Types of Residence
Housing in Jeju
In Jeju, there are detached houses, townhouses, apartments, and office-tels. Many people prefer living in apartments in cities for the sake of convenience. Owning a house is extremely meaningful for Koreans.
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Types |
Remarks |
|---|---|
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Apartment |
Multiplex housing with more than 5 stories |
|
Janitor resided |
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There are convenient facilities like shopping center and public parking lot |
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|
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Single housing built on private ground |
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Villa |
Western style mansion, Low-rise building with less tr |
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Simple and broader space than apartment area |
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Normally, janitor and guardian are residing. |
|
|
Officetel |
Mixed form of Office & Apartment |
|
Janitor and guardian are residing |
|
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There is a public parking lot. |
|
|
Multiplex |
Small size apartment and low-rise building |
|
No janitor and guardian. Public parking lot available. |
Officetel: This is a building for both of residency and office work. One-room, 2-room, 3-room, hotel-type room and apartment-type room depending on the numbers and style of room.
Apartments
Apartments are the most popular housing option among Koreans. They are preferred by most locals mostly due to their convenience. Nearly all apartment complexes have facilities nearby such as supermarkets, district offices, post offices, schools, and also easy access to public transportation. Basic utilities like water, gas and heating are well-established. Prices can vary upon location and quality of the apartment complex.
(Tip) In Korea, housing or office spaces are measured in the unit of “pyeong”. One pyeong is equivalent to 3.4 square meters. The government has taken steps to ensure that all measurements are expressed in square meters in Korea, However many people still use the old local pyeong unit of measurement.
An average small-sized apartment is approximately 81 square meters and the purchasing price ranges from US$165,500~ 250,000. Depending on location, some apartments of the same size (81m²) can cost US$ 350,000~500,000. Mid-sized apartments measuring 119m² average US$ 950,000 ~ 1.1 million. Large-sized apartments measuring 168m² will set you back US$ 1.3 ~ 1.6million.
There are some inconveniences to keep in mind if you are considering living in an apartment complex. The units are somewhat smaller than what one might be accustomed to abroad. Since the units are tightly packed into each complex, there can be a lack of privacy. Looking for a parking space after work can also be a challenge, as most complexes do not designate parking spots to each unit.
Officetel
Officetels are high-rise buildings with both residential and office units available. They are often popular with single, working Seoulites and students. The preferred short-term housing solution of most, contracts range from one to two years. Officetels were introduced with the purpose of providing the ultimate convenience by providing office space within a residential building.
Officetels may be the best option for foreigners staying short-term in Jeju, since many of them come fully furnished. Officetel tenants are also responsible for a monthly maintenance fee and additional utilities fee.
Private Houses
As stand-alone structures on their own lots, these houses are usually two stories high and include a garden or a yard.
Multi-Family / Row Houses
These homes are smaller in scale compared to apartments and stand four stories high or less. They also house at least two families. There is usually no security guard, but they do come equipped with parking lots. Rooms are usually smaller than those of apartments. Multi-family housing units tend to cost less for living expenses, compared to apartments of equal size.
One-room / Studios
Studio apartments in buildings, usually four to five stories high, are often referred to as “one room” or “villa”. Much like officetels, these affordable rooms are popular with students and young, working Seoulites. Before deciding on a studio or a one room as the residence of your choice, remember to look out for a few things. An average unit measures 27m² and contains basic furnishings. A one room is a cost-saving alternative to officetels.
Thatched-roof house
A thatched-roof house is a traditional type of house in Jeju. It is made with straw, water reed or chaff. Although the house is rarely seen on the island, it is well preserved in Seongeup Folk Village, located in the east of the island.
