Hongik University Housing: A Complete Guide for Foreign Students
Hongik University sits in Mapo-gu, right at the heart of Hongdae — one of Seoul's most well-known student and nightlife districts, known for its art scene, live music, and international community.
Whether you're enrolling in the Korean Language Institute (KLI), starting a degree, or arriving in Seoul for the first time, this guide covers Hongik University tuition and language program fees, on-campus dorm options, and off-campus housing near Hongik University Station, Sangsu, and Hapjeong — with verified prices from official sources.
Quick housing checklist for Hongik University students
- Campus and commute: Hongik has two gates on different lines. The main gate is a 9-minute walk from Hongik University Station (Line 2, Exit 9) or 16 minutes from the same station via the Gyeongui-Jungang Line/Airport Railroad (Exit 4). The back gate is only 3 minutes from Sangsu Station (Line 6, Exit 2) — often the faster option depending on where your classes are.
- Monthly budget: Compare rent plus maintenance fees and any separately billed utilities. Check service and cleaning fees before booking.
- Upfront budget: Check the deposit separately from monthly rent. Do not assume every room is low-deposit or deposit-free.
- Length of stay: For a one-semester stay, confirm that the listing’s minimum contract period fits your dates. Some officetel and studio listings near Hongik require 12–24 month minimums.
- Availability: Check the move-in date and confirm availability before paying. Prices in this guide are dated references, not a live quotation.
Browse rooms near Hongik University
Need a different budget or contract period? Request a room that fits your dates.
How Much Does Hongik University Cost?
Costs vary depending on which program you're enrolled in.
Hongik Korean Language Program (KLI / KLEC)
The Korean Language Institute (KLI) — also referred to as the Korean Language Education Center (KLEC) on Hongik’s main site — was established in 2002 and runs four semesters a year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), each 10 weeks, 5 days a week, 4 hours a day.
- Application fee: ₩100,000 (non-refundable)
- Tuition: ₩1,750,000 per 10-week term (per official Spring 2024 figures — confirm the current rate before applying)
- Textbooks: ₩50,000 – ₩70,000 (not included in tuition)
💡 D-4 visa applicants must pay for 2 terms’ tuition at once. Application, tuition, and textbook fees are subject to change each semester — confirm the current rate with the language institute before applying.
Source: Hongik KLI official application page →
Degree Programs (학부 / 대학원)
Undergraduate and graduate tuition varies by college. For current figures, contact the Office of International Affairs or visit the
As with most universities in Seoul, housing is often the bigger monthly variable once you're enrolled.
Hongik University Dorm — Dormitory II
Hongik’s Office of International Affairs places KLI, exchange, and visiting students in Dormitory II (제2기숙사), a 2-person-room dorm with a private shower and toilet, with capacity for 1,090 students (500 male, 590 female) per the most recent official notice.
⚠️ Dormitory I and the graduate dorm (South Gate Hall / Boarding House) are currently closed for reconstruction, with no official reopening date announced as of this guide’s last update. Dormitory II is the option available to language-program students.
Cost: around ₩1,300,000 per semester, per the most recent text-published official figure (a 2022 Office of International Affairs notice, explicitly marked subject to change). Current official fee tables are published as images/attachments rather than text — confirm the exact current rate with the Office of International Affairs before budgeting.
Source: Hongik dormitory page →, OIA notice →
Hongik University Off-Campus Housing
Most Hongik students — especially those without a Dormitory II spot — live off campus in the neighborhoods around Hongik University Station, Sangsu, and nearby Hapjeong. This is one of the most internationally connected areas in Seoul, with AREX airport rail access from Hongik University Station.
Hongik University Station Area (홍대입구역)
The main hub, closest to the main gate. Dense with studios, officetels, cafes, and nightlife — lively but can be noisy, especially on weekends.
Sangsu (상수역)
Closest to the back gate — only a 3-minute walk. Quieter than the station area while still being close to campus, with a strong concentration of goshiwons.
Hapjeong (합정역)
A short ride or walk from campus, with newer officetel buildings and excellent transport — Line 2, Line 6, and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line all meet here.
What Types of Housing Will You Find?
- Studio (원룸) — Private bathroom and kitchen. Most common near the station and Sangsu.
- Officetel (오피스텔) — More modern, self-contained units, common in Hapjeong. Better facilities, higher rent, often longer minimum contracts.
- Goshiwon (고시원) — Compact rooms with shared facilities, concentrated around Sangsu and Sinchon. The most affordable and lowest-deposit option.
Hongik University Housing Price — By Area (2026)
- Hongik University Station: Studio, ₩10M+ deposit, ₩550,000 – ₩1,000,000/month, typically 12-month minimum
- Sangsu: Goshiwon, ₩0 – ₩100,000 deposit, ₩700,000 – ₩850,000/month, available from 1 month
- Hapjeong: Officetel, ₩10M deposit, around ₩950,000/month, typically 24-month minimum
※ Based on current CheckmateKorea listings near each station. Actual prices vary by deposit amount, floor, and furnishing.
Beyond rent, budget for a maintenance fee (관리비) of roughly ₩30,000 – ₩200,000+/month depending on the building, and ₩25,000 – ₩35,000/month for internet. See the full maintenance fee guide →
Hongik's location gives students some of the best transport and lifestyle access of any student area in Seoul — but that convenience comes with a livelier, noisier environment than quieter campus towns. Sangsu and Hapjeong are worth comparing if you want the same access with less foot traffic.
Ready to find a room near Hongik University? Browse verified, foreigner-friendly listings on CheckmateKorea →