Accommodation:

Dormitory

• Blue Mir Hall
  • Both women’s and men’s dormitories are available
• Future House

The cost for a dorm room is approximately KRW $1,298,000 per semester, excluding meals.

Facilities: Both dormitories have facilities such as Wi-Fi, water purifiers, refrigerators, microwaves and laundry rooms. However, Blue Mir Hall has additional facilities like an ATM, café, convenience store, fitness centre and dining hall.

Exchange students are given priority placement in Blue Mir Hall – one of the most modern and well-furnished university dormitories. The dorm is located at the top of a hill, so you’ll get plenty of exercise walking up and down. A room with an attached bathroom is shared between 2 students, and also comes with high speed internet access and ample storage space. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered at the cafeteria, but no cooking is allowed in the dormitory.

Application: Students can select the dormitory as their housing option in the exchange application form, and will be required to sign a dormitory agreement form upon placement. You’ll be asked to indicate if you prefer sharing a room with another exchange student or with a Korean student.

More information:

http://neweng.cau.ac.kr/05_news/campus_life01.php

http://oia.cau.ac.kr/20150504/eng/sub02/sub0206.php

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 today are also home to many young working individuals. 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 here!) is a website that allows you to find Goshiwons and other housing options near your host university!

Hasukjib (하숙집)

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

Key differences are that meals are often included in the monthly rents and service levels a notch higher based on general consensus.

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: Hasukjibs are suited for students who do not want to over-spend on accommodation, yet values a comfortable stay and having meals provided. Should you plan to eat out often, you may want to negotiate with the owners to see if you can opt out for the meals option.

Guesthouse

Guesthouse can be viewed as a category that is in-between that of Hasukjib 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 length of stay. The longer the stay, the cheaper the room rates are.

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, guesthouse may be your desired choice.

Apartment / room rental

For students who are considering to rent an apartment or a room, do note that it is common in Korea for heavy deposits, which can amount to several months’ rental, to be paid in advance.