Housing

Housing Services Office

Our HSO staff provides assistance in finding suitable off-post accommodations and will help you review and process rental contracts. The HSO staff serves as a liaison between the landlord, real estate agent and you – the customer. Rental costs are higher than normally associated with a stateside assignment. However, off-post allowances usually offset the additional expenses involved with these quarters.  

Camp Casey Housing Office is located in Maude Hall Building 2440, Room 104.  Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 0800-1700, closed for lunch from 1200-1300 and every Thursday from 0800-1200.  Closed on Korean Holidays. DSN 722-4798/4790.  **No Military Personnel will be authorized to live off post at CP Casey/Hovey, as UPH Quarters are available.

Yongsan Housing Office is located in DPW Building #1382, Room 309.  Hours of Operation are Monday - Friday 0800-1700, closed for lunch from 1130-1230 and closed for Korean Holidays. DSN 722-2535/2536.    All customers must in-process with housing office.

K-16 Housing Office is located in Building #241 next to K-Cottage.   Hours of Operation are Monday - Friday 0800-1700, closed on Korean Holidays.  DSN 722-8055/8059.  **NOTE:  No Military Personnel will be authorized to live off post at K-16, as UPH Quarters are available.  All customers must in-process with housing office. 

Off-post quarters are safe, clean and in close proximity to post facilities. Personnel seeking economy quarters must aggressively pursue housing. We strongly recommend anyone seeking off-post quarters to utilize an approved real estate agent established with the housing division. We hope you won't encounter any problems living off-post, but our office stands ready to assist you to negotiate and settle housing disputes if they arise. We hope your off-post living experience is exciting and rewarding for you and your family.

Off-Post Accommodations Policy

The following general information is for military and civilian personnel seeking off-post living accommodations throughout the Republic of Korea. Specific benefits and applicability vary based on several factors such as grade or rank, the specific location within the Korean peninsula and status (military, civilian, and type of tour). Individuals should contact the HSO or sponsors for additional information. Upon arrival at the new duty station, family members can report to the housing office within two business days to in-process. Prior to seeking off-post accommodations, personnel who will reside off-post must attend a mandatory briefing conducted by the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan HSO.

The rental property must have a safety inspection completed by the HSO before signing the lease agreement. This will ensure that the unit meets all life, health and safety codes. Personnel are required to bring the real estate agent and/or the landlord to the HSO before signing of the lease agreement to ensure the property is in compliance with the fair market value. All questions and/or negotiations will be done prior to signing the lease agreement to ensure the best deal possible and to ensure unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses do not occur. For members who reside off-post and have school-aged children, it is important that you are aware of the pre-determined bus stops prior to signing the lease agreement. The HSO and the school registration/school transportation office can provide maps of the school bus routes. Both the HSO and school registration office are co-located in the Community Services Building (S4106).

Rental Properties

Rental properties throughout South Korea have improved greatly over the years and now offer many western-style amenities such as open floor plans with two, three, and four bedrooms; built-in closets; 1.5 to two full bathrooms; security systems; laundry rooms; additional storage; and designated parking spaces. Although the rental property market is expensive by American standards, the HSO ensures the fair market value of the property which precludes service members and civilians from having unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses while residing in the local economy. The majority of rental properties in South Korea are apartment complexes that are comprised of several high-rise buildings which have recreational areas, parking and security guards. South Korean apartments are typically individually owned, similar to a condominium in the U.S. There are a limited number of villas (mid-rise apartments) available as well. 

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are mandatory and must be installed prior to move-in (this is the responsibility of the landlord and is required to pass the safety inspection). C02 detectors are mandatory for rental properties that have the furnace located inside of the unit in areas such as a basement or furnace room. Renters insurance is strongly recommended. The property should have adequate security locks, window locks and a security phone system. It is the service member or civilian’s responsibility to notify the landlord in writing at least 30 days prior, of intent to terminate and to ensure that all bills are paid prior to termination of the lease agreement.

Types of Properties

Rental properties are available in four basic categories - high rise, mid or low rise (villas) and South Korean-style homes.

High-rise apartments and villas are generally the newest types of housing available and many are less than 10 years old. Most rentals have two bathrooms with an open floor plan consisting of a living and dining combination adjacent to the kitchen along with the entryway, bedrooms and balconies. Kitchens are typically designed to be efficient and many have built-in dishwashers, cooktops and ovens. Cabinets and counters are adequate, however, there usually are a limited amount of electrical outlets. Bathrooms typically are completely tiled for easy cleaning and at least one (if not both) will have a full tub and shower booth while the second bathroom may only have a shower booth. Water off post is not potable for cooking or drinking. Bottled water is inexpensive and can be purchased through the PX/BX or commissary. 

Storage

Storage can be an issue but newer properties have built-in closets and many have additional storage space. If additional storage space is required, South Korean closets and shelving are readily available and the HSO has wardrobes available for issue to accommodate storage needs. Most rentals have cable TV access which provide some English channels. Internet services are available through the telephone company and, at some companies, stateside numbers for Voiceover IP can be added for a fee. Adequate parking is usually provided either in an underground facility or adjacent to the apartment. However, parking at off-post quarters is limited and it is recommended that a statement in the lease be added for parking provisions, especially if you are approved for an additional vehicle.  

Electricity

The electrical voltage in South Korea is 22Ov and most rental properties have a transformer to drop the voltage to 110v. This allows for stateside appliances to be used. Many newer rental properties now have both 220v and 110v outlets which offer the convenience of being able to use 220v appliances that are readily available in the economy. The number of electrical receptacles per room is less than what U.S. standards call for which can be a bit of an inconvenience, however, with new construction this has improved.

Traditional South Korean-style homes are the oldest type of housing option.  Traditional South Korean homes can be found in the countryside and offer floor heating, rice paper windows, and no modern furniture. While stationed in South Korea, you and your family should try to stay in a traditional South Korean home for the experience.

Pets 
The South Korean people are fond of small dogs (10 to 15 lbs.) and normally agree to have a small dog in the rental property. However, dogs larger than 15 pounds are usually discouraged due to the high-density population and lack of outdoor space for the dogs to exercise and play. Cats are usually tolerated, but not liked by South Korean people and should remain indoors for their entire stay in South Korea. Before entering into a lease agreement, ensure that the landlord and management office will allow for a pet.

Utilities and Fees

Conservation of utilities is always encouraged regardless of where you reside. Turning off lights, lowering the heating temperature or shutting off the air conditioner will aid in conserving energy. The South Korean utility company uses a tier system for billing. This means that the price of a kilowatt is broken down by ranges. As electrical consumption increases, so does the price per kilowatt, resulting in very high electric bills. During the summer months, $1,000 per month just for electricity is not unreasonable if energy conservation is not practiced.  

Personnel who reside off-post should monitor their usage and remember a simple rule of thumb: the more energy used, the higher the bill. Members who have negotiated utility caps in their lease agreements need to monitor their usage to prevent out-of-pocket expenses.

Typically, in a high-rise complex, the management office will bill the resident for management fees (which are used to pay the security force, maintain cleanliness, elevator maintenance, etc.), electric, water, and oil use. This bill, along with any type of monthly bill (phone, gas, newspaper) can be paid at any bank in South Korea. 

Recycling and Trash Disposal

South Korean law requires recycling of all trash items. The apartment complex has bins for glass, plastic, paper and food trash. All other household trash that is not recycled must be disposed of using South Korean trash bags of various sizes that may be purchased at local grocery or convenience stores. Disposal fees are charged for large items such as furniture or appliances. The management office can provide additional information on disposal fees.

South Korea recently issued new guidance on fines for personnel in violation of their recycling policies. Before entering into a lease off-post, investigate your building's recycling policies.

Overview of Housing Allowances

Service members receive Overseas Housing Allowance which includes a reoccurring utility allowance to pay for the cost of the monthly rent and utility bills. In addition to this monthly entitlement, a one-time lump sum payment called a Move-In Housing Allowance, is paid to the service member upon signing of the lease agreement. The MIHA is used to off-set any miscellaneous costs associated with moving in. Service members may also be eligible to receive a Dislocation Allowance. Civilians receive Living Quarters Allowance, and when authorized on the permanent change of station orders, a Miscellaneous Expense Allowance.  

Inbound military members are eligible to receive a Temporary Living Allowance and civilians a Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance to defray the costs of meals and hotel accommodations while house hunting.  

Civilian personnel will either receive a lump sum advance LQA not to exceed 24 months or pro-rated LQA on a monthly basis to pay the rent. Service members living in off-post housing receive a monthly Basic Allowance for Housing paid in dollars which must be paid to their landlord in South Korean Won. 

Final Comments about Living Off-Post

A tour in South Korea can be an educational, adventurous and rewarding experience. In particular, living off-post is a great experience and immerses you in the culture. Many service members, civilians and their families have lived off-post for many years and have found the living accommodations to be both comfortable and suitable. Undeniably, the living standards are different, however, once you and/or your family move into an off-post dwelling unit and establish a routine, you'll find living off-post to be a rewarding experience. Putting aside one's reservations, maintaining a positive attitude, communicating with your sponsor prior to arrival and networking once you arrive will help make your off-post living experience both comfortable and rewarding. As covered previously, the information presented is intended to be general in nature, applying to a large audience. Specific and detailed information is available at your local HSO, with your sponsor or within your chain of command.    

Temporary Lodging Allowance

TLA is an allowance that is approved by HSO and processed by finance. TLA is designed to offset the cost incurred by soldiers and their family members when it is necessary to occupy temporary lodging because of a PCS move. Personnel must receive prior approval from the HSO before occupying temporary lodging. Service members and their families are authorized at 10-day increments up to 60 days TLA upon arrival to USAG Yongsan. Departing service members residing on post are authorized five days with those residing off-post given 10 days of TLA. Service members residing in barracks on USAG Yongsan are not authorized TLA. Those service members in barracks at K16 will receive one day of TLA.

If you are on a command-sponsored tour to South Korea and assigned to USAG Yongsan, at your earliest availability, please contact the Dragon Hill Lodge to make a reservation. In our community, you could be in temporary lodging for up to 60 days.  Make the reservation for 60 days and cancel if housing becomes available prior to the conclusion of your reservation.

Sponsorship Program

You may have specific questions concerning housing services in USAG Yongsan - Casey. If you do, please contact your unit sponsor. Your sponsor can research your question so your move to South Korea can be an enjoyable experience.

Visit InMyArea.com to search for utility providers based on your zip code. This website serves as a one-stop shop where you can explore your options, compare prices and purchase services.

USAG Yongsan - Casey Housing

Camp Casey Housing Office is located in Maude Hall, Building 2440, Room 104.  No Military Personnel will be authorized to live off post at CP Casey/Hovey, as UPH Quarters are available.  Call DSN 722-4798/4793. 

Yongsan Housing Office is located in DPW Building #1382, Room 309.  All Customers must in-process with housing office.  Call DSN 722-2536

K-16 Housing Office is located in Building 241 (next to K-Cottage).  No Military Personnel will be authorized to live off post at K-16, as UPH Quarters are available.  All customers must in-process with housing office.  Call DSN 722-8055/8059.