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Accommodation in Seoul for long-term stays as a digital nomad
The guide you need to know everything about where to stay in Seoul, its neighbourhoods, styles, price ranges, and more.
Seoul, as the capital of South Korea and the epicentre of K-pop, tech gadgets, and conceptual cafés, is also one of the favourite destinations for those looking to live in Asia for a while. If you need advice on accommodation for long-term stays in Seoul and find a place that suits your budget, needs, and lifestyle, here we’ll tell you about the best spots in the city.
Seoul is known for not being particularly cheap, as it hosts a very modern and technological lifestyle. However, if you plan your stay well, you can probably find a place that fits your needs. Finding comfortable, well-located accommodation with the right conditions for long stays is crucial to have a positive experience in South Korea.
Accommodation options for long stays in Seoul
Seoul offers a variety of options for those looking to stay longer than a few weeks, but as always, you need to know where to look. Here, we’ll go over the most recommended options for digital nomads, international students, or people travelling with a slow travel mindset.
Coliving: Live in community without much hassle
Coliving in Seoul has grown significantly, especially in neighbourhoods like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam. These spaces are designed for young, creative people, often with an international flair. Most include a private room, well-maintained common spaces, fast internet (very fast), shared kitchens, social events, and even coworking areas.
Advantages:
- You don’t need to sign long contracts
- International community: Perfect for making friends and contacts
- All-inclusive: No worries about services or furnishings
Popular options:
- Hive Arena (perfect for makers and freelancers)
- Jibda House (more artistic and relaxed)
- Mangrove (in Seongsu-dong, the trendy neighbourhood)
Unlimited connectivity in South Korea
If you’re staying in Seoul for more than a month and want to travel around Asia, it’s best to have unlimited data at all times. With the Holafly Seoul eSIM, you can connect in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, or Vietnam without changing your SIM or losing your number. It’s ideal for staying connected during flights, city changes, and unexpected remote meetings.
If you plan to work remotely during your stay in Asia, we recommend using Holafly’s plans, which allow you to share your connection with multiple devices, making it easier to interact digitally, send emails, manage online tasks, and basically anything you need to stay connected with a stable signal, securely and reliably. Plus, they offer coverage in over 160 countries worldwide.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Where to stay in Seoul?: Fully furnished apartments for total independence.
If you prefer a space just for yourself (or to share with a partner or friend), renting a furnished apartment might be your best option. In Seoul, many apartments are designed for mid- to long-term stays (at least one month), especially in areas like Mapo-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Seongdong-gu.
Prices vary a lot depending on the area, size, and whether the building has extras like security, a gym, or a laundry. Generally, you can find well-equipped studios starting from €800 to €1,200 per month.
Where to look?:
- Beyond Home, Zigbang (in Korean, but widely used by locals)
- Dabang App (available in Korean and English)
- Craigslist Seoul (for more international options)
- Airbnb with monthly discount (ideal if you want to try before committing)
Goshiwon: Basic, cheap, and functional
If you’re on a budget or want a very local experience, you could consider a goshiwon. These are tiny rooms, sometimes without windows, with a bed, desk, mini fridge, and shared or private bathroom. Though it may sound claustrophobic, many students and freelancers use them to save money while living in central areas. You can search for options on the Goshipages. It’s recommended to check photos and reviews before booking to verify their condition and maintenance.
Estimated price: €250 to €500 ($275 to $550) per month.
Monthly Airbnb: Comfort without a contract
Airbnb remains a valid option if you want something in between the flexibility of coliving and the privacy of an apartment. Many hosts offer discounts of 10% to 30% for long stays. You can also negotiate directly if you plan to stay for more than a month.
Advantages:
- Ideal for trying different areas before deciding
- You can book from your home country with security
- Flexibility to change neighbourhoods according to your lifestyle
The best neighbourhoods and areas in Seoul for a temporary stay
Seoul is a massive, intense, and very diverse city. Each neighbourhood has its own style, charm, and vibe, and depending on what you’re looking for (nightlife, tranquillity, access to coworking spaces or cafés with good Wi-Fi), you’ll find very different options.
If you want to know the cost of living in Seoul, here’s an article focused on dollars and euros.
Where to stay in Seoul?: Hongdae, the creative and youthful epicentre of the city
If you’re looking for an artistic atmosphere, full of life and with an energy that never stops, Hongdae (around Hongik University) is your place. It’s one of the most digital nomad-friendly neighbourhoods due to its alternative lifestyle, cultural offerings, and variety of cafés with strong internet.
Cafés for remote work
There are hundreds, no exaggeration. But some of the most popular among remote workers are Thanks, Oat (brunch + stable Wi-Fi) and Cafe Skön (minimalist and quiet, perfect for focus mode). Also, many cafés stay open late or even 24/7.
Co-working spaces
- FastFive Hongdae: Well-equipped, modern, and with a good local community.
- WeWork Hongdae: Ideal if you’re already using this network in other countries.
Recommended coliving spaces in Hongdae
- Borderless House: Mixes international students with locals. Great atmosphere and community activities.
- Hive Arena: Not directly in Hongdae, but close, with a very digital nomad-friendly approach, rated as one of the coolest.
Furnished apartments in Hongdae
You can find studios or one-rooms for between €800 and €1,000 per month ($880 to $1,100). Many of them are all-inclusive and are near Line 2 of the subway, which connects well with the rest of the city.
Where to stay in the Seoul Seongsu-dong, the ‘Brooklyn’ of Seoul
This neighbourhood has become one of the most sought-after areas for artists, designers, and young professionals. It’s peaceful, with many design shops, cafés, and galleries, and is growing as a hub for innovation.
Cafés for remote work
- Daelim Changgo Gallery Cafe: A classic, large, and with a good vibe for working.
- Onion Cafe Seongsu: Famous for its industrial aesthetic, although it’s more for socialising than working at times.
Co-working spaces
- Heyground Seongsu: Focused on social impact projects.
- FastFive Seongsu: Well-located with flexible memberships.
Recommended coliving spaces in Seongsu-dong
- Mangrove Seongsu: Modern, minimalist, with a focus on community and sustainability. It’s one of the most recommended for digital nomads.
Furnished apartments in Seongsu-dong
A little more expensive than Hongdae, but with a better quality of life if you prefer a less chaotic area. Ideal for quieter stays or if you work with fixed hours.
Itaewon, international and diverse
Although Itaewon has changed quite a bit in recent years, it remains one of the most foreigner-friendly places in Seoul. It’s full of international restaurants, bars, embassies, and specialist shops. It has plenty of nightlife, but also very comfortable living spaces.
Cafés for remote work
- Anthracite Itaewon: Specialty coffee and spacious work areas.
- The Baker’s Table: Brunch, coffee, and large tables for working for hours.
Co-working spaces
- Ssamzie Space: More artistic and experimental.
- WeWork Itaewon: Another option for international quality.
Recommended coliving spaces in Itaewon
- Ziptoss Coliving: A good option for those looking for privacy and included services in an international area.
- Premium goshiwon (mini studio-type): Increasingly common in the area.
Furnished apartments in Itaewon
Perfect if you want a more international experience or if you’re in a couple. There’s plenty of long-term rental options, especially if you search through sites like Craigslist Seoul or directly with English-speaking real estate agents.
Yeonnam-dong, the quiet and alternative corner near Hongdae
Yeonnam-dong is right next to Hongdae but has a completely different pace. It’s a much quieter area with tree-lined streets, independent cafés, vintage shops, and a very relaxed vibe. Ideal if you like being close to the action without being in the middle of the chaos.
Cafés for remote work
- Cafe Highwaist: Very Instagrammable but also comfortable for remote workers.
Coworking spaces
There aren’t as many as in Hongdae, but you can easily access the coworking spaces in that neighbourhood by walking or taking a metro stop. Many freelancers work directly from Yeonnam-dong cafés.
Furnished apartments in Yeonnam-dong
Many apartment owners offer monthly or bi-monthly rentals. There are small, well-decorated studios, perfect for a peaceful stay but with everything nearby. Prices are rising due to the popularity of the area, but they’re still more affordable than in Gangnam or Seongsu.
Frequently asked questions about staying in Seoul for a while
Hongdae and areas near universities (such as Sinchon or Ehwa) are more affordable and offer options like goshiwons or basic colivings.
It’s not mandatory, but it helps a lot. Many sites have an English version, and there are real estate agents who work with foreigners. Still, learning the basics of Korean makes everything easier.
Excellent. It’s one of the cities with the best internet infrastructure in the world. Even the smallest cafés usually have fast, stable Wi-Fi.
Yes. Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate is very low, and you can walk at night without worry (though always with common sense).
It depends on your lifestyle, but the average range is from €1,000 ($1,080) (basic mode) to €2,000 ($2,160) or more if you include frequent outings and rent in premium areas.
Yes. Especially if you’re going to travel around Asia or need unlimited data from day one. There’s no need to buy a physical SIM, and the installation is super quick.
