Can I Find a Sublet in Seoul? Why It’s Harder Than You Think (And Risky)
In New York, London, or Berlin, finding a "Sublet" (taking over someone else's lease for a few months) is a standard way to find cheap, short-term housing.
Naturally, when travelers or digital nomads come to Seoul, they look for sublets on Facebook groups or Craigslist.
But they quickly hit a wall. Listings are rare, landlords say no, or deals feel "shady." Why is subletting so difficult in Korea? Here is the reality check.
1. The Legal Barrier: "Landlord Consent"
According to Korean Civil Law (Article 629), a tenant cannot sublet their room without the landlord's explicit permission.
The Risk: If you rent a room from a tenant without the landlord knowing, you can be evicted immediately. The landlord has no legal obligation to protect you.
The Culture: Most Korean landlords are conservative. They do not like strangers living in their property without a direct contract.
2. The "Deposit" Problem
This is the unique Korean factor. The original tenant likely paid a huge deposit (10 million KRW / $7,500+) to live there.
They are terrified that a sublet tenant might damage the room or run away, causing them to lose their massive deposit.
Because of this high financial risk, very few students or locals are willing to sublet to foreigners they don't know.
3. The Craigslist Scams
Because legitimate sublets are hard to find, scammers target foreigners.
The Trap: "I'm currently out of the country, just wire me the deposit and I'll mail you the key."
The Result: The apartment doesn't exist. This is the most common housing scam in Korea.
The Solution: A "Sublet-Style" Stay, But Legal
You want the flexibility of a sublet (1-3 months, fully furnished) but without the legal risk. LiveAnywhere is essentially a professional, safe sublet platform.
100% Legal: All our listings are verified landlords or authorized management companies. You get a proper contract.
Flexible Dates: Stay for 2 weeks, 1 month, or 3 months. No 1-year commitment.
Safe Payments: You pay through our secure platform, not by wiring cash to a stranger's bank account.
Don't risk eviction or scams. Get the flexibility you want with the safety you need.