Property Types & Measurements
What Is Officetel (오피스텔)?
Definition
A compact studio/one-bedroom in a managed high-rise, registered for home or office use.
An officetel ('office' + 'hotel') is a compact, fully-serviced studio or one-bedroom unit registered for both residential and business use. They are central, often furnished and move-in ready, and the easiest entry point to the Seoul market for foreigners.
Why it matters
Officetels are plentiful near transit and commonly rented furnished, but they carry a higher 관리비 and less space than apartments. How a unit is registered (home vs business) affects its tax treatment.