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 here sits below Gangnam and Sinchon, about 100,000 won a month lower on officetels, which matters when you are on a student budget. Second, two universities sit in the same walkable pocket, so demand for these rooms is steady and landlords are used to renting to international tenants. Third, the area already has a real international community around HUFS, so international 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.
What Rent Near HUFS and Kyung Hee Actually Costs
Rent filings with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport put the median monthly rent in Dongdaemun-gu, on a deposit of 5 to 10 million won, at 600,000 won for a villa and 800,000 won for an officetel. Those are district-wide midpoints for small units, not a quote for any one building, and the street and the season both move the number.
Two things are worth knowing before you fix your budget. Deposits cluster on two round numbers. About a quarter of the Dongdaemun officetel contracts on record were signed below 10 million won, and almost all of those sat at 5 million, so the practical question is usually 5 or 10 million rather than something in between. And a one-year lease runs roughly 100,000 won a month above a two-year one, which matters if you are here for an exchange semester or a language program. Our guide to monthly rent in Seoul sets out the figures by district, property type and lease length.
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 international 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?
Plan for roughly 5 to 10 million won. Rooms below that band are common rather than rare, so it is worth asking: of the 45,019 Seoul rent contracts we analysed, 11,212 were signed at a deposit of 5 million won or less.
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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