Looking for housing in Korea as an international student? Officetels, studios, goshiwons, and share houses—deposit-free options
Arriving to study in Korea is exciting, but finding a place before you learn local housing terms can be stressful.
Officetel, studio, goshiwon, share house — the names mean little if you don't know the differences or what fits your budget.
Plus, most rentals ask for a big security deposit and a one-year lease, which is hard for students without a Korean guarantor or a set plan.
Here’s a simple breakdown of common housing types and a deposit-free way to avoid the usual lease headaches.
Housing types you'll see
Officetels
Small studio units in city-center buildings near universities and subways. Usually furnished with a bed, desk, and basic appliances.
Studios (one-room)
Similar to officetels but typically in residential buildings. A common pick for students who want private space.
Goshiwons
Very small private rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen. Cheap but limited space and privacy.
Share houses
Private bedroom in a shared home with common kitchen and living room. Good for social living and lower cost than renting alone.
The real issue: deposit and lease length
Whatever the room type, standard leases usually require a large deposit and a year-long contract. That’s a big commitment before you know how long you'll stay or if you can provide a guarantor.
This is where a deposit-free, short-term option helps.
plott LIFE makes it easy
plott LIFE offers fully furnished rooms with contracts from 7 days, so you pay only for the time you need. Deposits start at 0 KRW, and rent is one all-in monthly rate—no separate deposit refunds or extra utility bills to chase.
Do international students need a large deposit for an officetel or studio?
No. With plott LIFE, deposits start at 0 KRW, so you can move into a furnished officetel or studio without saving months of rent.
Quick answers
① Contracts from 7 days, set to the exact number of days you need.
② Rooms fully furnished — just bring luggage.
③ Rent billed as one all-in monthly rate — no separate deposit refund to track.
FAQ — Housing for international students in Korea
Q. What's the minimum lease length with plott LIFE?
A. Contracts start at 7 days and can match the exact number of days you need — no year-long lock-in.
Q. Do plott LIFE rooms come furnished?
A. Yes. Rooms are fully furnished so you can move in with just your luggage.
Q. How much is the deposit?
A. Deposits start at 0 KRW, so you don't need a large lump sum before arrival.
Find a home in Korea before you land
A short-term, deposit-free room removes one big worry while you settle in.
plott LIFE — short-term housing made simple
Deposits from 0 KRW · Flexible day-based contracts from 7 days · All-in monthly rate · Fully furnished rooms