Looking for housing near HUFS and Kyung Hee University? The Hoegi and Imun-dong area in northeastern Seoul is one of the city’s most international student neighborhoods, and it is also one of the more affordable places to rent close to a major campus. This guide walks you through what each street is like, what you can expect to pay, how to get around, and how to pick the right room type as a foreign student.
Why Hoegi, Imun-dong and Hwigyeong Work for Students
Three things make housing near HUFS and Kyung Hee University attractive for international students. First, rent and deposits here are noticeably lower than in Gangnam or Sinchon, which matters when you are on a student budget. Second, two universities sit in the same walkable pocket, so demand for foreigner-friendly rooms is steady and landlords are used to renting to international tenants. Third, the area already has a real international community around HUFS, so English-speaking services, currency exchange and global grocery options are easy to find.
If you are still comparing districts across the city, our guide to 8 Seoul neighborhoods for students is a good place to start before you zoom in on this area.
A Quick Look at Each Neighborhood
Hoegi-dong
Hoegi-dong sits next to Kyung Hee University and Hoegi Station. It is the liveliest of the three, with a well-known food alley, cafes and late-night eateries that stay busy during the semester. If you want energy and convenience right outside your door, this is it.
Imun-dong
Imun-dong wraps around the front of HUFS and has the strongest international student feel, with restaurants, phone shops and small businesses used to serving foreigners. It tends to have a good mix of budget rooms, which makes it popular with exchange and language-program students.
Hwigyeong-dong
Hwigyeong-dong is a little quieter and often slightly cheaper. It suits students who prefer a calmer street and do not mind a short walk or one bus stop to campus. All three neighborhoods sit within Dongdaemun-gu.
Expected Monthly Rent and Deposit Ranges
Prices change with the season and the exact building, so treat these as rough guides and confirm current numbers against live listings. In Korea most rentals use a deposit (bojeungeum) plus monthly rent structure.
- One-room / studio: deposit around 5 to 10 million won, monthly rent roughly 400,000 to 600,000 won plus utilities.
- Officetel: deposit typically from around 10 million won, monthly rent roughly 500,000 to 800,000 won plus a maintenance fee, with more built-in amenities and building security.
Whatever you choose, protect your deposit by registering your residence and getting a fixed date on your lease after you move in; our deposit protection guide for foreigners walks through the exact steps, including how it works with your Alien Registration Card.
Getting Around: Line 1 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line
Transport is a big reason housing near HUFS and Kyung Hee University is practical. Hoegi Station is served by both Subway Line 1 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, and Oedae-ap Station (the stop right by HUFS) is on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Nearby Cheongnyangni is a larger hub that adds more lines and intercity trains.
- To City Hall / downtown: roughly 25 to 35 minutes on Line 1.
- To Gangnam: usually around 45 minutes with one transfer.
- To Hongdae / Sinchon: around 40 minutes via a transfer.
If you like a specific area, our Yonsei, Hongik and Sogang housing guide covers the west-side student districts for comparison.
Everyday Life: Food, Markets and Community
Daily life here is easy on a student budget. The Hoegi food alley is famous for pajeon and cheap student meals, while Imun-dong has international restaurants, grocery corners and services that speak more than one language. Larger marts and the nearby Gyeongdong traditional market cover everything from produce to household basics. Because so many international students live here, you will find English-friendly clinics, phone shops and part-time job boards without much searching.
Two early errands make settling in smoother: opening a bank account and sorting your phone plan. Our bank account guide and ARC guide walk through both.
Choosing Your Room Type: One-Room or Officetel
For most HUFS and Kyung Hee students, the choice comes down to a one-room (studio) or an officetel, depending on your budget and how much comfort you want.
- A one-room (studio) near HUFS gives you your own kitchen and bathroom at a lower cost, usually on a one-year contract. It is the most popular pick for students watching their budget.
- An officetel costs more but adds building security, an elevator, professional management and often newer interiors, which suits students who want extra comfort and safety.
Keep in mind that landlords also weigh contract length and deposit size, so a longer commitment or a slightly higher deposit can open up better rooms. A studio near Hoegi Station is a common sweet spot for HUFS and Kyung Hee students; you can see a live example on our Hoegi studio listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much deposit do I need to start?
For a one-room, plan for roughly 5 to 10 million won; officetels usually start a little higher. Lower-deposit rooms do exist, so it is worth asking.
Q: Can I lower the deposit?
Sometimes, but not always. On some rooms the landlord will accept a lower deposit in exchange for slightly higher monthly rent, while other rooms keep a fixed deposit that cannot be adjusted. Please note that this varies from room to room; the surest way to check is a consultation with a dedicated broker assigned to you at your local Ziptoss branch, who can walk you through the options that fit your budget.
Q: What is the minimum lease term?
One-rooms and officetels are usually one year.
Q: Are utilities included?
One-rooms usually bill utilities separately, and officetels add a monthly maintenance fee. Always confirm what is covered before signing.
Q: How far is the walk to campus?
Many rooms in Hoegi and Imun-dong are a 5 to 15 minute walk to HUFS or Kyung Hee, with quieter and cheaper options a little further out in Hwigyeong.
Finding Your Place Near Hoegi
Once you know your budget and preferred street, the next step is matching it to real rooms. Tell us your budget and move-in date through our inquiry form and we will help you find housing near HUFS and Kyung Hee University that fits.
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