Leasing & Deposits
What Is Bojeunggeum (보증금) — deposit?
Definition
The refundable security deposit a tenant places with the landlord; returned at lease end.
Bojeunggeum (보증금) is the security deposit. In wolse it is a smaller sum alongside monthly rent; in jeonse it is the entire lease value. Unlike 'key money' in some countries, the Korean deposit is fully refundable at the end of the lease, provided the property is returned in order.
Why it matters
The deposit is usually your largest single outlay when renting. Protect it on move-in with 전입신고 (resident registration) and 확정일자 (a date stamp), which give your claim legal priority if the landlord runs into trouble.