Neighborhood rent comparison

How to read these numbers

All figures shown are median estimates based on reported transaction data from the Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (국토교통부). Median means roughly half of actual listings fall above this number and half fall below, so it reflects what a typical unit in that area actually rents for rather than an outlier high or low.

Rent in Korea varies significantly within any neighborhood based on building age, floor level, building type (officetel, villa, apartment), and proximity to the subway. The numbers here are useful for a first-pass comparison, but always verify against current listings when you are actively searching.

Wolse vs. jeonse: which is shown?

The comparison shows both wolse (월세) and jeonse (전세) figures for each neighborhood and unit type.

Wolse is a monthly rent arrangement. You pay a security deposit upfront (typically 5 to 50 million won depending on the area) plus a fixed amount each month. Your deposit is returned when you leave.

Jeonse is a lump-sum deposit arrangement. You pay a large deposit (often 60 to 80 percent of the property value) with no monthly rent. The landlord uses the deposit during your tenancy and returns the full amount when your lease ends. It can be more cost-effective for those with savings, but carries more risk if the landlord cannot repay.

Seoul vs. outside Seoul

Rent in central Seoul neighborhoods like Gangnam, Hannam-dong, and Itaewon is among the highest in the country. If you work in Seoul but are open to commuting, satellite cities like Bundang, Suwon, and Incheon can offer similar quality of life at significantly lower rent, with direct subway or KTX connections into the city.

For those based outside Seoul entirely, cities like Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju offer modern infrastructure and strong expat university communities at roughly 30 to 50 percent of Seoul rent levels.

Foreigner-friendliness ratings

The expat-friendliness rating reflects practical factors like English signage, English-speaking agents and landlords, international restaurants and groceries, and the size of the existing foreign resident community. A "moderate English" rating does not mean an area is unwelcoming to foreigners. Most landlords will rent to registered foreign residents regardless of rating. It means you may need a Korean-speaking colleague or agent to help navigate the process.