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Has anyone had an experience with their goshiwon landlord refusing to refund the deposit after damaging the wallpaper?
Does anyone have any suggestions for what I could maybe do about this to get at least part of my deposit back? I booked my goshiwon directly with the landlord, so I cannot refer to a rental agency or anything like that. Please send a DM if you want to see the pictures of the damage.
Thanks a lot!
100,000 won is actually on the lower end for deposit disputes I've seen around here. The bigger issue is whether the landlord even has a legal right to hold it. Under Korean rental law, landlords can deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear, but goshiwon contracts are often informal and don't specify what counts. If your contract doesn't mention a security deposit or damage clause, you can argue the deposit was just a holding fee and not a damage fund. Try sending a clear message in Korean saying you'll contact the local gu office or the Seoul Metropolitan Government's rental dispute center if they don't return it. Those offices take landlord complaints seriously, especially for foreign students, and the hassle alone often makes them fold on small amounts like 100,000 won.
Honestly, 100,000 won for wallpaper damage in a goshiwon is pretty standard for landlords trying to squeeze a bit more out of you. I've seen it happen a lot around places like Sinchon or near Korea University, where the turnover is high and the walls are paper thin literally and figuratively. Your best bet is to push back firmly but politely in Korean if you can, saying the deposit should cover normal wear and tear and that the wallpaper was already low quality when you moved in. If your contract doesn't specifically list a damage deposit clause, you have some leverage, and you could try offering 30,000 or 40,000 won as a fair compromise for the rips.
yeah 100k is steep for some ripped wallpaper tbh. check if ur contract actually mentions deposits for damages, a lot of goshiwon ones don't even bother with that stuff
Seoul Airport to City Center (2026)
The AREX Express is the fastest way from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, taking 43 minutes nonstop. Tickets cost 9,500 won for adults, and you can buy them at the airport k… 🚆 AREX Express Train
The AREX Express is the fastest way from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, taking 43 minutes nonstop. Tickets cost 9,500 won for adults, and you can buy them at the airport kiosks or online in advance. Trains run every 30 minutes from 5:20 AM to 11:40 PM.
🚇 AREX All-Stop Train
For a cheaper option, the AREX All-Stop train makes local stops and costs 4,150 won with a T-money card. It takes about 66 minutes to reach Seoul Station, but it's convenient if your destination is near a stop like Hongdae or Digital Media City. Trains run every 6-10 minutes from around 5:30 AM to midnight.
🚌 Airport Limousine Buses
Airport limousine buses serve many hotels and districts, with fares between 10,000 and 18,000 won. Routes like 6015 to Myeongdong or 6002 to Hongdae run every 10-20 minutes from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM. You can buy tickets at the airport bus stops or from the driver with cash or T-money.
🚕 Taxi Options and Scams
Regular taxis from Incheon to central Seoul cost around 50,000-70,000 won, while deluxe taxis are about 80,000-100,000 won. Avoid unlicensed drivers at the arrivals hall; always use the official taxi queue. Some drivers may refuse the meter, so insist on the meter or choose a different cab.
🚗 Ride-Hailing Apps
Apps like Kakao T and Uber are available in Seoul, offering fixed prices for airport trips. A ride from Incheon to Gangnam costs roughly 60,000-80,000 won. Book through the app to avoid language barriers and ensure transparent pricing.
🚐 Private Transfer Services
Pre-booked private transfers cost around 70,000-120,000 won depending on vehicle size and destination. Companies like KTravelBus or Seoul Airport Transfer offer door-to-door service with English-speaking drivers. This is ideal for groups or those with heavy luggage.
💳 T-Money Card Tips
Buy a T-money card at the airport convenience store for 2,500 won and load it with cash. It works on AREX trains, city buses, and subways, and you can get a refund for remaining balance at the airport. To save time, load at least 20,000 won for your first few days.
⏰ Late-Night Travel
After midnight, the AREX and most buses stop running, so your options are taxis or ride-hailing apps. The N6001 night bus runs from Incheon to Seoul Station from 11:30 PM to 4:30 AM, costing 9,000 won. Taxis at night may have surcharges, so check the meter carefully.
The guide is solid, but one thing I'd add is that if you're landing at Terminal 2, the AREX Express actually starts there and stops at Terminal 1 before heading to Seoul Station. A lot of people don't realize that and end up waiting for the wrong train. Also, for the limousine bus, the 6015 to Myeongdong is great but traffic on the way in can turn that 60-minute ride into 90 minutes easily, especially on Friday afternoons.
yeah the guide covers it well but one thing i'd mention is that if you're traveling with a group of 3 or 4, a regular taxi from the airport to central seoul can actually be cheaper per person than the express train and way more convenient. split 60k won four ways and it's only 15k each, plus no hauling luggage through the station. just make sure they use the meter or you'll get ripped off
Nice write-up. One thing I'd add is that Kakao T has a "call taxi" option where you just put in your destination and it shows the fare upfront, which is perfect for avoiding the language barrier with drivers who don't speak English. I've used it a few times from the airport and it always worked smoothly, even late at night.