Whether you’re a student starting a new semester, a remote employee setting up for a few months, or visiting South Korea for the first time, knowing different housing types is incredibly important.
That said, the terms of housing can be a little confusing for foreigners and first-time renters. Each housing type has its own implications and features, which is why we’ve broken down four common housing types in South Korea. Let’s take a closer look.
Studio Apartments
A studio apartment is a small, self-contained living unit. In most cases, the bedroom, kitchen, and living room are combined into a single room. You might also find a dining area, but the main living spaces are open to each other.
Studio apartments are excellent for students or solo professionals who want an independent and private lifestyle. Many studio apartments are modern and well-equipped. They’re fully furnished, so you don’t need to worry about buying new furniture and appliances.
Studio apartments also incur lower utility costs than traditional one or two-bedroom apartments.
Officetels
Officetels have pretty much transformed the South Korean housing industry, and for the right reasons. They combine features of both a residential unit and an apartment. Think of an officetel as a mixed-use property suitable for remote professionals and those who prefer a modern lifestyle.
Officetels are one-bedroom units contained within larger buildings. You’ll find high-end amenities, such as:
- Designated parking space
- Gyms
- Secure entry
- Communal areas
Officetels are ideal for busy professionals who want easy access to business hubs. For instance, Seoul, South Korea’s global business hub, has officetels throughout its 25 districts. You can find affordable officetels in Dongdaemun (동대문구 오피스텔) with a quick Internet search.
Shared Apartments
With inflation and rising living costs, co-living has become a popular housing choice for students and professionals alike. This is where shared apartments come in.
They are a modern form of housing where multiple individuals rent the same apartment and share common areas like the living room, kitchen, and laundry area. You can find both furnished and unfurnished apartments. The former is, of course, a little expensive.
Shared apartments also allow individuals to experience social connectivity and ensure green living. They can help combat loneliness and foster friendships.
Serviced Apartments
Traveling to South Korea for a short stay? Serviced apartments are the way to go. These are self-contained, fully furnished accommodations. They usually consist of:
- Living area
- One or more bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
You’ll also find hotel-like amenities, such as:
- Housekeeping
- Wi-Fi
- Swimming pools and a gym
- Communal areas
Serviced apartments give you more than just a place to sleep. You can cook your own meals in the kitchen, eat at the spacious dining area, and rest in the bedroom. Unlike traditional hotels that often feel cramped, shared apartments are spacious due to their open floor plans.
Serviced apartments also ensure a flexible stay. You can choose to stay for one day, one week, one month, or more. Lastly, they are super affordable given the luxury amenities.