Moving to Seoul Korea | Apartment hunting, 12 House tours, Snowy Days, Cafe hopping | VLOG

Come apartment hunting with me in Seoul, Korea!
House hunting is one of the most stressful and important tasks when relocating to a new country! And finding a place in Seoul in the midst of a snowy winter was not easy.. I think I toured over 20 houses all across Seoul. Here are 12 locations that stood out to me. I tried to include the prices of the ones that I could remember but they all jumbled at the end.
Things I wish I knew about finding apartments in Seoul, Korea:
1. Expect to pay a big deposit. Many of the houses that I viewed had quite a big deposit around 1000k-5000k won (about 7k-35k USD). Which definitely is a lot but you do get this back when you move out.
2. You can negotiate the rent for most places if you pay a higher deposit. So if you have a bit of savings try asking your real estate agent it that's a possibility. (Usually, for about 1000kwon (7.5k USD) extra you can get about 5kwon (32USD) off your monthly rent.)
3. There will be a maintenance fee added to your rent. This fee is basically used to maintain the apartment itself (electricity/ heating fees for any communal areas, security guard etc) this can sometimes include frees for your internet and TV so make sure you check!
4. Use apps such as Zigbang, Dabang, and Naver Real Estate. I used these apps to get a feel of the prices and how the apartments would look even before coming to Korea. Then once you arrive you can contact the number there to set up an inspection of the houses.
5. Another way to find apartments is to decide on an area you want to live in and just drop by all the real estate in that area. There was actually a real estate on every street and they all seem to have unique places that were not listed on the apps. It's also a good way to look at multiple properties in one area.
6. Something I wish I did was give myself a bit more time to find a place. I think I was in a rush to settle down but when you first move it's hard to know which area is a good fit for you. It might be a good idea to give yourself about a month to get a feel of the place and then decide where you want to live!
7. Check out the neighbourhood. When you're going for the apartment tour try to go there with public transport so you can get a feel of the location better. Arrive a bit early to check out what's near the apartment. Where is the closest grocery shop? How busy is the area? And most importantly how safe do you feel there? Some important questions to ask yourself when deciding on a place!
Anyway, I hope this helps anyone trying to find a place in Korea! Happy house hunting!
*Please note these prices are rough conversions and are subject to change.
Sol Life Playlist:
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Instagram: @solli.fe ( / solli.fe )
Camera:
Iphone 14 pro (This vlog was filmed all on my iPhone)
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» ABOUT ME
Hi there! I’m Sol, I was born in Korea but grew up mostly in Sydney, Australia! After living in Tokyo for 4 years working I’ve relocated to Seoul! I love to travel, find cute cafes and document my daily life. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy!
© Sol Life 2024 All rights reserved
Downloading the video, sharing and secondary editing is prohibited.
#lifeinkorea ​ #movingtoseoul ​#apartmethunting #koreavlog

[@SolLife_]

Thanks for watching! Can you guess which house I ended up going with? Moving in Vlog coming up next! Follow me on Instagram for more updates:@solli.fe instagram.com/solli.fe/

[@bagnasution]

Can’t wait to see you making another hand-made dish on the new apartment! 😅

[@evermillcreek]

I like how you skipped past House 9 without a word, as if it wasn't immediately the most inspiring and wonderful place to call home 😉

[@DreamHomeLife]

House 9 will be made into a very beautiful & cozy home🏡

[@YunaSamui]

House number 9 🎉😍

[@Michelle.in.Denmark]

I hope it’s house 9 😊

[@NativeWanderers]

While KZbin is filled with more and more fast and flashy content, it is good to have channels like this with videos that put the viewer in calm and relaxed state of mind. Thank you for sharing your videos. Every video of yours is a delight and you certainly inspired me to finally start my own channel and be okay with sharing slow-paced videos from my travels. Thank you Sol, and wish you all the best on your new page in Korea! ✨

[@SolLife_]

Thanks for watching! I think finding your own pace is most important 🍃Good luck with the channel!

[@NativeWanderers]

Indeed. Thank you! 🌺@@SolLife_

[@rehhhkaur]

it gave me more look of reality as i have always wanted to be their it seems harder in here than others vlog here i have seen the reality have to work hard to get what to want

[@ismailmuttaqien1203]

I watch this at 1.5x speed

[@hassan2526]

House 9 was my favourite

[@Akilia90]

Me too. It was so pretty!

[@SolLife_]

Seems to be everyone’s favourite!

[@just_shua]

Yes it's so pretty

[@selita90]

furnitures on point and you have separated rooms

[@jessymontealegre5316]

houses 3 and 9 favorites

[@sahanaroychowdhury9788]

House 9 is such a vibe. Warm tones. ❤

[@Koshka54]

Those deposit prices are OUTRAGEOUS! Thank you for sharing your journey. Love your chill vibe.

[@Yxxyn._]

They’re kinda typical there. I remember I saw a deposit for I think over 40k+ on a Chinese apartment

[@TheLimeInc]

You are now our Korea guide, for our planned Korea trip in 2025 as you have been our Japan guide for our last trip ❤❤❤

[@SolLife_]

I will try to find all the nice places 🫡❤️

[@magicmyth2635]

house 9 😍 it looks so light and cozy, can't wait to see what you choose, good luck with the house hunt ;)

[@biswajit07]

Sol's "must have" points list: 1. Cafe nearby 2. Cafe nearby 3. Cafe nearby 😹😹😹

[@SolLife_]

😂😂😂 first priority ☕️

[@dlamo90]

What a wonderful vlog! House 9 has so many "call me home" vibes 🎉 and the office has amazing views. Glad you got your home and already taking notes for a future trip to Seoul 😊

[@AnjaOtter]

I've never subscribed to anyone so fast, there's something so peaceful about this video. Now excuse me while I binge watch your entire channel like a Netflix show 🍿

[@SolLife_]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy 😎🍿

[@low8739]

Me too. I subscribed before the vlog even finished. I love that it’s so peaceful. A lot of us in the US forget to slow down and savor the moment.

[@AnjaOtter]

@@low8739 we have a similar culture in London and I've been trying so hard to slow down and appreciate the little mundane things in life! ❤️

[@Tiptoze]

I lived in Seoul for 9 months back in 2022, I miss living there and having so much to do right outside my door. Looking forward to seeing your adventures in Korea❣

[@amam3669]

The guideline to finding apartment is so helpful for who are relocating to Korea! Wishing you all the best on your new journey.

[@nonrrr2494]

서울의 눈오는 풍경을 이렇게 아름답게 담다니요❤ 저도 9번이요, 인테리어를 잘해둬서 그런가 젤 이뻐보이네요, 앞으로 채널 자주 찾아올께요

[@thewitchykitchen]

This was so much fun to watch. I really liked #9 with the loft and office space. Thanks for taking us along with you

[@KewpieGirl]

Im think #9 looks brighter and I like the windows with a view right next to the kitchen. I hope you chose it but if not maybe 11? can't wait to see you next!

[@SolLife_]

Coming soon 👀🏠

[@mitchykosan24]

The suspense of your new place is killing me 😂 I like apartments 8 & 9! Can’t wait for the apartment reveal!

[@Ironwill_Games]

Can’t wait to see how you’re new apartment worked out. All the best on this new chapter in Seoul!

[@jiex]

can't wait for you to share your journey, places to visit, food recos and more *yay! sooo excited 😊

[@anti_soxial]

I'm a Korean living in Portland, Oregon. Your video makes me miss Korea so much!! I will look forward to your upcoming videos!!!!

[@freely333]

I'm in PDX too!!!♡

[@anti_soxial]

@@freely333 Hope you are enjoying the sun!! because i am :) I just got here couple months ago, i thought the default weather here was RAIN. haha

[@marie-xq5yj]

Honestly, I shed little tears, I have been following you for a while and you are my comfort creator. Your travels to Japan allowed me to escape, to travel with you. I'm very moved but let's not be sad because it's over, let's be happy that it happened! Thank you for everything, look forward to following your adventures in Korea.🫶🏻

[@janav9972]

House 9 was amazing 😍😍😍

[@jwfloating-world]

Hi Sol. Thank you for sharing not only your apartment hunting experiences, but your anxiety too. I thought your "must have" list would have included must be near a coffee shop ☕👍😁. I see some other comments have complained about your move. But we had a three part programme shown here in the UK last year exploring the beauty and diversity of South Korea. Its amazing as its such a young country. I look forward to seeing which apartment you choose and your continuing adventures.

[@SolLife_]

Definitely my top priority! ☕️😂 I think many people will miss my Japan vlogs (I will too!). But Japan is already so well covered I’m looking forward exploring all the hidden gems in Korea! 💎

[@christainamerica]

All the best for your new life in Seoul and looking forward to see more lovely and cozy videos from you ❤

[@rajasri99]

After the whole chaotic day, finally a clam soothing video to watch💜🌸✨️

[@anjo237]

Thanks for sharing Sol! 🙏 Great vid as always. 🙌 Looking forward to more SK content. ❤

[@BellaDeVeyra]

Happy for you that you finally have a new apartment. One less thing to worry about. Can't wait for the reveal next week 💖💖

[@gilliandempster5686]

Looking forward to seeing your new apartment and your life in Korea. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@theagakcook]

Happy that u managed to find a place that u like so quickly! 😍 totally agree with u that u really need to feel safe n comfortable in that area to be able to live there 🙌🏼

[@tanushree4364]

After a tiring day at work, a calm vlog from Sol is how i want to end my day! Perfect❤ can't wait for all the Korea vlogs!!😊

[@SolLife_]

Hope you enjoyed it!☕️🍃

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

Enjoyed the home hunting. Many apartments were too dark in feeling. The houses were better. Like the last one. The snacks and foods look delicious. Thank you for the video.

[@Charles-tw]

Great to see your new vlog. It's not only elegant, but also practical. Looking forward to your coffee hopping. At some point, I'll even think about whether there is a coffee shop nearby that you've been to 😂.

[@jackietsuruya]

Watching you look for your apartment throughout Seoul made me feel exhausted for you! 😮‍💨 수고했어요~👏🏼 I live in Korea also so I know that pain…🫠 Excited to see the new home in the next video 🏠♥️

[@jensennwong]

So excited to see Korea related content. I love your vlog aesthetic, can't wait to see more !

[@SolLife_]

Thank you 🥰

[@KT28818]

I live in a rural mountainous area and watching this is so interesting, beautiful, and even mysterious to me! City life is like a whole other planet. Thank you for sharing this! I can’t wait to learn more about Korea.

[@SolLife_]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🥰✨

[@arthurg7894]

I don't have the words to express how much I love this channel ❤

[@SolLife_]

Thank you 🥰 I’m glad you’re enjoying it!

[@KillerTacos54]

Amazing vlog! Thank you for sharing, and I’m glad you’re enjoying Seoul

[@la_lalala89]

I like house no. 9, so much natural lighting and the layout is unique❤

[@mariamlm96]

Three and nine 100%. Both were so cozy and a vibe! Loved the floors in 3! I would be happy in either! ❤

[@roomick]

Looking forward to more such videos from you in the future. Hopefully you've adjusted well 💕

[@user-ds2xr7iz2d]

한국어 너무 잘 하시는거 이제 알았네요. 진짜 너무 자연스럽네요

[@dreamchampagne]

Wait wait wait $38,000 for a deposit?? That is how much you can put down to own a very big home in the US. That is absolutely an insane amount of money, wow! That’s more than my car😂

[@katecosettevocals]

I was thinking the same thing!! I even had to google what that was all about 😂

[@shojinryori]

So, that wasn’t a typo and it wasn’t supposed to be $3.8k? 😅 Yikes…

[@createdbynialee]

Yeah is that a typo I wonder!? Even in Australia we don’t put deposit that much unless you’re buying a house 🏡

[@katecosettevocals]

@@shojinryori haha when I saw the $22k I also hoped that was a typo! xD and then saw the $38k 🤯

[@edwardmr5852]

Koreans must be rich, 38k is insane.

[@juunii8786]

Yayyy🎉 new vlog!! we’re with you on your new journey solll !!!♥️

[@SolLife_]

Yay! Thank you!❤️

[@_bmee]

finding a place is always so hard, glad you already found your house

[@florianschultz6594]

Can’t wait to know the hidden gems of Korea and follow you on your new adventure, keep up !! 😊

[@SolLife_]

Thank you! I’m on the search 🫡

[@itsmePaz]

Such an exciting journey! Congratulations on signing your new apartment 🫶

[@cholietta]

Wishing you all the best on your new adventure ❤

[@SolLife_]

Thank you so much!!

[@laviniashi9831]

I'm so happy to see you have a new life in Seoul, hope everything goes well with you.😊

[@SolLife_]

Thank you 🥰

[@secret_risse1017]

I've been following your channel since 2021 and I can't believe I get to see you start a new journey! I'm excited for this new Sol life era

[@SolLife_]

Wow! Thanks so much for the support and joining me on my new journey 🥰🌱

[@thatbannanwastgood]

@@SolLife_have fun!

[@BabyNatie12]

In my opinion, I think house number five was the best out of all the houses she looked at it had everything that she wanted, except for the bathroom which probably was a wet room, but she could’ve took that and just added a glass divider so the bathroom won’t get wet. She got a plus with it by getting the computer area and it was very spacious.

[@ymuratilter]

nice to have you back 😀

[@leeprof.dr.1739]

Welcome to Korea! ❤ we wish u have a pleasant moment in Korea

[@jesusloverforever5762]

This is the best vlog I've ever seen ❤ You really do have a talent. Korea looks so beautiful 💜😍

[@Yellome53]

This was a very delightful video. First time watching your video. Thanks for the great advice about house hunting, you have to find a place you feel safe to go home too. Congratulation on your new place

[@SolLife_]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@user-xc4nc5gv3f]

thanks for sharing the food places! I will be in Seoul in 3 weeks and this was so helpful! Pls share more restaurants/cafes/places to go in Seoul!!!

[@SolLife_]

Will do! Have fun on your trip! 💕

[@harukazeeh]

I already miss your Japan vlogs but your Seoul vlog feels nice to watch too. Looking forward to more Korea vlogs =)

[@InnocentTropicalSailboat-ex4mr]

I"ve been waiting for your new vlog in Seoul... ❤❤

[@0rhythm_divine0]

Watching you from New Delhi, India and appreciating the fact that how lucky I am to have such big apartment to myself with an open terrace, big rooftop, a school with lush green scenery in front of it. All facilities like metro, buses, train and highway in my neighborhood with five medical college hospitals and much more. Very old yet safe neighborhood with lots of flee markets and local groceries. I live alone and thoroughly enjoy all different four seasons here. But I still want to move out to see more bigger world as a traveler worker like digital nomads. I too want to spend some time in South Korea. This year, I shall save for my plan to live at least one season in Korea.

[@user-qm8ge3pw8y]

7:05 갑자기 눈을 밟는 장면이 너무 귀엽네요ㅋㅋ 구제시장을 좋아하시는것은 정말 의외입니다! 서울로 이사하신것을 환영합니다!! 한국의 좋은 장소들 소개해드리고 싶네요 The scene where he suddenly steps on snow is so cute haha. It’s really surprising that you like the old market! Welcome to moving to Seoul!! I’d like to introduce you to some good places in Korea.

[@Imavlog21]

나만 한국인 아니었어?

[@jinique776]

Welcome to korea! I hope watching your new video in Seoul.

[@tracyfinch918]

Apartment 9 is really nice and cute!🥰 It’s my favorite one of these!

[@meliquinnxx]

Hope you have a great time in your new life journey ❤

[@SolLife_]

Thank you ☕️

[@wenarafanan2166]

First-time to watch ur vlog.😊have a snowy days.✌️😊🫰🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭Philippines)❤

[@sharonrousseau3527]

Congratulations on finding an apartment. I’m in USA & the apartments there seem so compact. Definitely different. I think you’re really brave and I’m excited for you.

[@anatolypavlyuchenko8804]

Apartments #9 very light and cosy. love it

[@aNkaritravel]

Hello I've been watching you for 2 years and I really love your videos it's so positive 😊😊 I just started doing YT recently and watch your video make me feel motivated to do better❤❤

[@vinnhardiman]

yay been waiting for your new video 😊

[@LE_Santiago]

House 9 had a nice view and cozy, that one was perfectly suitable

[@axelpra]

cant wait for your new journey, good luck!

[@axelpra]

by the way, the 9th looks so good and comfy!

[@talk1conversation]

I am moving back to Seoul in a few weeks. I can't wait!

[@momobella9844]

9 Is my favourite! Good vibes and best light ✨

[@smbjmn]

Your cafe content was so good, I was drooling!!! 🤤😍

[@SolLife_]

Thank you 😋

[@marccolomayt82094]

Wowwww & can’t wait soon for more new apartment in Seoul vlog! ❄️❤❤

[@SolLife_]

Coming soon! ✨

[@viewTful_tv]

덕분에 집구겸 넘 잘 했습니다. 고생 많으셨습니다. 어떤 집으로 계약하셨을지 두근두근❤

[@Sumedha_675]

Awesome! So you’ve moved! That’s lovely! I hope this is a great and a memorable chapter in your life :)))

[@SolLife_]

Thank you!! 😊💕🌱

[@Sumedha_675]

@@SolLife_ welcome!! 🩷🩷 Have a good day/night!

[@prisciladesa2747]

Thank you, you in Korea were able to help me here in Brazil. I was able to come up with lots of ideas to use in my future home🇧🇷

[@AMAR9933]

House 9 was so much nicer than the rest!!! Not sure which one you got but I hope you love it!

[@SolLife_]

Loving it so far! 😍

[@car0m912]

Number 9 looked so full of light 😍

[@TobyAkogare]

Good luck on your new adventure😊❤

[@SolLife_]

Thank you!! 😊

[@MayJoshChannel]

Great Vlog...nice house, food & good environment😊👍

[@deryckwalkaround]

very relaxing video, it's a pleasure to follow you !

[@Lady_Kunoichi]

This is very aesthetically pleasing 😊

[@qlhrzs]

new sub!! i love how you edit its so calming ;o

[@junyshin5843]

환영합니다..... 고수의 향기가 느껴지네요....동묘 쇼핑에 노포 칼국수집까지... 집 구하는거 스트레스인데....이쁜집 구하시길 응원합니다~~~

[@Its.birdperson]

So excited to watch 🥰

[@SolLife_]

🥰🥰

[@myeoncat]

i love ur content and videos pls dont die keep them coming

[@FoolFullStop]

No. 9 was my absolute fav!!! 😍

[@rebeccaseal4182]

House 3 and 5 I liked for natural light. But house 9 is the best one yet Good luck from the 🇬🇧 ❤

[@Rhiannercakes]

I always get so amazed at how inexpensive rent is there, at least compared to here. And for apartments three or four times as nice. It's so lovely, these apartments.

[@abigailhoekstra3195]

Yeah but the deposits are no joke

[@Nekotoinu-pj5gd]

Hello, Thank you for your video and for visiting houses in seoul. I think you took house 9. I liked see à snow at seoul. It's beautiful. I wish you a good move into your new home. Thanks for all. Your video are very cool.

[@SolLife_]

Thank you! 🥰💕

[@Roccobear]

Thank you for sharing these beautiful and important steps in your life with us :)

[@SolLife_]

Thanks for joining! 🌱

[@ecup1384]

Your videos are everytime a pleasure. I wish you the best luck for the future. Greetings from germany

[@SolLife_]

Thank you very much!🥰

[@tailoredtrippers]

Always inspired by your videos. ❤ that donut with cinnamon sugar looks so simple yet so yummy.

[@SolLife_]

I’m still thinking about it!🤤

[@sharesomestars]

oh wow.. house 9 is my dream home..it looks so cozy..

[@ainunh_02]

Gluck for ur next journey in seoul

[@blimeyifancyreading]

Korea is such a beautiful country!

[@low8739]

Oh I hope you got number 9. The views were wonderful!

[@FateenNasreeyahh]

house number 9 & 10 was so good! cz got spectacular view .

[@yumarlon]

Cant wait for your apartment tour!!!!!! Pls postttt ur next vlog soon

[@tarilestari9290]

I like house number 9. Coz Its fully furnished, simple, more light and cozy.

[@fran-gx3kf]

That yummy donut! Oh that Felix Cafe mug! and a ceramic ware with top 20:20! I want them all!