Hidden Costs of Living in Korea: A Guide to Apartment Maintenance Fees (Gwanlibi) 


Apartment complex in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do



Welcome to ‘A Local’s Korea and Seoul’!

With the global rise of Hallyu, I’ve noticed so many more people interested in making Korea their home. Moving to a new country is an exhilarating challenge! However, to make your transition smooth, there’s one crucial budget item you shouldn't overlook: Gwanlibi (관리비), or monthly maintenance fees.

If you only budget for your monthly rent, you might be in for a surprise when your first bill arrives. Let’s break down what this cost is and how much you should expect to pay.

Most Seoulites Live in "Collective Housing"

In Korean cities, most people live in apartments or "officetels" (studio-style buildings). According to 2020 statistics, about 43% of Seoul’s population lives in apartments, while only about 9% live in detached houses. This means that for most expats, the "apartment lifestyle" will be the reality.

What is "Gwanlibi" (Maintenance Fee)?

When you live in these buildings, you pay a monthly fee that covers:

  • Common Management Fees: Security, cleaning, elevator maintenance, and building repairs.

  • Individual Usage: Electricity, water, and sometimes heating/gas (depending on the building).

  • Long-term Repair Deposits: A small fund set aside for major future building renovations.

Pro Tip: In Korea, "The bigger, the better" applies to apartment complexes. Since the total building cost is split among all residents, living in a large-scale complex (1,000+ units) is often cheaper than living in a small, luxury building with fewer neighbors.

How Much Does It Actually Cost?

Maintenance fees vary based on the building’s age and amenities (like gyms or saunas).

  • Standard 84㎡ (approx. 25 pyeong) Apartment: On average, expect to pay ₩200,000 to ₩300,000 ($150 – $230) per month.

  • 2024 Statistics: The average for a Seoul apartment is roughly ₩280,000 ($215).

  • Older Villas: If you live in an older, low-rise "villa," your management fee might be as low as ₩20,000 to ₩50,000 ($15 – $38), but you will likely have to pay your electricity and gas bills separately.


Korean Officetel Management Fee Notice


A Real-Life Example: My Officetel

I live in an officetel in Gyeonggi Province (near Seoul). My average monthly bill is about ₩150,000 ($115). Here’s the breakdown:

  • Electricity: ₩23,000 ($17)

  • Hot Water: ₩12,000 ($9)

  • Water: ₩7,600 ($6)

  • Building Service Fees: The remainder.

Interestingly, I’ve seen some neighbors in my building pay as little as ₩100,000 ($75), while others pay up to ₩400,000 ($300)!

Watch Out for the "Heating Bomb"!

Why the huge difference? Many officetels use District Heating (Jiyeok-nanbang). If you aren't careful and leave your thermostat too high, the hot water circulates 24/7, leading to what Koreans call a "Maintenance Fee Bomb" (Gwanlibi Poktan). Always check your heating settings when you first move in!

Summary

When planning your life in Korea, budget an extra ₩100,000 to ₩300,000 ($75 – $230) on top of your rent for maintenance. If you want to save money, looking for an older villa might be your best bet to keep these costs under ₩100,000 ($75).

I hope this helps you plan your dream life in Korea! If you have any questions about renting in Seoul, feel free to leave a comment.


#LivingInKorea #LifeInSeoul #KoreaExpat #SeoulApartment #MoveToKorea #KoreaBudget #Gwanlibi #KoreaRealEstate #SeoulLife #SouthKoreaGuide

Location: 대한민국 경기도 부천시

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