for students who want a more personal living environment and an opportunity to experience Korean daily life.
Best for: Students who prefer a home-like environment
Main advantages: Meals may be included, and local support may be available
Things to check: House rules, meal schedule, privacy, and shared facilities
3. Share House
In a share house, each resident normally has a private bedroom and shares spaces such as the kitchen, living room, and laundry area.
Best for: Students and young residents who enjoy community living
Main advantages: Furnished spaces, opportunities to meet other residents, and lower costs than many private apartments
Things to check: Number of housemates, cleaning rules, shared bills, visitor policies, and contract period
4. One-Room Studio
A Korean one-room is a compact private apartment with a living and sleeping area, a private bathroom, and usually a small kitchenette.
Best for: Residents who prioritize independence and privacy
Main advantages: Private facilities and options for both short- and long-term stays
Things to check: Deposit, maintenance fees, utilities, furnishing, floor level, and distance from public transportation
As a general reference, the Momstay introduction materials list approximate monthly budgets ranging from KRW 250,000 for some goshiwons to KRW 1,900,000 for some private studios.
Actual prices and conditions vary by property, neighborhood, room type, and rental period, so always confirm the current listing details before making a reservation.
What Should You Check Before Booking Accommodation in Korea?
Before paying a deposit or signing a contract, review the following information carefully:
1. Location and commute: Search by university, neighborhood, or subway station and check your realistic door-to-door travel time.
2. Total cost: Confirm the monthly rent, deposit, maintenance fee, utilities, service fee, and any cleaning or move-in charges.
3. Minimum stay: Many long-term accommodations are rented monthly, and some require a minimum rental period.
4. Room facilities: Check whether the room is furnished and whether the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities are private or shared.
5. Contract and cancellation terms: Read the payment schedule, refund conditions, extension policy, and move-out requirements.
6. Communication support: If you do not speak Korean, choose a service that can assist you before and during your stay.
If possible, arrange an in-person or virtual room tour. When that is not available, request recent photos and confirm important details in writing.
An Easier Way to Search: Momstay
Momstay is a Seoul-based housing platform created for international students, expatriates, and long-term visitors in South Korea. It offers a curated selection of goshiwons, one-room studios, share houses, boarding houses, and homestays.
The platform is designed to make the housing search easier for people who may not be familiar with Korea’s rental system. Users can:
• Search for accommodation by university, neighborhood, or subway station
• Review room photos, availability, rent, deposits, and facilities
• Save listings and request a room visit
• Receive foreign-language customer support
• Communicate more clearly when dealing with hosts or landlords
• Complete a transparent booking process and electronic contract
Momstay can be especially useful if you are arranging accommodation before arriving in Korea or need help communicating throughout the reservation process.
 |
 |
How to Book a Room on Momstay
The general booking process is:
1. Create an account and search for accommodation by school, area, or subway station.
2. Open a listing and review its photos, availability, deposit, rent, and facilities.
3. Schedule a room visit if needed, or select Instant Payment on an eligible listing.
4. Enter your move-in date, length of stay, and guest information.
5. Review the total amount and open Coupon / Code before payment.
6. Complete payment and proceed with the electronic contract after the host confirms the booking.
The booking fee is charged after the host accepts the request. According to the provided booking guide, if the request is rejected or is not checked within two days, the payment is automatically cancelled.
Exclusive benefit for KoreaTravelEasy customers
Save on Your Momstay Booking
Use the KoreaTravelEasy coupon code that matches your eligible booking amount before completing payment.
| Booking amount | Coupon code | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Over KRW 1,000,000 | EASY1 | KRW 10,000 off |
| Over KRW 2,000,000 | EASY2 | KRW 30,000 off |
| Over KRW 3,000,000 | EASY3 | KRW 50,000 off |
To use a coupon, select Coupon / Code before completing payment, enter the code that matches your total booking amount, tap Apply, confirm the applied coupon, and then select your preferred payment method.
Payments in KRW or USD are accepted. Coupon eligibility and booking conditions may be subject to change, so check the final discount and payment amount before completing your reservation.
Ready to find your long-term accommodation in Korea?
Browse available rooms on Momstay and remember to enter your KoreaTravelEasy coupon code before payment.
Plan the Rest of Your Time in Korea
Momstay helps you search for long-term accommodation. For other parts of your visit, KoreaTravelEasy offers a separate collection of travel services and experiences for international visitors.
Explore Korea Beyond Your Accommodation
Once your housing is arranged, discover airport transfers, eSIM and Wi-Fi options, tours, cultural activities, and other useful services for your time in Korea.
Final Tips
Start your housing search as early as possible, especially if you are arriving near the beginning of a university semester. Popular rooms near major universities and subway stations may be booked quickly.
Do not choose a room based only on the lowest monthly rent. A slightly higher-priced option with a convenient location, clear contract terms, verified information, and multilingual support may save you significant time and stress after arrival.
To explore accommodation options, visit Momstay and search by your university, preferred neighborhood, or subway station.
Before paying, remember to apply the KoreaTravelEasy coupon code that matches your booking amount.
“`