Officetels for Sale & Rent in Seoul
An officetel (오피스텔) is a compact, fully-serviced studio or one-bedroom high-rise unit — the most popular first home for foreigners in Seoul. Monthly rent (월세) typically starts around ₩1,000,000, and units are also available to buy (매매). Move-in-ready, often furnished, and usually steps from a subway station in districts like Gangnam, Mapo and Yongsan.
Properties
What is an officetel?
An officetel ("office" + "hotel") is a multi-purpose building registered for both residential and business use. Units are compact and efficient — most are studios or one-bedrooms — and buildings usually include an elevator, security, parking, and on-site management. For foreigners, officetels are the easiest way into the Seoul market: they are plentiful near transit, commonly rented furnished, and the paperwork is straightforward.
Officetel vs apartment
Apartments (아파트) are larger family homes in big complexes; officetels are smaller, more central, and cheaper to enter. If you want a low-maintenance home near work or campus, an officetel usually wins. If you need space for a family, look at apartments.
Buying vs renting an officetel
You can buy an officetel outright (매매) or rent it on a monthly basis (월세, a deposit plus monthly rent) or via jeonse (전세, a large refundable lump-sum deposit and no monthly rent). Foreigners can do all three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy an officetel in Seoul?
Yes. South Korea places no residency requirement on foreign property buyers — you can purchase an officetel with a passport, a local bank account, and an Alien Registration Card or the appropriate reporting to the local district office. Many of our listings are handled by English-speaking, verified realtors.
How much does an officetel cost in Seoul?
Entry-level officetels in outer districts start around the low hundreds of millions of won, while new units in Gangnam or near major stations command more. To rent, expect a deposit plus monthly rent (월세), or a larger refundable lump sum under jeonse (전세). Use the filters above to see current prices.
What is the difference between an officetel and an apartment?
Officetels are smaller, more central, mixed-use units — ideal for singles, couples, and students — and are cheaper to enter. Apartments are larger residential homes in dedicated complexes, better suited to families.
Are officetels furnished?
Many are. Officetels are commonly offered fully furnished and move-in ready, which is why they are popular with foreigners arriving on short notice. Each listing notes whether it is furnished.