Jeju has been identified as the region with the highest trading activity in real estate transactions through Carrot, driven by its unique leasing culture.
A recent analysis of real estate transaction data by Carrot revealed that Jeju City has emerged as the leader in trading activity across South Korea. The data, released on December 12, 2025, showed that Jeju City saw a remarkable increase in completed transaction posts, estimated to be about 2.5 times higher than the previous year. This surge is attributed to the local rental culture known as 'Yeonse', where renters pay an entire year's rent upfront, a practice that sets Jeju apart from other regions in the country.
Following Jeju in the rankings are Gwanak District in Seoul and Seo-gu in Daejeon, which are notable for their concentration of one-person households. These areas have become popular for renting studios, with over 50% of completed transaction posts in Gwanak categorized as such, significantly exceeding the national average of 29% for studio transactions. This trend reflects the urban living preferences of individuals and highlights the growing demand for smaller living spaces in densely populated areas.
Additionally, cities with industrial complexes, such as Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province and Shiheung, registered dramatic increases in transaction posts, with some areas showing an average rise of over 300% from the previous year. The influx of workers seeking housing near industrial sites has been a significant factor in this increase, demonstrating how location and job proximity influence housing demand in South Korea.
