Stop Overpaying on Airbnb: How to Find Short-Term Rentals in Seoul Like a Local

Are you planning to stay in Seoul for a month or longer? Stop. Don't click "Book" on that Airbnb listing just yet.

You might be about to pay 30% to 50% more than a local would pay for the exact same room.

Seoul is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, but for foreigners, the housing market is a notorious black box. Most travelers stick to English-friendly platforms, unknowingly paying a heavy "foreigner tax."

But in 2026, the landscape has changed. You don't need to speak fluent Korean to access local prices. You just need the right keywords and the right platforms.

Here is your tactical guide to renting in Seoul—from 1 week to 6 months—without breaking the bank.

Part 1. The "Copy-Paste" Cheat Sheet: Unlock Local Prices

Most foreigners search in English ("Short term rental Seoul") and only see expensive listings. To find the deals locals get, you need to search using Korean terms.

Don't worry, you don't need to learn the language. Just copy and paste these keywords into search engines or local rental apps.

1. The Magic Search Keywords

Use these words to find listings.

2. Decoding the Price Tag

Korean listings often use a confusing number format like "100/60". Here is how to read it.

Formula: Deposit (in 10,000 KRW) / Monthly Rent (in 10,000 KRW)

• Example: 100/60

  • 100 = 1,000,000 KRW Deposit (approx. $750)

  • 60 = 600,000 KRW Monthly Rent (approx. $450)

• Example: 300/45

  • 300 = 3,000,000 KRW Deposit (Higher deposit often means lower rent).

⚠️ The "Gwallibi" Trap:

Always ask about 관리비 (Gwallibi), or the Maintenance Fee. It is usually separate from the rent ($50~$150/month).

Part 2. The 3 Platforms: Which One Fits You?

In 2026, there are three main ways to find short-term housing. Think of them as a spectrum from "Maximum Convenience" to "Maximum Savings."

Option 1. Airbnb

• Best for: Tourists staying less than 1 week.

• The Verdict: Too Expensive for monthly stays.

Everyone knows Airbnb. It’s easy, English-friendly, and requires zero deposit. However, for stays longer than 2 weeks, the service fees and nightly rates add up fast. You are paying for the convenience of not interacting with a landlord. If you stay for a month, you are likely paying double the market rate.

Option 2. Karrot Market (Danggeun)

• Best for: Adventurers seeking rock-bottom prices.

• The Verdict: High Risk, High Reward.

"Danggeun" is Korea’s answer to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, but neighbor-focused. It has a specific "Real Estate" tab where locals post rooms.

• Pros: Cheapest prices. You can find "Sublets (양도)" where you take over a student's room for a bargain.

• Cons: 100% Korean. You must use the keywords from Part 1. Also, since these are direct deals between individuals, there is no safety net if the host scams you or the room is dirty.

Option 3. Live Anywhere (리브애니웨어)

• Best for: Digital Nomads, "Workation," 1 Week ~ 6 Month Stays.

• The Verdict: The Perfect Middle Ground.

If Airbnb is too expensive and Karrot Market is too scary, Live Anywhere is the solution. It bridges the gap between a hotel and a local home.

Why it wins in 2026:

• Flexible Duration: They specialize in the "awkward" duration that hotels hate and landlords reject: 1 week to 6 months.

• Low Deposit: Unlike traditional Korean real estate (which asks for $5,000+ deposits), Live Anywhere requires a very low deposit—just enough to cover potential damages.

• Quality Control: Unlike Karrot Market, listings are verified. Many are curated for remote workers (desks, Wi-Fi), making it ideal for a "Workation" in Seoul.

Part 3. Before You Sign: The Foreigner Checklist

Regardless of which platform you choose, ask these 3 questions using a translator app before paying.

1. "Does the maintenance fee (Gwallibi) include utilities?"

   • Korean: "관리비에 전기, 가스, 수도세가 포함인가요?"

   • Tip: Winter gas bills (floor heating) can be shocking. Clarify this first.

2. "Is there an elevator?"

   • Korean: "엘리베이터가 있나요?"

   • Many older villas in Seoul do not have elevators.

3. "How do I dispose of trash?"

   • Korea has a strict recycling and trash bag system (Pay-as-you-go). Ask the host to explain the building's specific rules.

Conclusion

Finding housing in Seoul is all about choosing your battle.

• Want zero hassle for 3 days? Use Airbnb.

• Want the absolute lowest price and speak Korean? Try Karrot Market.

• Want a safe, flexible home for a month without the massive fees? Live Anywhere is your best bet.

Seoul is an amazing city to live in. Don't let rental stress ruin your vibe. Use the cheat sheet, pick the right platform, and enjoy your stay!