How to Read a Korean Address: A Simple Guide for Foreigners
Korean addresses look confusing at first — the order is reversed from most Western countries, and the system mixes old and new formats depending on the building. Once you understand the structure, they're actually logical. Here's how to read and write Korean addresses as a foreign renter.
The Two Address Systems in Korea
Korea uses two parallel address systems. You'll encounter both:
1. Road Name Address (도로명주소) — the official system since 2014 2. Land Lot Number Address (지번주소) — the old system, still widely used
Most official documents (contracts, registration, deliveries) now use the road name system. But many older residents and landlords still use the lot number system, so knowing both helps.
How to Read a Road Name Address (도로명주소)
Example: 서울특별시 마포구 와우산로29나길 20, 3층 302호
Reading left to right, from largest to smallest:
| Part | Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| City/Province | 서울특별시 | Seoul Metropolitan City |
| District (구) | 마포구 | Mapo District |
| Road name | 와우산로29나길 | Wausan-ro 29na-gil (road name) |
| Building number | 20 | Building no. 20 on that road |
| Floor | 3층 | 3rd floor |
| Unit | 302호 | Unit 302 |
Key vocabulary:
- 로 (ro) / 대로 (daero) = large road
- 길 (gil) = smaller street or alley
- 층 (cheung) = floor
- 호 (ho) = unit/room number
- 동 (dong) = building block within a complex
How to Read a Land Lot Address (지번주소)
Example: 서울시 마포구 서교동 123-4번지 2층 201호
| Part | Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| City | 서울시 | Seoul |
| District | 마포구 | Mapo District |
| Neighborhood | 서교동 | Seogyo-dong |
| Lot number | 123-4번지 | Lot 123-4 |
| Floor | 2층 | 2nd floor |
| Unit | 201호 | Unit 201 |
English Address Format
For international mail or forms that require a romanized address, Korean addresses are written largest to smallest — same as Korean order, unlike Western convention.
Example: 302ho, 3F, 20 Wausan-ro 29na-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 04050
The postal code (우편번호) is a 5-digit number — always include it for deliveries.
How to Find and Convert Your Address
Official Government Address Search (도로명주소 안내시스템)
The Ministry of the Interior operates the official address lookup system:
주소정보누리집 → www.juso.go.kr
- Search any address in Korean to find the official road name address (도로명주소)
- Has a built-in English conversion button — click 영문보기 to see the official romanized version
- Also shows the old lot number address (지번주소) alongside the new road name address
- Most reliable source for official documents like visa applications and lease contracts
English Address Conversion
For converting a Korean address to English format:
Official: www.juso.go.kr → search your address → click 영문보기 This uses the government's official romanization standard and is accepted for visas, university enrollment, and official documents.
Quick alternative: jusoen.co.kr — uses the same government API as juso.go.kr , formats the result into Address Line 1 / Address Line 2 / City / ZIP for easy copy-paste into overseas forms.
Finding Your Address If You Don't Know It
- Naver Map (map.naver.com): Search the building name or nearby landmark, tap the pin → shows full Korean address with copy option
- Kakao Map (map.kakao.com): Same function, also shows English address
- Building entrance: Most Korean buildings have a 도로명주소 sticker by the main entrance — this is your official address for registration purposes
- Ask your landlord or agent: They should be able to provide the exact address including 동, 층, and 호 number
On your lease contract:
- The address on your contract must exactly match the property registry (등기부등본)
- Check that the 동, 층, and 호 numbers are all correct — even small errors can cause issues with address registration later
For 체류지변경신고:
- Use the official road name address (도로명주소) when filing your change of address at the district office
- If unsure of your exact address, check the sticker on your building's entrance or ask your landlord