Glossary
Korean Real Estate Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the Korean property terms foreigners meet when buying or renting in Seoul — jeonse, wolse, 관리비, 평, acquisition tax, and more.
Leasing & Deposits(8)
Jeonse (전세)
A Korean lease where you pay one large, fully-refundable lump-sum deposit and no monthly rent.
Wolse (월세)
Monthly rent paired with a smaller refundable deposit — the most common choice for foreigners.
Banjeonse (반전세)
A hybrid lease: a large deposit (smaller than full jeonse) plus a modest monthly rent.
Bojeunggeum (보증금) — deposit
The refundable security deposit a tenant places with the landlord; returned at lease end.
Gwanlibi (관리비) — maintenance fee
A monthly building-management fee, separate from rent, covering upkeep and shared services.
Jeonipsingo (전입신고) — move-in report
Registering your new address at the local office on move-in, a key step to protect your deposit.
Hwakjeong-ilja (확정일자) — fixed date
An official date stamp on your lease that gives your deposit priority among creditors.
Jeonse deposit insurance (전세보증보험)
Insurance that repays your jeonse deposit if the landlord fails to return it.
Buying & Transaction(6)
Maemae (매매) — sale/purchase
An outright purchase of a property, as opposed to leasing it via jeonse or wolse.
Gyeyakgeum (계약금) — down payment
The contract deposit (commonly ~10%) paid when you sign the purchase or lease agreement.
Jungdogeum (중도금) — interim payment
An optional mid-stage payment between the down payment and the final balance.
Jangeum (잔금) — final balance
The remaining balance paid at closing, when keys and title transfer.
Deunggibu-deungbon (등기부등본) — property registry
The official property register showing ownership and any mortgages or liens.
Bunyang (분양) — new-build sale
The pre-sale of newly built apartments, often before construction is finished.
Taxes & Fees(2)
Agents & Paperwork(3)
Beopmusa (법무사) — judicial scrivener
A licensed specialist who handles the title-registration paperwork at closing.
Gongin-junggaesa (공인중개사) — licensed agent
A state-licensed real-estate agent legally authorised to broker property deals.
Budongsan (부동산) — real estate / agency
The word for 'real estate' — also used colloquially for a local agent's office.
Property Types & Measurements(6)
Apateu (아파트) — apartment
A unit in a large managed apartment complex — Korea's most common family home.
Officetel (오피스텔)
A compact studio/one-bedroom in a managed high-rise, registered for home or office use.
Villa (빌라 / 연립·다세대)
A low-rise multi-unit building — more affordable than an apartment complex.
Danokjutaek (단독주택) — detached house
A single-owner detached house — relatively rare and pricier for the same location.
One-room (원룸) — studio
A single open living space combining bedroom, kitchen and bathroom — the cheapest entry.
Pyeong (평)
The traditional Korean unit of floor area; one pyeong ≈ 3.3 square metres.