Types of Housing in Korea: Wolse, Jeonse, One-room and More
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Renting in Korea works differently from most countries. The biggest surprise for most students is the deposit. Here are the words you will hear and what they mean.
Two ways to rent
| Wolse (월세) | Jeonse (전세) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A deposit plus monthly rent | One very large deposit, no monthly rent |
| Deposit | Smaller | Very large |
| For students? | The usual choice | Rare for students |
With both, you get your deposit back when you move out, as long as you follow the contract. You also pay utilities, and often a monthly maintenance fee (관리비) for building costs.
Example: near Pusan National University, the most common student deposit was KRW 5 million, with average rent around KRW 320,000 a month (2022 data). Prices vary by building and area, so check current listings.
Types of homes
- Dormitory (기숙사): run by your university. Often the cheapest and easiest option for your first year.
- One-room (원룸): a small studio with a kitchen corner and bathroom. The most popular choice for students.
- Officetel (오피스텔): a studio in a newer building, often furnished. Usually more expensive than a one-room.
- Villa (빌라): a low-rise building with small apartments. Older and usually unfurnished.
- Apartment (아파트): larger homes in big complexes. Expensive, better for families or shared living.
- Goshiwon (고시원): a very small room, sometimes with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Cheap, no big deposit, but very basic.
- Share house (셰어하우스): your own room with a shared kitchen and living space.
Protect your deposit
- Use a licensed real estate agent (공인중개사) and ask them to explain every line of the contract.
- Ask to see the property register (등기부등본) to check for large loans on the building.
- After you move in, report your address to immigration. For foreigners, this counts as the official move-in report.
- Get a fixed date stamp (확정일자) on your contract at the community center (주민센터) or online. This helps protect your deposit.
- Never pay a deposit before seeing the room and the contract.
If a deal looks too good to be true, ask your university's international office or the Busan Global Center (1577-7716) before you sign.
Next: Your first 30 days in Busan.
