How to Rent an Apartment in Seoul as a Foreigner
Renting in Seoul is open to everyone — no permit, and you do not need to be a long-term resident. But the process has its own vocabulary and steps. This guide walks you through renting an apartment or officetel in Seoul as a foreigner, from the documents you will need to moving in and protecting your deposit.
Can foreigners rent in Seoul?
Yes, freely — there is no permit and no residency requirement to rent. You can rent whether you already hold an ARC (Alien Registration Card) or have just arrived, though an ARC and a Korean bank account make some steps easier. Furnished officetels and studios are the simplest entry point for newcomers.
First, choose your lease type
Most foreigners rent on wolse (월세) — a modest deposit plus monthly rent — because it needs far less cash than jeonse (전세), the large refundable lump-sum deposit with no monthly rent. Our jeonse-vs-wolse guide explains both in detail and how to protect your deposit.
What you will need
- Your passport (and ARC, if you have one).
- A Korean bank account, which makes deposit and rent transfers much easier.
- Funds for the deposit, the first month, and the agent's fee.
- Some landlords ask about your visa or employment; an English-speaking agent smooths this over.
Renting step by step
- Set your budget — not just rent and deposit, but also the monthly maintenance fee, the one-time brokerage fee, and utility set-up.
- Search and shortlist — use the Seoul Homes filters; every listing is in English with a verified realtor.
- View with a licensed agent (공인중개사). Ask what the 관리비 (maintenance fee) covers, the lease length, and whether the unit is 풀옵션 (full option / fully furnished).
- Check the registry (등기부등본) for existing mortgages — especially before paying a large deposit.
- Sign the contract (계약서) and pay the down payment (gyeyakgeum, 계약금, usually about 10%). Get every term in writing.
- Move in: pay the balance, then complete 전입신고 (resident registration) and the 확정일자 (fixed-date stamp) — do this within about two weeks of moving, as it is your key protection if anything happens to the property.
- Set up utilities and confirm exactly what your 관리비 includes.
Costs beyond the rent
- Deposit (보증금) — fully refundable at the end of the lease.
- Maintenance fee (관리비) — a separate monthly charge for building upkeep, sometimes including water, internet or heating. Officetels often carry a higher 관리비 than apartments.
- Brokerage fee (중개보수) — a one-time agent fee, capped by local ordinance at a small percentage of the transaction value.
- Utilities — electricity, gas, water and internet, where not already bundled into 관리비.
Furnished or not?
Many officetels and studios are 풀옵션 (full option): built-in refrigerator, washer, induction cooktop and air-conditioning, sometimes a bed and desk — ideal for newcomers who want to move in with a suitcase. Larger apartments are more often unfurnished beyond fixed appliances.
Tips for non-Korean speakers
- Use an English-speaking, verified agent — every Seoul Homes listing has one.
- Get all terms in writing and clarify the 관리비, lease length, and renewal.
- Always complete 전입신고 and 확정일자 — your single most important deposit protection.
- Check the registry before handing over a large deposit.
How Seoul Homes helps
Every listing is handled by a verified, English-speaking realtor who can arrange viewings (including video tours from overseas), explain the contract and 관리비, and make sure your registration and deposit protection are done correctly. Browse listings or send an inquiry to get started.