Deposit of 30 Million Won, Monthly Rent of 1.4 Million Won
Contract Rises to 1.6 Million Won With Maintenance Fees Included
A monthly rental listing at a newly built apartment in Seocho-gu, Seoul, has sparked controversy. Instead of renting out the entire unit, only a single room is available for rent. Not only is the rent expensive, but tenants are also required to live with the owner and share facilities such as the bathroom and kitchen.
As of January 15, a listing for a 59-square-meter Maple Xi unit in Seocho-gu, Seoul, was posted on Naver Pay Real Estate, with a deposit of 30 million won and a monthly rent of 1.4 million won.
However, the detailed terms specify that only one room is being rented, not the entire apartment. The room measures 4.2 meters by 2.7 meters, roughly 9.9 square meters. The tenant must live together with the owner and share common areas such as the kitchen and living room. Additionally, only women are allowed to move in. The bathroom located directly in front of the room is available for the tenant's use.
Seoul Seocho-gu Maple Xi monthly rental listing posted on Naver Pay Real Estate. The area in the red box indicates the rental. Naver Pay Real Estate.
The monthly rent varies depending on how utility fees are shared. If the tenant pays one-third of the maintenance fees separately, the monthly rent is 1.4 million won. If maintenance fees are included in the contract, the rent increases to 1.6 million won. Maintenance fees cover electricity, water, common area fees, and other charges, but fees for using paid community facilities must be paid separately.
This listing has become a hot topic in various online communities. Some positive reactions include, "There is actually demand from parents in other regions who want to send their daughters to school in Seoul," and "It might be appealing because it feels like an old-fashioned boarding house." On the other hand, negative comments include, "Charging 1.4 million won for a 9.9-square-meter room is excessive," and "With only one front door, it would be uncomfortable to constantly feel watched when coming and going."
Maple Xi is a large-scale apartment complex with 29 buildings, ranging from four basement levels to 35 above-ground floors, and a total of 3,307 units. Community facilities include a 925-square-meter banquet hall offering breakfast service, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, study cafe, and shared office space.
The complex is directly connected to Jamwon Station on Subway Line 3, and Banpo Station on Line 7 is also within walking distance, making it a prime location for public transportation. The area is well-served by major transit routes such as the Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Jamwon IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway. Several schools, including Wonchon Elementary and Middle Schools, Sindong Elementary and Middle Schools, and Gyeongwon Middle School, are nearby. Large shopping centers such as Shinsegae Department Store and NewCore Outlet are easily accessible. The area also offers a pleasant residential environment with parks like Hangang Park and Sindong Neighborhood Park.
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