Busan

⏳

Short-Term Rentals

A look at short-term rental services, ideal for tourists or temporary visitors in Busan.

Sections

1. Common Housing Options for Short-Term Rentals in Busan

Busan offers a variety of short-term rental options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are the most common types:

a. Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

  • Description: Airbnb is widely available in Busan, offering everything from private rooms in shared apartments to entire homes or luxury villas. Many listings are located near popular tourist areas like Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, and Seomyeon.
  • Best For: Tourists, families, or groups looking for flexibility and a home-like environment.
  • Features: Fully furnished spaces, often with kitchens, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.

b. Guesthouses and Hostels

  • Description: Guesthouses and hostels are popular among budget travelers. Many offer private rooms in addition to dormitory-style accommodations.
  • Best For: Solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
  • Features: Basic amenities, shared kitchens, and communal spaces. Some guesthouses cater specifically to foreigners.

c. Serviced Apartments

  • Description: These are fully furnished apartments with hotel-like services, such as cleaning and concierge support. They are often located in central areas like Centum City or Marine City.
  • Best For: Business travelers or those seeking a more upscale, convenient stay.
  • Features: Modern amenities, including gyms, pools, and parking.

d. Goshiwon (고시원)

  • Description: Goshiwons are small, budget-friendly rooms typically rented by students or short-term workers. They are compact but functional.
  • Best For: Solo travelers or those looking for the cheapest option.
  • Features: Basic furnishings (bed, desk, chair), shared bathrooms, and sometimes shared kitchens.

e. Monthly Rentals (Short-Term Apartments)

  • Description: Some landlords offer apartments for short-term leases (1-3 months). These are often found through local real estate agents or online platforms.
  • Best For: Visitors staying for a few months who want more privacy and space.
  • Features: Unfurnished or semi-furnished units, with utilities sometimes included.

2. Typical Costs of Short-Term Rentals in Busan

Rental prices in Busan vary depending on the type of accommodation, location, and duration of stay. Below is a general breakdown:

a. Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

  • Cost: ₩50,000–₩150,000 per night for a private apartment or house.
  • Luxury Options: ₩200,000+ per night for high-end properties near Haeundae or Marine City.

b. Guesthouses and Hostels

  • Cost: ₩20,000–₩50,000 per night for dormitory beds.
  • Private Rooms: ₩40,000–₩80,000 per night.

c. Serviced Apartments

  • Cost: ₩1,500,000–₩3,000,000 per month, depending on size and location.
  • Shorter Stays: ₩100,000–₩200,000 per night.

d. Goshiwon

  • Cost: ₩200,000–₩500,000 per month.
  • Utilities: Often included in the rent.

e. Monthly Rentals (Short-Term Apartments)

  • Cost: ₩500,000–₩1,500,000 per month for a small apartment.
  • Deposit (Key Money): ₩1,000,000–₩5,000,000 (refundable at the end of the lease).

3. Rental Procedures for Short-Term Rentals

a. Booking Platforms

  • Airbnb: Easy to use and widely available. Book in advance for popular areas like Haeundae Beach.
  • Local Websites: Websites like Zigbang (직방) and Dabang (다방) are popular for finding apartments, though they are primarily in Korean.
  • Real Estate Agents: For monthly rentals, visit a local real estate office (부동산, "budongsan"). Agents can help you find short-term leases, but they may charge a small commission.

b. Required Documents

  • For Airbnb/Guesthouses: No documents are typically required beyond an ID for verification.
  • For Monthly Rentals: You may need a passport, visa (if applicable), and proof of income or employment.

c. Payment

  • Airbnb: Payments are made online via credit card.
  • Guesthouses/Hostels: Pay upon arrival or via bank transfer.
  • Monthly Rentals: Rent and deposit (key money) are usually paid upfront. Bank transfers are common, but some landlords may accept cash.

d. Lease Agreements

  • For short-term leases, contracts are often informal. However, ensure you clarify the terms (e.g., duration, deposit refund policy, and utility costs) before signing anything.

4. Local Considerations and Tips

a. Popular Areas for Short-Term Rentals

  • Haeundae Beach: Ideal for beach lovers and tourists. Plenty of Airbnbs and serviced apartments.
  • Gwangalli Beach: Known for its nightlife and views of the Gwangan Bridge.
  • Seomyeon: A central area with great shopping, dining, and transportation links.
  • Centum City: A modern district with luxury apartments and proximity to Shinsegae Centum City (the world’s largest department store).

b. Transportation

  • Busan has an excellent public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis. When choosing a rental, consider proximity to subway stations for convenience.

c. Language Barrier

  • Many landlords and real estate agents may not speak English. If you don’t speak Korean, consider hiring a translator or using translation apps like Papago or Google Translate.

d. Utilities

  • For monthly rentals, utilities (electricity, water, gas, and internet) may not be included in the rent. Ask for an estimate of monthly utility costs before signing a lease.

e. Cultural Etiquette

  • Shoes Off: Always remove your shoes when entering a Korean home.
  • Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise, especially in apartments, as walls can be thin.
  • Trash Disposal: South Korea has strict waste disposal rules. Learn how to separate recyclables and food waste, and check the designated trash collection days.

f. Safety

  • Busan is generally very safe, but always verify the legitimacy of rental listings, especially on less-known platforms. Avoid paying large sums upfront without a signed agreement.

g. Seasonal Demand

  • Summer (June–August) is peak tourist season in Busan, especially near the beaches. Book accommodations early to secure the best options and prices.

5. Additional Resources

  • Tourist Information Centers: Located in major areas like Haeundae and Nampo-dong, these centers can provide assistance in English.
  • Expat Communities: Join Facebook groups like "Busan Expat Community" for advice and rental recommendations.
  • Local Apps: Download apps like KakaoMap (for navigation) and Naver (for local searches).

By understanding the housing options, costs, and cultural nuances, you’ll be well-prepared to find a comfortable and convenient short-term rental in Busan. Let me know if you need further assistance!