Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the South Korea Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our South Korea Property Pack
If you're a foreigner thinking about buying property in Daejeon, one of the first questions you'll ask yourself is: what can I actually afford?
This blog post breaks down what you can realistically buy at different budget levels in Daejeon, from $100k all the way up to luxury territory, and we update it regularly to keep the information fresh.
We'll also cover the real costs beyond the purchase price, including closing fees, taxes, and what to expect when it comes time to resell.
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 can I realistically buy with $100k in Daejeon right now?
Are there any decent properties for $100k in Daejeon, or is it all scams?
For around $100,000 (roughly 146 million Korean won in early 2026), you can realistically buy a small older apartment, a villa unit, or a compact studio in Daejeon, though you'll be looking at entry-level options rather than anything spacious or modern.
The neighborhoods in Daejeon that give the best value at this budget include Daedeok-gu areas like Beop-dong, Songchon-dong, and Ojeong-dong, as well as Dong-gu spots such as Gayang-dong, Yongun-dong, and Panam-dong, where older stock keeps prices more accessible.
Buying in Daejeon's popular or upscale areas like Dunsan-dong in Seo-gu or Noeun-dong in Yuseong-gu for $100k is technically possible, but you'd be limited to very small units (around 15 to 25 square meters) or buildings that are 20 or more years old.
What property types can I afford for $100k in Daejeon (studio, land, old house)?
At the $100,000 level (around 146 million won) in Daejeon, your realistic options include old small apartments of 20 to 35 square meters, villa or multi-family units of 30 to 45 square meters, or very small studio-type units if you want a more central location.
For properties at this price point in Daejeon, you should expect older interiors that will likely need some renovation, and you may encounter buildings without elevators, limited parking, or outdated heating systems.
Among these options, older apartments in established complexes tend to offer the best long-term value in Daejeon because they have clearer title histories and resell faster than villas, which often carry higher risk due to hidden liens or jeonse deposit complications.
What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable property in Daejeon is around 300 million won, which equals roughly $205,000 or about 190,000 euros.
Most buyers looking for a comfortable standard in Daejeon typically need between 300 million and 450 million won ($205,000 to $310,000, or 190,000 to 285,000 euros), though family-sized apartments in stronger districts often require 450 million to 750 million won.
In Daejeon, "comfortable" generally means an apartment with an elevator, decent insulation and heating, reliable building management, reasonable parking, and a layout that feels like a proper home rather than a cramped space.
This comfort budget can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, with areas like Dunsan-dong in Seo-gu requiring budgets closer to the higher end, while districts like Jung-gu or Daedeok-gu can offer comfort at lower price points.
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What can I get with a $200k budget in Daejeon as of 2026?
What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a $200,000 budget (around 292 million won) in Daejeon opens the door to "normal-person housing," meaning you can find older apartments or decent villas with proper layouts that feel like real homes rather than just compact starter units.
At this price point in Daejeon, you can typically expect somewhere between 40 and 60 square meters for an older apartment or decent villa, though choosing a better district or newer building will push you closer to 35 to 50 square meters, while less central areas might stretch toward 55 to 65 square meters.
By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Daejeon.
What places are the smartest $200k buys in Daejeon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the smartest neighborhoods to buy at $200,000 (292 million won) in Daejeon include Galma-dong, Wolpyeong-dong, and Tanbang-dong in Seo-gu, as well as Jeonmin-dong, Jangdae-dong, and parts of Noeun-dong in Yuseong-gu.
These areas are smarter buys than other $200k options in Daejeon because they sit in the "middle-premium" zone, offering good daily-life infrastructure like schools and transit without the top-tier prices of the most prestigious pockets.
The main factor driving value in these smart-buy areas of Daejeon is sustained local demand from families and professionals who need practical access to jobs, universities, and services, which helps protect your resale potential when you eventually sell.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in South Korea. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What can I buy with $300k in Daejeon in 2026?
What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Daejeon in 2026?
As of early 2026, moving from $200,000 to $300,000 (around 438 million won) in Daejeon represents a major turning point where you can typically get a proper two-bedroom layout instead of a squeezed 1.5-bedroom, along with the ability to be pickier about building quality, management, and parking.
At $300,000 in Daejeon, buying a property in a newer building is sometimes possible, but you'll usually face one trade-off: either a smaller unit (around 49 to 59 square meters), a location on the edge of a top district rather than its core, or a slightly less prestigious micro-location.
Features that typically become available at this budget in Daejeon include better complex management, more reliable elevators and parking, improved noise insulation, and more modern kitchens and bathrooms compared to what you'd find at lower price points.
Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Daejeon in 2026 in good areas?
As of early 2026, yes, $300,000 (around 438 million won) can often buy a 2-bedroom property in good areas of Daejeon, though in the most prestigious pockets like the core of Dunsan-dong, you'll likely need to accept an older building or smaller floor area.
Specific good areas in Daejeon where 2-bedroom options are realistic at this budget include Wolpyeong-dong, Tanbang-dong, and Galma-dong in Seo-gu, as well as Noeun-dong, Jangdae-dong, and Jeonmin-dong in Yuseong-gu.
A $300,000 two-bedroom in Daejeon typically offers between 50 and 70 square meters (roughly 540 to 750 square feet), with the exact size depending on the building's age and the specific neighborhood you choose.
Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Daejeon as of 2026?
At the $300,000 price point (around 438 million won) in Daejeon, you can start seriously shopping in the Seo-gu "lifestyle belt" including Dunsan-adjacent areas plus Tanbang-dong and Wolpyeong-dong, as well as Yuseong-gu's practical cores like Noeun-dong, Jangdae-dong, and Jeonmin-dong.
These newly accessible areas are more desirable than lower-budget options because they sit in established "living zones" (saenghwalgwon) with strong schools, convenient transit links, and the kind of daily-life demand that matters when you eventually resell.
In these newly accessible areas of Daejeon, $300,000 typically buys a mid-sized apartment in a known complex with decent management, usually an older or mid-age building with a proper layout and reasonable amenities.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Daejeon.
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What does a $500k budget unlock in Daejeon in 2026?
What's the typical size and location for $500k in Daejeon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a $500,000 budget (around 730 million won) in Daejeon typically gets you a standard Korean family apartment of 74 to 84 square meters (roughly 800 to 900 square feet) in strong complexes, or a larger unit of 84 to 110 square meters in slightly less premium locations.
Buying a family home with outdoor space for $500,000 in Daejeon is possible if you target low-rise multi-family homes or small townhouse-style properties, but apartments dominate the market and tend to offer easier resale, so most buyers at this budget opt for a quality apartment instead of chasing a private yard.
At this price point in Daejeon, you can typically expect a proper 2 to 3 bedroom apartment with 1 to 2 bathrooms, giving you enough space for a family while still being in a desirable neighborhood with good amenities.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Daejeon here.
Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Daejeon in 2026?
At the $500,000 level (around 730 million won) in Daejeon, you can properly shop in the city's most desirable neighborhoods including Dunsan-dong (the classic "prime" Daejeon area) and Doan-dong in Seo-gu, as well as the better complexes in Noeun-dong, Bongmyeong-dong, and Gung-dong in Yuseong-gu.
These neighborhoods are considered premium in Daejeon because they combine top-rated schools, excellent transit access, high-quality complex management, proximity to major employers like research institutes and universities, and a concentration of retail and lifestyle amenities.
For $500,000 in these premium Daejeon neighborhoods, you can realistically expect a well-maintained apartment of 74 to 84 square meters in a reputable complex, often with modern finishes, reliable parking, and the kind of building reputation that holds value over time.
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 counts as "luxury" in Daejeon in 2026?
At what amount does "luxury" start in Daejeon right now?
In Daejeon, luxury real estate typically starts around 900 million to 1.2 billion won, which equals roughly $620,000 to $820,000 or about 570,000 to 755,000 euros.
The entry point to luxury in Daejeon is defined by a combination of newness, brand-name apartment complexes, prime living zones, and top-tier interior specifications, meaning you're paying a significant premium beyond just getting more floor space.
Compared to Seoul, Daejeon's luxury threshold is considerably lower, but compared to other tier-2 Korean cities, it sits roughly in the middle range, reflecting Daejeon's status as a science and technology hub with a sizable professional population.
For mid-tier luxury in Daejeon, expect to pay between 1.2 billion and 1.5 billion won ($820,000 to $1 million, or 755,000 to 920,000 euros), while true top-tier luxury in the best complexes with premium views and larger sizes starts at 1.5 billion won and up ($1 million or more, or 920,000 euros and above).
Which areas are truly high-end in Daejeon right now?
The truly high-end neighborhoods in Daejeon right now are concentrated in Dunsan-dong and immediately adjacent premium pockets in Seo-gu, along with select parts of Noeun-dong and Bongmyeong-dong in Yuseong-gu where prime apartment complexes are located.
These areas are considered truly high-end in Daejeon because they combine the best schools, walking-distance access to upscale retail and dining, proximity to government offices and research institutions, and brand-name apartment complexes with strong management and amenities.
The typical buyer profile in these high-end Daejeon areas includes senior researchers and executives from nearby science parks and institutions, successful business owners, and professionals who want the convenience and prestige of living in the city's most established neighborhoods.
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How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Daejeon in 2026?
What are the total closing costs in Daejeon in 2026 as a percentage?
As of early 2026, the total closing costs for buying property in Daejeon typically range from 2.5% to 5.5% of the purchase price for a foreign individual buyer.
For most standard transactions in Daejeon, you can expect the realistic range to fall between 3% and 5%, with the exact percentage depending on property value, whether you're a first-time owner-occupier, and how much legal support you use.
The main fee categories that make up this total in Daejeon include acquisition tax (often 1% to 3% for typical owner-occupiers), broker commission (usually 0.4% to 0.7% depending on price bracket), and registration plus legal scrivener fees (typically a smaller combined percentage).
To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Daejeon.
How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Daejeon in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary, registration, and legal fees in Daejeon typically cost between 1 million and 3.5 million won (roughly $700 to $2,400, or 640 to 2,200 euros) for a routine apartment transaction in the 300 million to 700 million won price range.
These fees usually represent around 0.1% to 0.5% of the property price in Daejeon, though the percentage can be higher for lower-priced properties and lower for expensive ones since some costs are fixed.
Of these three fee types in Daejeon, the registration-related costs (including stamp duties and administrative fees) tend to be the most expensive component, while legal scrivener or lawyer support fees are often charged as fixed amounts plus a small percentage for more complex cases.
What annual property taxes should I expect in Daejeon in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property taxes for a typical apartment in Daejeon range from around 300,000 to 2.5 million won (roughly $200 to $1,700, or 185 to 1,570 euros), depending on the property's government-appraised value.
Property taxes in Daejeon typically represent around 0.1% to 0.4% of the property's assessed value annually, with rates applied progressively so that higher-value properties pay a larger percentage.
In Daejeon, property taxes can vary based on location and property type, with a 300 million won home typically paying 300,000 to 1.2 million won per year and a 700 million won home paying 900,000 to 2.5 million won, though exact bills depend on official assessments.
Regarding exemptions in Daejeon, first-time homebuyers and owner-occupiers may qualify for reduced acquisition tax rates, and the comprehensive holding tax (which adds extra costs) only kicks in above high-value thresholds that most Daejeon buyers won't reach.
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Daejeon here.
Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Daejeon right now?
Getting a mortgage as a foreigner in Daejeon is sometimes possible but often difficult, with your chances depending heavily on whether you have Korean residency, stable local income, and an established banking history in the country.
When mortgages are available to foreign buyers in Daejeon, loan-to-value ratios typically range from 40% to 70% depending on regulatory zones and your financial profile, with interest rates currently in the 4% to 6% range for qualified borrowers.
To qualify for a mortgage in Daejeon as a foreigner, you'll typically need an Alien Registration Card, proof of stable Korean income, several months of local banking history, and documentation showing your source of funds, though non-residents face significantly more limited options and heavier requirements.
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Daejeon here.
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 should I predict for resale and growth in Daejeon in 2026?
What property types resell fastest in Daejeon in 2026?
As of early 2026, mainstream apartments in established living zones of Seo-gu and Yuseong-gu resell the fastest in Daejeon, especially smaller-to-standard family sizes that attract the broadest pool of potential buyers.
The typical time on market to sell a property in Daejeon ranges from 1 to 3 months for a well-priced apartment in a demanded area, 2 to 5 months for average apartments or less central locations, and 4 to 8 months or more for villas or complicated properties.
Apartments in Daejeon sell faster than other property types because Korean buyers strongly prefer the standardized management, clear title histories, and easier financing that come with established apartment complexes, while villas trigger more diligence concerns about hidden liens and jeonse deposits.
The slowest properties to resell in Daejeon tend to be older villas and multi-family units, especially those with unclear management structures, missing elevators, difficult parking situations, or buildings where potential buyers fear hidden liabilities from existing tenant deposits.
If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Daejeon.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Korea Real Estate Board (Price Trends) | Official government body tracking Korean housing prices | We used it to ground market trends in official methodology. We then translated those trends into what different budgets can buy. |
| Korea Real Estate Board (Transactions) | Official aggregation of reported property transactions | We used it to check market liquidity beyond asking prices. We also used it to inform resale speed expectations by property type. |
| InvestKOREA (Taxes) | Government-backed investment agency for foreign audiences | We used it to anchor buyer tax types and acquisition costs. We then converted that into practical closing-cost percentages. |
| InvestKOREA (Brokerage) | Summarizes regulated commission caps for property buyers | We used it to estimate realistic agent fees for buyers. We included these in total closing cost calculations. |
| FRED (Exchange Rates) | Widely used public data platform for macroeconomic series | We used it to set realistic USD to KRW conversion rates. We kept all budget examples consistent using this rate. |
| Global Property Guide | Reputable secondary source referencing official Korean statistics | We used it to anchor Daejeon's price-per-square-meter. We cross-checked these against official REB survey data. |
| Korean Statutes (law.go.kr) | Official government database for Korean laws | We used it to confirm reporting requirements are legal obligations. We treated it as baseline for foreigner compliance guidance. |
| PwC Korea Tax Updates | Major tax advisory firm summarizing Korean tax changes | We used it to verify acquisition tax ranges are accurate. We folded that into conservative closing cost estimates. |
| Korea Herald | Major national newspaper covering official tax mechanics | We used it to summarize annual property tax computation. We translated that into yearly cost expectations for Daejeon. |
| OECD House Price Tracker | Top-tier international organization for housing indicators | We used it to cross-check Korea's broader market cycle. We then focused down to Daejeon using local data. |
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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