“Where and how should I find a short-term rental in Seoul?”

There are many reasons you might need a short-term place in Seoul: sudden business trips, settling in after a job move, temporary housing during remodeling, or trying a month in the city.
But when you start searching, you often find this:
Hotels cost too much for a month, regular studios require a large deposit, and even after checking platforms like SamsamM2 you don’t know which conditions to choose.
This guide covers what you need to know when finding a short-term rental in Seoul.

Who looks for Seoul short-term rentals?

① Business/assignments — trips to Gangnam, Yeouido, Euljiro for IT & finance
② Job move — temporary stay before committing to a long-term lease
③ Move gap — need a place for 1–2 months
④ Renovation housing — temporary during home work
⑤ Medical outpatient stays — near Samsung Medical Center, Gangnam Severance
⑥ One-month Seoul trial — people from other regions trying Seoul life

The common need is simple.

“A livable place for the needed period without a big deposit.”

Demand by area — quick guide

Gangnam short-term rentals (Lines 2, 3, Bundang, Shinbundang)

If your company is around Gyodae, Gangnam, Samseong, Yeoksam, or Seolleung, you can often walk or take one short stop to work.
Late-night return is easy; convenience stores and restaurants stay open late and delivery is fast. If you attend dinners or meetings often, the area’s restaurants and cafes reduce travel. But lunch can cost ₩15,000–20,000. There are many short-term listings here, so it’s easier to find your preferred conditions.

Seongsu short-term rentals (Line 2)

Seongsu and Ttukseom host many IT startups, fashion, and content companies.
Line 2 gives direct access to Gangnam, Hongdae, and Sinchon without transfers, convenient for frequent meetings. Plenty of dining and bars nearby, though weekends can be crowded. 💡 On quiet days, staying in may be more relaxing than going out.

Yeouido short-term rentals (Lines 5 & 9)

Many finance firms, brokerages, and broadcasters are located here.
With the express 9 line you can reach Gimpo Airport in ~20 minutes and Gangnam in ~15. IFC Mall and The Hyundai are within walking distance, convenient for grocery shopping and dining. Listings are fewer here, so search early.

Mapo / Hongdae / Hapjeong short-term rentals (Line 6 & Airport Railroad)

Airport Railroad gets you to Incheon airport in 40–50 minutes. Good for frequent domestic/international travel during business trips.
Transfer options at Gongdeok (Line 5/Kyeongui-Jungang) and Line 6 reach central/ Gangnam areas. Plenty of restaurants and stores nearby. If the unit is right next to Hongdae nightlife, weekend noise can be an issue — check distance to main roads.

Euljiro / Jongno short-term rentals (Lines 1–5)

Central Seoul — you can often reach many companies within 30 minutes by subway.
Best for people who visit many offices and need easy cross-city access. Affordable meals and stores are abundant. Older buildings mean more variability in unit condition — check photos and options carefully.

Near hospitals (Gangnam & Songpa)

Samsung Medical Center, Asan, and Gangnam Severance often require repeated visits. Hotels get expensive for long outpatient periods; nearby short-term rentals are practical and cost-effective. A full-option studio with a kitchen helps avoid eating out. If staying with a caregiver, prioritize two-room or larger studios.
Confirm the unit is within a 10–15 minute walk or a single-transfer ride to the hospital.

Platform comparison — SamsamM2 vs plott LIFE vs hotels

Source: SamsamM2 & plott LIFE sites and public info (2025)

5 things to check before signing

① Deposit structure

SamsamM2 has a fixed deposit of ₩330,000. plott LIFE offers many zero-deposit listings. Regular studios commonly require ₩5,000,000–10,000,000.

② Whether utilities & fees are included

Don’t judge by rent alone. Confirm whether electricity, gas, water, and internet are included. plott LIFE’s all-in-one rent means no extra bills. SamsamM2 varies by listing.

③ Contract flexibility

Business and job moves change often. Confirm if you can adjust week-by-week and whether early termination penalties apply.

④ Full-option contents

Check that bed, fridge, washer, Wi‑Fi, desk, and microwave are actually provided. If you must supply appliances, costs and hassle rise.

⑤ Proximity to transit

Subway access determines daily satisfaction in Seoul. Confirm the nearest station, exit number, and walking time.

Recommended areas by purpose — quick table

FAQ — Seoul short-term rentals

Q. Are there platforms besides SamsamM2?

A. Yes. plott LIFE is a zero-deposit, all-in-one short-term rental platform. Compared to SamsamM2 (₩330,000 deposit, fees vary), plott LIFE reduces upfront cost.

Q. How much does a month cost?

A. Depends on area and conditions. Core neighborhoods like Gangnam, Seongsu, and Jamsil typically cost ₩600,000–1,000,000. Whether utilities are included can change the cost by ₩100,000–200,000.

Q. Are deposit-free studios really available?

A. Yes. Platforms like SamsamM2 reduce deposit burdens, and plott LIFE offers zero-deposit managed listings.

Q. For a month in Seoul, why choose platform rentals over Airbnb?

A. For month-plus stays, cooking, laundry, and a desk are essential. Airbnb can be costly and inconsistent. Short-term rental platforms focus on fully furnished, residential studios — better for longer stays.

When searching, don’t just look at rent. Compare deposit, utilities, contract period, and full-option contents together.
Start by comparing conditions on SamsamM2 and plott LIFE to reduce trial-and-error.

plott LIFE — Seoul short-term rentals & temporary homes

Zero deposit · Weekly move-in · All-in-one rent · Full-option studios

For short-term listings in Gangnam / Seongsu / Yeouido / Mapo / Jamsil, plott LIFE is a good choice.