For international students who plan to enroll in a Korean university, the complex housing process has long been a source of frustration. According to research by Finder, an Australian information company, Seoul ranked fourth in global property rankings, with sky-high prices making it barely affordable for students who have not managed to secure a dormitory.

Does this mean living conditions should be compromised to fit the budget? The answer is no. Numerous media outlets have highlighted how nightmarish some Korean housing options can be, with one of the most striking examples being shown in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” 2019, which depicts a family's struggles in the infamous "banjiha" or semi-basement apartment.

So how should international students tackle this dilemma between cost and living conditions? The answer to that question is in this video. Two students, from the Philippines and Kazakhstan, give a tour of their homes, offering tips for visiting a "budongsan" (Korean real estate agency) as well as insights into rent and deposit fees.

Watch the full video for more information!