Low-Deposit and No-Deposit Housing in Seoul: What's Actually Available (2026)
A large deposit is one of the biggest obstacles for foreigners renting in Korea — especially if you're arriving without a Korean guarantor, transferring money internationally, or renting before you have an ARC.
This guide covers what low-deposit and no-deposit housing actually looks like in Seoul right now, based on current CheckmateKorea listings — not general claims. Deposit size varies a lot by room type, and lower deposit almost always comes with a trade-off.
Which Room Types Actually Have Low or No Deposit?
Deposit size depends heavily on room type. As a general pattern across current listings:
- Goshiwon: almost always low-deposit, occasionally no-deposit.
- Sharehouse: usually low-deposit.
- Studio / one-room: a reduced-deposit option exists, but with higher monthly rent in exchange.
- Officetel: typically requires a standard deposit (often ₩5–20 million). Low-deposit officetels are the exception, not the rule — do not assume one is available.
Goshiwon: The Most Consistent Low-Deposit Option
Across current CheckmateKorea goshiwon listings near Anam, Hongik, Sangsu, Sinchon, and Soongsil University stations:
- Deposit: ₩0 – ₩200,000 (most commonly ₩100,000)
- Monthly rent: roughly ₩480,000 – ₩850,000, depending on room size and location
- Minimum stay: often available from 1 month
A small number of goshiwon listings are genuinely no-deposit. Availability changes constantly, so treat "no deposit" as something to filter for and confirm on the current listing — not a guarantee for every room.
Read the full goshiwon guide →
Sharehouse: Low Deposit With a Shared Living Trade-Off
Sharehouse rooms — a private room inside a shared apartment — typically list around
- Deposit: around ₩500,000 in current listings
- Monthly rent: varies by room size, roughly ₩440,000 – ₩980,000
You'll share a kitchen and common areas with other tenants, which is the trade-off for the lower deposit and often better common facilities than a goshiwon.
Read the full sharehouse guide →
Studio / One-Room: Lower Deposit Is Possible, But Rent Goes Up
Some studios and one-room apartments are listed with a reduced deposit of around ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,000,000, instead of the more typical ₩5,000,000+. In current listings at this lower deposit tier:
- Deposit: ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,000,000
- Monthly rent: roughly ₩290,000 – ₩600,000
This is the core trade-off in the Korean rental system: a lower deposit is usually offset by higher monthly rent on an otherwise similar room. As a rough pattern, adding ₩5,000,000 to your deposit can lower monthly rent by ₩20,000–₩50,000. Compare the full monthly cost, not just the deposit, before deciding.
Before You Book: What Low Deposit Does Not Change
- A lower deposit does not reduce your right to get it back. Confirm the move-out and deposit-refund process before signing.
- If you have no Korean guarantor, some low-deposit rooms still require one. Check requirements per listing.
- Low deposit does not mean low total upfront cost. Agent fees and first-month rent still apply.
Ready to see what's currently available? Browse low-deposit rooms on CheckmateKorea →
Can't find a match for your budget or move-in date? Request a room that fits your criteria →