In the heart of Seoul, a fresh approach to living is reshaping how we see community and shared areas—enter “co-living spaces.” Never heard the phrase before? Well, basically, “co-living spaces” are buildings or complexes where people live together in a shared environment. Typically, these buildings have shared areas like kitchens and living rooms where you can get to know the other residents, as well as private living spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms—the idea is to combine all the advantages of communal living, like cost-sharing and socializing, with the privacy and independence of having your own space. In this guide, we’ll delve into five of the top co-living spaces in Seoul.
1. Mangrove Co-living
If you have done any research on co-living in Seoul, you would have definitely heard of “Mangrove Co-living,” a.k.a one of the most popular co-living building “brands.” In fact, the buildings are so popular that they have five branches, including in the happening Seoul neighborhoods of Sincheon, Dongdaemun, Sinseol, and Soongin (plus, if you want a break from city life, they even have a building in the seaside village of Goseong, Gangwon-do). One of the reasons why “Mangrove” buildings are so popular are because they have a variety of accommodation options, from dormitory-style rooms to shared spaces, making them very attractive to students and digital nomads who have, perhaps, limited budgets and are seeking flexibility. In addition to having stunning kitchens and common areas, “Mangrove Co-living” even has dedicated areas for meditation and fitness, all aimed at promoting a balanced and positive living environment. So, if you’re looking for a co-living space that will be both comfortable and affordable, you can’t go wrong with checking out one of the “Mangrove Co-living” buildings!
Learn more about Mangrove Co-living.
2. Episode Suyu 838
One popular co-living building is “Episode Suyu 838” in Suyu-dong. Standing tall at 23 stories, this building offers a wide range of amenities that you’d be missing out on by just renting a standard studio apartment. For example, you can make use of their spacious working lounge, which has desks and couches, ideal for productivity or relaxation—plus, there are even private rooms available for focused studying. Meanwhile, the rooftop of “Episode Suyu 838” is a comfortable modern common space with couches, tables, and more, all complete with the building’s breathtaking view of Mount Bukhan. One of the things that make co-living spaces unique is the many opportunities to socialize, e.g., many buildings have their own group chats and gather for meals and parties, which can be a good way to make friends for foreigners and remote workers.
Learn more about Episode Suyu 838.
3. Local Stitch
If you’re someone who thrives on creativity, then you’ll absolutely love “Local Stitch.” Step inside to find a modern building, fitted with all the modern conveniences you could need, including fantastic co-working spaces ideal for students and remote workers. Need a spot to brainstorm or unwind? The community room provides comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere. And don’t overlook the rooftop terrace with its breathtaking city—a beautiful space to relax, whether you’re just taking a break outdoors or hosting a barbecue with friends. What’s more, the building is conveniently situated in Seogyo, a vibrant and trendy neighborhood close to Hongdae (which is, of course, known around the world for its universities, food culture, and nightlife). With easy access to Hongdae and the rest of Seoul thanks to the city’s easy-to-access public transport, living in “Local Stitch,” you’ll never run out of things to do or places to explore.
Learn more about Local Stitch.
4. Hoppin House
If you want a community-focused and cozy space, then you need to know about “Hoppin House” in Yeonnamdong! Located near Hongdae, “Hoppin House” consists of a mix of private and shared rooms and is known for its warm and welcoming community atmosphere. What’s more, in addition to having a great coworking space (they even have meeting rooms for all the remote workers out there!) and garden for its residents, “Hopping House” has become a hub for digital nomads and often hosts events in collaboration with Digital Nomad Korea. These events are great for making friends with both locals and other expats/foreigners, which can be a valuable experience to grow your social circle, especially if you’re new to the city! With cozy and inviting common areas ideal for socializing or working in a relaxed setting, “Hoppin House” offers the perfect spaces—additionally, the staff are always on hand to help you, from giving you viral local cafe recommendations to setting up your workspace! Overall, “Hoppin House” offers digital nomads a unique and vibrant living experience, perfect for connecting with like-minded individuals.
Learn more about Hoppin House.
5. Seoul Nooks
Last on our list is “Seoul Nooks,” a popular co-living space in Huamdong, which is close to Itaewon and Seoul Station (perfect if you are planning trips in and out of Seoul!). “Seoul Nooks” is an ideal meeting ground for global nomads, experts, and locals, especially as the building organizes monthly “townhall meetings” and encourages members to host events. The aim is for “Seoul Nooks” to feel like a second home, with membership starting at a minimum of two months to create a strong sense of community among residents—even the coworking space at “Seoul Nooks” mirrors the comfort of home with cozy furniture, desks, couches, etc. With a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, “Seoul Nooks” is ideal for anyone looking for a second home in Seoul!
Learn more about Seoul Nooks.
From the cozy vibes of “Hoppin House” and “Seoul Nooks” to the creativity of “Local Stitch,” each of Seoul’s co-living spaces offers something special. As Seoul continues to evolve and embrace new living styles, these spaces have become welcoming hubs where people from all backgrounds can come together, collaborate, and thrive. So, whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a buzzing center of activity, check out these Seoul’s co-living spots!