👪 Korean Apartment Living Culture in Seoul

In South Korea—especially in Seoul—apartment living is the most common housing style. High-rise apartment complexes are popular among families, singles, and even expats. But why are they so preferred? And how much do they cost? Let’s find out.

💰 1. Average Apartment Prices in Seoul

According to housing data in early 2025:

Average apartment price per square meter in Seoul: about 13.4 million KRW (approximately 9,270 USD)
100 m² (approx. 1,076 ft²) apartment: around 1.34 billion KRW (~927,000 USD)
Median price for a standard apartment: around 1.12 billion KRW (~775,000 USD)

Seoul remains one of the most expensive cities in Asia for real estate.

🏙️ 2. Why Koreans Prefer Apartments

There are several reasons why apartments are favored over houses:

Security: Gated access, CCTV, and guards offer residents peace of mind.
Convenience: Apartments are often close to subway stations, schools, and shopping centers.
Efficient Heating: Most have floor heating systems (온돌), keeping winters warm.
Smart Technology: Modern apartments feature home automation, recycling systems, and keyless entry.
Value Retention: Apartment prices tend to be more stable and grow in value over time.

🏘️ 3. Community Facilities

Many apartment complexes come with shared amenities that build a sense of community:(Community facilities can vary from apartment to apartment. However, they are becoming more luxurious.)

Children’s playgrounds and daycare rooms
Fitness centers, swimming pools, movie theater
Reading rooms, lounges, and community halls
Walking paths and mini parks
Pet zones and rooftop gardens in newer buildings

These shared spaces are clean, safe, and accessible—making them ideal for families and retirees alike.

💡 Did You Know?

In Seoul, apartment prices per square meter are more than twice the national average. To control speculation, the Korean government has implemented tighter restrictions in wealthy districts like Gangnam. This includes limits on re-selling, foreign ownership, and multi-home buyers.

🔄 4. Rent vs. Buy: What Are the Options?

Here’s how rental and purchase options compare for foreigners or long-term residents:

Monthly rent (studio or 1BR): about 460 to 830 USD
Jeonse (lump-sum lease deposit): typically 160,000 USD or more
Buying: around 9,270 USD per m² in Seoul

Jeonse is a uniquely Korean system where tenants pay a large deposit instead of monthly rent.

✅ 5. Pros and Cons of Apartment Living

Pros	Cons
- 24/7 security - Access to amenities - Close to schools and transport - High resale value	- High purchase cost - Less privacy - Strict rules on noise and pets - Monthly maintenance fees

🗣️ 6. Learn Korean for Apartment Life

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