By Borhan | International Student in Busan
Welcome to the first episode of my new series โReal Life in Koreaโ, where Iโll be sharing my personal experiences, daily life, and honest tips as an international student living in South Korea.ย
When I first came to Korea, everything was newโlanguage, culture, food, people, even the weather! I faced many challenges, but also learned a lot along the way. Now, I want to help new and future international students by sharing what Iโve been throughโthings that no one really tells you before you arrive.
In this first episode, I want to talk about something every student has to deal with right away: finding a place to live. It might sound simple, but in Korea, housing works a little differently.
๐ก Gosiwon vs Apartment โ Whatโs the Difference?
Gosiwon is a small, single roomโjust enough for a bed, desk, and maybe a little shelf. Itโs cheap, and you donโt need a deposit, which is a big help when you just arrive and donโt want to spend a lot.
Apartment (One-room) is more spacious and private. You get your own kitchen and bathroom, but to rent one, you usually need to pay a big depositโat least 1 million KRW or more. And the monthly rent is also higher.
My Real Experience Living in a Gosiwon
When I came to Korea, I didnโt have much money and didnโt know the language well. So I chose to stay in a gosiwon near my university which name Issaq gosiwon.
At first, I was a bit nervousโbut honestly, it was a good decision. The room was small, yes, but it was clean and had everything I needed. I had a small desk, a bed, and even a little fridge. The kitchen and bathroom were shared, but I got used to it.
The best part? The owner of the gosiwon was really kind. She treated us like her own childrenโalways greeted me with a smile and sometimes even gave me snacks. That small human connection meant a lot when I was far from home.
ย Recommendation for New Students
If youโre just arriving in Korea, hereโs what I suggest:
Start with a gosiwon. Itโs easier, cheaper, and you can book it even before you come to Korea.
After a few months, when you get used to the system, language, and surroundingsโyou can look for an apartment if you want more privacy and space.
ย How to Find Apartments in Korea?
Once youโre ready to move to an apartment, there are many real estate offices ( budongsang) near universities or subway stations. Just walk in and tell them what you're looking for.
Also, there are great apps like:
Starting life in a new country is never easyโbut choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference. A gosiwon may be small, but itโs a good place to begin your journey. I started there, and now Iโm happy with how far Iโve come.
I hope my story helps you a little. Iโll keep sharing more real-life tips and experiences in this series. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the commentsโIโm here to help.
By Borhan | International Student in Busan
Welcome to the first episode of my new series โReal Life in Koreaโ, where Iโll be sharing my personal experiences, daily life, and honest tips as an international student living in South Korea.ย
When I first came to Korea, everything was newโlanguage, culture, food, people, even the weather! I faced many challenges, but also learned a lot along the way. Now, I want to help new and future international students by sharing what Iโve been throughโthings that no one really tells you before you arrive.
In this first episode, I want to talk about something every student has to deal with right away: finding a place to live. It might sound simple, but in Korea, housing works a little differently.
๐ก Gosiwon vs Apartment โ Whatโs the Difference?
Gosiwon is a small, single roomโjust enough for a bed, desk, and maybe a little shelf. Itโs cheap, and you donโt need a deposit, which is a big help when you just arrive and donโt want to spend a lot.
Apartment (One-room) is more spacious and private. You get your own kitchen and bathroom, but to rent one, you usually need to pay a big depositโat least 1 million KRW or more. And the monthly rent is also higher.
My Real Experience Living in a Gosiwon
When I came to Korea, I didnโt have much money and didnโt know the language well. So I chose to stay in a gosiwon near my university which name Issaq gosiwon.
At first, I was a bit nervousโbut honestly, it was a good decision. The room was small, yes, but it was clean and had everything I needed. I had a small desk, a bed, and even a little fridge. The kitchen and bathroom were shared, but I got used to it.
The best part? The owner of the gosiwon was really kind. She treated us like her own childrenโalways greeted me with a smile and sometimes even gave me snacks. That small human connection meant a lot when I was far from home.
ย Recommendation for New Students
If youโre just arriving in Korea, hereโs what I suggest:
Start with a gosiwon. Itโs easier, cheaper, and you can book it even before you come to Korea.
After a few months, when you get used to the system, language, and surroundingsโyou can look for an apartment if you want more privacy and space.
ย How to Find Apartments in Korea?
Once youโre ready to move to an apartment, there are many real estate offices ( budongsang) near universities or subway stations. Just walk in and tell them what you're looking for.
Also, there are great apps like:
Zigbangย
Dabangย
Starting life in a new country is never easyโbut choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference. A gosiwon may be small, but itโs a good place to begin your journey. I started there, and now Iโm happy with how far Iโve come.
I hope my story helps you a little. Iโll keep sharing more real-life tips and experiences in this series. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the commentsโIโm here to help.