Rent and management fees for studio apartments near major universities in Seoul have both increased over the past year, adding to the financial burden for students.
On August 11, Dabang released an analysis of average rent and management fees for studio apartments registered in July near ten major universities in Seoul, ahead of the start of the second semester.
Based on a survey of studio apartments with a deposit of 10 million won and a floor area of less than 33 square meters, the average rent rose to 625,000 won, an increase of 44,000 won (7.7%) from 581,000 won in the same month last year. Average management fees also increased from 75,000 won to 84,000 won, a rise of 9,000 won (10.9%).
The increase in single-person households in Seoul is believed to have driven up demand for studio apartments near universities. According to the national census data, the number of single-person households in Seoul rose from 1,390,701 in 2020 to 1,699,910 in 2025, a 22.2% increase over five years. During the same period, single-person households aged 20 to 34, which include students and young professionals, also grew by 21.3%.
By university, the area near Seoul National University saw the largest rent increase, with average rent rising from 423,000 won last year to 533,000 won this year, a 26.0% increase. The area near Hankuk University of Foreign Studies saw an increase from 582,000 won to 670,000 won, a rise of 15.1%, while the area near Yonsei University increased from 614,000 won to 678,000 won, a 10.4% rise. Areas near Chung-Ang University and Hanyang University also saw increases of 9.4% and 9.2%, respectively.
In contrast, the average rent near Sungkyunkwan University decreased from 576,000 won to 550,000 won, a decline of 4.5%. This was the only area among the ten major universities in Seoul where rent fell compared to the previous year.
The largest increase in management fees was observed near Chung-Ang University, which jumped from 76,000 won last year to 102,000 won this year, a 34.2% increase. The area near Seoul National University saw management fees rise from 78,000 won to 91,000 won, a 16.7% increase, while the area near Hanyang University increased from 70,000 won to 81,000 won, a rise of 15.7%. Areas near Yonsei University and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies also saw increases of 14.3% and 10.4%, respectively. Only the area near Sogang University experienced a decrease, with management fees falling from 64,000 won to 62,000 won, a drop of 3.1%.
The most expensive area for rent and management fees was near Ewha Womans University, where the average rent in July was 767,000 won, and average management fees were 103,000 won, both over 20% higher than the average near major universities in Seoul.
Compared to January, just before the start of the first semester, housing costs have seen a slight increase. In January, the average rent for studio apartments near major universities in Seoul was 622,000 won, and average management fees were 82,000 won. By July, rent had increased by 3,000 won (0.5%) and management fees by 2,000 won (2.4%).
A Dabang representative stated, "The overall increase in rent and management fees for studio apartments near universities is linked to the growing demand for small housing due to the rise in single-person households. It is important for prospective renters to start looking for listings early, especially before the peak demand period at the start of the semester, and to thoroughly check the details of listings and landlords before signing contracts."
Meanwhile, according to Dabang's 'Dabang Map' released on July 28, the average rent for studio apartments under 33 square meters in Gangnam District was 1,020,000 won, up 5.1% from 970,000 won the previous month.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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