Shared Homies
Oct 11, 2024
Explore the Advantages and Challenges of Shared Housing in Seoul – From Cost Savings and Community Living to Navigating Shared Spaces with Roommates. Find Out If Shared Housing is Right for You!
Pros and Cons of Shared Housing in Seoul 👨🏻💻
Outline
Introduction
The Pros of Shared Housing in Seoul
The Cons of Shared Housing in Seoul
Is Shared Housing Right for You?
Conclusion
When I first moved to Asia,
I had already experienced shared housing back in the USA during my university years. Living in a shared house was one of the best decisions I made, as it offered a built-in community and immediate connections. Over the years, I've lived in shared houses across different countries, including China and South Korea. While shared housing comes with its own set of challenges—like noisy roommates or messy common areas—it also brings unique opportunities to make lifelong friends and create a sense of belonging.
With that in mind, I founded Shared Homies to provide internationals in Seoul with the type of shared housing I wish I’d had during my own transitions. We focus on building a community of like-minded individuals, offering transparency, convenience, and support from the moment you consider moving in.
In this post, I’ll explore the pros and cons of shared housing in Seoul and explain how Shared Homies can make your move to Seoul a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The Pros of Shared Housing in Seoul
1. Cost Savings 💰
Living in a shared house is one of the most affordable ways to reside in Seoul, especially compared to renting a private apartment. Shared housing allows you to split costs on rent, utilities, and sometimes even essentials like internet and household supplies.
With Shared Homies, there’s no need to worry about hidden costs. We provide fully furnished rooms and include essential utilities in the rent, so you know exactly what to expect each month.
2. Built-In Community 🤟🏾
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the language or culture. Shared housing offers an immediate community that can help you adapt to your surroundings and make friends.
At Shared Homies, we go beyond just providing a place to sleep. We foster a community by carefully vetting tenants to ensure a harmonious living environment. Before tenants check in, we arrange meet-ups to ensure everyone will be a good fit for each other. This creates a home-like atmosphere where residents feel comfortable and supported.
3. Convenient Locations 🚇
Our locations are either central or situated near national landmarks, making it easy to access Seoul’s public transportation network. Whether you need to commute to work, study, or explore, you’ll find it easy to navigate the city from our properties.
Living close to popular areas also means you’re near cafes, restaurants, and cultural sites, offering an authentic Seoul experience right outside your door.
4. Transparency and Flexibility 🛸
Finding housing in a foreign country can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you’re coordinating it from abroad. At Shared Homies, we prioritize transparency and flexibility. We provide thorough walk-throughs, both in-person and virtually, and we hold interviews to answer any questions you might have.
For tenants not yet in Korea, we offer remote walkthroughs and video calls so you can feel confident about your housing choice before arrival. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible, regardless of where you’re coming from.
5. Furnished and Ready-to-Move-In 👣
When you move into a Shared Homies property, you won’t need to worry about buying furniture, setting up utilities, or signing up for long-term internet contracts. Our properties come fully furnished with everything you need, including bedding, kitchen appliances, and living room essentials.
This saves you both time and money, allowing you to settle in right away and focus on making the most of your time in Seoul.
6. Shared Experiences and Social Events 👥
Living with roommates often leads to shared experiences, from exploring Seoul together to having movie nights in the common areas. We organize occasional gatherings and social events to help residents get to know each other and explore the city together.
It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a place to grow friendships. Some of my own roommates have become lifelong friends—people I still keep in touch with today. I hope that residents at Shared Homies can create similar memories.
The Cons of Shared Housing in Seoul
Shared Living Spaces
While shared housing offers community, it also means you’ll be sharing common areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. This requires a level of compromise and consideration for others’ schedules, cleaning habits, and noise levels.
At Shared Homies, we mitigate this by matching residents with compatible living styles and establishing clear house rules. Even so, some people may find sharing these spaces challenging, especially if they’re used to living alone.
2. Reduced Privacy
Unlike living in a private apartment, shared housing doesn’t offer complete privacy. You’ll have your own room, but shared housing by nature involves daily interactions with housemates.
We try to minimize potential issues by ensuring that each room is designed for comfort and personal space. However, those who prioritize absolute privacy may find this setup less ideal.
3. Roommate Compatibility
No matter how well-vetted, living with roommates always has its ups and downs. Even with our interview process, it’s not uncommon to encounter occasional conflicts or lifestyle differences.
To make the experience as smooth as possible, we encourage open communication among residents and provide resources for conflict resolution. If serious issues arise, our team is available to mediate and support residents in finding solutions.
4. Limited Personalization of Space
Since shared houses come fully furnished, there may be limited opportunities for tenants to personalize their living spaces as they would with a completely unfurnished apartment. Although we offer comfortable and stylish interiors, those who want to heavily customize their surroundings might find this restrictive.
We welcome residents to bring personal items, decor, and small touches to make their rooms feel like home, within the guidelines of our properties. This allows for some level of personalization while maintaining a cohesive and comfortable shared space.
Is Shared Housing Right for You?
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, community-focused, and convenient way to live in Seoul, shared housing might be the perfect option. At Shared Homies, we aim to make shared living an enriching experience by providing a well-organized, supportive, and social environment. From meet-and-greet sessions to transparent walkthroughs, we are committed to ensuring that every resident feels at home.
While shared housing may not be for everyone, we believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for those who are open to communal living. So, if you’re ready to join a welcoming community and make unforgettable memories, check out our available units at Shared Homies and start your Seoul adventure today!
Conclusion
Shared housing in Seoul offers a unique living experience that combines cost savings, convenience, and community. While it does come with its challenges, Shared Homies strives to address these by creating a supportive and compatible living environment. With locations near national landmarks and a seamless move-in process, we make it easy for internationals to settle into life in Seoul.