Living in Yongsan, Seoul: What you need to know

Living in Yongsan offers a distinctive experience in central Seoul, combining international communities, modern residential developments, and convenient access to the city’s major business and cultural areas. Home to well-known neighbourhoods such as Itaewon, Hannam-dong, and Ichon-dong, Yongsan attracts expats, working professionals, and international families looking for a comfortable base in South Korea’s capital.

This guide explores what living in Yongsan is like, including the best neighbourhoods for expats, international amenities, family-friendly facilities, transportation, and practical considerations for finding a furnished apartment in Seoul.

Key takeaways

• Yongsan is known for its international communities, particularly around Itaewon and Hannam-dong, with access to international restaurants, specialty grocery stores, and services for foreign residents.
• Itaewon offers a lively social scene, Hannam-dong is known for upscale residential living, while Ichon-dong has established apartment communities and access to parks.
• The apartments featured below include a 30 m² studio and one-bedroom options measuring 33–43 m². Mention additional two-bedroom options only if their listings are verified and included in this article.
• Yongsan Station provides access to Subway Line 1, the Gyeongui–Jungang Line, and KTX services, while other stations serve residential areas such as Itaewon and Ichon.
• Expats should compare neighbourhood accessibility, housing costs, furnished inclusions, and lease conditions before choosing an apartment in Yongsan.

What is it like to live in Yongsan, Seoul?

For foreigners moving to Seoul, Yongsan offers an international living environment with diverse residential neighbourhoods and convenient access to everyday amenities. Areas such as Itaewon and Hannam-dong are known for international restaurants, specialty grocery stores, and businesses serving foreign residents, making it easier for newcomers to find familiar products and services.

However, Yongsan is not a single expat neighbourhood. Residents can experience Itaewon’s lively social scene, Hannam-dong’s upscale residential atmosphere, or the established apartment communities around Ichon-dong. Each area offers a different lifestyle, from vibrant commercial streets to quieter residential settings.

For expats and long-term renters, Yongsan offers the following lifestyle characteristics:

• Best for: Corporate expats, international families, working professionals, couples, and long-term renters seeking access to international communities and amenities.
• Nearby attractions: National Museum of Korea, Leeum Museum of Art, War Memorial of Korea, Yongsan Family Park, and N Seoul Tower.
• Advantages: International restaurants and grocery stores, established expat communities, diverse housing options, access to parks and cultural attractions, and convenient connections to central Seoul.
• Disadvantages: Higher rental costs in premium residential areas such as Hannam-dong, nightlife noise around Itaewon, traffic congestion, steep residential streets, and varying access to subway stations.

For expats planning an extended stay, Yongsan offers the opportunity to choose between an active international lifestyle and a more residential environment. Comparing neighbourhoods based on housing budgets, commuting needs, and everyday convenience can help renters find a suitable place to settle in Seoul.

Furnished apartments in Yongsan for expats and long-term stays 

For international residents planning to move to Yongsan, furnished apartments provide an alternative to traditional rentals that require arranging furniture and household essentials separately. Blueground offers different accommodation options across the district, including studios and one-bedroom apartments for individuals or couples, as well as larger units for households needing additional space.

Twincity Namsan #120: Studio apartment, 30 m²

• Location: Dongja-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Apartment type: Furnished studio apartment, 1 bathroom
• Size: 30 m²
• Best for: Solo expats and business professionals who prefer compact accommodation near Seoul Station
• Key features: Furnished studio layout, air conditioning, elevator access, building amenities and views (gym access and other details subject to verification)

Twincity Namsan #120 offers a compact 30 m² studio apartment in Dongja-dong, suitable for individuals relocating to central Seoul. The property provides a compact furnished living space; any access to fitness facilities should be verified against the current building and listing conditions. Its location near Seoul Station is particularly convenient for professionals who regularly use public transport or intercity rail services.

Yongsan Central Foret #104: One-bedroom apartment, 33 m²

• Location: Wonhyoro 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Apartment type: One-bedroom furnished apartment, 1 bathroom
• Size: 33 m²
• Best for: Solo professionals and expats seeking a compact apartment in a residential area of Yongsan
• Key features: Furnished one-bedroom layout, separate bedroom, location within the Wonhyoro residential area

Located in Wonhyoro 2-ga, Yongsan Central Foret #104 provides a 33 m² furnished apartment for renters who prefer a separate bedroom within a compact home. The property is situated away from Itaewon’s main nightlife streets, making it an alternative for expats looking beyond Yongsan’s busiest entertainment areas. Residents should compare nearby transport connections and everyday amenities based on their commuting needs.

Yongsan Hoban Summit A.DITION #68: One-bedroom apartment, 43 m²

• Location: Hangangno 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Apartment type: One-bedroom furnished apartment, 1 bathroom
• Size: 43 m²
• Best for: Working professionals and couples seeking accommodation near Yongsan’s commercial and transport facilities
• Key features: Furnished one-bedroom layout, air conditioning, washing machine, and access to the surrounding Hangangno area

Yongsan Hoban Summit A.DITION #68 offers a 43 m² furnished apartment in Hangangno 2-ga. Its location provides access to shopping facilities, restaurants, and transport connections around Yongsan Station. With a separate bedroom and household appliances, the apartment may appeal to professionals or couples planning an extended stay in central Seoul.

Before booking, please confirm whether the selected property is suitable for your intended residential use, whether address registration is permitted, and which tenant protections apply to the specific lease.

Explore more: Top apartments for rent in Seoul for monthly stays

How easy is it to get around Seoul from Yongsan?

Yongsan is well connected to Seoul’s subway and railway networks, making it convenient for residents commuting across the city or travelling to other parts of South Korea. Yongsan Station is a major transport hub, offering subway connections and KTX intercity train services.

However, transport accessibility varies by neighbourhood. Expats should consider the nearest station, walking distance, and available routes when choosing an apartment.

Main transport connections in Yongsan

For long-term renters, living near Yongsan or Sinyongsan Station can be particularly convenient for regular commuting. 

What should expats check before moving to Yongsan?

Moving to Yongsan requires careful consideration of housing conditions, neighbourhood accessibility, and everyday needs. While the district offers international amenities and diverse residential options, the experience can vary significantly between Itaewon, Hannam-dong, Ichon, and other neighbourhoods.

Before choosing an apartment, expats should consider the following:

• Neighbourhood suitability: Compare Itaewon’s lively social atmosphere, Hannam-dong’s upscale residential environment, and Ichon’s established apartment communities to find an area that matches your lifestyle.
• Walking routes and transport: Check the distance to the nearest subway station, including steep streets around parts of Hannam-dong and Itaewon that may make daily walking less convenient.
• Rental costs and deposits: Confirm the monthly rent, security deposit, management fees, utilities, and any additional charges before signing a lease.
• International and family amenities: Consider access to grocery stores, healthcare services, parks, and schools where relevant to your household.
• Furnished apartment facilities: Verify the included furniture, kitchen equipment, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and other essentials, as amenities vary between properties.
• Rental documents and lease terms: Check the address-reporting requirements that apply after moving in and any relevant rental-contract reporting obligations. Requirements may vary depending on registration status and lease type.

Reviewing these factors can help international renters choose accommodation that suits their daily routines, relocation requirements, and intended length of stay in Yongsan.

Make your move to Yongsan easier with Blueground

Relocating to Yongsan involves finding accommodation that suits your lifestyle, household size, and preferred neighbourhood. For expats and long-term renters, the featured apartments range from a 30 m² studio to one-bedroom homes of 43 m². Furnished living can reduce the need to purchase major household items after arrival.

Explore Blueground’s furnished apartments in Yongsan and contact the Blueground team for assistance with choosing a suitable property, checking current availability, and understanding rental terms.

Frequently asked questions about living in Yongsan

Is Yongsan a good place to live for foreigners new to Seoul?

Yes. Yongsan can be a practical choice for foreigners moving to Seoul, particularly those seeking access to international restaurants, specialty grocery stores, and established expat communities. Areas such as Itaewon and Hannam-dong may help newcomers find familiar amenities while adjusting to daily life in South Korea.

Are there furnished apartments in Yongsan suitable for couples or families?

The featured options include a 30 m² studio and 33–43 m² one-bedroom apartments. Larger family-suitable options should be mentioned only where a verified listing and permitted occupancy are available. Check each apartment’s maximum occupancy, availability and bedroom configuration before booking, especially when relocating with family.

What should foreigners check before renting an apartment in Yongsan?

Foreign renters should confirm the total rental costs, security deposit, property condition, furnished amenities, and lease terms before signing. It is also important to check walking distances to public transport, particularly in hilly areas around Itaewon and Hannam-dong.