Seoul is a hyper-modern metropolis that never sleeps, known for its K-Pop culture, lightning-fast internet, and 24-hour cafe scene. For digital nomads and expats, it offers an incredible mix of high-tech infrastructure and deep tradition. However, the rental market here is notoriously difficult for foreigners. The "Jeonse" system (huge lump-sum deposits often $100k+) and "Wolse" (high deposit + monthly rent) can be major barriers.
Coliving is the "cheat code" for this specific struggle. These operators provide fully furnished apartments with low deposits (often just one month's rent) and flexible contracts. They solve the biggest headache for foreigners: obtaining the "Proof of Residence" needed for your Alien Registration Card (ARC), banking, and phone contracts.
While rent in Seoul is rising, coliving prices here are "All-Inclusive," covering expensive winter heating and electricity bills. The list below covers the top operators you need to know, from massive corporate towers to boutique creative communities.
For a quick overview of the best options, here is the full list at a glance:
Top Seoul Coliving Companies (Quick Reference)
- Cove Korea: A global operator offering stylish, flexible shared apartments in trendy districts like Yeonnam-dong.
- Borderless House: A cultural exchange-focused operator that mixes Korean locals and foreigners in every house.
- Nooks: A boutique serviced residence in Huam-dong, perfect for those wanting a quiet, home-like environment near Namsan.
- Outsite: The global nomad standard (operating via partner locations/waitlists in Seoul).
- Wehome: The "Korean Airbnb," offering legal shared accommodation for foreigners with instant booking options.
- Hoppin House: A community-driven coliving space in Hongdae known for its workation cohorts and social vibe.
- Stay Korea: A guesthouse-style operator providing affordable, convenient stays near major transport hubs.
- LIFE: A design-forward micro-living tower in Gangnam developed by FastFive, catering to young professionals.
- EPISODE: The largest and most amenity-rich coliving brand in Korea, with massive towers in Gangnam, Sinchon, and Suyu.
- Local Stitch: A "Creator Town" concept that blends coworking, retail, and living in hip neighborhoods like Seogyo.
- Mangrove: A holistic coliving brand focused on wellness and community, with major branches in Sinseol and Dongdaemun.
Cove Korea
Cove is a major player in Southeast Asia that has brought its high standards to Seoul. They specialize in transforming villas and apartments into stylish, managed coliving spaces. Their "Cove Yeonnam" location is particularly popular because it sits right in the middle of Seoul's trendiest cafe district, offering a perfect blend of quiet living and social access.
Location: Located in Yeonnam-dong (Mapo-gu), arguably the coolest neighborhood in Seoul. It is filled with independent bookstores, cafes, and the famous Gyeongui Line Forest Park, perfect for afternoon walks.
Website: https://covekorea.com
Pricing:
- Rates typically range from 750,000 to 1,300,000 KRW per month depending on room size.
- This pricing is inclusive of utilities and Wi-Fi, which is a significant saving given the cost of heating during Korean winters.
Deposit:
- Low deposit requirements are standard, often just one month's rent or a fixed small amount.
- This is a massive advantage over the traditional "Wolse" system which typically asks for 10 million KRW or more upfront.
Rental Terms:
- Flexible monthly contracts are available starting from a minimum of 1 month.
- This flexibility makes it ideal for digital nomads or students on semester exchanges who cannot commit to a full year.
Amenities: Apartments come with weekly housekeeping, fully equipped kitchens, and high-speed Wi-Fi. They also provide bedding and essential homeware so you can move in comfortably with just a suitcase.
Borderless House
Borderless House has a unique mission: every house must have a 50:50 ratio of locals (Koreans) to foreigners. This ensures that you don't just live in an expat bubble but actually learn the language and culture. It is the best option if your primary goal is cultural immersion and making Korean friends.
Location: Operates dozens of houses across Seoul, including major hubs like Hongdae, Gangnam, and Korea University areas. You can choose a location based on proximity to your university or workplace to minimize commuting.
Website: https://www.borderless-house.com/kr
Pricing:
- Very affordable, often ranging from 500,000 to 800,000 KRW per month including management fees.
- It is one of the most budget-friendly ways to live in a central area while gaining a social network.
Deposit:
- A fixed deposit of 500,000 KRW is standard across their properties.
- This is refundable upon move-out and is significantly lower than market standards for similar shared housing.
Rental Terms:
- Minimum stay is usually 1 month, making it accessible for short-term learners.
- The application process involves a short interview to ensure you are open to the cultural exchange philosophy.
Amenities: Shared living rooms and kitchens are designed to foster interaction among residents. While rooms are simple, the social programs and language exchange events are the real premium amenity here.
Nooks
Nooks (specifically "Nook Seoul") represents the boutique side of the market. Located in Huam-dong, it offers a serviced residence feel with a focus on quiet, comfortable living. It sits near Namsan Mountain, offering a peaceful retreat that is still walking distance to Seoul Station and the city center.
Location: Located in Huam-dong (near Seoul Station), a charming neighborhood with steep streets and great views. It offers a very local atmosphere, distinct from the tourist-heavy areas of Myeongdong or Hongdae.
Website: Available on Expedia / Booking.com as "Nook Seoul". Direct booking enquiries can sometimes be made for longer stays, but availability is often managed through travel platforms for ease of access.
Pricing:
- Positioned in the Mid-to-High Range, reflecting the serviced nature of the apartments.
- Prices are comparable to a mid-range hotel but offer better value for long stays due to the in-unit facilities.
Deposit: Minimal deposit requirements. Usually just a credit card guarantee or booking fee via the travel platform, avoiding the need for large cash transfers common in Korean real estate.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms range from daily to monthly. This makes it perfect for a "soft landing" month while you look for long-term housing or for business trips requiring more than a hotel room.
Amenities: Features private kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and a rooftop or terrace with views of Namsan Tower. It offers more privacy than a typical coliving house while still providing essential services.
Outsite
Outsite is the global standard for curated coliving for digital nomads. While they do not currently have a dedicated flagship building in Seoul, they operate via waitlists and partner networks. Seoul is a top-requested city for their members, and they serve as a connector for vetted, work-ready accommodations in the city.
Location: Targeting central hubs like Gangnam or Mapo-gu for their partner locations. These areas are vetted for safety, convenience, and proximity to high-quality coworking spaces.
Website: https://www.outsite.co
Pricing: Member Rates apply. Prices generally align with their global standards, which are premium but guarantee a specific quality of workspace and internet connectivity suitable for remote professionals.
Deposit: Minimal. Bookings facilitated via their platform usually require a standard hold or booking fee rather than a landlord deposit, streamlining the process for international members.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms. Designed for the 1-3 month visa-free travel period common for digital nomads, allowing for easy movement without being tied to a year-long lease.
Amenities: The Outsite promise includes verified high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspace standards, and access to the global member directory to find other nomads currently in Seoul.
Wehome
Wehome is often called the "Korean Airbnb." It is the only platform legally sanctioned by the Korean government for shared accommodation for foreigners in urban areas (under the ICT Regulatory Sandbox). It offers a vast inventory of "Hanoks" (traditional houses), villas, and modern apartments that are legal for short-term rental.
Location: City-wide listings. You can find everything from a room in Gangnam to a traditional house in Bukchon Hanok Village. The platform covers every major district in Seoul.
Website: https://www.wehome.me
Pricing:
- Variable. Ranges from budget rooms ($30/night) to luxury penthouses.
- Monthly discounts are often available for longer bookings, making it competitive for mid-term stays.
Deposit: None. You pay via the platform, avoiding the risky large cash deposits of the local market. This provides significant financial security for foreigners unfamiliar with the Jeonse system.
Rental Terms: Flexible (Daily to Monthly). Instant booking is available for many properties, making it the fastest way to secure a roof over your head upon arrival in Korea.
Amenities: Varies by property but typically includes Wi-Fi, kitchen access, and linens. "Wehome Verified" listings ensure a certain standard of quality and legality for foreign guests.
Hoppin House
Hoppin House is a community-driven coliving space located in the vibrant Hongdae area. They focus on "Workation" cohorts, bringing together digital nomads and remote workers who want to be productive during the day and explore Seoul's nightlife in the evening. It is more intimate than the big towers, fostering a close-knit "house" vibe.
Location: Located in Yeonnam-dong / Hongdae, right next to the Gyeongui Line Forest Park (Yeontral Park). The area is surrounded by hip bars, busking spots, and excellent restaurants.
Website: https://www.hoppin.life
Pricing: Approx. 900,000 - 1,200,000 KRW per month. This price is all-inclusive, covering rent, utilities, community events, and workspace access, offering good value for the location.
Deposit: Standard booking fee. The deposit is generally lower than market rates to encourage international applicants and is used to secure your spot in the specific cohort.
Rental Terms: Cohort-based or Monthly. They prefer stays that align with their community programs (often 2 weeks to 1 month) to ensure everyone integrates well into the group dynamic.
Amenities: Features a coworking lounge, shared kitchen for community meals, rooftop access, and organized outings to explore Korean culture, making it easy to build a social circle.
Stay Korea
Stay Korea operates guesthouse-style accommodations that serve as a practical, affordable base for travelers and students. Unlike the "lifestyle" brands, Stay Korea focuses on convenience and location. Their properties are often located near major university districts or transport hubs, making them functional for those who spend most of their time out exploring.
Location: Strategically located in Mapo-gu / University Areas. Being near subway lines and university campuses makes them ideal for students or budget-conscious travelers needing easy transit.
Website: Listed on Agoda / Booking.com as "Stay Korea". These platforms offer easy availability checks and instant confirmation without complex application forms.
Pricing: Budget-Friendly. Private rooms often start around 500,000 - 700,000 KRW per month, offering some of the best value for a private space in the city.
Deposit: Minimal. Platform-based booking fees apply, but there is typically no large security deposit required upon arrival, easing cash flow for students.
Rental Terms:
- Flexible. Daily and monthly rates are available.
- The lack of long-term contract requirements makes it a safe bet for initial arrivals or short study stints.
Amenities: Includes shared kitchenettes, laundry facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and luggage storage. These practical amenities are designed for travelers with flexible schedules and light needs.
LIFE
LIFE is a premium coliving tower in Gangnam developed by the coworking giant FastFive. It is designed for the urban professional who wants efficiency and aesthetics. The building features 140 micro-studios designed by Ian Lee, featuring birch wood interiors and smart storage solutions. It is a "vertical village" where you have a small private space and massive shared amenities.
Location: Situated in Gangnam (Yeoksam-dong), the business heart of Seoul. You are walking distance to major tech HQs, the Teheran-ro startup corridor, and excellent transport links.
Website: https://fastfive.co.kr
Pricing: 1,100,000 - 1,400,000 KRW per month. You pay a premium for the Gangnam location and the high-spec design, but it aligns with the salaries of the tech workers it attracts.
Deposit: 2 Months' Rent. This is slightly higher than hostels but much lower than the "Jeonse" market. It strikes a balance between security for the landlord and accessibility for the tenant.
Rental Terms: Minimum 1-3 months. The contracts are targeted at professionals on assignment or startup founders who need a stable, high-quality base for a quarter or more.
Amenities: Features a rooftop garden, communal lounge, gym, shared kitchen, and direct access to FastFive coworking spaces, often located within the same ecosystem or nearby.
EPISODE
EPISODE is the largest and most sophisticated coliving brand in Korea, backed by SK D&D. They operate massive, purpose-built towers that function like high-end hotels for long-term residents. Each "Episode" has a different theme - Episode Suyu is nature-focused, while Episode Gangnam is business-focused. Their "Episode Conveni" line offers shorter stays with no deposit.
Location: Operates major hubs in Gangnam, Sinchon, Suyu, and Seongsu. The Seongsu location is particularly famous for being in the "Brooklyn of Seoul," surrounded by converted warehouses and trendy cafes.
Website: https://www.epsd.co.kr
Pricing:
- Ranges from 900,000 to 1,800,000 KRW per month depending on the location and room type.
- Options range from shared rooms to private lofts, accommodating various budgets.
Deposit: Flexible. They offer a "zero deposit" option for a higher monthly rent, or a standard low deposit (e.g., 1-5 million KRW) for a lower monthly rate, giving you financial choice.
Rental Terms: Flexible (2 weeks to 1 year). The "Nomad Stay" package is designed specifically for short-term remote workers, while standard leases cater to long-term residents.
Amenities: Includes IKEA-furnished rooms, professional gyms, pet-friendly floors, massive social lounges, and a resident app that controls room lights, locks, and service requests.
Local Stitch
Local Stitch started as a boutique hotel and evolved into a "Creator Town" coliving model. They renovate older buildings into vibrant community hubs that blend retail, coworking, and living. It attracts designers, writers, and freelancers. Living here gives you access to all their locations across the city, effectively making the whole city your office.
Location: Hubs in Seogyo (Hongdae), Cheongdam, and Euljiro. Their Seogyo "Creator Town" is a flagship with hundreds of rooms, while smaller branches offer a more intimate boutique feel.
Website: https://localstitch.kr
Pricing: 900,000 - 1,300,000 KRW per month. Membership fees may apply for access to the broader network of workspaces, but the rent is competitive for the design quality.
Deposit: 1 Month. Standard and refundable. This simple deposit structure is foreigner-friendly compared to the complex key money requirements of traditional rentals.
Rental Terms: Flexible. They offer "Subscription Living" where you can potentially move between their branches, offering a unique way to experience different neighborhoods in Seoul.
Amenities: Features coworking cafes on the ground floor, rooftop terraces, seminar rooms, and a pet-friendly policy in many branches. The community focus is on creativity and networking.
Mangrove
Mangrove is a coliving brand that focuses heavily on wellness and holistic living. Their buildings are architecturally stunning and designed to promote "growth" (hence the name). The Mangrove Sinseol branch is one of the largest coliving buildings in Korea, featuring a gym, yoga room, and library. It feels like a university campus for adults.
Location: Located in Sinseol, Dongdaemun, and Sinchon. These are strategic locations near major universities and transit lines, making them convenient for both students and professionals.
Website: https://mangrove.city
Pricing: Ranges from 600,000 to 1,000,000 KRW per month. They offer various room types from bunk beds (cheaper) to private studios, allowing for a wide range of budgets.
Deposit: 3 to 5 Million KRW. While higher than some hostels, it is much lower than the "Jeonse" system and secures a high-quality, long-term home with excellent facilities.
Rental Terms: Minimum 1 month. Discounts often apply for 6-month+ contracts. They encourage longer stays to build a stable community atmosphere.
Amenities: Highlights include wellness rooms (yoga/meditation), recording studios, large communal kitchens, and a very active event calendar featuring guest speakers and workshops.
To choose the right space in Seoul, align with your vibe:
- For the Tech/Biz Pro: EPISODE (Gangnam/Seongsu) or LIFE offer high-end, efficient, and private living.
- For the Cultural Explorer: Borderless House guarantees you will meet locals and learn the language.
- For the Creative: Local Stitch or Mangrove offer inspiring environments filled with artists and designers.
- For the Location: Cove Korea in Yeonnam-dong puts you in the absolute heart of Seoul's cafe culture.
Insider Tip: Use the "Foreigner" clause. If you sign a contract with a larger operator like Episode or Mangrove, ask specifically about "Proof of Residence" documents before you sign. Ensure they can provide the exact contract format the Immigration Office requires for your ARC registration, as some "guesthouses" cannot legally provide this for long-term visas.
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