1. Dormitory:

Shingwan dormitory is located on SKKU’s Suwoncampus and 2 students are required to share an ensuite room. However, there is no kitchen hence you will not be able to cook on campus.

Flying Chalks’ tips:

• Look out for notices from the student clubs! There is a day where they bring down donated items from past exchange students to one of the rooms in Shingwan. Expect things like bed sheets, hangers, table lamp, bowls or even cups!
• There is a canteen on the lower floor that serves food at an affordable price. You can choose to apply for a dorm room with a meal plan, or purchase meal tickets outside the canteen. They provide breakfast, lunch, tea break and dinner.
• The laundry room is located at the lobby. It is free to use the washing machines, while the dryer will cost you 1000 won.
• A gym is also available at the dormitory but students will have to register early and pay additional fees to register for the gym.
• There is also a printing booth available. There is one located below female block and one located below the male block. You will have to create an account using the computer and top-up the credits for your account before you can use those credits to print your documents. Note that the money is non-refundable so do not top it up with too much money!
• The hostel office is located just below female block, along the laundry corridor. You may approach the staff for any enquiries during office hours.

2. Goshiwon (고시원):

Goshiwons (a.k.a Goshi-tels, one-room-tels and living-tels) are residential facilities with small rooms that are usually furnished with a bed, desk, and mini-fridge, as well as a common restroom, showers and laundry room on each floor. Most Goshiwons have separate floors for different genders.

Originally occupied by students preparing for various national exams, Goshiwons are also home to many young working individuals today. Rents vary by its location, facilities, room size and type (e.g. private restroom).

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: Goshiwons are perfect for students who are on a budget and just want a comfortable, no-frills accommodation to reside in.

Goshipages (link: www.goshipages.com) is a website that allows you to find Goshiwons and other housing options near your host university!

3. Hasukjib (하숙집):

Hasukjibs are similar to Goshiwons in that it provides rooms that are furnished with a bed, desk, and mini-fridge, as well as a common restroom, showers and laundry room on each floor. Similarly, it has separate floors for different genders and rents vary by its location facilities, room size and type (e.g. private restroom).

Hasukjib differs from Goshiwons in that meals are often included in the monthly rents and service levels are a notch higher in Hasukjibs.

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: Hasukjibs are perfect for students who do not want to spend too much on accommodation, but value a comfortable stay and have their meals provided for them. If you plan to eat out often, you may want to negotiate with the owners to see if you can opt out from the meal plan.

4. Guesthouse

Guesthouse is an option that is between Hasukjibs and hotels. While it is slightly pricier than Hasukjib, guesthouses usually provide room services like that of hotels. Room rates may vary by season and the length of stay. The longer the stay, the cheaper the room.

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: Guesthouses are popular among backpackers and students seeking short-term stays (up to 1 month). If you are one who values room service (i.e. lazy to clean your own room) and would not mind paying slightly more for it, guesthouses may be your desired choice.

5. Apartment / room rental

If you are thinking of renting an apartment or a room, do note that it is common for heavy deposits to be paid in advance in Korea. The deposits may amount to several months’ rental.