Stop Getting Ripped Off: Use These Real Estate Apps to Find a Home in Korea Like a Pro

Real Estate Apps in Korea

If you're looking for a house in Korea, it's essential to assess the real estate market before visiting a real estate office (부동산). Doing this will help you understand what to expect when signing a contract, including prices, conditions, and sizes. In Korea, rental deposits, known as jeonse or key money, can be quite high, so it's important to plan accordingly.

To get started, you can use real estate apps like 네이버부동산, 직방, or 다방. In this blog, I'll guide you through using these apps effectively.

Using Naver Real Estate (네이버부동산)

When you open the Naver Real Estate app, the interface might seem overwhelming at first. However, once you understand the basics, you'll navigate it with confidence.

Step 1: Search for Your Desired Location

• Use the search bar to enter your preferred location, or manually move the map to explore different areas.

Step 2: Choose Your Housing Preferences

• Select the type of apartment, rent type, price range, and additional options. • In this example, we’ll focus on finding a one-room (원룸) apartment.

Step 3: Compare Listings

• Examine each listing by checking key details such as floor level (avoid basements and top floors), size, and overall condition. • You’ll notice that prices vary depending on factors like the building’s age, size, and deposit amount. • For example, a house with a 10,000,000 KRW (approximately $6,800 USD) deposit may require a monthly rent of 1,300,000 KRW (around $900 USD).

Step 4: Contact the Owner or Agent

• Once you’ve found a listing that meets your criteria, you can call the owner or the real estate agent for further inquiries.

By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to find a suitable home in Korea with confidence. Happy house hunting!

Alternative Housing Options

As you might have noticed, even though we chose the option to rent monthly, the deposit can still be quite high. If paying a large deposit is a challenge, consider preparing key money in advance or looking into more affordable alternatives such as goshiwon (고시원) or shared housing.

• Goshiwon (고시원): These are small, budget-friendly rooms typically used by students or individuals looking for low-cost housing. They often come with shared kitchens and bathrooms.

• Shared Housing: Renting a room in a shared house can be a great way to reduce costs while enjoying a more spacious living environment.

Exploring these options can help you find a living arrangement that best suits your budget and lifestyle. If you want to learn more about alternative housing options click here.