Studios (One-Room) for Rent & Sale in Seoul
Last updated: 2026-07-27 · Seoul Homes
A studio — in Korean a one-room (원룸) — is a single open living space combining bedroom, living area and kitchenette, and it is the most affordable way to live in Seoul. The category also includes 도시형생활주택 (urban-lifestyle housing), purpose-built small units for singles and couples. Studios are the default first home for students, young professionals and foreigners arriving on a budget: compact, often furnished, move-in ready and close to transit. Every Seoul Homes studio listing comes from a verified realtor, developer or property owner.
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What is a one-room (원룸)?
A 원룸 ("one room") is a studio: one open space holding the bed, living area and a small kitchen, with a separate bathroom. 도시형생활주택 is a newer, purpose-built form of compact urban housing aimed at single and two-person households. Both are the smallest and cheapest homes on the market.
Studio vs officetel
Studios (원룸) are usually the most affordable option and may sit in low-rise villas or dedicated small buildings. Officetels are studios too, but in serviced high-rises with security, an elevator and management — more convenient and central, at a higher price. If budget is the priority, a one-room studio wins; if you want amenities and a central address, compare officetels.
Studio vs goshiwon
A goshiwon (고시원) is smaller and cheaper still: a single small room, often windowless, with a shared bathroom and kitchen down the hall — originally built for students studying for exams ("goshi" = exam). No deposit and short-term contracts are common, but there is no privacy, no real kitchen and often no private bathroom. A studio (원룸) costs more but gives you a real deposit-based lease, your own kitchenette and bathroom, and real living space. For anything beyond a few weeks, a studio is the better move.
Renting and buying a studio as a foreigner
Most studios are rented on wolse (월세) — a deposit plus monthly rent — which is the easiest, lowest-commitment way for a foreigner to move in; some are available on jeonse (전세) or to buy. If you do buy residential property, the 2025 foreign-buyer permit rules apply in every Seoul district. Many of our realtors can explain the deposit, the contract and the move-in process in English.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a one-room (원룸) in Korea?
A 원룸 (one-room) is a studio apartment: a single open space combining the bedroom, living area and a kitchenette, with a separate bathroom. It is the smallest and most affordable home type in Seoul, popular with students, young professionals and foreigners on a budget.
What is the difference between a studio and an officetel?
Both are compact single-room homes. A studio (원룸) is usually the cheapest option and may be in a low-rise villa or small building. An officetel is a studio in a serviced high-rise with security, an elevator and management, which is more convenient and central but more expensive.
What is the difference between a studio and a goshiwon?
A goshiwon (고시원) is a small single room, usually with a shared bathroom and kitchen, rented short-term with little or no deposit — originally designed for students studying for exams. A studio (원룸) is more expensive but gives you a private kitchenette and bathroom, a real lease and more space. Goshiwons suit a short stay on a tight budget; studios are the better choice for anything longer-term.
Are studios in Seoul furnished?
Many studios, especially officetel-style and 도시형생활주택 units, are offered furnished and move-in ready, which is why they suit foreigners arriving on short notice. Each listing states whether it is furnished — check the details or ask the realtor.
How do foreigners rent a studio in Seoul?
Most studios are rented on wolse (월세) — a deposit plus monthly rent — which is the easiest, lowest-commitment option for newcomers. Some are available on jeonse (a large refundable deposit). Our realtors handle the contract and move-in for you; send an inquiry on any listing to start.