Just found a new apartment in Korea? Or getting ready to sign that lease? Everything seems perfect—until you spot a cockroach darting across the floor. Yikes.
Believe it or not, cockroaches are more common in Korea than many newcomers expect. Whether you’re in Seoul, Busan, or a quiet countryside town, these pests can appear in both old and brand-new buildings. And once they’re in, they don’t leave easily.
That’s why it’s so important to know what signs to look for—before and after you move in. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where to check, how to spot early warnings, and what to do if you see even one unwelcome bug.
Let’s make sure your new home stays safe, clean, and totally roach-free.
Table of Contents :
- Why Roach Checks Are So Important
- Common Signs of Cockroach Activity
- Pre-Move Checklist: What to Check Before Signing a Lease
- On-Site Inspection: Where and How to Look
- Living There Already? Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
- What to Do If You Find Cockroach Traces
- Final Checklist Before You Sign
- FAQ: Foreigners’ Most Common Roach Questions in Korea
Why Roach Checks Are So Important
Cockroaches aren't just gross—they can carry bacteria, trigger allergies, and even damage your belongings. In Korea, they're especially tricky because:
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Many apartments (old and new) have shared walls and plumbing.
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Some buildings skip regular pest control.
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Cockroaches often hide in tiny gaps you can’t easily see.
If you spot them after moving in, it can be hard to prove it wasn’t your fault. That’s why checking for signs before you sign a lease is just as important as checking the Wi-Fi or water pressure.
Common Signs of Cockroach Activity
You probably won't see a cockroach walking around during the day. But they leave behind clues. Here’s what to watch for:
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Tiny black dots (droppings): Look like ground pepper, often found under sinks or behind appliances.
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Greasy streaks: Cockroaches leave oily marks on walls or near baseboards.
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Musty smell: A weird scent like old cereal can be a warning.
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Egg casings or brown shells: These are signs of breeding.
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Soft rustling sounds at night: Coming from walls or appliances? That’s a red flag.
If you notice even two or three of these signs, the place might have a serious problem.
Pre-Move Checklist: What to Check Before Signing a Lease
Before you even step inside the unit, take a look at these key things:
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Building exterior: Look for cracks, exposed pipes, or open vents—these are cockroach highways.
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Ask the landlord or agent:
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When was the last pest control treatment?
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Have previous tenants ever reported bugs?
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Shared spaces: Are the stairwells or trash areas clean? Roaches often start in shared zones.
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Type of building: Older buildings, semi-basement (반지하), or ground floors are higher risk.
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Previous tenant’s move-out: If someone left quickly or broke a lease early, ask why. Pest issues might be the reason.
These checks don’t just protect your peace of mind—they also give you good leverage to request pest control before moving in.
On-Site Inspection: Where and How to Look
If you’re visiting the apartment before signing, don’t just check the view—check for roaches too. Bring a flashlight or use your phone light, and look closely in these areas:
Under the kitchen sink:
Open the cabinet. Look for black dots (droppings), brown casings, or any odd stains near the pipes.Bathroom drains and under the sink:
These damp, dark places are cockroach favorites. Check for smells, black dust, or any signs of moisture damage.Behind and under appliances:
If the place is furnished with a fridge, microwave, or washing machine, roaches might be hiding there. Look for droppings or oily streaks on the walls or floor.Gaps and cracks:
Inspect window sills, door frames, and areas around pipes. Are there any open gaps or crumbling sealants? Roaches love squeezing through even tiny spaces.Floor corners and baseboards:
Any signs of dirt buildup, dust, or strange odors? Take that as a clue—especially if the place looks "too clean" elsewhere.💡 Tip: If the unit is still occupied by the current tenant, be polite—but don’t hesitate to ask about pests directly. Some will tell you the truth if you just ask.
Living There Already? Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Already moved in? Here’s how to tell if you’ve got roach roommates:
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They scatter when you turn on the kitchen light at night.
That’s classic cockroach behavior—they’re nocturnal and hate light. -
You smell something funky coming from the sink or bathroom drain.
Not all smells are just “Korean sewer smell.” A musty or oily scent could mean cockroaches are active in your pipes. -
You find weird brown shells or tiny black crumbs on the floor.
These are egg casings or poop. Not dust. -
You used a spray and they disappeared for a day—but came back.
Bad news: that means they’ve made a nest somewhere. Maybe even laid eggs.
⚠️ Seeing just one cockroach usually means there are many more hiding. They only show up when things get crowded or food runs low. The earlier you act, the better your chances of stopping a full infestation.
What to Do If You Find Cockroach Traces
So, you’ve seen something suspicious—maybe droppings, maybe a shell. Now what? Here’s what to do depending on your situation:
If You Haven’t Signed the Lease Yet:
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Negotiate before you commit.
Found signs of roaches? Ask the landlord for professional pest control before you move in. -
Walk away if it feels sketchy.
If the landlord brushes it off or refuses to deal with it, it’s a red flag. Better to lose a deposit than live with bugs.
If You Just Moved In:
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Book a deep cleaning + pest control ASAP.
The first few days are your best shot at killing any hiding insects before they spread. -
Seal the gaps.
Use caulk or weather strips to close any cracks in windows, doors, or around pipes. It’s cheap and effective. -
Use traps and baits.
Daiso and Homeplus sell gel baits and sticky traps. Place them near the fridge, sink, and behind appliances.
If You’ve Been Living There a While:
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Layer your defense.
Use a combination of baits (Combat is popular), traps, and sprays. Roaches are smart—variety helps. -
Clean daily.
Don’t leave crumbs, pet food, or trash overnight. Even a few drops of oil can feed a whole colony. -
Notify your landlord.
Especially if roaches are coming from hallways or shared areas. You can (and should) request building-wide pest control.
💡Tip: Spraying without identifying the nest is like putting a band-aid on a broken pipe. Always try to find the source—behind the fridge, under the sink, in drain pipes—and treat that area first.
Final Checklist Before You Sign
Before you commit to a new home, run through this checklist.
You can even show it to your agent or landlord:
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Any signs of roaches during your visit? | ☐ |
| Building had pest control in the last 6–12 months? | ☐ |
| Previous tenant left early—was it pest-related? | ☐ |
| Kitchen sinks and drains are clean and sealed? | ☐ |
| Cracks or holes around pipes, doors, or windows are sealed? | ☐ |
| Shared areas (stairs, trash zones) are clean and maintained? | ☐ |
| Landlord is open to doing pest control before move-in? | ☐ |
FAQ: Foreigners’ Most Common Roach Questions in Korea
Q1: Can I bring roaches into my apartment when I move?
Yes. Roaches can hide in cardboard boxes, bags, or secondhand items. Unpack quickly and avoid storing old boxes indoors.
Q2: Do roaches bite or harm pets?
Roach bites are rare, but their droppings and shed skins can trigger allergies—affecting both humans and pets.
Q3: I clean regularly. Why do I still see roaches?
Even spotless homes can have roaches. They seek moisture, warmth, and shelter—especially in hidden cracks and drain pipes.
Q4: Are natural repellents like lemon or essential oils effective?
They may help a little but aren’t enough for an infestation. Use them as a supplement to baits, traps, and sealing work.
Q5: When should I call a professional pest control service?
If you see roaches in daytime, smell them, or DIY methods fail after 1–2 weeks—it’s time to call the pros.
Living in Korea comes with plenty of new experiences—but sharing your home with cockroaches shouldn’t be one of them.
The best defense is a smart start: check carefully, stay alert, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or push for pest control when needed.
Your home should be a place of comfort, not surprise guests with six legs.
Be prepared, stay bug-free—and enjoy your life in Korea, one clean apartment at a time.
