What is the average price per sqm in Daejeon?

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BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Daejeon. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the South Korean real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daejeon. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What are the current average prices per square meter for different property types in Daejeon?

As of September 2025, resale apartments in Daejeon average KRW 5.1 million per square meter, equivalent to approximately $3,530.

Newly built apartments command higher prices, ranging from KRW 5.2 million to KRW 5.4 million per square meter across recent citywide projects. This premium reflects modern amenities, energy efficiency, and updated building standards that buyers increasingly demand.

Houses in Daejeon's general residential areas average around KRW 4.0 million per square meter, making them notably more affordable than apartments. Districts like Yuseong-gu and Seo-gu are experiencing higher house prices due to ongoing development projects and increased demand from tech sector workers.

These prices position Daejeon below Seoul's premium market levels while maintaining competitiveness with other metropolitan areas across South Korea. The city offers a balanced value proposition for both investors and residents seeking quality properties without Seoul's price premiums.

It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.

How do prices vary between central neighborhoods, suburban areas, and developing districts?

Central neighborhoods, particularly Yuseong-gu and Seo-gu, command the highest prices at approximately KRW 5.0 million to KRW 5.4 million per square meter due to their tech clusters and university proximity.

Suburban and outskirt areas offer more affordable options, typically ranging from KRW 4.0 million to KRW 4.8 million per square meter. These areas attract families and first-time buyers seeking larger spaces and lower entry costs while maintaining reasonable commute times to central business districts.

Newly developing districts present an interesting middle ground with prices rising rapidly toward central area averages as new infrastructure projects near completion. These areas often start below KRW 5.0 million per square meter but are trending upward as development progresses.

The price differential between central and suburban areas reflects Daejeon's compact urban structure, where even suburban locations remain well-connected to employment centers and amenities. This connectivity helps maintain property values across different districts while still offering clear price advantages for budget-conscious buyers.

What are the price differences between small, medium, and large units?

Small units under 60 square meters often carry a premium per square meter due to higher demand from singles, couples, and investors targeting the rental market.

Mid-sized apartments between 60 and 120 square meters represent the market mainstream, priced at or slightly below the city average of KRW 5.0 million to KRW 5.3 million per square meter. These family-oriented units balance space requirements with affordability, making them popular among local buyers and long-term investors.

Large units exceeding 120 square meters present an interesting dynamic where total purchase prices are higher, but per-square-meter costs sometimes equal or fall below average rates. This occurs because fewer buyers can afford larger properties, creating less competition and more negotiating power for qualified purchasers.

The size premium for smaller units reflects Daejeon's growing population of young professionals and the practical advantages of compact living in a well-connected city. Investors particularly favor these units for their rental potential and lower maintenance requirements.

What is the total purchase cost per square meter including all fees and taxes?

Beyond the base purchase price, buyers should budget for transaction costs that typically add 2% to 14% to the total investment, depending on specific transaction details and property characteristics.

Cost Component	Typical Range	Notes
Transfer Tax	1-3% of property value	Varies by property type and value
Agent Fees	0.5-0.9% of property value	Negotiable in some cases
Registration Fees	0.2-0.5% of property value	Government administrative costs
Legal/Notary Fees	0.1-0.3% of property value	Professional service costs
Total Additional Costs	2-14% of base price	Cumulative transaction expenses
Final Cost Range	KRW 4.2M-6.0M per sqm	Including all fees and taxes
Budget Planning	Add 10% to base price	Conservative planning approach

When planning your budget, expect total costs ranging from KRW 4.2 million to KRW 6.0 million per square meter once all fees are factored in. This comprehensive cost calculation helps buyers avoid surprises and ensures adequate financing arrangements before beginning property searches.

How have prices changed over the past year and five years?

Over the past year from 2024 to 2025, Daejeon property prices have increased by a modest 0.3% to 1%, with higher growth rates observed in new development areas.

The five-year perspective reveals more dramatic changes, with average prices per square meter rising approximately 35% from around KRW 3.0 million in 2020 to current levels of KRW 4.0 million to KRW 5.0 million per square meter. This substantial appreciation reflects broader South Korean real estate trends, infrastructure investments, and Daejeon's growing importance as a technology and research hub.

Recent price stability suggests the market has matured from the rapid growth period of 2020-2023, when pandemic-related factors and government policies created unusual market conditions. Current growth rates appear more sustainable and aligned with local economic fundamentals.

The moderation in price increases indicates a healthier market environment for both buyers and sellers, with less speculation and more focus on actual housing needs and investment fundamentals. This trend benefits long-term investors while making homeownership more accessible to local residents.

What are the price forecasts for the next 1, 5, and 10 years?

For the next year, continued moderate growth is likely, especially in new supply districts, barring unforeseen economic shocks or policy changes.

Some market analysts expect further increases tied to rising construction costs and continued demand from Daejeon's expanding technology sector. The city's role as a research and development hub continues attracting educated professionals, supporting steady housing demand.

The five-year outlook suggests Daejeon will moderately outperform slower-growth cities while not matching Seoul's premium appreciation rates. Neighborhoods with new infrastructure developments are positioned for stable capital appreciation as these projects reach completion and begin attracting residents and businesses.

Ten-year projections remain optimistic but measured, with expectations for continued steady growth rather than explosive appreciation. This longer-term stability makes Daejeon attractive for both conservative investors and residents planning extended stays in the city.

It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.

How do prices differ for owner-occupied versus rental investment properties?

Owner-occupied properties typically command a slight premium, especially in new developments and central locations where buyers prioritize quality amenities and convenient locations.

Short-term rental investments face regulatory constraints that limit AirBnB-style operations, but small units in city centers or near universities can still command higher prices per square meter due to investor demand. These properties appeal to investors targeting student housing and temporary accommodation for business travelers.

Long-term rental investment properties align closely with resale market averages, offering stable yields rather than exceptional returns. The rental market in Daejeon provides steady income streams but generally doesn't justify significant price premiums over comparable owner-occupied properties.

The relatively small price gap between different property uses reflects Daejeon's balanced market conditions, where speculation is limited and prices primarily reflect actual housing demand rather than investment trends.

Which areas offer the best capital growth potential versus stable living options?

Capital growth hotspots include Yuseong-gu, Seo-gu, and Daedeok-gu, driven by research centers, technology companies, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades that attract high-income professionals.

1. **Yuseong-gu**: Home to KAIST and major research facilities, driving consistent demand from educated professionals2. **Seo-gu**: Benefiting from new commercial developments and improved transportation links3. **Daedeok-gu**: Emerging as a technology corridor with significant government and private investment4. **Central Business District**: Established areas with steady appreciation tied to commercial growth5. **New Town developments**: Master-planned communities with modern infrastructure and amenities

For stable living and long-term rental income, Jung-gu and Dong-gu offer lower entry prices with established neighborhoods, mature infrastructure, and steady rental demand. These areas appeal to families and long-term residents seeking affordability and community stability over rapid appreciation.

The choice between growth and stability depends on investment timeline and risk tolerance, with growth areas requiring higher initial investment but offering better long-term returns, while stable areas provide immediate affordability and predictable income streams.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in South Korea versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are typical prices in expensive, emerging, and budget-friendly neighborhoods?

Premium neighborhoods like Yuseong-gu command KRW 5.4 million to KRW 5.6 million per square meter, reflecting their proximity to technology companies, universities, and research facilities that attract high-income residents.

Neighborhood Type	Representative Areas	Price Range (KRW/sqm)
Premium Districts	Yuseong-gu tech corridor	5.4-5.6 million
Emerging Areas	Seo-gu, Daedeok-gu	5.0-5.3 million
Budget-Friendly	Jung-gu, Dong-gu	4.0-4.5 million
Suburban Premium	New residential complexes	4.8-5.2 million
University Areas	Student-focused zones	4.5-5.0 million
Industrial Adjacent	Near business parks	4.2-4.8 million
Transportation Hubs	Near KTX stations	5.0-5.5 million

Emerging areas in Seo-gu and Daedeok-gu development zones range from KRW 5.0 million to KRW 5.3 million per square meter, offering balance between current affordability and future growth potential as new infrastructure projects reach completion.

Budget-friendly options in Jung-gu and Dong-gu start around KRW 4.0 million to KRW 4.5 million per square meter, typically featuring older buildings but established neighborhoods with good access to city amenities and transportation networks.

What are the smartest investment approaches based on intended property use?

For personal residence, central new or recently completed mid-size apartments slightly above average per square meter offer better amenities, modern systems, and strong liquidity for future resale.

Short-term rental investors should focus on smaller units near universities and research hubs where temporary accommodation demand remains steady despite regulatory constraints. Properties under 60 square meters in these locations provide the best risk-adjusted returns for this strategy.

Long-term rental investments perform best in outskirt areas or older districts where lower purchase prices enable attractive yield calculations and steady tenant demand from local workers and families seeking affordable housing.

Buy-and-resell strategies work best in new developments within up-and-coming districts like Yuseong and Seo, where infrastructure maturation should drive ongoing appreciation over 3-5 year holding periods. These areas benefit from both local demand growth and broader economic development trends.

It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.

How do Daejeon prices compare to similar-sized South Korean cities?

Daejeon's average price of KRW 5.1 million per square meter positions it slightly above Gwangju at KRW 4.8 million per square meter and competitively with Ulsan's range of KRW 4.5 million to KRW 5.0 million per square meter.

The city shows steadier growth compared to Gwangju's recent decline of 0.8%, while Ulsan experienced stronger 4.4% growth driven by industrial expansion. Daejeon's moderate 0.3% growth reflects stable market conditions without the volatility seen in more industrial-focused cities.

These comparisons highlight Daejeon's balanced economic base, combining technology, education, and government sectors that provide steady housing demand without the boom-bust cycles affecting cities heavily dependent on single industries.

For investors comparing similar-sized Korean cities, Daejeon offers middle-ground pricing with strong fundamentals supporting long-term stability and moderate appreciation potential.

What are recent real transaction examples showing market reality?

Recent transactions in Yuseong-gu show new build apartments selling for approximately KRW 453 million for 84 square meters, equivalent to KRW 5.39 million per square meter.

In Jung-gu's older apartment stock, a 60 square meter unit sold for KRW 245 million, representing KRW 4.08 million per square meter, with total costs including taxes and fees reaching KRW 270 million. This example demonstrates the importance of budgeting for additional transaction costs beyond the base purchase price.

Seo-gu resale market activity includes 100 square meter apartments trading between KRW 480 million and KRW 520 million, equivalent to KRW 4.8 million to KRW 5.2 million per square meter. Interestingly, these larger units don't necessarily offer lower per-square-meter pricing due to strong demand in central locations.

These real transaction examples confirm that market pricing aligns closely with published averages, providing confidence for buyers and sellers using current market data for decision-making.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. BambooRoutes - Average Apartment Price per Square Meter in South Korea
2. MK Business News - Real Estate Market Analysis
3. BambooRoutes - Daejeon Real Estate Market Overview
4. Global Property Guide - South Korea Price History
5. MK Business News - Property Transaction Data
6. Numbeo - Daejeon Property Investment Data
7. Chosun Business - Real Estate Market Report
8. InvestAsian - South Korea Real Estate Guide