Accommodation:

1. International house

Sookmyung provides six types of dormitories for international students. Five of them are on campus and one is off campus. You should only exercise one option, either International House or UR Seoul (off campus). Double application may result in both applications being voided. (Website: e.sookmyung.ac.kr -> Life on Campus > Housing)

International House is a 10 minutes’ walk to the main campus. Students must adhere to dormitory rules such as a curfew. Please be aware that you will not be able to enter after curfew by any means.

Personal preparation checklist for International House

• Bedding (Pillow, Blanket, Bed sheet)
• Toiletries (Cleansing foam, Tissues, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, towel)
• Flip flops or sandals that can be used in bathroom after showering
• Cup, bowl, spoon, chopsticks and water bottle
• Shampoo, conditional and deodorant.

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 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: 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 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.