Korean Real Estate Terms Explained: A Glossary for Foreign Renters
Korean real estate has its own vocabulary — and several terms don't have direct equivalents in English. This glossary covers the words you'll encounter most often when searching for housing, reading a contract, or dealing with landlords in Korea.
Rental Types
전세 [Jeonse]
A lump-sum deposit rental — you pay a large sum upfront (often ₩100–300 million) and live rent-free for the contract period (usually 2 years). The deposit is returned in full at the end. High financial risk; not recommended for most foreign renters.
월세 [Wolse]
Monthly rent. You pay a smaller deposit (보증금) plus a fixed monthly payment. The most common and practical option for foreign renters.
반전세 [Ban-jeonse]
A hybrid — a larger-than-standard deposit combined with reduced monthly rent. Between jeonse and wolse in terms of upfront cost.
→ Jeonse vs Wolse: Korea's Rental System Explained for Foreign Renters
Money Terms
보증금 [Bo-jeung-geum]
Security deposit. Paid at the start of your lease and returned in full at the end, assuming no damage. Not a fee — it's your money, held by the landlord.
계약금 [Gye-yak-geum]
Down payment. Usually 10% of the total deposit, paid when signing the initial agreement. Signals commitment — if you cancel, you forfeit this. If the landlord cancels, they must return double.
잔금 [Jan-geum]
Balance. The remaining deposit amount paid on or before move-in day.
관리비 [Gwan-li-bi]
Maintenance fee. A monthly charge on top of rent for shared building services (elevator, cleaning, security). What's included varies by building — always ask for the breakdown.
→ Korea Apartment Maintenance Fee (관리비): What's Actually Included
중개보수 [Jung-gae-bo-su]
Real estate agent commission. Capped by law — calculated based on your deposit + monthly rent. Also called 복비 (bok-bi) informally.
→ How Much Is the Realtor Fee in Korea? What Foreigners Often Overpay
Property Terms
원룸 (One-room/Studio)
Studio apartment in a low-rise residential building. Private bathroom and small kitchen. Most common housing type for foreign students and workers.
오피스텔 (Officetel)
Mixed-use studio in a modern high-rise. Better facilities and security than a villa one-room, but higher maintenance fees.
고시원 (Goshiwon)
Very compact private room with shared facilities. The most affordable housing type. Utilities often included.
쉐어하우스 (Share house)
Private bedroom in a shared apartment. Good for social living, often English-friendly.
Learn more about Korean Housing Info →
Contract Terms
임대인 [Im-dae-in]
Landlord / lessor.
임차인 [Im-cha-in]
Tenant / lessee. That's you.
임대차기간 [Im-dae-cha-gi-gan]
Lease term. The start and end dates of your tenancy.
특약사항 [Teuk-yak-sa-hang]
Special agreements. Anything agreed outside the standard contract form — get verbal promises written here.
표준임대차계약서 (Standard lease agreement)
The government-standard residential lease form. Your agent should use this.
→ Korean Rental Contract Explained: 13 Clauses Every Foreign Renter Must Understand
Legal Terms
등기부등본 [Deung-gi-bu-deung-bon]
Property registry document. Shows who legally owns the property and any mortgages or liens. Check this before transferring any deposit.
확정일자 [Hwak-jeong-il-ja]
Date confirmation stamp on your lease. Obtained at the district office after moving in. Establishes your legal priority for deposit recovery.
체류지변경신고 (Che-ryu-ji-byeon-gyeong-sin-go)
Change of residence registration for foreign nationals. The foreigner equivalent of 전입신고. Must be completed within 14 days of moving in to enable 확정일자.
대항력 [Dae-hang-ryeok]
Opposing power / tenant's right of opposability. The legal standing that protects your deposit against the property being sold or seized. Established after completing 체류지변경신고 and 확정일자.
묵시적 갱신 [Muk-si-jeok gaeng-sin]
Implied renewal. If you don't notify your landlord 2 months before your lease ends that you're not renewing, the lease automatically extends for 2 more years.
임차권등기명령 [Im-cha-gwon-deung-gi-myeong-nyeong]
Lease registration order. A court order that preserves your legal claim to your deposit on the property registry — essential if you're leaving Korea before your deposit is returned.
People and Places
공인중개사 [Gong-in-jung-gae-sa]
Certified real estate agent. Licensed by the government, legally accountable. Always verify their license before working with an agent.
관리사무소 [Gwan-li-sa-mu-so]
Building management office. Your point of contact for maintenance, parcels, and building issues after you move in.
주민센터 [Ju-min-sen-teo]
District community center. Where you go to complete 체류지변경신고 and get 확정일자 on your lease.