What It’s Really Like Living in a Goshiwon as a Foreigner

If you’re preparing a study program, an internship, or a long stay in South Korea, one of the first things you’ll need is accommodation. And while you may expect dorms or studios, many foreigners end up discovering a very Korean form of housing they’ve never heard of before: the Goshiwon.

These tiny private rooms are now a popular and affordable way to live in Seoul—but their story goes back much further than most newcomers realize.

Why people turn to these instead of studios? We will explain in an other article the hard reality of finding housing in Korea not easy as you thought… but Momstay is here to help you out!

A Short History of Goshiwons

Goshiwons (고시원) first appeared in the 1970s, during a time when intense national exams (for law, civil service, and other state-level careers) required students to study for months or even years in complete focus.

To support these students, landlords created very small, quiet, and cheap rooms near major universities. These early goshiwons were extremely minimal:

If you’ve watched the Netflix drama “Strangers From Hell,” you’ve seen a fictional, exaggerated version of the old-school goshiwon lifestyle—dark corridors, tiny rooms, and the eerie vibe associated with the cheapest versions.

Strangers from hell - Netflix

How Goshiwons Have Evolved

Fast-forward to today, and goshiwons have transformed from exam-focused dorms into budget-friendly micro-studios now widely used by:

As rent prices rise in Seoul, and the deposit never cease to rise, goshiwons offer an accessible alternative, especially in popular areas like Sinchon, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Jongno.

Rooms are still small, but the comfort level has improved dramatically. Premium Goshiwons are a bit more spacious with often a private bathroom included.

Modern Goshiwons are safer, cleaner and more comfortable, here is what they typically include:

Women-only Goshiwons have also become more common, offering an extra layer of safety for solo female travelers.

The Reality of the Space

Even with improvements, the defining feature of a Goshiwon is still its size. Most rooms are compact enough that you may be able to touch both walls with outstretched arms. Luggage often opens only on the bed, not the floor.

But the trade-off is simple: location + affordability.

A Goshiwon gives you a private room in a central neighborhood at a fraction of the cost of a studio apartment.

Community: Quiet but Sometimes Surprising

Goshiwons are usually designed for private living space, not communal life. However, the experience can vary:

Whether you prefer privacy or social opportunities, there is a Goshiwon style for you.

Hidden Perks You Might Not Expect

Despite their size, Goshiwons include benefits that significantly reduce living expenses:

For budget travelers, this combination is hard to beat.

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices vary depending on size, location, and amenities:

Compared to traditional Korean housing, often requiring massive key-money deposits, a Goshiwon remains one of the most accessible options for foreigners.

Who Should Choose a Goshiwon?

A Goshiwon is ideal if you are:

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to spend less on housing and more on enjoying Korea.

In conclusion: From Exam Cells to Modern Micro-Homes

Goshiwons may not have started as comfortable living spaces—far from it. But today, the landscape has changed. Alongside older, ultra-basic rooms, Korea now offers premium Goshiwons with better facilities and interiors.

They may not be luxury apartments, but they deliver comfort, safety, and unbeatable convenience at a price still accessible to students and travelers.

For many foreigners, living in a goshiwon becomes not just an affordable housing choice, but a unique part of their experience in Korea—one that blends history, modern city life, and a style of living you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Momstay is a housing platform that connects foreign guest and housing owners. Our speciality is to propose diverse type of housing especially those close to universities or popular areas and provide an assistance for foreigners in English, French, Mongol, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese.

If you’re looking for a Goshiwon or another type of housing in Korea check our app or contact us!

We also have a FREE service called “Find Custom Accommodation” to help you find your place:

https://momstay.com/en/find-my-stay