Searching for accommodation in Korea involves visiting a local real estate agency, known as ‘budongsan’. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for navigating the process of finding a house or apartment (집 구하기) and interacting with real estate agents (부동산 방문하기). Learn how to express your needs, ask relevant questions, and understand the key terms involved in securing your new home in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental term you need to know when looking for a place to rent or buy through an agent in Korea.
- Expression: 부동산
Pronunciation: bu-dong-san
Meaning: Real estate agency (also refers to real estate/property itself)
Visiting the Agency
Use these phrases when you first enter a real estate office or make initial contact.
- Expression: 안녕하세요, 집 좀 보러 왔는데요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, jip jom bo-reo wat-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: Hello, I came to look for a house/apartment. - Expression: 월세/전세 집 구하고 있어요.
Pronunciation: wol-se/jeon-se jip gu-ha-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a monthly rent (Wolse) / key money deposit (Jeonse) place. - Expression: 이 근처에 나온 집 있어요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e na-on jip i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Are there any places available around here? - Expression: 어떤 종류의 집을 찾으세요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui ji-beul cha-jeu-se-yo?
Meaning: What type of housing are you looking for? (Agent might ask this) - Expression: 원룸/투룸/아파트 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: won-rum/tu-rum/a-pa-teu chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a studio (one-room) / two-room / apartment. - Expression: 언제쯤 이사 계획이세요?
Pronunciation: eon-je-jjeum i-sa gye-hoe-gi-se-yo?
Meaning: Around when are you planning to move? (Agent might ask this) - Expression: 다음 달부터 입주 가능하면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: da-eum dal-bu-teo ip-ju ga-neung-ha-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It would be good if I could move in starting next month. - Expression: 상담 좀 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: sang-dam jom ba-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I have a consultation? - Expression: 처음 방문했는데요.
Pronunciation: cheo-eum bang-mun-haet-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: This is my first time visiting. - Expression: 인터넷 보고 연락드렸어요.
Pronunciation: in-teo-net bo-go yeol-lak-deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I saw your listing online and am contacting you. - Expression: 담당자분 계신가요?
Pronunciation: dam-dang-ja-bun gye-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the person in charge available? - Expression: 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please wait a moment. (Agent might say this)
Describing Your Needs
Clearly communicate your requirements for the property you are seeking.
- Expression: 예산은 어느 정도로 생각하세요?
Pronunciation: ye-sa-neun eo-neu jeong-do-ro saeng-ga-ka-se-yo?
Meaning: What is your budget? (Agent might ask this) - Expression: 보증금은 [금액] 정도, 월세는 [금액] 이하로 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geu-meun [geu-maek] jeong-do, wol-se-neun [geu-maek] i-ha-ro chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a deposit (bojeunggeum) around [amount] and monthly rent (wolse) under [amount]. - Expression: 전세로 [금액]까지 가능해요.
Pronunciation: jeon-se-ro [geu-maek]-kka-ji ga-neung-hae-yo.
Meaning: For Jeonse, up to [amount] is possible. - Expression: 지하철역에서 가까웠으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: ji-ha-cheol-yeo-ge-seo ga-kka-wo-sseu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’d like it to be close to the subway station. - Expression: 도보로 10분 이내 거리였으면 해요.
Pronunciation: do-bo-ro sip-bun i-nae geo-ri-yeo-sseu-myeon hae-yo.
Meaning: I’d prefer it to be within a 10-minute walk. - Expression: 방 크기는 어느 정도 원하세요?
Pronunciation: bang keu-gi-neun eo-neu jeong-do won-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What room size are you looking for? (Agent might ask this) - Expression: 혼자 살 거라서 너무 크지 않아도 돼요.
Pronunciation: hon-ja sal geo-ra-seo neo-mu keu-ji a-na-do dwae-yo.
Meaning: I’ll be living alone, so it doesn’t need to be too big. - Expression: 가구/가전제품 포함인가요? (풀옵션)
Pronunciation: ga-gu/ga-jeon-je-pum po-ham-in-ga-yo? (pul-op-syeon)
Meaning: Does it include furniture/appliances? (Fully furnished?) - Expression: 주차 공간이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: ju-cha gong-ga-ni pi-ryo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need a parking space. - Expression: 남향집이었으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: nam-hyang-ji-bi-eo-sseu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’d prefer a south-facing house (gets more sunlight). - Expression: 애완동물 키워도 괜찮은 곳인가요?
Pronunciation: ae-wan-dong-mul ki-wo-do gwaen-cha-neun go-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a place where pets are allowed? - Expression: 조용한 동네를 선호해요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-han dong-ne-reul seon-ho-hae-yo.
Meaning: I prefer a quiet neighborhood.
Viewing Properties
Phrases to use while visiting and inspecting potential homes.
- Expression: 지금 집 보러 갈 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ji-geum jip bo-reo gal su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can we go see the place now? - Expression: 이 집 한번 둘러볼게요.
Pronunciation: i jip han-beon dul-leo-bol-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll take a look around this house. - Expression: 방은 몇 개예요?
Pronunciation: bang-eun myeot gae-ye-yo?
Meaning: How many rooms are there? - Expression: 화장실은 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-si-reun eo-di-e i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where is the bathroom? - Expression: 채광은 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: chae-gwang-eun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: How is the natural light? - Expression: 수압은 괜찮아요?
Pronunciation: su-a-beun gwaen-cha-na-yo?
Meaning: Is the water pressure okay? - Expression: 난방은 어떻게 되나요? (개별난방/중앙난방)
Pronunciation: nan-bang-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo? (gae-byeol-nan-bang/jung-ang-nan-bang)
Meaning: How does the heating work? (Individual heating / Central heating) - Expression: 관리비는 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: gwal-li-bi-neun eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much is the maintenance fee? - Expression: 관리비에 뭐가 포함되어 있어요?
Pronunciation: gwal-li-bi-e mwo-ga po-ham-doe-eo i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: What is included in the maintenance fee? - Expression: 주변에 편의시설은 뭐가 있나요?
Pronunciation: ju-byeo-ne pyeo-nui-si-seo-reun mwo-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: What amenities are nearby? - Expression: 다른 집도 더 볼 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: da-reun jip-do deo bol su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could we see some other places too? - Expression: 이 집이 마음에 드네요.
Pronunciation: i ji-bi ma-eu-me deu-ne-yo.
Meaning: I like this house.
Discussing the Contract
Key phrases for understanding and negotiating the lease agreement.
- Expression: 계약 기간은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak gi-ga-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the contract period? (Usually 1 or 2 years) - Expression: 보증금/월세 조정 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum/wol-se jo-jeong ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the deposit/monthly rent negotiable? - Expression: 계약서는 언제 작성하나요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-neun eon-je jak-seong-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: When do we sign the contract? - Expression: 중개수수료는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: jung-gae-su-su-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the agent’s commission fee? - Expression: 계약금은 얼마를 내야 하나요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak-geu-meun eol-ma-reul nae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How much is the down payment (contract deposit)? (Usually 10% of the main deposit) - Expression: 잔금은 언제까지 내면 되나요?
Pronunciation: jan-geu-meun eon-je-kka-ji nae-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: By when do I need to pay the remaining balance? (Usually on move-in day) - Expression: 입주 전에 청소는 해주시나요?
Pronunciation: ip-ju jeo-ne cheong-so-neun hae-ju-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Will it be cleaned before I move in? - Expression: 특약사항에 추가하고 싶은 내용이 있어요.
Pronunciation: teu-gyak-sa-hang-e chu-ga-ha-go si-peun nae-yong-i i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There’s something I’d like to add to the special clauses. - Expression: 계약 내용을 다시 한번 확인해 주세요.
Pronunciation: gye-yak nae-yong-eul da-si han-beon hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please confirm the contract details one more time. - Expression: 도배/장판은 새로 해주시나요?
Pronunciation: do-bae/jang-pan-eun sae-ro hae-ju-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Will the wallpaper/flooring be newly done? - Expression: 집주인 연락처를 알 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jip-ju-in yeol-lak-cheo-reul al su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I get the landlord’s contact information? - Expression: 전입신고와 확정일자는 어떻게 받나요?
Pronunciation: jeo-nip-sin-go-wa hwak-jeong-il-ja-neun eo-tteo-ke bat-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I register my move-in (Jeonipsingo) and get the fixed date stamp (Hwakjeongilja)? (Important for tenant rights)
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these cultural points can make your housing search smoother.
- Jeonse (전세) vs. Wolse (월세): Korea has two main rental systems. Wolse involves a smaller deposit (보증금 – bojeunggeum) and monthly rent (월세 – wolse). Jeonse requires a large lump-sum deposit (often 50-80% of the property value) instead of monthly rent. The landlord invests this deposit and returns the principal amount at the end of the contract. Jeonse is becoming less common, especially for smaller units.
- Key Money (보증금 – Bojeunggeum): Even with Wolse, a significant deposit is usually required. This ‘key money’ serves as security for the landlord and is returned when you move out, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
- Real Estate Agent Fees (중개수수료 – Junggae Susuryo): Both the tenant and the landlord pay a commission fee to the real estate agent. The fee is legally regulated and calculated based on the transaction amount (Jeonse deposit or Wolse calculation). Always confirm the fee amount beforehand.
- Importance of Location (역세권 – Yeoksegwon): Properties close to subway stations (역세권) are highly valued and generally more expensive due to convenience. Proximity to amenities like markets, hospitals, and schools also significantly impacts price.
- Contract Length: Standard lease contracts are typically for 1 or 2 years. Breaking a contract early might involve penalties, often requiring the tenant to find a replacement or pay the remaining rent until a new tenant is found.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Alex, a foreigner, visits a local real estate agency (부동산) to find a studio apartment (원룸). Roles: A: Alex (Tenant), B: Real Estate Agent (공인중개사 – Gongin Junggaesa)
- Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 원룸 좀 알아보려고 왔어요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, won-rum jom a-ra-bo-ryeo-go wa-sseo-yo.
Meaning: A: Hello, I came to look for a studio apartment. - Expression: B: 네, 어서 오세요. 어떤 조건의 원룸을 찾으세요? 예산은 어느 정도 생각하시나요?
Pronunciation: ne, eo-seo o-se-yo. eo-tteon jo-kkeo-nui won-ru-meul cha-jeu-se-yo? ye-sa-neun eo-neu jeong-do saeng-ga-ka-si-na-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, welcome. What kind of studio are you looking for? What’s your budget? - Expression: A: 보증금은 1000만원 정도 생각하고, 월세는 60만원 이하였으면 좋겠어요. 지하철역이랑 가까우면 더 좋고요.
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geu-meun cheon-man-won jeong-do saeng-ga-ka-go, wol-se-neun yuk-sim-man-won i-ha-yeo-sseu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo. ji-ha-cheol-yeo-gi-rang ga-kka-u-myeon deo jo-ko-yo.
Meaning: A: I’m thinking around 10 million won for the deposit, and I’d like the monthly rent to be under 600,000 won. Closer to the subway station would be better. - Expression: B: 네, 그럼 이 근처에 괜찮은 매물 몇 개 있어요. 풀옵션이고 역에서 도보 5분 거리인데, 한번 보시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom i geun-cheo-e gwaen-cha-neun mae-mul myeot gae i-sseo-yo. pul-op-syeo-ni-go yeo-ge-seo do-bo o-bun geo-ri-in-de, han-beon bo-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: B: Okay, then there are a few good listings nearby. They are fully furnished and a 5-minute walk from the station. Would you like to see them? - Expression: A: 네, 좋아요. 지금 바로 볼 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ne, jo-a-yo. ji-geum ba-ro bol su in-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, great. Can we see them right now? - Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 바로 안내해 드릴게요. 이쪽으로 오세요.
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom-yo. ba-ro an-nae-hae deu-ril-ge-yo. i-jjok-eu-ro o-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, of course. I’ll show you right away. Please come this way.
Practice Tips
Finding a home is a big step! Don’t be afraid to visit several 부동산 agencies to compare options~ Practice saying your budget and requirements clearly (보증금, 월세, 위치!). Role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner can really boost your confidence! You can also practice by looking at online Korean real estate listings (like on 직방 or 다방 apps) and trying to understand the descriptions. 화이팅! (Fighting!) You can do it!
