About Shared Homies
1. What is Shared Homies?
Shared Homies is a boutique, internationally friendly coliving and shared house provider in Seoul. We focus on small, cozy houses (usually 3–6 bedrooms) with private rooms, lots of natural light, rooftops or balconies, full kitchens, comfortable living areas and high-speed Wi-Fi.
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Unlike large corporate buildings, we create a real “home” atmosphere where housemates become friends.Our team speaks French and Spanish fluently and we are especially popular among digital nomads in Seoul, working holiday visa holders and international students from France, Germany, UK/England, Spain and beyond
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2. Where are your shared houses located in Seoul?
Our shared houses are in the most expat-friendly and vibrant neighborhoods:
• Haebangchon (HBC) & Itaewon: international atmosphere, global food, nightlife, great views and excellent subway access — very popular with digital nomads in Seoul and expats.
(Check out a tour of HBC that we made here)
• Seodaemun & Hongjae: quieter, more local feel with easy access to universities (Yonsei, Ewha) and Hongdae — ideal for international students and people on working holiday visas.
All locations are chosen for convenience, character and community.
(Check out a tour of Hongje that we made here)
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3. What neighborhoods in Seoul are best for foreigners?
Seoul has several great areas for internationals, but the best neighborhoods depend on your lifestyle:
Haebangchon (HBC) & Itaewon — the most internationally diverse area in Seoul. Global restaurants, English-friendly shops, a strong expat community, and great subway access. Ideal for digital nomads and working holiday visitors who want to feel at home immediately. Shared Homies has several houses here.
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Seodaemun & Hongjae — quieter, more residential, and close to major universities (Yonsei, Ewha, Hongdae). Great for international students and people who prefer a calmer, more local atmosphere. Also where several Shared Homies properties are located.
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Hongdae — young, creative, energetic. Great nightlife and arts scene, popular with students.
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Gangnam — more corporate, premium pricing, less of an expat community feel.
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For most foreigners moving to Seoul for the first time — especially on a working holiday visa or as a digital nomad — HBC or Seodaemun offer the best combination of community, convenience, and value. These are exactly the areas Shared Homies focuses on.
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4. Is Seoul safe for foreigners living alone?
Yes — Seoul is consistently ranked one of the safest major cities in the world. Violent crime rates are extremely low, streets are well-lit, and public transport runs reliably late into the night. As a foreigner, you are very unlikely to experience any safety issues in day-to-day life.
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A few practical things worth knowing: always carry a copy of your passport or ARC card, save emergency numbers (police: 112, ambulance: 119), and use apps like Naver Maps or Kakao T for getting around safely at night.
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For foreigners new to Seoul, living in a shared house with housemates — like at Shared Homies — adds an extra layer of comfort. You're never coming home to an empty apartment when you don't know anyone yet. It's one of the reasons our tenants say the community aspect made their first weeks in Seoul so much easier.
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5. What types of rooms and houses do you offer?
Private bedrooms inside fully furnished shared houses (3–4 people maximum per house).
You get:
• Large windows and lots of natural light
• Private or shared rooftops / balconies with city views
• Full modern kitchen and comfortable living room
• High-speed Wi-Fi (perfect for remote work as digital nomads)
• Desk and storage in every room
• Fully furnished rooms: Blankets, sheets, pillows
• Fully furnished kitchen space: Microwave, compact oven, rice cooker, cooking utensils and cutlery
Designed for comfort and daily life in Seoul
6. How international is the housemate mix?
Very international and welcoming!
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Typical mix includes people from France, Germany, Spain, UK/England, USA, Canada, Australia, other parts of Europe, Asia and Latin America.
We intentionally create diverse, friendly groups so international students, working holiday participants and digital nomads in Seoul feel comfortable right away.
7. Is Shared Homies a good coliving option for digital nomads in Seoul, working holiday participants, and international students?
Yes — Shared Homies is one of the best co-living and shared house choices in Seoul for:
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• Digital nomads in Seoul — fast Wi-Fi, desks, quiet corners, central locations
• Working holiday visa holders — low deposits, easy ARC support, flexible 3+ month stays, a variety of locations in Seoul.
• International students from France, Germany, UK/England, Spain and elsewhere — university proximity, French & Spanish speaking team, mature atmosphere
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We provide personal support that large corporate shared housing providers usually don’t offer.
Living in the House
1. Are pets allowed?
Generally no — shared spaces, allergies and furniture considerations make pets difficult in most houses. If you have a special situation, ask — we review case by case but expect it’s rare.
2. What are the house rules and cleaning expectations?
Simple respect rules:
• Clean up after yourself (wash dishes immediately)
• Quiet hours ~11 PM weekdays
• No smoking indoors
• Weekly professional cleaning of common areas (Optional)
• Follow Korean recycling rules (we provide guides)
3. Is Shared Homies suitable for digital nomads, students, or working professionals?
Yes — perfect mix:
• Digital nomads love fast Wi-Fi, desks, central locations
• International students appreciate ARC help and university proximity
• Professionals enjoy calm, mature atmosphere — not a party house
4. Can I have guests stay over?
Daytime guests are fine. Overnight guests (1–2 nights) usually okay with housemate consent — we just ask for transparency and respect.
5. Is parking available?
Very limited in HBC / Seodaemun — most houses have no dedicated parking. Seoul’s subways, buses and Ttareungi bike-share are excellent alternatives.
Pricing & Inclusions
1. What is the difference between jeonse, wolse, and monthly rent in Korea?
Korean rental terminology confuses almost every foreigner arriving for the first time. Here's a simple breakdown:
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Jeonse (ì „ì„¸) — a uniquely Korean system where you pay a large lump-sum deposit (often 50–80% of the property's value — think hundreds of millions of won) upfront, with zero monthly rent. The landlord uses your deposit as investment capital and returns it when you leave. This system is practically inaccessible to most foreigners due to the enormous capital required and the legal complexity involved.
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Wolse (월세) — the more standard system: a smaller deposit (still typically â‚©5–20 million for a full apartment) plus monthly rent. More accessible than jeonse, but the deposits are still high for someone just arriving in Korea.
Monthly all-inclusive rent (what Shared Homies offers) — a straightforward monthly payment that covers your private room, utilities, Wi-Fi, and shared spaces. No large deposit, no hidden fees, no Korean banking complexity. At Shared Homies, deposits are typically just â‚©1–3 million (refundable), and monthly rent ranges from â‚©750,000 to â‚©1,300,000 all-inclusive.
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For most foreigners — especially digital nomads, working holiday visa holders, and international students — shared housing with monthly rent is by far the most practical and accessible option in Seoul.
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2. Can I rent month-to-month in Seoul?
True month-to-month renting is rare and expensive in Seoul. Most landlords require minimum 6–12 month contracts for wolse apartments, and jeonse contracts are typically 2 years. Goshiwons offer short-term flexibility but at the cost of very small rooms and almost no shared living space.
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At Shared Homies, we prefer a minimum of 3 months — long enough to actually settle into Seoul life and become part of the house community, but far more flexible than a traditional Korean apartment contract. Stays of 6 months or longer are ideal and common among our tenants.
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If you're on a working holiday visa (typically 1 year) or a student exchange semester, a 3–6 month stay with Shared Homies is usually the perfect fit. Shorter stays are sometimes possible — just ask us directly and we'll see what's available.
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3. How much does it cost to live at Shared Homies?
(all-inclusive) Monthly rent usually ranges from â‚©750,000 to â‚©1,300,000 depending on room size, house and location (HBC views tend to be at the higher end).
Deposits are kept very low (typically â‚©1–3 million, refundable) — much easier than traditional Korean jeonse/wolse systems. Perfect transparency for digital nomads, working holiday participants and international students.
Utilities thresholds for gas and electric range from:75,000-100,000 per house and if the house usage for both of these exceeds the threshold then the tenants are expected to cover the remaining costs of the utilities bill.
4. What exactly is included in the monthly price?
Everything you need:
• Private furnished bedroom
• Utilities (electricity, gas/heating, water — Gas/Electric usage thresholds)
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Weekly professional cleaning of common areas (Optional)
• Basic shared household essentials No surprise “management fees”.
5. Are the houses furnished?
Yes — completely furnished.
Each room has a bed & bedding(linens, sheets, and pillows), desk, chair, wardrobe. Shared spaces include full kitchen (pots, pans, microwave, fridge), living room furniture.
Just bring a towel, clothes and personal items — move-in ready for expats and international students!
6. How do I pay rent every month?
Most of our tenants use Wise or Revolut (very convenient for international transfers), Korean bank transfer or other easy methods. We send clear instructions and account details — simple even if you’re new to Korea.
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Booking, Move-In & Support
1. Can I rent in Seoul without an ARC card?
Yes — and this is one of the most common concerns foreigners have before arriving in Korea, so let's clear it up.
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You do not need an ARC (Alien Registration Card) to move into a Shared Homies property. All you need is your passport and a valid visa. We work with tenants who have just arrived in Korea and don't yet have their ARC sorted — this is completely normal and we handle it regularly.
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In fact, Shared Homies actively helps you get your ARC after you move in. We provide a signed and stamped housing contract and proof of residence — exactly the documents your local immigration office requires for ARC registration. We then guide you through the process step by step.
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This is one of the biggest practical advantages of choosing Shared Homies over trying to navigate the Korean rental market alone. Traditional Korean landlords rarely understand the ARC process from a foreigner's perspective, and most won't provide the right documentation. We've done this many times and know exactly what you need.
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2. How do I get an ARC card in Korea?
The ARC (Alien Registration Card) is your official Korean residency ID. If you're staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you're required to register for one within 90 days of arrival. Here's how the process works:
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Step 1 — Gather your documents. You'll need: your passport, your visa, a completed application form (available at the immigration office), one passport-sized photo, and proof of your address in Korea — this is where most foreigners get stuck, because you need a signed housing contract stamped by your landlord.
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Step 2 — Visit your local immigration office. Find the office for your district (HiKorea.go.kr has a finder tool). Book an appointment online in advance — walk-ins can mean very long waits.
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Step 3 — Submit your application and pay the fee. The fee is â‚©30,000. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks, after which you collect your card in person or it's mailed to your address.
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How Shared Homies helps: We provide everything you need for Step 1 — a properly signed and stamped housing contract, proof of residence letter, and step-by-step guidance for your specific district office. Several of our team members have personally gone through this process and can tell you exactly what to expect. For French and Spanish speakers, we explain the entire process in your language.
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Getting your ARC sorted quickly means you can open a Korean bank account, get a local SIM card, and access services that make daily life in Seoul much easier.
We make sure you're not doing this alone!
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3. What is the minimum stay length?
We prefer 3 months or longer (6+ months is ideal) to keep the house community stable and friendly.
Shorter stays are sometimes possible — just ask. This timeframe works very well for working holiday participants and digital nomads in Seoul.
4. How does the booking and move-in process work?
Simple and personal:
Send inquiry (form or WhatsApp)
Virtual tour + short intro callChat / video intro with potential housemates (when possible)
Sign simple contract + pay low deposit
Move in — we hand over keys/codes and help you settle
5. What documents do I need and do you help with ARC registration?
Basic requirements on the tenants side is: passport + visa.
We provide complete ARC (Alien Registration Card) support: signed/stamped housing contract, proof of residence, guidance for your district immigration office.
Especially helpful for working holiday and student visa holders.
6. Do you have support for French speakers?
Yes — our team speaks fluent French.
Dedicated French-speaking coordinator assists French expats and students (from France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, etc.) from first message to daily life in Seoul.
(Ouiiii ! Toute notre équipe parle français couramment 🌸 On a même une coordinatrice francophone super sympa qui t’accompagne avec le sourire, que tu viennes de France, Belgique, Canada, Suisse ou ailleurs ♥ Du premier petit coucou jusqu’à ta vie quotidienne à Séoul, on est là pour toi !)
7. Do you offer Spanish language support?
Yes — fluent Spanish support for guests from Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Contracts, explanations and ongoing help in Spanish in needed.
(¡Sííí! Tenemos soporte en español fluido y con mucho cariño 🌟 Nuestro equipo habla español perfectamente y te ayuda con todo el amor: desde el primer mensaje hasta tu día a día en Seúl. ¡Contratos, explicaciones y apoyo continuo en español cuando lo necesites! 🫶)
8. How does the French coordinator help guests?
Acts as your personal guide: explains Korean housing rules in French, helps with move-in, gives neighborhood tips, translates when needed, checks in after you settle — makes the transition much smoother for French speakers.
9. What happens if I need help after I move in?
We stay available!
Message via WhatsApp or KakaoTalk for maintenance, recommendations (best cafes, clinics, etc.), or any questions.
Fast responses from our Seoul team.
10. What is your cancellation policy?
Fair and flexible:
• Before move-in: partial refund possible with 45+ days notice (case-by-case)
• Early departure: usually 30–60 days notice required; deposit may be used unless we find a replacement
We always try to work with you if plans change.
11. How can I see the houses and meet potential housemates?
Virtual tours and videos first (live video call possible).
We share info about current residents (nationalities, jobs, vibe) so you know if it’s a good fit.
In Seoul? We arrange in-person viewings.
12. Do I need a Korean phone number to apply?
No — you can apply with your current phone number or email. Once you arrive we help you get a local SIM or eSIM quickly.
Comparisons & Why Choose Us
1. Shared Homies vs large corporate co-living — what’s the difference?
Scale and feeling:
• Shared Homies: small houses (3–8 people), personal coordinator (French & Spanish fluent), unique home character, organic friendships
• Large corporate coliving: bigger buildings, extra fees, no english speaking support, more standardized amenities (gyms, apps), but often less personal and more hotel/dorm-like
Choose us for warmth, privacy and real support.
2. Shared Homies vs regular Korean share houses or goshiwons?
• Regular Korean share houses: often aimed at local students, stricter rules, limited English/French/Spanish support
• Goshiwons: very small rooms, minimal shared space, short-term focused
• Shared Homies: larger Western-style rooms, full common areas, internationally friendly team with ARC help and language support — much better for longer, comfortable stays.
3. Why choose small cozy shared houses instead of big coliving buildings?
Deeper friendships, quieter environment, more personal influence over the house atmosphere. Fewer roommates = easier to bond, share dinners, watch movies together — ideal if you want real community rather than just facilities.
Ready to Join the Homies?
If you’re a digital nomad in Seoul, on a working holiday visa, or an international student from France, Germany, UK/England, Spain or anywhere else — we’d love to welcome you.
Message us on WhatsApp (we speak French, Spanish & English), fill out the quick application form, or follow us on Instagram to see real house tours and rooftops!
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