Foreign residents' first hurdle is housing. Enkostay says it can clear it.
For many foreign residents, the first few weeks in Seoul can feel almost effortless. The subway works. Convenience stores are everywhere, and there is always another café, restaurant or corner of the city to discover. Then the paperwork begins. An appointment for a residence card. A landlord asking for a deposit that can run into the tens of millions of won. Almost overnight, the experience…
For many foreign residents, life in Seoul initially seems straightforward. The subway system functions smoothly, convenience stores are abundant, and there are always new cafes, restaurants, or city corners to explore. However, the paperwork soon sets in. Applying for a residence card and seeking a landlord willing to accept a sizable deposit - which can amount to tens of millions of won - marks a significant shift from exploring Korea to navigating its intricacies.
Over the years, newcomers have sought guidance on Facebook groups, learning to wade through thousands of unverified listings and conflicting advice. Now, they are turning to online platforms for a more definitive answer, often asking on Reddit: Is this website legitimate?
Huy Kim Nguyen, known online as Kim Ninja, has been a prominent voice in this discussion. Nguyen, a software developer who moved to Korea five years ago, documented the challenges of living in the city through his YouTube videos, which garnered over a million views. His explanations of how Enkostay, a rental platform catering to foreign residents, functioned went viral. However, Nguyen warns that not everything online can be trusted, especially when presented with a visually appealing website.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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