"One-Room," "Villa," or "Officetel"? Decoding Korean Housing Types for Digital Nomads
When searching for a long-stay home in Korea, you will see terms that don't quite exist in standard English dictionaries. "One-room"? "Officetel"? "Villa"?
For digital nomads, knowing the difference is crucial. It determines whether you sleep next to your fridge or have a dedicated workspace. Here is your guide to decoding Korean housing—and how LiveAnywhere simplifies the search.
1. By Layout: "Do I sleep where I work?"
Korean listings categorize homes by the number of rooms, not just square footage.
One-Room (원룸 = Studio):
What it is: An open-plan studio where the kitchen, bedroom, and living space are all in a single box.
Pros: Most affordable option.
Cons: Cooking smells might linger on your bedsheets. No separation between work and rest.
1.5-Room (1.5룸 = One-Bedroom / Separated Studio):
What it is: A unique Korean concept. It’s slightly larger than a One-room and has a sliding door or partition separating the bedroom from the living/kitchen area.
Best For: Digital Nomads. You can close the door on your "bedroom" and focus on work in the living area.
Two-Room (투룸 = 2 Bedrooms + Living Room):
What it is: A proper apartment with two distinct rooms and a living area.
Best For: Couples or colleagues traveling together.
2. By Building Type: "Is it modern or traditional?"
The structure of the building affects your security, view, and noise levels.
Officetel (오피스텔 = Office + Hotel):
What it is: High-rise buildings designed for both work and living.
Features: Modern elevators, high security (CCTV/Guards), built-in appliances, and large windows. Usually located near subway stations.
Verdict: The top choice for safety-conscious travelers and those who want a city vibe.
Villa (빌라):
What it is: Low-rise residential buildings (usually 4-5 floors), often without elevators.
Features: Located in quiet residential alleys. Generally cheaper than Officetels but soundproofing can be weaker.
Verdict: Good for experiencing a "local" neighborhood vibe on a budget.
Apartment (아파트):
What it is: Large-scale high-rise complexes. The most expensive and premium housing type in Korea.
Verdict: Great for families, but often requires a year-long lease (unless you use LiveAnywhere!).
3. Why "LiveAnywhere" is the Safer Choice
Browsing random listings can be risky. You might end up in a "Banjiha" (semi-basement) with no sunlight or a noisy room next to a construction site.
LiveAnywhere removes the guesswork:
Work-Friendly Certification: We specifically highlight 1.5-Room and Officetel options that offer the best environment for remote work.
Verified Conditions: Whether it’s a cozy Villa or a modern Officetel, we verify the Wi-Fi speed and desk setup so you can start working the moment you arrive.
No "Year-Long" Contracts: We offer flexible monthly stays in premium Apartments and Officetels that are usually hard for foreigners to rent short-term.