What Is Jeonse (전세)?

Jeonse (전세) is a uniquely Korean lease structure. Instead of monthly rent, the tenant places a single large deposit — typically 50–70% of the property's value — with the landlord for the lease term (usually two years). The landlord earns a return on that capital; the tenant gets the entire deposit back at the end of the lease. There is little or no monthly payment.

Jeonse ties up a very large amount of cash, so foreigners more often choose wolse (monthly rent). If you do use jeonse, protecting the deposit with 전입신고 and 확정일자 — and ideally jeonse-deposit insurance — is essential.