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
Wondering how much rent costs in Gwangju right now? You're in the right place.
We break down current rental prices in Gwangju by apartment size, neighborhood, and tenant type, so you can make informed decisions whether you're renting or investing.
We update this blog post regularly to keep the numbers fresh and useful for you.
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 Gwangju.
Insights
- In Gwangju, the deposit you put down can dramatically change your monthly rent, so a ₩400,000 studio with a ₩5 million deposit is not the same deal as one with ₩10 million down.
- Gwangju rent growth in 2026 is expected to stay between 1% and 4%, much calmer than Seoul's volatile swings, making it a steadier market for landlords.
- The Suwan-dong and Cheomdan-dong areas in Gwangsan-gu command premium rents because they offer newer apartment stock and planned-district conveniences that families love.
- University-adjacent neighborhoods like Yongbong-dong near Chonnam National University see the fastest tenant turnover, with listings often filling in under 20 days.
- Furnished studios in Gwangju can fetch a 10% to 15% rent premium, but only in student belts and short-stay professional zones where turnover is high.
- Landlords in Gwangju typically budget around 0.8% of property value per year for maintenance, which translates to roughly ₩800,000 to ₩2,000,000 annually for a mid-market apartment.
- Peak rental demand in Gwangju hits in February-March and again in August-September, tied to school years and job starts.
- Smaller units in Gwangju cost more per square meter, with studios running about ₩16,000 per square meter compared to ₩12,500 for 2-bedroom apartments.
What are typical rents in Gwangju as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Gwangju is around ₩400,000 (about $310 USD or €285 EUR), typically paired with a deposit of ₩5 to ₩10 million.
The realistic range for most Gwangju studios runs from ₩300,000 to ₩550,000 per month ($230 to $425 USD, or €215 to €390 EUR), depending on the unit's condition and location.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary in Gwangju are proximity to universities like Chonnam National, building age, whether the unit is in a newer officetel-style building versus an older walk-up, and the size of the deposit you're willing to put down.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Gwangju is around ₩550,000 (about $425 USD or €390 EUR), usually with a deposit of ₩10 to ₩20 million.
The realistic range for most 1-bedroom apartments in Gwangju runs from ₩450,000 to ₩700,000 per month ($345 to $540 USD, or €320 to €500 EUR), depending on the neighborhood and building quality.
In Gwangju, the cheapest 1-bedroom rents tend to be in older parts of Buk-gu away from universities, while the highest 1-bedroom rents cluster in Sangmu-jigu and Chipyeong-dong in Seo-gu, where young professionals want to be close to offices and nightlife.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Gwangju is around ₩750,000 (about $575 USD or €535 EUR), typically with a deposit of ₩20 to ₩40 million.
The realistic range for most 2-bedroom apartments in Gwangju runs from ₩600,000 to ₩1,000,000 per month ($460 to $770 USD, or €430 to €715 EUR), with family-oriented apartment complexes pushing toward the higher end.
In Gwangju, the cheapest 2-bedroom rents are usually found in older walk-up buildings in inner-city areas like parts of Dong-gu, while the most expensive 2-bedroom rents are in newer apartment complexes in Bongseon-dong, Suwan-dong, and Cheomdan-jigu where families pay for school zones and parking.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Gwangju.
What's the average rent per square meter in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Gwangju is around ₩12,000 per month (about $9.25 USD or €8.55 EUR per square meter).
The realistic range across Gwangju neighborhoods runs from ₩9,000 to ₩16,000 per square meter per month ($7 to $12.30 USD, or €6.40 to €11.40 EUR), with smaller units and premium locations pushing toward the higher end.
Compared to Seoul, where rents per square meter can easily exceed ₩25,000, Gwangju offers significantly more affordable space, and it's also cheaper than Busan or Daejeon on a per-square-meter basis.
In Gwangju, property characteristics that push rent per square meter above average include newer construction, elevator access, quality heating and cooling systems, and locations in planned districts like Cheomdan or Suwan.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Gwangju in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Gwangju have increased by approximately 3% compared to January 2025, which represents a normal year rather than a boom or bust.
The main factors driving this modest rent increase in Gwangju are the Bank of Korea's cautious interest rate policy, which caps runaway growth, combined with everyday cost-of-living pressures that still push rents gently upward.
This 3% year-over-year increase is fairly consistent with 2025's trend, when Gwangju also saw gradual, steady rent growth rather than the sharp spikes or drops sometimes seen in Seoul.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Gwangju in 2026?
As of early 2026, the projected rent growth for Gwangju over the year is between 1% and 4%, with a most likely outcome around 2% to 3%.
The key factors likely to influence Gwangju rent growth in 2026 are the Bank of Korea's interest rate decisions (which affect both landlord financing costs and tenant affordability), new housing completions in planned districts, and steady demand from university students and young professionals.
In Gwangju, the neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth are Suwan-dong and Cheomdan-jigu in Gwangsan-gu, where newer housing stock and job-hub proximity attract tenants willing to pay more.
The main risks that could cause rent growth to differ from projections include a surge in new apartment completions that increases supply, a sharper-than-expected economic slowdown affecting tenant budgets, or unexpected policy changes from the central bank.
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.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Gwangju as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Gwangju are Chipyeong-dong and Sangmu-jigu in Seo-gu (averaging ₩650,000 to ₩900,000 per month, or $500 to $690 USD / €465 to €640 EUR), Bongseon-dong in Nam-gu, and Suwan-dong in Gwangsan-gu.
What makes these Gwangju neighborhoods command premium rents is a combination of office and lifestyle density in Sangmu/Chipyeong, strong school-zone reputation in Bongseon-dong, and newer planned-district amenities with parking in Suwan-dong.
The tenant profile that typically rents in these high-rent Gwangju neighborhoods includes young professionals and couples seeking convenience and nightlife in Seo-gu, and families prioritizing schools, parks, and modern apartment living in Nam-gu and Gwangsan-gu.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Gwangju.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Gwangju right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Gwangju are Sangmu-jigu and Chipyeong-dong in Seo-gu for their Seoul-like after-work vibe, and Cheomdan-jigu in Gwangsan-gu for its tech and office adjacency.
Young professionals in these Gwangju neighborhoods typically pay between ₩500,000 and ₩700,000 per month ($385 to $540 USD, or €355 to €500 EUR) for 1-bedroom apartments with reasonable deposits.
What attracts young professionals to these Gwangju neighborhoods are walkable restaurants and cafes, modern building stock, proximity to offices, and easy access to gyms and lifestyle amenities.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Gwangju.
Where do families prefer to rent in Gwangju right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Gwangju are Bongseon-dong in Nam-gu for its strong school zones, Suwan-dong in Gwangsan-gu for newer family apartments, and Pungam-dong in Seo-gu for its established apartment areas and parks.
Families in these Gwangju neighborhoods typically pay between ₩700,000 and ₩1,000,000 per month ($540 to $770 USD, or €500 to €715 EUR) for 2-3 bedroom apartments, often with higher deposits to reduce monthly payments.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to families in Gwangju are reputable elementary and middle schools, safe apartment complexes with playgrounds, accessible parking, and proximity to parks and family-oriented amenities.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Gwangju neighborhoods include well-regarded public schools in Bongseon-dong's education cluster and newer schools in the Suwan-dong planned district that have quickly built strong reputations.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Gwangju in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas near transit hubs or universities that rent fastest in Gwangju are Yongbong-dong near Chonnam National University in Buk-gu, the area around Gwangju Songjeong Station (KTX) in Gwangsan-gu, and the corridor feeding into the Sangmu/Chipyeong office districts in Seo-gu.
Properties in these high-demand Gwangju areas typically stay listed for only 15 to 25 days, compared to the citywide average of around 28 days.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or universities in Gwangju is about ₩50,000 to ₩80,000 per month ($40 to $60 USD, or €35 to €55 EUR) above comparable units farther away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Gwangju right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Gwangju are the Chipyeong-dong and Uncheon area in Seo-gu, the area near Gwangju Songjeong Station for those who travel frequently, and Suwan-dong or Cheomdan-jigu for expats who prioritize modern apartments and parking.
Expats in these Gwangju neighborhoods typically pay between ₩500,000 and ₩800,000 per month ($385 to $615 USD, or €355 to €570 EUR), depending on apartment size and whether it's furnished.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Gwangju are modern housing stock, easier city navigation, international restaurant options, and in the case of Songjeong Station, quick KTX access to Seoul and other cities.
The expat communities most represented in these Gwangju neighborhoods include English teachers from English-speaking countries, professionals from other Asian countries working in tech or manufacturing, and some European expats, though Gwangju's expat community is smaller and less clustered than Seoul's.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Gwangju.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Gwangju right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Gwangju?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Gwangju are students and early-career renters (studios and 1-bedrooms near campuses), young professionals and couples (1-bedrooms and compact apartments near Seo-gu business areas), and families (2-3 bedroom apartments in school-zone neighborhoods).
In Gwangju, students and early-career renters make up roughly 35% to 40% of the rental market, young professionals and couples account for about 25% to 30%, and families represent around 25% to 30%.
Students and early-career renters in Gwangju typically seek studios or small 1-bedrooms under 30 square meters near universities, young professionals prefer larger 1-bedrooms or compact 2-bedrooms in lifestyle districts, and families look for 60 to 85 square meter apartments in complexes with schools nearby.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Gwangju.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Gwangju?
In Gwangju, roughly 70% to 75% of tenants prefer unfurnished rentals (especially for apartments), while 25% to 30% prefer furnished units, mainly in studios and short-lease situations.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments in Gwangju is about ₩40,000 to ₩60,000 per month ($30 to $45 USD, or €28 to €42 EUR) above comparable unfurnished units.
The tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Gwangju are students who don't want to buy furniture for short stays, expats and relocating professionals who need a quick move-in, and short-term renters near university and transit hubs.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Gwangju?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Gwangju are newer building or recently renovated interior, dedicated parking space, high-quality air conditioning and heating, elevator with security entry system, and in-unit washer/dryer.
In Gwangju, a newer or renovated unit can command ₩50,000 to ₩100,000 more per month ($40 to $75 USD, or €35 to €70 EUR), parking adds about ₩30,000 to ₩50,000 ($23 to $40 USD), quality HVAC adds ₩20,000 to ₩40,000 ($15 to $30 USD), elevator with security adds ₩20,000 to ₩30,000 ($15 to $23 USD), and in-unit laundry adds ₩15,000 to ₩25,000 ($12 to $19 USD).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Gwangju, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Gwangju?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Gwangju are kitchen and bathroom refresh, flooring and paint update, heating and cooling efficiency upgrades, improved storage solutions, and modern lighting fixtures.
In Gwangju, a kitchen and bathroom refresh typically costs ₩3 to ₩6 million ($2,300 to $4,600 USD) and can increase rent by ₩50,000 to ₩80,000 per month, flooring and paint costs ₩1 to ₩2 million ($770 to $1,540 USD) for a ₩30,000 to ₩50,000 monthly increase, and HVAC upgrades cost ₩1 to ₩3 million ($770 to $2,300 USD) for a ₩20,000 to ₩40,000 monthly increase.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI and should be avoided by landlords in Gwangju include luxury finishes that exceed the neighborhood standard, structural changes that don't add usable space, and high-end smart home systems that tenants don't value enough to pay extra for.
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.
How strong is rental demand in Gwangju as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Gwangju is around 5%, which falls within the typical stabilized-market range of 4% to 6%.
Across different Gwangju neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from about 3% in high-demand areas like Sangmu-jigu and near Chonnam National University, to 7% or 8% in older inner-city pockets with less attractive housing stock.
The current vacancy rate in Gwangju is consistent with the city's historical average of 4% to 6%, reflecting a balanced market that is neither overheating nor struggling with excess supply.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Gwangju.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Gwangju is around 28 days for well-priced properties.
The realistic range of days on market across Gwangju varies from 15 to 25 days in prime areas like Sangmu-jigu, Chipyeong-dong, and Bongseon-dong, to 35 to 45 days or more for overpriced units or properties in less desirable locations.
The current days-on-market figure in Gwangju is similar to one year ago, reflecting the steady, non-frenzy market conditions that have characterized Gwangju's rental market through 2025 and into 2026.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Gwangju?
The peak months for tenant demand in Gwangju are February through March (the start of the school year and new job season) and August through September (the second major move window in Korea).
The specific factors driving seasonal demand patterns in Gwangju are university semesters at institutions like Chonnam National University, company hiring cycles that bring new employees, and the Korean cultural preference for moving at the start of academic and fiscal periods.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Gwangju are typically November through January and May through July, when fewer students and professionals are relocating and landlords may need to offer more flexibility on terms.
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What will my monthly costs be in Gwangju as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual property tax (재산세) landlords should expect in Gwangju ranges from ₩200,000 to ₩600,000 ($155 to $460 USD, or €145 to €430 EUR) for a mid-market apartment, with higher-value properties paying more.
The realistic low-to-high range of annual property taxes in Gwangju runs from about ₩100,000 for a modest older unit to ₩1,500,000 or more ($77 to $1,150 USD, or €70 to €1,070 EUR) for higher-value properties, and landlords with multiple or high-value holdings may also face the Comprehensive Real Estate Holding Tax (종합부동산세).
Property taxes in Gwangju are calculated based on the officially assessed value of the property, with rates set by law and applied to standard value brackets, meaning newer or better-located properties with higher assessed values will pay more.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Gwangju, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Gwangju right now?
The estimated realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Gwangju is around ₩800,000 to ₩2,000,000 ($615 to $1,540 USD, or €570 to €1,430 EUR), or roughly 0.8% of the property's value.
The realistic low-to-high range of annual maintenance costs in Gwangju runs from about ₩500,000 ($385 USD, €355 EUR) for newer apartments in good condition to ₩2,500,000 or more ($1,920 USD, €1,785 EUR) for older properties that need regular repairs.
Landlords in Gwangju typically set aside about 8% to 12% of their annual rental income for maintenance, which covers routine repairs, appliance upkeep, and building fees where applicable.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Gwangju right now?
In Gwangju, the utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants are limited, as most rental contracts require tenants to cover electricity, gas, water, and internet directly, but some landlords of small studios include certain utilities or building fees in the rent.
When landlords do cover utilities in Gwangju (mainly for bundled studio rentals), the typical monthly cost is about ₩50,000 to ₩100,000 ($40 to $75 USD, or €35 to €70 EUR) for basic electricity and building fees, though this varies by season and usage.
The common practice in Gwangju is for tenants to pay all major utilities directly, with landlords sometimes covering common-area maintenance fees in apartment complexes, so most landlords should budget for minimal utility costs beyond their own property-related expenses.
How is rental income taxed in Gwangju as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Gwangju is taxed as part of the landlord's overall income, with tax rates ranging from about 6% to 45% depending on total taxable income, though many small landlords with limited rental income may qualify for simplified or separated taxation options.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Gwangju include property depreciation, maintenance and repair costs, property tax payments, interest on loans used to purchase the rental property, and insurance premiums.
A common tax mistake landlords in Gwangju should avoid is failing to properly register rental income with the National Tax Service, especially given Korea's increasing scrutiny on unreported jeonse-to-wolse conversions and multi-property landlords who may face additional holding tax obligations.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Gwangju.
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 Gwangju, 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) - R-ONE Statistics Portal | It's the official national real-estate statistics platform run by Korea's real estate market monitor. | We use it as the ground truth reference for how Korea defines and tracks rent indices and market movements. We also use it to sanity-check any private-sector numbers against public-statistics concepts. |
| Korea Real Estate Board (REB) - Main Site | It's the official agency site for the body that produces key real-estate market monitoring outputs. | We use it to confirm the institutional role and scope of REB statistics. We also use it as a reputational cross-check when we cite rent and price index concepts. |
| Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) | MOLIT is the central government ministry responsible for housing policy and housing-market systems in Korea. | We use it to anchor any statements about Korea's housing and rental-policy environment. We treat MOLIT-linked systems as the top-tier official layer above private listings. |
| National Law Information Center (Korea) | It's the official public database for Korean laws and amendments. | We use it to avoid blog interpretations of taxes and rely on the law text itself. We also use it to explain landlord taxes in plain language without guessing. |
| Comprehensive Real Estate Holding Tax Act | This is the legal source for Korea's high-value property holding tax framework. | We use it to describe when landlords can face additional holding tax beyond basic local property tax. We keep it high-level but legally grounded. |
| Bank of Korea - Monetary Policy for 2026 | It's a primary source from Korea's central bank on 2026 monetary-policy direction. | We use it to frame 2026 interest-rate conditions that influence landlord financing costs and tenant affordability. We also use it to support the outlook section without relying on opinion blogs. |
| KEPCO - Residential Electricity Rate Table | KEPCO is Korea's national electric power utility and publishes official tariff tables. | We use it to ground the utilities-cost discussion in an official tariff source. We translate that into what tenants and landlords typically see on monthly bills. |
| KOGAS - Korea Gas Corporation | KOGAS is the key national entity in Korea's natural gas supply chain. | We use it to anchor the discussion that gas costs are regulated and not arbitrary. We keep this practical rather than turning it into an energy-market deep dive. |
| National Tax Service (NTS) | It's the official tax authority that administers income-tax filing and rental-income compliance in Korea. | We use it as the authority for rental-income taxation concepts and filing pathways. We pair it with the law text where needed and keep the explanation landlord-friendly. |
| HomeTax (NTS E-Filing Portal) | It's the official online portal most landlords use for filing and payments. | We use it to explain the real-world place landlords end up when they report rental income. We reference it as the operational layer, not as a data source for rents. |
| Savills Research - Korea Housing Market | Savills is a global real-estate consultancy with a transparent research function and citations to public surveys. | We use it to describe renter vs owner composition and tenant profiles in a credible, non-clickbait way. We also use it to cross-check that our tenant personas fit Korea-wide patterns before tailoring to Gwangju. |
| Naver Real Estate | It's Korea's dominant consumer real-estate search platform and a de facto reference point for asking rents. | We use it to triangulate asking rents neighborhood-by-neighborhood in Gwangju, not to claim official averages. We then de-bias listings by using medians and ignoring obvious outliers. |
| Zigbang | It's one of Korea's best-known rental platforms, especially for studios and one-rooms. | We use it to cross-check small-unit asking rents where Naver is sometimes agent-heavy. We treat it as a second opinion for the studio and 1-bed market. |
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