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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our South Korea Property Pack
Daejeon is South Korea's fifth-largest city and a major hub for science and technology, which makes it an attractive option for property buyers looking beyond Seoul's sky-high prices.
The city's unique two-centered structure, with Dunsan as the administrative core and Yuseong as the research and university hub, creates interesting price variations across neighborhoods.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data and trends in Daejeon's apartment market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Daejeon.
Insights
- The median apartment price in Daejeon in 2026 sits at around ₩5.6 million per square meter, which is roughly 40% lower than Seoul's average, making it one of the more affordable major Korean cities for buyers.
- Daejeon's premium neighborhoods like Dunsan-dong and Doan-dong can command prices nearly double those in budget areas like Panam-dong, so location choice dramatically affects your total budget.
- New-build apartments in Daejeon typically sell for about 15% more than comparable resale units, a gap driven by modern floor plans, better parking ratios, and updated seismic standards.
- Foreign buyers in Daejeon should plan for a 30% to 50% down payment since Korean mortgage access can be limited depending on residency status and income documentation.
- Monthly HOA fees in Daejeon apartments range from ₩150,000 to ₩300,000, and you can verify exact fees for any complex on the government's K-APT portal before buying.
- Buyer closing costs in Daejeon typically add 4% to 7% on top of the purchase price, with acquisition tax being the single largest expense in most transactions.
- Yuseong-gu neighborhoods like Doan-dong and Noeun-dong are showing the fastest price growth in Daejeon, driven by proximity to KAIST and the Daedeok Innopolis research cluster.
- A standard 84 square meter family apartment in Daejeon costs around ₩470 million to ₩510 million, which translates to roughly $325,000 to $350,000 USD.
How much do apartments really cost in Daejeon in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Daejeon is around ₩470 million (approximately $324,000 USD or €303,000 EUR) for a standard 84 square meter unit, while the average sits slightly higher at ₩510 million ($352,000 USD or €329,000 EUR) because premium complexes in popular districts pull the numbers up.
When you look at price per square meter, the Daejeon apartment market averages ₩6.1 million per m² ($4,200 USD or €3,935 EUR per m²), with a median of ₩5.6 million per m² ($3,860 USD or €3,610 EUR per m²), which works out to roughly $390 to $425 USD per square foot.
Most standard apartments in Daejeon fall within a price range of ₩300 million to ₩600 million ($207,000 to $414,000 USD or €194,000 to €387,000 EUR), though you can find options above and below this range depending on the neighborhood and building age.
How much is a studio apartment in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Daejeon costs between ₩120 million and ₩210 million ($83,000 to $145,000 USD or €77,000 to €135,000 EUR), with a central estimate around ₩165 million ($114,000 USD or €106,000 EUR).
Entry-level to mid-range studio apartments in Daejeon generally fall in the ₩120 million to ₩160 million range ($83,000 to $110,000 USD), while high-end or well-located studios can reach ₩180 million to ₩210 million ($124,000 to $145,000 USD or €116,000 to €135,000 EUR).
Studio apartments in Daejeon typically measure between 20 and 30 square meters, though keep in mind that the market also includes officetels (mixed-use units) which we are not focusing on here since they operate under different pricing dynamics.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Daejeon costs around ₩260 million ($179,000 USD or €168,000 EUR), making this size category a popular choice for young professionals and couples moving to the city.
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in Daejeon range from ₩210 million to ₩280 million ($145,000 to $193,000 USD or €135,000 to €181,000 EUR), while high-end one-bedrooms in premium locations like Dunsan-dong can reach ₩300 million to ₩320 million ($207,000 to $221,000 USD or €194,000 to €206,000 EUR).
One-bedroom apartments in Daejeon typically measure between 35 and 45 square meters, which is a standard size that fits well within the Korean apartment market's common configurations.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Daejeon costs around ₩420 million ($290,000 USD or €271,000 EUR), which represents the sweet spot for small families and buyers seeking more living space.
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Daejeon fall between ₩320 million and ₩450 million ($221,000 to $310,000 USD or €206,000 to €290,000 EUR), while high-end two-bedrooms in sought-after neighborhoods like Yuseong-gu can reach ₩480 million to ₩520 million ($331,000 to $359,000 USD or €310,000 to €335,000 EUR).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Daejeon.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Daejeon costs around ₩510 million for an 84 square meter unit ($352,000 USD or €329,000 EUR), which is the standard family-sized configuration that Korean buyers refer to as "jeon-yong 84."
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments in Daejeon range from ₩420 million to ₩550 million ($290,000 to $379,000 USD or €271,000 to €355,000 EUR), while high-end or luxury three-bedrooms in prime areas like Dunsan-dong or Doan-dong can reach ₩600 million to ₩720 million ($414,000 to $497,000 USD or €387,000 to €465,000 EUR).
Three-bedroom apartments in Daejeon typically measure between 84 and 99 square meters, with the 84 square meter layout being the most common and liquid size in the Korean apartment market.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Daejeon typically command a 10% to 20% premium over comparable resale units, with 15% being the most realistic single-number assumption for budgeting purposes.
The average price per square meter for new-build apartments in Daejeon sits around ₩7.0 million per m² ($4,830 USD or €4,515 EUR per m²), reflecting the premium Korean buyers place on modern amenities and construction standards.
Meanwhile, the average price per square meter for resale apartments in Daejeon hovers around ₩5.8 million per m² ($4,000 USD or €3,740 EUR per m²), though older buildings in less desirable locations can drop below ₩5.0 million per m².
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Can I afford to buy in Daejeon in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget to buy a standard apartment in Daejeon ranges from ₩520 million to ₩545 million ($359,000 to $376,000 USD or €335,000 to €352,000 EUR) for a ₩500 million property, once you add taxes, fees, and administrative costs on top of the purchase price.
The all-in budget in Daejeon includes the apartment price plus acquisition tax (which is the biggest line item), registration-related taxes and fees, broker commission, and various administrative costs like certificate issuance and stamps.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Daejeon property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Daejeon.
What down payment is typical to buy in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, foreign buyers in Daejeon should plan for a down payment of 30% to 50% of the purchase price, which means roughly ₩150 million to ₩250 million ($103,000 to $172,000 USD or €97,000 to €161,000 EUR) for a ₩500 million apartment.
Most Korean banks require a minimum down payment of around 30% for mortgage applicants, though foreign buyers often face stricter requirements depending on their residency status and how well they can document their income.
To secure the most favorable mortgage terms in Daejeon, a down payment of 40% or more is recommended, as this gives you more negotiating power with lenders and reduces your monthly payment burden.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in South Korea.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in South Korea compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Daejeon in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per square meter in Daejeon range from around ₩4.3 million ($2,965 USD or €2,775 EUR) in the most affordable areas to ₩8.5 million ($5,860 USD or €5,485 EUR) in premium neighborhoods, meaning location can nearly double your cost.
The most affordable neighborhoods in Daejeon include Panam-dong and Yongun-dong in Dong-gu, as well as Sintanjin-dong in Daedeok-gu, where prices typically range from ₩4.3 million to ₩5.3 million per m² ($2,965 to $3,655 USD or €2,775 to €3,420 EUR per m²).
The most expensive neighborhoods in Daejeon are Dunsan-dong, Tanbang-dong, and Wolpyeong-dong in Seo-gu, along with Doan-dong and Noeun-dong in Yuseong-gu, where prices typically range from ₩6.5 million to ₩8.5 million per m² ($4,480 to $5,860 USD or €4,195 to €5,485 EUR per m²).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Daejeon.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods for first-time buyers on a budget in Daejeon are Panam-dong in Dong-gu, Sintanjin-dong in Daedeok-gu, and Gwanjeo-dong in Seo-gu, which offer better value while still maintaining reasonable access to the city center.
In these budget-friendly Daejeon neighborhoods, typical apartment prices range from ₩250 million to ₩400 million ($172,000 to $276,000 USD or €161,000 to €258,000 EUR), which is significantly lower than what you would pay in the Dunsan or central Yuseong areas.
These neighborhoods offer decent public transportation connections, local shops and restaurants, and in the case of Gwanjeo-dong, proximity to the more developed Seo-gu infrastructure without the premium price tag.
The main trade-off of buying in these budget-friendly areas is that resale liquidity tends to be lower, and you may need to be pickier about complex quality since building age and management standards can vary more than in premium zones.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Daejeon in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Daejeon are Doan-dong and Noeun-dong in Yuseong-gu, along with Dunsan-dong in Seo-gu, which tend to recover first when market sentiment improves.
These fast-appreciating Daejeon neighborhoods have seen year-over-year price increases in the range of 3% to 6%, outpacing the city average as demand from families and tech workers remains structurally strong.
The main driver behind the rapid price growth in these areas is their proximity to major employment centers, particularly KAIST, the Daedeok Innopolis research cluster, and Daejeon's administrative core, which creates sustained demand from well-paid professionals.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Daejeon.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Daejeon in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Daejeon?
For a typical ₩500 million apartment in Daejeon, total buyer closing costs range from approximately ₩20 million to ₩35 million ($14,000 to $24,000 USD or €13,000 to €22,500 EUR), depending on the specific tax bracket and how much you negotiate on broker fees.
The main categories of closing costs for apartment buyers in Daejeon include acquisition tax, registration license tax, broker commission, judicial scrivener fees if you use one, and various small administrative charges for document issuance.
Acquisition tax is typically the largest closing cost expense for buyers in Daejeon, often accounting for more than half of your total closing costs since it is a statutory tax calculated as a percentage of the purchase price.
The broker commission is the most negotiable closing cost in Daejeon, as Korean law sets maximum caps by price bracket but allows you to negotiate below that cap, so it pays to discuss fees upfront with your agent.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Daejeon?
Buyers in Daejeon should budget approximately 5.5% of the purchase price for closing costs, which is a practical single-number estimate that covers most standard apartment transactions in the city.
The realistic range for buyer closing costs in Daejeon runs from about 4% on the low end (if you fall into a lower tax bracket and negotiate broker fees down) to around 7% on the high end (for higher-value properties with less room for negotiation).
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Daejeon.
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 the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Daejeon in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Daejeon right now?
Monthly HOA fees (called "gwanlibi" in Korean) for apartments in Daejeon typically range from ₩150,000 to ₩300,000 ($103 to $207 USD or €97 to €194 EUR), covering services like building security, cleaning, elevator maintenance, and common area utilities.
Basic older buildings in Daejeon tend to have HOA fees on the lower end around ₩120,000 to ₩180,000 ($83 to $124 USD), while newer or luxury complexes with more amenities can charge ₩250,000 to ₩350,000 ($172 to $241 USD or €161 to €226 EUR) per month.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Daejeon right now?
The typical monthly utility cost for an apartment in Daejeon is around ₩200,000 ($138 USD or €129 EUR), though this varies significantly by season and household usage patterns.
Monthly utility costs in Daejeon realistically range from ₩150,000 to ₩250,000 ($103 to $172 USD or €97 to €161 EUR), with smaller apartments and moderate users at the lower end and larger units or heavy usage pushing toward the higher end.
The typical monthly utility budget in Daejeon includes electricity, natural gas for heating and cooking, and water, with some buildings also including internet or cable as part of building services.
Gas tends to be the most expensive utility for Daejeon apartment owners during winter months due to heating needs, while electricity costs spike in summer when air conditioning usage increases.
How much is property tax on apartments in Daejeon?
The typical annual property tax for an apartment in Daejeon ranges from ₩300,000 to ₩1,200,000 ($207 to $828 USD or €194 to €775 EUR), depending on the officially assessed value of your property.
Property tax in Daejeon is calculated based on the government's assessed value (called "gongsigagyeok"), not the market price, and the tax rate is progressive, meaning higher-valued properties pay a higher percentage under Korea's Local Tax Act framework.
For most mainstream apartments in Daejeon, the effective property tax burden is relatively modest compared to many Western countries, but owners of high-value properties or multiple homes face steeper rates.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Daejeon.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Daejeon?
The typical yearly building maintenance cost for apartment owners in Daejeon is around ₩1.8 million to ₩3.6 million ($1,240 to $2,480 USD or €1,160 to €2,320 EUR), which is essentially your monthly HOA fee multiplied by twelve.
Yearly maintenance costs in Daejeon can range from ₩1.5 million for basic older buildings to ₩4.2 million ($1,035 to $2,900 USD or €970 to €2,710 EUR) for newer complexes with extensive amenities like fitness centers, landscaping, and 24-hour security.
Building maintenance costs in Daejeon typically cover cleaning, security, elevator operation, common area utilities, minor repairs, and contributions to a reserve fund for major future repairs.
In the Korean apartment system, building maintenance costs are included in your monthly HOA fees rather than being a separate charge, so if you're paying gwanlibi you're already covering these expenses.
How much does home insurance cost in Daejeon?
The typical annual home insurance cost for an apartment in Daejeon ranges from ₩100,000 to ₩300,000 ($69 to $207 USD or €65 to €194 EUR), depending on the coverage level and property value you choose to insure.
Basic fire and property coverage in Daejeon sits at the lower end around ₩100,000 to ₩150,000 per year ($69 to $103 USD), while comprehensive policies with liability protection and additional riders can reach ₩250,000 to ₩300,000 ($172 to $207 USD or €161 to €194 EUR).
Home insurance is generally optional for apartment owners in Daejeon, though many mortgage lenders require at least basic fire coverage as a condition of the loan, and it is increasingly common for owners to carry some form of property insurance.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Daejeon, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| MOLIT Real Transaction Price Portal | Official Korean government database for all reported real estate transactions. | We used this as our primary source for actual apartment sale prices in Daejeon. We cross-checked price levels and ranges for different apartment sizes and neighborhoods. |
| MOLIT Real Estate Transaction Management System | The official government system that manages and validates all real estate transaction reports. | We used this to confirm that transaction data is officially reported and legally required. We referenced it to explain what "officially reported" means in Korea. |
| Korea Real Estate Board R-ONE Portal | Government-affiliated public institution that publishes nationally recognized real estate statistics. | We used this to verify market trend directions for Daejeon compared to nationwide patterns. We treated it as an independent benchmark to avoid relying on a single data source. |
| KREB Transaction Price Index Methodology | Explains how official transaction-based price indices are constructed in Korea. | We used this to support our approach of using actual transactions rather than asking prices. We referenced it to validate our price estimation methods. |
| K-APT Apartment Management Information System | Official nationwide portal where apartment complexes must disclose monthly management fees. | We used this to estimate realistic HOA and management fees for Daejeon apartments. We recommended it as a tool readers can use to check fees for specific buildings. |
| KREB Documentation on K-APT | Clarifies that K-APT is operated by KREB under MOLIT's mandate and legal framework. | We used this to validate K-APT as an authoritative, policy-backed data source. We referenced it to justify treating K-APT numbers as official costs. |
| Korea Open Data Portal - Apartment Management Fees | Korea's official open data portal publishing MOLIT's apartment management fee datasets. | We used this to confirm that management fee disclosure is backed by formal government data. We cross-checked it with K-APT's coverage and methodology. |
| InvestKOREA - Applicable Taxes | Government-run investment promotion agency providing official tax summaries in English. | We used this as an authoritative English-language reference for property taxes and closing costs. We ensured our tax list was complete for foreign buyers. |
| Korea Local Tax Act (지방세법) | Official government legal database containing the full text of Korea's tax statutes. | We used this to anchor tax concepts to actual law rather than blog summaries. We ensured our described rates and structures match the official statute. |
| Local Tax Act Article 11 - Acquisition Tax | The specific legal provision defining how acquisition tax is calculated for real estate purchases. | We used this to establish acquisition tax as a statutory, non-negotiable closing cost. We explained why it is usually the largest single expense for buyers. |
| Local Tax Act Article 28 - Registration Tax | Defines registration license tax rates for property registration in Korea. | We used this to include registration-related taxes in our closing cost breakdown. We ensured the all-in budget accounts for all government fees buyers actually pay. |
| Local Tax Act Article 111 - Property Tax | The statutory basis for annual property tax rates on real estate in Korea. | We used this to explain how annual property tax is structured under Korean law. We avoided vague statements by referencing the actual legal framework. |
| Licensed Real Estate Agents Act (공인중개사법) | The governing law for real estate brokerage services and fee regulations in Korea. | We used this to explain that broker fees are regulated with legal caps, not arbitrary. We referenced it to help readers understand their negotiating position. |
| Seoul Brokerage Commission Ordinance | An official example of how brokerage fee caps are implemented through local ordinances. | We used this as a transparent model for how fee caps by price bracket work in Korea. We referenced it to explain the concept even though Daejeon has its own ordinance. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of South Korea. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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