✨ “All I wanted was a room… Why are there so many options?”
If you’re a foreigner new to Korea,
you’ll quickly come across unfamiliar terms like Goshiwon, Hasukjip, and Share House when looking for a place to live.
While they all seem affordable and ideal for short-term stays,
they differ greatly in terms of layout, lifestyle, and cost structure.
In this post, we’ll compare these three main types of solo housing in Korea,
so you’ll know exactly what to expect and what to choose—before settling in.
🧳 1. Goshiwon (고시원)
Goshiwon is one of the cheapest housing options in Korea,
offering only the bare minimum private space.
Typically, it includes a small room with just a bed, desk, clothes rack, and a TV.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and washing machines are usually shared,
and the average room size is around 5–10 m², which is very compact.
✅ Pros:
⚠️ Cons:
Goshiwons are usually located near subway stations or convenience stores, making them easily accessible.
🛋️ 2. Share House (쉐어하우스)
A Share House gives you a private bedroom,
while the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms are shared with other housemates.
It’s especially great for those who enjoy social interaction or want to meet other foreigners.
Rental agreements usually require a deposit and monthly rent
More expensive than a goshiwon, but far more comfortable
✅ Pros:
⚠️ Cons:
Recently, more Share Houses specifically designed for foreigners have become available.
🍚 3. Hasukjip (하숙집)
Hasukjip is a traditional Korean housing style
where you rent a room in a local’s home, and meals (usually breakfast and dinner) are provided.
This setup is great for foreigners who struggle to cook or want to experience Korean family culture more closely.
✅ Pros:
⚠️ Cons:
Always confirm the meal schedule, house rules, and any restrictions before moving in.
🤔 Common Confusions for Foreigners
Goshiwons are often rented on a month-to-month basis, making them ideal for short-term stays.
Share Houses are usually handled through agencies, while goshiwons often involve direct on-site contracts.
Hasukjip offers a more personal atmosphere, but privacy is the most restricted.
Regardless of the option, you’ll likely need to communicate with the landlord,
so basic Korean or a translation app is strongly recommended.
📌 One-Line Summary
Goshiwon for affordability, Share House for freedom and community,
Hasukjip for warmth and home-cooked meals.
Choose your housing based on how you want to live in Korea.
✨ “All I wanted was a room… Why are there so many options?”
If you’re a foreigner new to Korea,
you’ll quickly come across unfamiliar terms like Goshiwon, Hasukjip, and Share House when looking for a place to live.
While they all seem affordable and ideal for short-term stays,
they differ greatly in terms of layout, lifestyle, and cost structure.
In this post, we’ll compare these three main types of solo housing in Korea,
so you’ll know exactly what to expect and what to choose—before settling in.
🧳 1. Goshiwon (고시원)
Goshiwon is one of the cheapest housing options in Korea,
offering only the bare minimum private space.
Typically, it includes a small room with just a bed, desk, clothes rack, and a TV.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and washing machines are usually shared,
and the average room size is around 5–10 m², which is very compact.
✅ Pros:
Easy to move in, often no deposit required
Ideal for short-term stays
⚠️ Cons:
Very limited space
Poor soundproofing, which can be tiring for sensitive or long-term residents
Goshiwons are usually located near subway stations or convenience stores, making them easily accessible.
🛋️ 2. Share House (쉐어하우스)
A Share House gives you a private bedroom,
while the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms are shared with other housemates.
It’s especially great for those who enjoy social interaction or want to meet other foreigners.
Rental agreements usually require a deposit and monthly rent
More expensive than a goshiwon, but far more comfortable
✅ Pros:
Spacious and clean living environment
Opportunities to build friendships and community
⚠️ Cons:
Potential for conflict due to different living habits
Must check house rules before moving in
Recently, more Share Houses specifically designed for foreigners have become available.
🍚 3. Hasukjip (하숙집)
Hasukjip is a traditional Korean housing style
where you rent a room in a local’s home, and meals (usually breakfast and dinner) are provided.
This setup is great for foreigners who struggle to cook or want to experience Korean family culture more closely.
✅ Pros:
Feels like a home
Meals provided make daily life easier
Easier cultural adaptation for first-time visitors
⚠️ Cons:
May have curfews or restrictions on shared spaces
Privacy can be limited
Always confirm the meal schedule, house rules, and any restrictions before moving in.
🤔 Common Confusions for Foreigners
Goshiwons are often rented on a month-to-month basis, making them ideal for short-term stays.
Share Houses are usually handled through agencies, while goshiwons often involve direct on-site contracts.
Hasukjip offers a more personal atmosphere, but privacy is the most restricted.
Regardless of the option, you’ll likely need to communicate with the landlord,
so basic Korean or a translation app is strongly recommended.
📌 One-Line Summary
Goshiwon for affordability, Share House for freedom and community,
Hasukjip for warmth and home-cooked meals.
Choose your housing based on how you want to live in Korea.