Finding a Studio Apartment: What to Expect on Your “One-Room” Viewings in Seoul

Welcome to part 2 of the One Room Searching series! 

In part 1, we explored How to Search for a “One Room” in Seoul, where we first defined the one room (a studio apartment), discussed the wolsae (monthly) rental system, and introduced the first steps in searching for your one room using a real estate app or seeking a realtor directly. 

Today, we continue the house-hunting process by describing what to expect during your one-room viewings with your realtor. 

Your real estate agent has searched through available home listings with your key search parameters, which take into consideration your budget for the key deposit (보증금), wolsae (monthly rent, aka 월세), desired move-in date, and your “must-have” features (proximity to transportation, key furnishings, etc.).  And, lo and behold: several listings have popped up as potential homes for viewing.

Your real estate agent will give you an overview of the one-room stats and show you the web-listed photos before you set out on foot or car to the locations. Now you’re ready to roll!

What exactly am I looking for during a home viewing?

First, adopt a proactive approach. Your agent will take you from home to home, but this does not mean you should take a backseat for a passive ride-along. Instead, consider the following tips:

1. Take your one-room search “wish list”

A hard copy of your wish list will help you recall all of the “must-haves” and “nice to haves” with respect to your target budget, studio size, amenities, and location. 

Your list will also help you stay focused on the priorities that matter most. For example, you may have found an ideal home and are tempted to sign. But, the landlord has a strict “no pets” rule and you had your heart set on adopting a furry friend once you were settled in. These are the moments in which you must stick to your convictions or make some compromises.   

2. Take photos (with permission)

You will likely view at least 3 or more homes before you make a decision. It can be easy to forget what you have seen, especially if you are working with more than one realtor and/or viewing homes over a span of days or even weeks. 

Ask your realtor if you may take pictures of the places you visit. If allowed, take photos of the main areas, including the overall studio space, kitchen nook, bathroom, and organization spaces (closets, wardrobe, etc.). Not only will the photos refresh your memory, but they will also give you a better idea of how you would arrange your personal furnishings if you decide to move in. 

3. Make active observations

Take note the key details of these studios and ask yourself the questions that matter to you: 

• What are my first impressions of this neighborhood, building, and one room?

• Can I see myself living here for the next year or two?

• What is the noise level that I can perceive right now?

• How many power outlets are in the room? 

• Is the faucet and shower water pressure acceptable? 

• Do I like this square configuration or would I prefer a rectangular layout? 

• How is the natural lighting in this room? 

• Do I mind that the view from my window is a gray parking lot below tangles of electrical wires? 

• Is a beautiful studio located on the 6th floor of a building with no elevator a deal-breaker for me?

4. Look for the negatives

Sometimes, even the most beautiful homes have skeletons in their closets if you look hard enough. Even though we want to see the best in our future homes, we should remain wary of and look for any red flags that would indicate otherwise. 

For example, take a moment to check for signs, glaring, or even potentially problematic, of damage, stains, water leaks, malfunctioning or broken appliances, and, perhaps the most notorious in Korea, mold. At first glance, you may feel and look silly for peering behind closets, ducking under cabinet spaces, and peeking inside random cracks and crevices. But, you will thank yourself later if you end up discovering defects or flaws that cannot be repaired or properly cleaned. 

5. Keep asking questions

As you actively observe your surroundings, ask your realtor more questions. Confirm the available dates for move-in. Find out where the landlord or property manager lives. Will you have immediate access to help if you’re locked out of your home? Is there anything else you should know about this home or building? Take notes of these additional notes in your notepad or phone. 

I’ve found my dream one-room! Now what?

You’ve viewed several homes, searched high and low for traces of those hidden skeletons, and you’ve finally picked a winner. Your new one-room gives you positive vibes. You have a good feeling about the neighborhood and there’s even a convenience store just around the corner that sells your favorite honey butter-flavored product du jour. Score! 

You are now at the home stretch of your one-room rental process, and the final step is (gulp!), Signing Your One Room Contract in Seoul. This will be covered in part 3 of the One Room Searching series. So grab your ARC, passport, bank book, and some funds for your home deposit and get ready to sign your one-room contract. You’ve got this!