Goshiwon in Seoul: a 2026 guide for foreigners
A goshiwon is the fastest way to get a furnished room in Seoul with a small deposit and monthly payments.
What is a goshiwon?
A building of small furnished single rooms. Rice, kimchi, Wi-Fi and laundry are often free. Korean rules say rooms may not have their own kitchen or bathtub, so cooking is in a shared kitchen.
| Type | In your room | Typical name |
|---|---|---|
| Mini room | Bed, desk | goshiwon |
| Shower room | + shower | goshitel |
| Studio | + shower and toilet | one-room-tel, residence |
How much does it cost?
Near Sinchon and Ewha, 9 of 10 public listings were studios at mostly ₩450,000–1,000,000 a month, with deposits of ₩0–500,000 (checked 2026-11-01). See Sinchon →
Prices by university
How do I rent one as a foreigner?
- Pick the area
Near your school or office. Universities: Sinchon (Yonsei, Ewha, Sogang), Konkuk, Korea Univ. - Ask for photos and what is included
Window, bathroom, utilities, minimum stay. - Visit
Most owners show the room the same day. - Pay the first month (and small deposit)
Ask for a receipt. - Register your address
If you hold a residence card, ask whether the address can be registered and check the deadline on HiKorea.
Red flags
- No photos of the actual room
- Asked to pay months in advance before seeing the room
- No receipt for deposit
FAQ
What is a goshiwon?
A goshiwon (also goshitel or one-room-tel) is a building of small furnished single rooms with shared facilities. In Korean building law it is a "multi-unit living facility": rooms may not have their own kitchen, and shared kitchens and laundry are provided.
How much does a goshiwon cost in Seoul?
Near Sinchon/Ewha, 10 public listings (2026-11-01) ranged from ₩150,000 for an older shared-bathroom room to ₩1.2M for a new studio; most studios were ₩450,000–1,000,000.
Is a deposit required?
Usually small. Near Sinchon it ranged from none to ₩500,000 (median ₩150,000).
Can I cook in my room?
No. Rooms may not have their own kitchen by law; use the shared kitchen.
- Public listings shown by goshiwon apps and operators (checked 2026-11-01; individual names withheld)
- Korea Ministry of Land: multi-unit living facility building standard