Living in a Korean House: What to Expect, Tips, and Must-Know Rules

Moving into a Korean house or apartment can be an exciting experience, but also a bit confusing if you are new to Korea.

Housing in Korea comes with its own set of systems, habits, and unspoken rules that every foreigner should know before settling in.

From heating and air-conditioning to plugs, bathrooms, and even what not to do, here’s your complete guide.

Credit: Antique Alive

1. Heating System: Ondol (온돌)

• What it is: Korean homes use an underfloor heating system called ondol (온돌). Hot water runs through pipes under the floor, making the entire room warm.

• Efficiency: Much more energy-efficient than electric heaters.

  Tip: Don’t place mattresses or rugs that block heat circulation. Instead, use a traditional Korean floor bed (yo, 요) or thin bedding.

2. Air Conditioning (에어컨)

• Types:

  • Wall-mounted air-conditioners (에어컨, aeo-keon) with remote control.

  • Ceiling units in newer apartments with wall panels.

  Tip: Clean the filters every few weeks, dust builds up quickly in Korea’s humid summers.

  Electric bill warning: Running the AC nonstop can get expensive. Use the energy-saving “절전 (jeoljeon)” mode when possible.

3. Electrical Plugs and Voltage

• Voltage: Korea uses 220V and Type C or F plugs (two round pins).

  Tip: If you bring appliances from the US, UK, or elsewhere, you’ll need adapters and sometimes voltage converters.

  Safety: Don’t overload outlets. Many apartments have built-in power breakers that trip easily.

4. Bathrooms in Korea

• Wet rooms: Many Korean bathrooms are designed without a separate shower stall, water can splash everywhere.

• Drain on the floor: Use bathroom slippers (욕실화, yoksilhwa) to avoid slipping.

  Tip: Keep a squeegee or mop handy to dry the floor after showering.

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5. House Rules & Etiquette

• No smoking indoors: Most landlords strictly forbid smoking inside. It also causes strong odor that neighbors complain about.

• Don’t throw food or oil down the sink: It clogs pipes and causes insects. Use special food waste bags (음식물 쓰레기 봉투).

• Don’t flush tissues in some places: Many older buildings still ask tenants to throw toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet. Check signs in your bathroom or ask your landlord..

• Shoes off at the entrance: Always remove your shoes at the door. Use indoor slippers.

  
  

6. Contract & Pets

• Pets: Not all Korean landlords allow animals. Always check your rental contract (임대차 계약서, imdaecha gyeyakseo) before moving in.

  Tip: Some buildings are strict about barking or pet waste in common areas. Breaking the rule can cost your deposit.

• Other restrictions: Check if your building has quiet hours, no-party rules, or restrictions on subletting.

  
  

7. Extra Tips for Living Comfortably

• Heating costs: Gas bills rise quickly in winter. Use insulation tape on windows and turn it off in the rooms you don’t use.

• Air circulation: Mold can be a problem in humid summers. Open windows or use a dehumidifier.

• Recycling rules: Korea has strict recycling laws. Separate food waste, plastic, paper, and general waste properly.

• Neighbors: Be mindful of noise. Thin walls mean loud music or heavy footsteps can upset your neighbors.

  
  

Living in a Korean house comes with unique systems like ondol heating, wall or ceiling air-conditioning, and wet bathrooms.

At the same time, it requires following strict rules about waste disposal, noise, and contracts. By understanding these basics, you’ll avoid common mistakes and make your Korean home life more comfortable and stress-free.