Housing near HUFS - Hankuk (Korea) University of Foreign Studies: 2026 student guide

What campus reviews reveal about living near HUFS

Student reviews offer a clear picture of what it is like to study at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) – and what that means for finding a place to live nearby. The university holds a QS World University Ranking of 680 and has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 705 reviews. Several comments highlight the compact, walkable campus and its excellent location:

“Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) is renowned in Korea as the top university for foreign language studies. The Seoul campus specializes in languages, humanities, and business-related majors. Although the campus is relatively small, it is conveniently located on flat ground and just a short” — Ahacool Kim, 5/5

“From 외대앞역 @ Seoul Metro Line #1, it was an easy walk on almost flat te” — zenny oh, 4/5

“The campus is compact so students do not need to worry about being late for classes. Kyung Hee University is located within walking distance. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies station (subway line#1) is ar” — Zohid Mamadjonov, 5/5

The consistent message: HUFS’s Seoul campus sits on flat terrain right next to 외대앞역 (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Station) on Seoul Subway Line 1. The station name literally translates to “HUFS front station,” meaning the campus entrance is just steps away. Students also appreciate that Kyung Hee University is within walking distance, adding a lively student neighbourhood feel. One reviewer noted the area is “one of the best places around Seoul to see autumn colors,” indicating that the district has green space and a pleasant atmosphere.

These reviews matter for housing decisions. A small, flat campus means you can comfortably live further away without spending time on hills or long internal walks. Reliable metro access to Line 1 expands your options beyond the immediate block. The presence of another major university nearby suggests the area is well-served with student-friendly amenities such as convenience stores, cafés, and budget eateries.

Seoul’s Dongdaemun District: a student-friendly neighbourhood

HUFS is located at 107 Imun-ro, Dongdaemun District, Seoul. Dongdaemun is one of Seoul’s historic districts, known for its massive shopping markets and cultural sites, but the university sits in a quieter residential part called Imun-dong. The area is predominantly residential with a mix of older villas, newer officetels, and purpose-built student housing.

Being on the north-eastern side of Seoul, Imun-dong is well connected by Line 1 (which runs through the city centre to Seoul Station and beyond) and by buses that link to areas like Sinseol-dong and Cheongnyangni. Shops and restaurants cluster around the station exits, making daily life convenient. The presence of both HUFS and Kyung Hee University means that landlords in the area are accustomed to renting to students, and many contracts are offered with flexible terms (short-term, no deposit options, or utilities included).

Budget bands for student housing near HUFS (2026–2027)

Rental prices in Seoul vary depending on room type, distance from campus, and whether utilities are included. Below are typical monthly rent ranges for common student housing options near HUFS. All figures are indicative — confirm with the operator before committing.

• Goshiwon / Hasukjip (small single room, shared bathroom and kitchen, usually no deposit or a small deposit of ~KRW 100,000–300,000): KRW 250,000–450,000 per month
• One-room / Studio (private room with own bathroom and small kitchen, deposit typically KRW 1,000,000–10,000,000): KRW 400,000–700,000 per month
• Sharehouse (private bedroom in a shared apartment or house, utilities and internet often included, deposit ~KRW 500,000–2,000,000): KRW 350,000–550,000 per month
• Two-room / Officetel (suitable for couples or two sharers, higher deposit): KRW 600,000–900,000 per month

Note that “monthly rent” in Korea usually does not include utilities (gas, electricity, water) unless stated. Always ask whether management fees and utility costs are separate. Also be aware that many contracts require a large “key deposit” (보증금) that is returned at move-out; if this is a barrier, look for “no-deposit” options sometimes offered via platforms or direct landlord agreements.

Walk vs transit: trade-offs

One of the biggest decisions when house-hunting near HUFS is whether to prioritise walking distance or rely on public transport.

Walking distance (under 15 minutes)

• Pros: zero commute costs, you can roll out of bed and be in class quickly, easy to pop home between lectures, area around the station is flat and safe.
• Cons: rents tend to be slightly higher, fewer choices if you want a big apartment, less exposure to other neighbourhoods.
• Typical radius: anything within a 10-minute walk from 외대앞역 or the main gate. Streets like Imun-ro and the alleys behind the campus are popular.

Transit-friendly (15–30 minutes by subway or bus)

• Pros: lower rent for the same size, more variety in housing types (newer officetels in Cheongnyangni, quieter residential streets near Hoegi Station), you are also closer to other universities or downtown areas.
• Cons: monthly transit pass needed (around KRW 65,000 for unlimited subway/bus in Seoul), you lose flexibility between classes, and the subway can get crowded during peak hours.
• Good areas: Hoegi (Line 1, one stop away, has a wider student community near Korea University), also Cheongnyangni (major transfer station with many buses and restaurants).

For most HUFS students, a balance works well: live within 10–15 minutes’ walk to enjoy the convenience of the campus, or try Hoegi or Sinseol-dong if you want a larger room and don’t mind a short subway ride.

Shortlist logic: choosing where to live near HUFS

Given the campus reviews and the city context, here is a logical method to shortlist housing options without relying on specific commercial listings:

1. Prioritise proximity to 외대앞역: Every review points out the subway station’s immediate access. Any residence within a 5-minute walk of the station entrance is ideal. Look for buildings along the main road or in the residential blocks behind the station’s exit.

2. Consider flat terrain: The campus and its surroundings are flat. That makes walking or cycling easy. Avoid hillside properties unless you want the workout – there is no need to sacrifice convenience when flat land abounds.

3. Check for shared student infrastructure: Because Kyung Hee University is nearby, the area between the two campuses has many restaurants, study cafés, and convenience stores. Choosing a room between HUFS and Kyung Hee means you are part of a larger student corridor.

4. Evaluate deposit vs monthly cost: For short-term students (exchange, language course), a goshiwon or sharehouse with a low deposit is often the smartest choice. For long-term degree students, a one-room with a moderate deposit might be better value.

5. Read recent tenant reviews: The same platform you use to find housing may have reviews from previous HUFS students. Look for comments about noise (the area is generally quiet at night), air conditioning (essential in Seoul summers), and internet speed.

6. Visit in person if possible: Photos can be misleading. Walk the route from the property to campus at the time you normally would attend class. Check for street lighting, nearby grocery stores, and bus stops.

The “shortlist” should not be a fixed set of brand-name residences – instead, it is a filter. For example, you might start by searching apartments within 500 metres of 외대앞역, with a monthly rent under KRW 500,000, and with no deposit requirement. That would narrow down to goshiwons and some sharehouses. If your budget is higher, expand the radius to 1 km or consider a one-room in Hoegi.

FAQ

1. Is it easy to find housing near HUFS as an international student?
Yes, because the area is accustomed to hosting both Korean and international students from HUFS and Kyung Hee University. Many landlords accept foreigners, and some offer English-language contracts or use standardised real estate forms. It helps to have a Korean-speaking friend or use a reputable rental platform. Always confirm whether utilities are included in the rent.

2. What is the average commute time from popular student areas?
From a room within 10 minutes’ walk: less than 5 minutes to campus. From Hoegi Station (one stop away on Line 1): about 10–12 minutes including waiting and walking. From Cheongnyangni (two stops away): around 20–25 minutes. From Sinseol-dong (transfer to Line 2): 20–30 minutes. Buses to HUFS also run from many directions.

3. Are utilities included in rent?
It varies. Goshiwons and hasukjip often include water, gas, and electricity in the monthly fee. One-rooms and officetels usually charge utilities separately based on usage. Always ask the landlord or agent explicitly: “Are utilities included?” and “How much is the average monthly utility bill?” If unclear, request an estimate based on the previous tenant’s bills.

Data as of 2026. All rental prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. This guide is written for informational purposes only and does not endorse any specific housing provider.

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