Where Foreigners Can Stay on the Cheap: Korea's 'Goshiwon

Hey, my fellow travel addicts! You won't believe where I just found out tourists are staying in Seoul—a place called a "goshiwon" or "goshitel." My Korean friends were utterly baffled, and honestly, so was I at first. This isn't a hostel or an Airbnb. It's a tiny room, literally a shoebox, originally for students cramming for government exams. Yeah, I know. My mind was blown too.

But it turns out, this is the hottest new trend for budget travelers and even digital nomads looking for an authentic, no-frills Korean experience. It’s a bit like a dorm room, but a lot more… well, "compact." A typical room has just enough space for a bed and a tiny desk. Many have shared bathrooms, and you might not even get a window. A friend of mine who visited a friend’s room there said it felt a little claustrophobic, but hey, you're not paying for a view, you're paying for a ticket to real Seoul life.

Why on Earth Would a Canadian Stay Here?

Okay, so I know what you’re thinking. "Why would I choose to live in a windowless closet?" The answer, my friends, is simple: location and cost. A goshiwon is dirt cheap. We're talking ₩200,000 to ₩400,000 per month (that’s about $200–$400 CAD). For that price, you're not getting a basement apartment in the suburbs—you're getting a room smack in the middle of Seoul's coolest neighborhoods like Gangnam or Hongdae. One of my friends told me he even saw a bunch of foreigners staying in a really nice-looking goshitel right near Gangnam-gu Office. [

https://imgur.com/vTwf1St] These places are a far cry from the cramped, old-school versions from the '80s and '90s. Thanks to social media and some very vocal residents, many of them have been upgraded and are cleaner and safer than ever before. You might get a private bathroom (that's a "goshitel"!), shared kitchen access, and even free rice and kimchi. It’s the ultimate way to feel like a true local and live the "K-drama student life" without breaking the bank.

So, Is a Goshiwon for You?

My friends, the choice is yours. If you're looking for a luxury suite with a king-sized bed and a view, this isn’t it. But if you’re a traveler who wants a no-nonsense, affordable base in the heart of Seoul, a goshiwon might just be the most unforgettable part of your trip. Just don't complain about the small space—it’s what you signed up for! And don't forget to pack a little courage; you're about to have a truly unique Korean experience.