What Is Hwakjeong-ilja (확정일자) — fixed date?

Hwakjeong-ilja (확정일자) is a certified date stamp placed on your lease contract by a public office. Combined with 전입신고 and actually living in the home, it grants 우선변제권 — the right to be repaid your deposit ahead of later creditors.

Without 확정일자, a large jeonse or banjeonse deposit can be exposed if the property is auctioned. It is quick and inexpensive to obtain and should be done the day you move in.