"I went to see a place and the agent only explained in Korean."

① Language barriers that Google Translate can’t fix

At real estate offices, all conversations and paperwork are in Korean.
Relying on a translator for contracts full of unfamiliar real estate terms often means missing important clauses.
In fact, 1 in 5 international students (15–20%) reported experiencing disadvantages or unfair treatment during housing contracts.
Thousands of students face harm each year.

Source: 2022 Gyeonggi-do Foreigners' Human Rights Support Center — Survey on International Students' Housing Rights

② The heavy burden of housing costs

"Can’t I just rent the cheapest place?" — the reality is tougher.

• Average monthly housing cost for a one-person household in Seoul: ₩895,900 (2023)
  Increase: up 12.7% year-on-year

With deposits, maintenance fees, and utilities added, the real cost students feel is much higher.

Source: 2023 Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements — Housing Survey

③ Lack of reliable multilingual information

Few Korean rental platforms offer full multilingual support.
In fact, 62% of international students name language barriers as their biggest difficulty living in Korea.
Without trustworthy info, students can sign contracts without checking if terms protect their rights — a risky situation.

Source: 2024 Korea Council for University Education — Survey on International Students

Can you rent without Korean? — Myths vs. reality

❌ Myth: "You must be fluent in Korean to rent in Korea."
✅ Truth: You can sign a lease in English even if you don’t speak Korean.
Use a multilingual platform like plott LIFE for everything from consultation to contract drafting.
You can work in your language (Chinese, Vietnamese, English, Japanese, Mongolian, Uzbek, etc.).
With support for multiple languages, you don’t have to fear losing your deposit over a language gap.

❌ Myth: "You always need a large deposit of ₩5,000,000 or more."
✅ Truth: 'Zero deposit' options exist.
plott LIFE lists residences and full‑option studio units that require no deposit — a common smart choice for students who can’t gather a lump sum.

❌ Myth: "Short stays of 1–3 months are too expensive to be worth it."
✅ Truth: When you compare monthly maintenance and utilities, short-term stays can be cheaper.
Long-term leases often mean paying separate building management, electricity, gas, water, and internet bills every month.
Heating in winter or AC in summer can push costs much higher, and managing those bills is a hassle for students.

Many plott LIFE listings include all these costs in the monthly rent.
No need to deal with Korean notices or surprise bills — it’s easier and often cheaper.

① Find a platform that supports your language

First check the platform supports Chinese, Vietnamese, English, Japanese, Mongolian, Uzbek, etc.
If the service is only in Korean, you’ll likely face hidden barriers from consultation to contract.
Start with a place where you can communicate in a language you know.

② Use the 'Zero deposit' filter to avoid large upfront costs

Don’t be overwhelmed by Korea’s deposit system.
On plott LIFE, use the 'Zero deposit' filter to find homes you can move into without a big lump sum.
Paying rent only is a much lighter option for students.

③ Check if the price is truly all‑in‑one

A low monthly rent may still leave you guessing if gas, water, or internet are extra.
Collecting and paying multiple monthly notices is a real hassle.
Choose listings where all costs are combined so you only make one payment — no messy bill tracking or late‑fee worries.

• Check before you sign: confirm whether electricity, water, internet, and management fees are included in the rent.
  Picking all‑inclusive listings helps avoid unexpected 'maintenance & utilities' bills and gives you a clear total cost.

④ Try a short-term lease first

Signing a long 1–2 year lease from the start can be risky.
You might discover hidden faults like noise or drainage issues, or find the neighborhood feels unsafe or too noisy.

• Tip: Start with a 1 week–1 month short-term contract.
  Live there briefly to check the neighborhood and the unit before committing long term.

⑤ Get a formal lease or a 'residence/ accommodation confirmation' document

To get the Alien Registration Card (ARC)—which acts like an ID in Korea—you must prove where you live.
That proof is a formal lease or a residence/accommodation confirmation.
These documents not only prove your address but legally protect your deposit and secure your status in Korea.

• Check before signing: confirm the host issues an official lease or residence/accommodation confirmation.
  If the documents are only in Korean, ask for an English version or make sure multilingual translation support is available before you sign.

FAQ — Common questions about renting in Korea as an international student

Q. Can I rent if I don’t speak Korean?

A. Yes. Use an international‑student platform that officially supports multiple languages and you can handle consultation and contracts in your native language—English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Mongolian, etc. Most regular real estate offices are Korean‑only, so using an international platform is safer.

Q. How can an international student rent without a deposit?

A. Use the 'Zero deposit' filter on an international platform. Zero‑deposit listings are often residences or full‑option studios, and many include maintenance and utilities in the rent, making total costs easier to predict.

Q. What documents do I need for ARC issuance?

A. You need a lease or a residence/accommodation confirmation. Not all hosts provide these, so confirm issuance before signing. If you need English documents, check whether multilingual translation support is available.

Q. What if I’m refused because I’m a foreigner?

A. The most efficient option is to use a platform that only lists places available to foreigners. You can filter for foreigner‑friendly listings and avoid wasted time.

Q. What’s the minimum short‑term rental period in Korea?

A. Standard studio leases are usually 12 months. Short‑term residences or international platforms offer week‑by‑week options. For new students, try 1–2 weeks first to check the unit and neighborhood before deciding on long‑term stay.

plott LIFE — a housing platform for international students

Multilingual support · Zero deposit · 1‑week move‑ins · Residence/accommodation confirmation issuance

It’s okay if you don’t speak Korean. You can even sign up the day before you arrive.
Find your first safe haven now.