📌 Top 5 Areas in South Korea Where Foreigners Live + Monthly Rent Comparison
For foreigners planning to live in South Korea, the most common questions are: Where do most foreigners live? How much is rent? What is the living environment like?
This post analyzes the main areas where foreigners live and includes actual monthly rent ranges, along with insights on convenience, transportation, culture, and safety—key factors that affect long-term living choices.
🏙️ 1. Yongsan-gu, Seoul — The Heart of the International Community
Yongsan-gu is one of the most well-known areas among foreigners.
It is home to embassies, international schools, English-friendly shops, and a strong global atmosphere.
⭐ Area Features
- Diverse population from multiple countries
- English commonly used
- Parks, riverside walks, and open spaces
- Large shopping malls and premium stores
- Quiet yet urban
🚇 Transportation
- Served by lines including Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Line 1, Line 6
- Quick access to major business districts
💰 Monthly Rent (Studio / 1.5-room)
- Deposit 10–20 million KRW / Rent 800,000–1,500,000 KRW
- Two-room / luxury apartments: 1,500,000–2,500,000 KRW
✔ Why Foreigners Prefer It
- English-friendly shops
- International atmosphere
- Easy access to imported goods
- Close to embassies
- Safe and quiet
🏙️ 2. Itaewon & Hannam-dong, Seoul — Highly Diverse Cultural Hub
Itaewon and Hannam-dong have long been home to foreigners and continue to offer food, arts, and fashion diversity.
⭐ Area Features
- Numerous international restaurants
- Foreign-friendly cafés, bars, and entertainment
- Low language barrier
🚇 Transportation
- Adjacent to Yongsan
- Easy access to both northern and southern Seoul
💰 Monthly Rent
- Studio: 500,000–1,000,000 KRW / 700,000–1,300,000 KRW
- Two-room: 1,500,000–3,000,000 KRW
✔ Advantages
- Cultural experiences
- Foreigner-oriented shops and services
- Diverse weekend activities
- Multilingual signage common
🌉 3. Ansan, Gyeonggi Province — Focused on Southeast Asian & Central Asian Communities
Close to Seoul with affordable housing and foreign-friendly markets, Ansan attracts many Southeast Asian and Central Asian workers.
⭐ Area Features
- Quiet and practical
- Well-established multicultural commercial areas
- Spacious apartments for lower cost
🚇 Transportation
- Direct connection via Line 4
- Easy access across the metropolitan area
💰 Monthly Rent
- Studio: 200,000–500,000 KRW / Rent 400,000–700,000 KRW
- Two-room: 700,000–1,100,000 KRW
✔ Advantages
- Affordable housing
- Easy access to foods from home countries
- Strong community support
- High percentage of long-term residents
🌆 4. Guro-gu, Seoul — Popular Among IT Workers
Close to Gasan Digital Complex, Guro-gu attracts foreign engineers, researchers, and developers.
It also offers affordable housing compared to central Seoul.
⭐ Area Features
- IT worker-centric
- Urban access
- Plenty of practical studio and two-room apartments
🚇 Transportation
- Served by Lines 1 and 7
- Dense bus network
💰 Monthly Rent
- Studio: 500,000–1,000,000 KRW / Rent 550,000–850,000 KRW
- Two-room: 900,000–1,300,000 KRW
✔ Advantages
- Affordable for Seoul
- Close to workplaces
- Infrastructure for working adults
- Moderate noise levels
🌊 5. Haeundae, Busan — Coastal Living with Urban Convenience
For non-capital city options, Haeundae is the most popular among foreigners.
Although known as a tourist destination, it also has a significant long-term foreign resident population.
⭐ Area Features
- Ocean views
- High-rise apartments and complexes
- Large shopping centers and department stores
- International events and active tourism
🚇 Transportation
- Busan Line 2
- Easy access to Seoul via KTX or SRT
💰 Monthly Rent
- Studio: 300,000–700,000 KRW / Rent 600,000–1,000,000 KRW
- Ocean-view apartment: 1,500,000–3,500,000 KRW
✔ Advantages
- High-quality living environment
- Coastal and urban lifestyle
- Foreign-friendly tourism infrastructure
- Abundant outdoor and leisure activities
🧩 Key Factors for Choosing a Neighborhood as a Foreigner
Based on surveys, the top 7 priorities are:
📝 Checklist
- Public transportation accessibility
- Foreign-language friendly area
- Safety
- Affordable housing
- Access to hospitals and pharmacies
- Variety of cultural and grocery options
- Distance to workplace
📍 Top 5 Areas Monthly Rent Comparison Table
| Area | Studio Rent | Two-Room Rent | Features |
| Yongsan-gu | 800,000–1,500,000 KRW | 1,500,000–2,500,000 KRW | International community |
| Itaewon & Hannam | 700,000–1,300,000 KRW | 1,500,000–3,000,000 KRW | Food & cultural diversity |
| Ansan | 400,000–700,000 KRW | 700,000–1,100,000 KRW | Affordable & community-focused |
| Guro-gu | 550,000–850,000 KRW | 900,000–1,300,000 KRW | IT worker-friendly |
| Haeundae | 600,000–1,000,000 KRW | 1,500,000–3,500,000 KRW | Coastal & urban living |
🏡 Advice for Foreigners Planning to Settle in Korea
⭐ Practical Tips
- Areas with more foreigners have lower language barriers
- First 6 months: prioritize neighborhoods with easy transportation
- Rent varies based on building age, maintenance, and surrounding facilities
- Confirm whether the deposit can be adjusted
- High-speed internet allows for remote work and online classes
✔ Preparation Checklist
- English lease availability
- Deposit return regulations
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) explained
- Maintenance fees included?
- Update alien registration address after moving
🧭 Conclusion
South Korea offers a variety of neighborhoods suitable for foreigners.
Each region has different living costs, culture, transportation, and environment.
The Top 5 areas listed here are popular, stable, and ideal for initial settlement.
Use this information to choose a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle and budget.
