Where to live in Seoul: neighbourhoods for working holiday makers
Hongdae, Sinchon, Itaewon, Seongsu, Konkuk, Gangnam and more, compared for rent, nightlife, jobs and getting around.
Seoul is huge, and where you live changes your whole working holiday. Here’s a simple guide to the areas most young foreigners choose.
The short version
| Area | Vibe | Rent | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hongdae / Yeonnam / Mangwon | Young, artsy, busy at night | Medium | First-timers, nightlife, café jobs |
| Sinchon / Ewha | University area | Cheaper | Goshiwons, students, budget living |
| Itaewon / Haebangchon | International | Medium to high | English-friendly shops and bars |
| Seongsu | Trendy, cafés and pop-ups | Medium to high | Café and retail jobs |
| Konkuk University (Kondae) | Lively student area | Cheaper | Budget living in the east |
| Gangnam | Business, polished | High | Office jobs, being near work |
| Jongno / Euljiro | Old Seoul, central | Medium | Sightseeing, getting everywhere |
Hongdae, Yeonnam and Mangwon
The most popular choice for backpackers. Lots of share houses, hostels and goshiwons, endless cafés and bars, and plenty of part-time jobs. Airport Railroad (AREX) stops at Hongik University station, which is handy when you arrive. It can be noisy on weekends.
Sinchon and Ewha
Next to several universities, so goshiwons are everywhere and food is cheap. Quieter than Hongdae but only one or two stops away.
Itaewon and Haebangchon
Seoul’s most international area. You’ll find foreign food, English-speaking businesses and a big expat community. Rents are higher, and the hills are steep.
Seongsu
An old factory area that turned into Seoul’s trendiest neighbourhood. Great for café and shop jobs. Fewer cheap rooms than Hongdae.
Konkuk University (Kondae)
A busy student area in the east with cheaper rooms and lots of food and nightlife. Good if you work in the east or south-east of Seoul.
Gangnam
Clean, modern and expensive. Live here only if your job is here. Commuting across Seoul at rush hour is tiring.
Tips for choosing
- Live near your job, or near a subway line that goes there. A 20-minute commute beats a cheap room an hour away.
- Look near universities for the cheapest goshiwons and share houses.
- Visit at night before you sign anything. Some streets are quiet by day and loud until 4 am.
- Start short. Book a hostel or a one-month room first, then choose an area once you know the city.
For room types, deposits and key money, see Goshiwon vs share house. For prices, see How much does a month in Korea cost?