Is Living in a Seoul Goshiwon Worth It? The Foreigner’s Reality
Finding a place to live in Seoul can feel impossible when you first arrive in Korea. Hotels eat up your entire budget in days. Airbnbs are fine for vacations, but who can afford them for months?
Just when you think you might have to give up on your Korea plans, you discover Goshiwons – Korea’s cheapest, smallest, and most surprising housing option for foreigners.
Looking to save money while living in Seoul? Is a Goshiwon the answer?
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about Goshiwons in Seoul – from real living costs to pros and cons, area comparisons, plus essential tips for foreigners when booking.
Stay Korea provides verified Goshiwon information for foreigners and international students. Hundreds of customers have trusted us to start their life in Seoul.
What is a Goshiwon?
A Goshiwon is a unique Korean housing type that originally catered to students preparing for national exams. Today, it has become a popular option for international students, working holiday visitors, and foreigners on short stays, thanks to its affordability and easy contracts.
Rooms are typically 9.92㎡ (about 2-3 pyeong) with essentials like a bed, desk, wardrobe, and Wi-Fi. Most Goshiwons have shared kitchens and laundry rooms, and bathrooms can be shared or private depending on the option.
Average Goshiwon Prices in Seoul
Monthly rents range from KRW 200,000 to 800,000 depending on location, room size, and amenities (like private bathrooms). For example:
KRW 200,000–400,000: Basic facilities, shared bathrooms
KRW 400,000–800,000: private bathrooms, newly renovated
Advantages
Very affordable
Your own private space
Basic furniture with shared kitchen and laundry
Disadvantages
Poor soundproofing
Very limited space
Sometime shared bathrooms and showers
Comparing Goshiwons by District in Seoul
Highlights
– Most expensive rent
– Business, academy, shopping hub
– Young, artsy vibe
– Many affordable Goshiwons
– University area
– Popular among international students
FAQ
Q1. Can foreigners easily book a Goshiwon?
Yes, most Gosiwons welcome foreigners. However, communication in Korean can be challenging, so it’s best to book through platforms like Stay Korea that offer English support.
Q2. Do Goshiwons require a deposit?
The deposit is quite low, averaging around 100,000 KRW. This amount is fully refunded upon check-out, and since there are no additional maintenance fees, it is highly recommended.
Q3. What do I need to prepare for living in a Goshiwon?
Bring your own bedding, personal toiletries, and basic kitchen items like a pot for instant noodles and utensils. Most gosiwons provide free rice, ramen, and kimchi (this may vary depending on the goshiwon)
Q4. Can I invite friends to my Goshiwon?
Most Gosiwons do not allow guests. Check with your manager before inviting anyone over.
Why book with Stay Korea?
Finding housing in Korea isn’t always easy. For foreigners, the language barrier, rental contracts, and uncertainty before arrival can be overwhelming. Stay Korea was created to solve these problems.
✅ Dozens of rooms in Seoul’s top areas (Gangnam, Hongdae, Sinchon)
✅ Rooms near major universities like Seoul National, Dongguk, Yonsei, Ewha
✅ Expansion to Busan, Chungcheongnam-do and beyond
✅ Verified and safe listings only → peace of mind before arrival
✅ 1:1 personalized inquiry service → high customer satisfaction
Goshiwon prices range from KRW 200,000 to 1,000,000, so you can choose based on your budget and preference.
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