Survival Abroad

Introduction

Moving out of your home in Korea? Whether it’s your first time renting in Korea or you’re a seasoned expat, the move-out process can still be a bit confusing. But don’t worry—with the right preparation, you can avoid last-minute stress, protect your deposit, and leave on good terms with your landlord. This ultimate checklist will walk you through everything you need to do before turning in your keys.

1. Clean the Apartment Thoroughly

Landlords and agents in Korea expect tenants to return the apartment in a clean, move-in-ready condition. That means:

• Clean the kitchen, including the sink, stove, and inside the refrigerator
• Scrub the bathroom, toilet, and tiles
• Dust and mop floors, windowsills, and baseboards
• Remove stains or marks from walls (including tape or posters)
• Wash air conditioner filters
• Dispose of all trash properly

If cleaning isn’t your thing, you can hire a professional cleaning service. It usually costs between 100,000–200,000 KRW depending on apartment size.

2. Take Photos Before You Leave

Before moving out, document the apartment thoroughly with clear photos. Focus on:

• Every room and corner, including ceiling and floor
• Any pre-existing damages
• Appliances, especially if provided by landlord
• Utility meter readings (water, gas, electricity)

These photos can be helpful if there’s any dispute regarding the condition of the unit or deductions from your deposit.

3. Settle All Utility Bills and Cancel Services

Make sure you clear all outstanding bills before leaving:

• Pay your final electricity, gas, and water bills
• Cancel or transfer your internet and mobile service (if linked)
• Return any rented equipment, such as routers or modems
• Notify service providers of your move-out date to prevent future charges

Some landlords may assist with this process, especially if there is a language barrier. Don’t hesitate to ask.

4. Communicate with Your Landlord or Agent

Transparency is key. Here’s what to confirm:

• Move-out date and time
• Final inspection schedule
• Deposit return timeline
• Any deductions (cleaning, damage, unpaid bills)

If possible, have a final walkthrough with your landlord present. This helps clarify expectations and can speed up the refund process.

5. Return Keys and Building Access Cards

You’ll need to return all copies of:

• Front door keys
• Mailbox keys
• Building access cards or remotes

Double-check you haven’t forgotten any. Losing one might result in deductions from your deposit.

6. Final Move-Out Day Tips

Pack a small bag with basic cleaning tools, water, and snacks to make the day smoother. Leave early to give yourself time to handle any last-minute surprises.

Also, if possible, schedule your move-out a few days before your actual flight or relocation date. That way, you can resolve any issues without unnecessary pressure.

7. Checklist Recap

Here is your ultimate move-out checklist:

• Deep-clean the apartment
• Take clear photos of the entire unit
• Pay and cancel all utility bills and services
• Return keys, access cards, and rented equipment
• Schedule a final inspection with landlord or agent
• Confirm deposit return details

Conclusion

Moving out doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning and communication, you can wrap things up smoothly and protect your deposit. Use this checklist to stay on track, and you’ll leave your Korean home with confidence—and maybe even a little nostalgia.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we guide you through understanding your deposit refund and how to handle disputes if they arise.

💡 Introduction

Living in Korea as a foreigner? Understanding how utility bills work is just as important as signing your lease. Let’s break down what you’ll pay, how you’ll pay it, and how you can save money every month.

🔌 1. What Utility Bills Are You Responsible For?

Here are the most common utility bills tenants are expected to pay:

• Electricity (전기) – Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)
• Water (수도) – Provided by the local district office
• Gas (도시가스) – Mostly used for heating and hot water
• Internet & Cable TV (인터넷/TV) – Optional but common
• Maintenance Fee (관리비) – Includes building cleaning, security, sometimes heating

💡 Tip: In studio apartments (원룸), some utilities may be included in the rent. Always confirm before signing.

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💳 2. How to Pay Utility Bills

• 📱 Mobile Apps: Use KakaoPay, Toss, or your bank’s app
• 🏦 ATM or Bank Visit: Bills come with barcodes you can scan
• 💬 Help from your landlord: Many landlords offer assistance for foreign tenants

📌 Bills usually arrive monthly and are often placed in your mailbox or delivered via KakaoTalk/email.

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🧾 3. Average Costs (Monthly Estimates)

Utility	Studio Apt (1 person)	Family Apt (3 people)
Electricity	₩30,000–₩60,000	₩70,000–₩150,000
Water	₩5,000–₩10,000	₩20,000–₩40,000
Gas	₩10,000–₩20,000 (summer)

markdown복사편집              ₩40,000–₩100,000 (winter) | ₩100,000–₩200,000      |

| Internet/TV | ₩30,000–₩40,000 | ₩40,000–₩60,000 | | Maintenance Fee | ₩50,000–₩100,000 | ₩100,000+ |

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💸 4. Real Ways to Save on Utility Bills

✅ Use LED bulbs and turn off appliances
✅ Limit underfloor heating time (especially in winter)
✅ Wash clothes with cold water
✅ Unplug electronics (Korea uses 220V, so standby power = real cost)
✅ Choose plans with combined internet + mobile to save

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📝 5. Final Checklist Before You Sign a Lease

• Ask what utilities are included
• Confirm how bills are paid (you or landlord?)
• Request average monthly bills from previous tenant
• Check if there’s automatic payment or app option
• Clarify about maintenance fees and what they include

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📎 Bonus Tip:

Save all your monthly bills — they’re useful when moving out to prove you’ve paid everything.

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🔚 Summary

Utility bills in Korea aren’t hard to manage — once you know what to expect. This guide helps you avoid surprise costs and gives you practical ways to save money every month.

Stay tuned for Episode 5: The Ultimate Move-Out Checklist — you don’t want to miss it!

Finding the right place to live in Korea can be overwhelming—especially when you’re not sure what all the housing types actually mean. What’s a villa? Is a goshiwon just a dorm? And are officetels as fancy as they sound?

In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common types of housing in Korea, especially for foreigners. Whether you’re staying short-term or planning a longer life here, understanding your options can help you make a smarter choice.

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🏢 1. Apartments (아파트)

Apartments in Korea are usually found in large high-rise buildings. They’re the most modern and convenient option, often located near subway stations, schools, and shopping centers.

Many apartments come with security systems, elevators, parking, and even playgrounds. But they can also be expensive—especially in big cities like Seoul.

Best for: families, long-term expats, people who want comfort and facilities.

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🏡 2. Villas (빌라)

Despite the name, villas in Korea are not luxurious houses. They’re actually small, low-rise apartment buildings—usually 3 to 5 floors—with fewer units.

Villas are more affordable than apartments and are often found in quieter neighborhoods. They may not have elevators or security guards, but they offer more privacy and space.

Best for: budget-conscious renters, couples, or people who want a quieter place.

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🛏️ 3. Goshiwon (고시원)

Goshiwons are tiny, affordable rooms usually used by students or people on a tight budget. Each room is private and usually includes a bed, desk, TV, and sometimes a private bathroom.

Shared kitchen and laundry facilities are common. They’re not luxurious, but they’re super affordable and easy to move into.

Best for: students, digital nomads, or people staying short-term.

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🧾 4. Officetels (오피스텔)

Officetels are a mix between an office and a hotel—but they’re actually just small studio apartments! Many expats choose officetels because they’re modern, well-located, and easy to rent.

They often include a small kitchen, washing machine, and even a doorman. Rent can be a bit higher, but the convenience makes it worth it for many people.

Best for: single expats, working professionals, short-to-mid term stays.

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🏁 Final Tip

Before choosing a place, think about your lifestyle, your budget, and how long you plan to stay. If you’re unsure, you can always start with a goshiwon or officetel and move to a villa or apartment later.

In our next post, we’ll look at what to check in your lease agreement before signing—because reading the fine print really matters (yes, even in Korea!).

See you in the next post! 😊