Daegu

1. Differences Between Furnished and Unfurnished Housing

Furnished Housing

• Definition: Furnished housing comes equipped with essential furniture and appliances. This typically includes a bed, table, chairs, wardrobe, refrigerator, washing machine, and sometimes a microwave or TV.
• Target Audience: Ideal for short-term stays, expatriates, students, or professionals who do not want to invest in furniture or appliances.
• Advantages:
  • Move-in ready with minimal setup required.
  • Convenient for those staying for a year or less.
  • No need to worry about purchasing, transporting, or disposing of furniture.
• Disadvantages:
  • Higher monthly rent compared to unfurnished options.
  • Limited ability to personalize the space.
  • Furniture and appliances may not always be modern or in perfect condition.

Unfurnished Housing

• Definition: Unfurnished housing typically includes only built-in fixtures such as kitchen cabinets, a stove, and sometimes a refrigerator. It may not include any furniture or additional appliances.
• Target Audience: Suitable for long-term residents, families, or those who prefer to customize their living space.
• Advantages:
  • Lower monthly rent compared to furnished housing.
  • Freedom to furnish and decorate according to personal taste.
• Disadvantages:
  • Higher upfront costs for purchasing furniture and appliances.
  • Requires more effort to set up the home.

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2. Common Housing Options in Daegu

1. Officetels:

   • Studio-style apartments that combine office and residential space.
   • Often come furnished or semi-furnished.
   • Popular among single professionals and students.

2. Apartments (아파트):

   • Larger units, often unfurnished, suitable for families or long-term residents.
   • Located in residential complexes with shared amenities like parking, security, and playgrounds.

3. Villas (빌라):

   • Smaller, low-rise apartment buildings.
   • Typically unfurnished and more affordable than high-rise apartments.

4. Goshiwon (고시원):

   • Small, furnished rooms with shared facilities (bathroom, kitchen).
   • Budget-friendly option for students or those on a tight budget.

5. Shared Housing:

   • Shared apartments or houses, often furnished, where tenants rent individual rooms.
   • Common among younger residents and expatriates.

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3. Average Costs for Furnished vs. Unfurnished Housing

Furnished Housing:

• Officetels: ₩500,000–₩1,000,000 per month, depending on size and location.
• Goshiwon: ₩200,000–₩500,000 per month (includes utilities and basic furnishings).
• Shared Housing: ₩300,000–₩700,000 per month, depending on the room size and amenities.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Apartments: ₩600,000–₩1,500,000 per month for a 2-3 bedroom unit.
• Villas: ₩400,000–₩800,000 per month for a 1-2 bedroom unit.

Key Cost Considerations:

• Deposit (보증금): South Korea uses a deposit system called "jeonse" (전세) or "wolse" (월세).
  • Jeonse: A large lump-sum deposit (₩50,000,000–₩300,000,000) with no monthly rent.
  • Wolse: A smaller deposit (₩5,000,000–₩20,000,000) with monthly rent.
• Utilities: Not always included in rent. Expect to pay ₩100,000–₩300,000 per month for electricity, gas, water, and internet.

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4. Typical Procedures for Renting

1. Search for Housing:

   • Use real estate apps like Zigbang (직방) or Dabang (다방).
   • Visit local real estate agents (부동산) for personalized assistance.
   • Join expat or housing groups on social media for shared housing options.

2. Viewing the Property:

   • Schedule a visit to inspect the property.
   • Check for any damages, the condition of appliances, and the functionality of utilities.

3. Negotiating Terms:

   • Discuss the deposit, rent, and lease duration with the landlord or agent.
   • Ensure clarity on what is included (e.g., furniture, appliances, utilities).

4. Signing the Lease:

   • Leases are typically for 1-2 years but can be negotiated for shorter terms.
   • Contracts are written in Korean, so consider hiring a translator if needed.
   • Pay the deposit and first month’s rent upfront.

5. Move-In:

   • For furnished housing, inspect the inventory list to ensure all items are present and in working condition.
   • For unfurnished housing, arrange for furniture and appliance delivery.

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations

1. Deposit System:

   • The jeonse system is unique to South Korea and may seem unusual to foreigners. It requires a significant upfront payment but eliminates monthly rent. Ensure you fully understand the terms and have a reliable landlord.

2. Real Estate Agents:

   • Agents charge a commission (typically 0.3–0.8% of the deposit or rent). This fee is negotiable and paid upon signing the lease.

3. Language Barrier:

   • Most landlords and agents speak Korean. If you’re not fluent, consider bringing a Korean-speaking friend or hiring a translator.

4. Furnishing Costs:

   • If you choose unfurnished housing, budget for furniture and appliances. Stores like IKEA, Emart, and Gmarket offer affordable options.

5. Utilities and Maintenance:

   • Inquire about utility costs and maintenance fees (관리비). These are often separate from rent and can vary depending on the building.

6. Cultural Norms:

   • Shoes are always removed indoors. Ensure your housing has a designated area for shoe storage.
   • Noise levels should be kept low, especially in apartments, as walls can be thin.

7. Heating System:

   • Most homes use "ondol" (온돌), a traditional floor heating system. Check its functionality during the winter months.

8. Proximity to Amenities:

   • Daegu is well-connected by public transportation. Consider housing near subway stations, bus stops, or your workplace/school for convenience.

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6. Recommendations for Choosing Between Furnished and Unfurnished Housing

• Choose Furnished Housing If:

  • You’re staying short-term (less than a year).
  • You want a hassle-free move-in experience.
  • You’re on a tight budget and prefer not to invest in furniture.

• Choose Unfurnished Housing If:

  • You’re staying long-term (1+ years).
  • You want to personalize your living space.
  • You’re willing to invest in furniture and appliances.

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By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about your housing in Daegu. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask!