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If you're a foreigner thinking about buying an apartment in Daejeon, one of the first questions you'll ask is: what kind of rental income can I actually expect?
Daejeon is South Korea's science and research hub, home to KAIST and the Daedeok Innopolis, which creates a unique tenant pool that's different from Seoul or Busan.
In this article, we break down realistic rental yields, neighborhood demand, and the costs that will eat into your returns, all based on early 2026 data.
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.
What rental yields can I realistically get from an apartment in Daejeon?
What's the average gross rental yield for apartments in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average gross rental yield for apartments in Daejeon sits around 3.5% to 3.8%, which is fairly typical for a mid-tier South Korean city with strong institutional tenant demand.
The realistic range of gross rental yields in Daejeon spans from about 3.1% at the low end (for larger family apartments) up to around 4.2% for smaller, well-located units near research hubs.
The main factor that causes gross yields to vary in Daejeon is the deposit-to-rent structure of Korean leases, because a high-deposit lease with low monthly rent will look like a poor yield if you only count the cash rent, but the economics are actually comparable once you factor in the deposit.
Compared to Seoul, where gross yields often hover around 2% to 3%, Daejeon apartments offer noticeably better returns, and they're roughly in line with other secondary Korean cities like Daegu or Gwangju.
What's the average net rental yield for apartments in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average net rental yield for apartments in Daejeon falls in the range of 2.7% to 2.9% after accounting for recurring owner costs and a reasonable vacancy buffer.
Most apartment investors in Daejeon can realistically expect net yields between 2.3% and 3.3%, with the lower end applying to larger family units and the higher end achievable with smaller apartments in high-demand research zones.
The single biggest expense category that reduces gross yield to net yield in Daejeon is owner-side maintenance and repair costs, because while Korean tenants typically pay the monthly building service charges (called 관리비), landlords still bear responsibility for appliance repairs, interior upkeep, and the occasional turnover refresh.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Daejeon.
What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Daejeon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Daejeon runs between 0.26% and 0.35% per month when you calculate effective rent (accounting for the deposit portion of Korean leases).
If you only look at cash monthly rent and ignore the deposit, you'll see ratios more like 0.22% to 0.30% per month, which translates to roughly 2.6% to 3.6% annually, but this understates the true economics.
The apartment categories with the highest rent-to-price ratios in Daejeon are small units (33 to 49 square meters) located in Yuseong-gu near KAIST and the Daedeok research cluster, where steady professional tenant demand keeps rents firm while purchase prices remain more accessible than in prime Dunsan.
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How much rent can I charge for an apartment in Daejeon?
What's the typical tenant budget range for apartments in Daejeon right now?
The typical monthly tenant budget for renting an apartment in Daejeon ranges from around 550,000 won to 1,500,000 won (about 380 to 1,035 USD or 355 to 970 EUR), depending on apartment size and location.
Tenants targeting mid-range apartments in Daejeon generally budget between 750,000 won and 1,100,000 won per month (roughly 520 to 760 USD or 485 to 710 EUR), often paired with a deposit of 30 to 60 million won.
For high-end or luxury apartments in Daejeon, particularly newer complexes in prime Dunsan or upscale Yuseong developments, tenants budget 1,300,000 won to 2,000,000 won monthly (about 900 to 1,380 USD or 840 to 1,290 EUR) with significantly larger deposits.
We have a blog article where we update the latest data about rents in Daejeon here.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Daejeon is around 650,000 won (approximately 450 USD or 420 EUR), typically paired with a deposit of about 20 million won.
Entry-level 1-bed apartments in Daejeon rent for around 550,000 to 600,000 won per month (380 to 415 USD or 355 to 385 EUR), and these are usually older units in areas like Jung-gu or Dong-gu, farther from the main employment centers.
A typical mid-range 1-bed in Daejeon goes for 650,000 to 750,000 won monthly (450 to 520 USD or 420 to 485 EUR), often in well-maintained complexes with good transit access in areas like Noeun-dong or the edges of Dunsan.
High-end 1-bed apartments in Daejeon command 800,000 to 850,000 won per month (550 to 585 USD or 515 to 550 EUR), typically in newer buildings within walking distance of KAIST, the Daedeok research zone, or prime Dunsan amenities.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Daejeon is around 950,000 won (approximately 655 USD or 615 EUR), usually with a deposit of about 30 million won.
Entry-level 2-bed apartments in Daejeon rent for around 750,000 to 850,000 won per month (520 to 585 USD or 485 to 550 EUR), typically in older complexes or less central neighborhoods where young families or couples can find more space on a budget.
A typical mid-range 2-bed in Daejeon goes for 900,000 to 1,050,000 won monthly (620 to 725 USD or 580 to 680 EUR), often in established residential areas of Seo-gu or Yuseong-gu with decent schools and commute options.
High-end 2-bed apartments in Daejeon command 1,100,000 to 1,150,000 won per month (760 to 795 USD or 710 to 740 EUR), usually in newer complexes with premium finishes in areas like Doryong-dong or central Dunsan.
What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Daejeon is around 1,250,000 won (approximately 860 USD or 805 EUR), typically paired with a deposit of about 60 million won.
Entry-level 3-bed apartments in Daejeon rent for around 1,050,000 to 1,150,000 won per month (725 to 795 USD or 680 to 740 EUR), usually in older buildings or residential pockets farther from the city's main commercial and research hubs.
A typical mid-range 3-bed in Daejeon goes for 1,200,000 to 1,350,000 won monthly (830 to 930 USD or 775 to 870 EUR), often the standard 84-square-meter family layout in well-regarded complexes with good school districts.
High-end 3-bed apartments in Daejeon command 1,400,000 to 1,500,000 won per month (965 to 1,035 USD or 905 to 970 EUR), typically in prestigious newer developments in prime Dunsan-dong or upscale parts of Yuseong-gu.
How fast do well-priced apartments get rented in Daejeon?
A well-priced apartment in Daejeon typically gets rented within 2 to 4 weeks in high-demand areas like Yuseong-gu and central Seo-gu, while units in more ordinary residential pockets may take 4 to 8 weeks.
The typical vacancy rate for apartments in Daejeon hovers in the low single digits for well-located properties, though older stock or units priced above market can sit vacant for longer stretches.
The main factors that cause some apartments to rent faster than others in Daejeon are proximity to KAIST and Daedeok research facilities (which generate steady professional tenant turnover), access to the KTX station for Seoul commuters, and presence in a school district that families prioritize.
And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much an apartment should cost 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.
Which apartment type gives the best yield in Daejeon?
Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, smaller units like studios and 1-bed apartments (33 to 49 square meters) typically offer the best rental yield in Daejeon, often reaching the upper end of the 3.8% to 4.2% gross yield range.
In Daejeon, studios and small 1-beds generally yield around 3.8% to 4.2% gross, 2-beds (50 to 59 square meters) come in around 3.4% to 3.8%, and larger 3-beds (74 to 84 square meters) tend to fall toward 3.1% to 3.5%.
The main reason smaller apartments outperform in Daejeon is the city's unique concentration of researchers, engineers, and graduate students tied to KAIST and Daedeok Innopolis, who need compact housing near their workplaces and are willing to pay a premium per square meter for convenience.
Which features are best if you want a good yield for your apartment in Daejeon?
The features that most positively impact rental yield in Daejeon are walkable access to research and education nodes (like KAIST or Daedeok R&D clusters), fast transit connections to Daejeon Station for KTX access, and newer complexes with transparent management records that tenants can verify on K-apt.
In Daejeon, mid-floor apartments (roughly floors 5 to 15 in typical high-rises) tend to rent fastest because they balance good views and light with reasonable elevator wait times, while ground floors are less popular due to privacy concerns.
Apartments with balconies in Daejeon do command slightly higher rents, but the premium is modest compared to features like parking and soundproofing, which matter more to the research professionals and families who dominate the tenant pool.
Building features like elevators and dedicated parking do justify slightly higher service charges in Daejeon because research workers often have vehicles and families need stroller-friendly access, making these features essential rather than luxury add-ons.
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Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for apartments in Daejeon?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rental demand for apartments in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for apartments in Daejeon are Bongmyeong-dong, Doryong-dong, and Noeun-dong in Yuseong-gu, along with Dunsan-dong and Tanbang-dong in Seo-gu.
The main demand driver in these Daejeon neighborhoods is the concentration of research professionals and government workers, with Yuseong-gu drawing tenants from KAIST and the Daedeok R&D ecosystem, while Seo-gu's Dunsan area attracts people working in the administrative and business core.
In these high-demand Daejeon neighborhoods, well-priced apartments typically rent within 2 to 3 weeks, with vacancy rates staying in the low single digits throughout most of the year.
One emerging neighborhood gaining rental demand momentum in Daejeon is the area around Daejeon Station in Dong-gu, where KTX connectivity is attracting commuters and corporate tenants who need easy Seoul access without Yuseong or Dunsan price tags.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Daejeon.
Which neighborhoods have the highest yields for apartments in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental yields for apartments in Daejeon are the edges of Yuseong-gu (like parts of Noeun-dong) and non-core Seo-gu areas (like sections of Tanbang-dong), where you get strong demand without peak purchase prices.
In these top-yielding Daejeon neighborhoods, gross rental yields typically range from 3.8% to 4.2%, compared to around 3.1% to 3.5% in the priciest parts of Dunsan or central Yuseong.
The main reason these Daejeon neighborhoods offer higher yields is that they sit close enough to major employment centers (Daedeok R&D zone, Dunsan offices) to attract the same tenant pool, but purchase prices per square meter are noticeably lower than in the most prestigious addresses.
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.
Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Daejeon?
Is short-term rental legal for apartments in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals are legal in Daejeon, but only if you operate through the proper registered accommodation route under Korea's tourism legal framework and your building's internal rules allow it.
The main legal requirements for operating a short-term rental apartment in Daejeon include registering as a tourism accommodation business under the Tourism Promotion Act and complying with local fire safety, hygiene, and building codes.
For Airbnb-style rentals in Daejeon, hosts are expected to register with local authorities and follow platform compliance guidelines, but even with proper registration, many apartment complexes prohibit short-term stays through their internal resident governance rules.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Daejeon.
What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Daejeon in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Daejeon can generate gross revenue yields of around 4.5% to 6.0% on purchase price before costs, compared to 3.1% to 4.2% gross for long-term rentals, but the gap narrows significantly after expenses.
Long-term rentals in Daejeon typically yield 3.1% to 4.2% gross with minimal operational hassle, while short-term rentals can push toward 5% to 6% gross revenue but require active management and higher turnover costs.
The main additional costs that reduce the net yield advantage of short-term rentals in Daejeon include cleaning fees between guests, furnishing and linen expenses, platform commissions (typically 3% to 15%), higher utility consumption, and more frequent maintenance needs.
To outperform a long-term rental in Daejeon, a short-term rental generally needs to maintain occupancy above 55% to 60% at competitive nightly rates, which is achievable in areas near the Daejeon Convention Center during major events but harder to sustain year-round.
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What costs will eat into my net yield for an apartment in Daejeon?
What are building service charges as a % of rent in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, typical building service charges (관리비) for apartments in Daejeon run around 180,000 to 350,000 won per month (125 to 240 USD or 115 to 225 EUR), which represents roughly 15% to 20% of monthly rent for a standard family-sized unit.
The realistic range of building service charges in Daejeon spans from about 12% of rent for older, simpler complexes up to 25% for newer buildings with extensive amenities, though tenants typically pay these charges directly rather than landlords.
In Daejeon, the services that justify higher-than-average building charges are district heating systems (common in newer Yuseong developments), underground parking management, and 24-hour security, all of which research professionals and families tend to value and expect.
What annual maintenance budget should I assume for an apartment in Daejeon right now?
A sensible annual maintenance budget for an apartment in Daejeon is around 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 won (690 to 2,070 USD or 645 to 1,935 EUR) for routine owner-side repairs, plus a longer-term reserve of about 0.3% to 0.6% of property value per year for larger items.
The realistic range depends heavily on apartment age: newer buildings in Daejeon may need just 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 won annually (690 to 1,035 USD or 645 to 970 EUR), while older stock can require 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 won (1,725 to 2,070 USD or 1,615 to 1,935 EUR) as systems age.
The most common maintenance expenses Daejeon apartment owners face are replacing ondol floor heating elements (a Korean-specific item that tenants expect to work perfectly), fixing bathroom waterproofing issues in older buildings, and maintaining air conditioning units that work hard during humid summers.
What property taxes should I expect for an apartment in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property taxes for a typical apartment in Daejeon generally amount to around 0.10% to 0.25% of market value, which for a 450 million won apartment means roughly 450,000 to 1,125,000 won per year (310 to 775 USD or 290 to 725 EUR).
The realistic range of property taxes in Daejeon varies based on assessed value and whether you hold multiple properties nationally, with single-property owners at the lower end and multi-property holders potentially facing additional comprehensive holding tax layers.
Property taxes in Daejeon are calculated based on government-assessed values (which typically lag market prices) and apply progressive rates depending on total property holdings across South Korea.
There are some property tax reductions available for long-term ownership and for certain categories of housing, though foreign owners should work with a local tax professional to ensure they capture any applicable benefits.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Daejeon.
How much does landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Daejeon in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual landlord insurance for an apartment in Daejeon typically costs around 120,000 to 300,000 won (85 to 205 USD or 75 to 195 EUR) for standard coverage including fire and basic liability.
The realistic range of annual landlord insurance costs in Daejeon spans from about 120,000 won for basic coverage on a modest apartment up to 300,000 won or more for comprehensive policies on higher-value units or buildings with shared structural risks.
What's the typical property management fee for apartments in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical property management fee for apartments in Daejeon runs around 5% to 8% of monthly rent, which for a 1,000,000 won monthly rent translates to about 50,000 to 80,000 won (35 to 55 USD or 30 to 50 EUR) per month.
The realistic range of property management fees in Daejeon spans from 5% for basic tenant-finding and rent collection services up to 8% or more for full-service management that handles maintenance coordination and tenant communications.
Standard property management services in Daejeon typically include tenant screening, lease preparation, rent collection, and coordinating routine repairs, though many local landlords self-manage because Korea's long-term lease structure means relatively light ongoing work once a tenant is placed.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Korea Real Estate Board (REB) | Official national housing price survey run by Korea's public real estate statistics body. | We used REB data to anchor where Daejeon sits versus the national market. We also used their rent and price definitions to ensure our calculations match Korean market reality. |
| REB R-ONE Portal | Official portal consolidating government-approved property statistics. | We used R-ONE to triangulate recent market direction for Daejeon apartments. We cross-checked this against transaction-based sources to avoid relying on a single dataset. |
| MOLIT Real Transaction Price System | National government platform for housing transaction disclosures. | We used MOLIT to ground our assumptions in real, reported transactions rather than asking prices. We used it as a reality check on the price ranges we quote for typical apartment sizes. |
| K-apt | Government-backed disclosure system for apartment management fees. | We used K-apt to estimate building service charges for Daejeon apartments. We then expressed those costs as a share of typical rent to show the real tenant burden. |
| Bank of Korea ECOS | Central bank's official macro and financial statistics platform. | We used BOK data to anchor interest-rate context for deposit-to-rent conversion logic. We kept assumptions consistent with Korea's financing environment in early 2026. |
| National Tax Service (NTS) | Official tax authority including guidance for foreigners. | We used NTS to map which costs can hit net yield, including income tax filing and compliance. We used it as the anchor for landlord taxation considerations. |
| Invest Korea | Government-backed guide summarizing Korea's tax categories for investors. | We used Invest Korea to structure the tax section in a simple way for non-professionals. We cross-checked their summaries against official sources. |
| Korea Law (Tourism Promotion Act) | Official national law portal in English for Korean statutes. | We used Korea Law to anchor the legal basis behind short-term rental regulations. We kept the short-term rental section tied to law rather than hearsay. |
| Daejeon Metropolitan City | Municipal government's official information portal. | We used Daejeon city resources to ground local reality for foreign investors. We supported our neighborhood demand narrative with the city's district structure. |
| Daejeon Tourism Organization | Official city-level tourism body for short-term rental demand context. | We used this source to explain why short-term demand is event-driven and seasonal in Daejeon. We anchored it alongside national tourism statistics. |
| Airbtics | Specialized short-term rental analytics provider with published methodology. | We used Airbtics to estimate STR occupancy, nightly rates, and revenue potential. We treated it as a private-sector triangulation point, not as official data. |
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