Finding accommodation in Korea involves specific terminology and processes. This guide provides essential Korean expressions for searching for a room (방 구하기 – bang gu-ha-gi), dealing with real estate agents, understanding contracts, and navigating the rental market, helping you secure your ideal living space in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 방 구하기 (bang gu-ha-gi)
Pronunciation: bang gu-ha-gi
Meaning: Finding a room/Getting a room (This phrase literally means “room seeking” or “room obtaining” and is the general term for looking for housing.)
Essential Housing Vocabulary
This section covers key terms you’ll encounter when searching for housing in Korea.
- Expression: 부동산 (bu-dong-san)
Pronunciation: bu-dong-san
Meaning: Real estate agency - Expression: 공인중개사 (gong-in-jung-gae-sa)
Pronunciation: gong-in-jung-gae-sa
Meaning: Licensed real estate agent - Expression: 월세 (wol-se)
Pronunciation: wol-se
Meaning: Monthly rent - Expression: 전세 (jeon-se)
Pronunciation: jeon-se
Meaning: Lump-sum deposit rental system (paying a large deposit instead of monthly rent) - Expression: 보증금 (bo-jeung-geum)
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum
Meaning: Security deposit (used with 월세) - Expression: 관리비 (gwal-li-bi)
Pronunciation: gwal-li-bi
Meaning: Maintenance fee / Management fee - Expression: 계약 (gye-yak)
Pronunciation: gye-yak
Meaning: Contract - Expression: 계약금 (gye-yak-geum)
Pronunciation: gye-yak-geum
Meaning: Down payment / Contract deposit - Expression: 집주인 (jip-ju-in)
Pronunciation: jip-ju-in
Meaning: Landlord / Property owner - Expression: 세입자 (se-ip-ja)
Pronunciation: se-ip-ja
Meaning: Tenant - Expression: 원룸 (won-rum)
Pronunciation: won-rum
Meaning: One-room studio apartment - Expression: 오피스텔 (o-pi-seu-tel)
Pronunciation: o-pi-seu-tel
Meaning: Officetel (studio apartment in a multi-purpose building, often with amenities) - Expression: 아파트 (a-pa-teu)
Pronunciation: a-pa-teu
Meaning: Apartment (usually in a large complex) - Expression: 빌라 (bil-la)
Pronunciation: bil-la
Meaning: Villa (smaller apartment building, typically 4-5 stories)
Searching for a Place
Use these phrases when contacting real estate agencies or searching online.
- Expression: 방 구하고 있어요. (bang gu-ha-go i-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: bang gu-ha-go i-sseo-yo
Meaning: I am looking for a room. - Expression: 월세방 찾고 있어요. (wol-se-bang chat-go i-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: wol-se-bang chat-go i-sseo-yo
Meaning: I am looking for a room with monthly rent. - Expression: 전세방 찾고 있어요. (jeon-se-bang chat-go i-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: jeon-se-bang chat-go i-sseo-yo
Meaning: I am looking for a Jeonse room. - Expression: 이 근처에 나온 방 있어요? (i geun-cheo-e na-on bang i-sseo-yo?)
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e na-on bang i-sseo-yo
Meaning: Are there any rooms available around here? - Expression: 보증금은 얼마까지 생각하세요? (bo-jeung-geum-eun eol-ma-kka-ji saeng-ga-ka-se-yo?)
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum-eun eol-ma-kka-ji saeng-ga-ka-se-yo
Meaning: How much are you thinking for the deposit? (Agent might ask you) - Expression: 월세는 얼마 정도 생각해요. (wol-se-neun eol-ma jeong-do saeng-ga-kae-yo.)
Pronunciation: wol-se-neun eol-ma jeong-do saeng-ga-kae-yo
Meaning: I’m thinking around [amount] for monthly rent. - Expression: 원하는 지역이 있으세요? (won-ha-neun ji-yeo-gi i-sseu-se-yo?)
Pronunciation: won-ha-neun ji-yeo-gi i-sseu-se-yo
Meaning: Is there a specific area you want? (Agent might ask you) - Expression: [Location] 근처였으면 좋겠어요. ([Location] geun-cheo-yeo-sseu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: [Location] geun-cheo-yeo-sseu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo
Meaning: I hope it’s near [Location]. - Expression: 방은 언제부터 필요하세요? (bang-eun eon-je-bu-teo pi-ryo-ha-se-yo?)
Pronunciation: bang-eun eon-je-bu-teo pi-ryo-ha-se-yo
Meaning: From when do you need the room? (Agent might ask you) - Expression: [Date]부터 입주하고 싶어요. ([Date]-bu-teo ip-ju-ha-go si-peo-yo.)
Pronunciation: [Date]-bu-teo ip-ju-ha-go si-peo-yo
Meaning: I want to move in from [Date]. - Expression: 인터넷으로 방을 좀 봤어요. (in-teo-ne-seu-ro bang-eul jom bwa-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: in-teo-ne-seu-ro bang-eul jom bwa-sseo-yo
Meaning: I looked at some rooms online. - Expression: 방 좀 볼 수 있을까요? (bang jom bol su i-sseul-kka-yo?)
Pronunciation: bang jom bol su i-sseul-kka-yo
Meaning: Can I see some rooms?
Viewing a Property
Ask these questions when you visit a potential place to live.
- Expression: 이 방 직접 볼 수 있을까요? (i bang jik-jeop bol su i-sseul-kka-yo?)
Pronunciation: i bang jik-jeop bol su i-sseul-kka-yo
Meaning: Can I see this room in person? - Expression: 월세는 얼마예요? (wol-se-neun eol-ma-ye-yo?)
Pronunciation: wol-se-neun eol-ma-ye-yo
Meaning: How much is the monthly rent? - Expression: 보증금은 얼마예요? (bo-jeung-geum-eun eol-ma-ye-yo?)
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum-eun eol-ma-ye-yo
Meaning: How much is the security deposit? - Expression: 관리비는 포함이에요? (gwal-li-bi-neun po-ham-i-e-yo?)
Pronunciation: gwal-li-bi-neun po-ham-i-e-yo
Meaning: Is the maintenance fee included? - Expression: 관리비에는 뭐가 포함되어 있어요? (gwal-li-bi-e-neun mwo-ga po-ham-doe-eo i-sseo-yo?)
Pronunciation: gwal-li-bi-e-neun mwo-ga po-ham-doe-eo i-sseo-yo
Meaning: What is included in the maintenance fee? - Expression: 공과금은 별도인가요? (gong-gwa-geum-eun byeol-do-in-ga-yo?)
Pronunciation: gong-gwa-geum-eun byeol-do-in-ga-yo
Meaning: Are utilities separate? - Expression: 방이 남향이에요? (bang-i nam-hyang-i-e-yo?)
Pronunciation: bang-i nam-hyang-i-e-yo
Meaning: Is the room south-facing? (Important for sunlight) - Expression: 수압은 괜찮아요? (su-a-beun gwaen-cha-na-yo?)
Pronunciation: su-a-beun gwaen-cha-na-yo
Meaning: Is the water pressure okay? - Expression: 옵션은 뭐가 있어요? (op-syeon-eun mwo-ga i-sseo-yo?)
Pronunciation: op-syeon-eun mwo-ga i-sseo-yo
Meaning: What options (furniture/appliances) are included? - Expression: 근처에 편의시설은 뭐가 있나요? (geun-cheo-e pyeo-nui-si-seo-reun mwo-ga in-na-yo?)
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e pyeo-nui-si-seo-reun mwo-ga in-na-yo
Meaning: What amenities are nearby? - Expression: 계약 기간은 어떻게 돼요? (gye-yak gi-ga-neun eo-tteo-ke dwae-yo?)
Pronunciation: gye-yak gi-ga-neun eo-tteo-ke dwae-yo
Meaning: What is the contract period? - Expression: 언제든지 입주 가능해요? (eon-je-deun-ji ip-ju ga-neung-hae-yo?)
Pronunciation: eon-je-deun-ji ip-ju ga-neung-hae-yo
Meaning: Is it possible to move in anytime?
Contract and Moving
Expressions related to the final stages of securing your housing.
- Expression: 이 집으로 계약하고 싶어요. (i ji-beu-ro gye-ya-ka-go si-peo-yo.)
Pronunciation: i ji-beu-ro gye-ya-ka-go si-peo-yo
Meaning: I want to sign a contract for this house/place. - Expression: 계약서를 검토해 볼게요. (gye-yak-seo-reul geom-to-hae bol-ge-yo.)
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-reul geom-to-hae bol-ge-yo
Meaning: I will review the contract. - Expression: 계약 기간은 1년 맞죠? (gye-yak gi-ga-neun il-lyeon mat-jyo?)
Pronunciation: gye-yak gi-ga-neun il-lyeon mat-jyo
Meaning: The contract period is one year, right? (Adjust number as needed) - Expression: 보증금과 첫 달 월세는 언제 내면 되나요? (bo-jeung-geum-gwa cheot dal wol-se-neun eon-je nae-myeon doe-na-yo?)
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum-gwa cheot dal wol-se-neun eon-je nae-myeon doe-na-yo
Meaning: When should I pay the deposit and the first month’s rent? - Expression: 계약금은 얼마예요? (gye-yak-geum-eun eol-ma-ye-yo?)
Pronunciation: gye-yak-geum-eun eol-ma-ye-yo
Meaning: How much is the contract deposit (down payment)? - Expression: 잔금은 언제 치러야 하나요? (jan-geum-eun eon-je chi-reo-ya ha-na-yo?)
Pronunciation: jan-geum-eun eon-je chi-reo-ya ha-na-yo
Meaning: When do I need to pay the balance? - Expression: 입주 청소는 되어 있나요? (ip-ju cheong-so-neun doe-eo in-na-yo?)
Pronunciation: ip-ju cheong-so-neun doe-eo in-na-yo
Meaning: Has the move-in cleaning been done? - Expression: 열쇠는 언제 받을 수 있어요? (yeol-soe-neun eon-je ba-deul su i-sseo-yo?)
Pronunciation: yeol-soe-neun eon-je ba-deul su i-sseo-yo
Meaning: When can I receive the keys? - Expression: 이사 날짜를 확정했어요. (i-sa nal-jja-reul hwak-jeong-hae-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: i-sa nal-jja-reul hwak-jeong-hae-sseo-yo
Meaning: I have confirmed the moving date. - Expression: 중개수수료는 얼마인가요? (jung-gae-su-su-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?)
Pronunciation: jung-gae-su-su-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo
Meaning: How much is the agent’s commission fee? - Expression: 전입신고는 어떻게 하나요? (jeo-nip-sin-go-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?)
Pronunciation: jeo-nip-sin-go-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo
Meaning: How do I register my move-in (change of address)? - Expression: 확정일자를 받아야 해요. (hwak-jeong-il-jja-reul ba-da-ya hae-yo.)
Pronunciation: hwak-jeong-il-jja-reul ba-da-ya hae-yo
Meaning: I need to get the fixed date stamp (on the lease for legal protection).
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 security deposit (보증금 – bo-jeung-geum) and monthly rent (월세 – wol-se). Jeonse involves a very large lump-sum deposit (often 50-80% of the property value) paid upfront, with no monthly rent; the landlord earns interest on the deposit, which is returned at the end of the lease. Jeonse is becoming less common, especially for foreigners.
- The Role of 부동산 (Bu-dong-san): Real estate agencies (부동산) are ubiquitous and the most common way to find housing. Agents (공인중개사 – gong-in-jung-gae-sa) show properties, mediate between tenant and landlord, and handle contracts. Both the tenant and landlord usually pay a commission fee.
- Importance of 보증금 (Bo-jeung-geum): The security deposit in Korea is typically much higher than in Western countries, often ranging from 5 million KRW to 20 million KRW or more, even for Wolse contracts. This deposit is returned at the end of the contract, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
- Housing Types: Understand the differences: 원룸 (One-room) is a basic studio. 오피스텔 (Officetel) is usually a newer studio in a mixed-use building, often better equipped but with higher maintenance fees (관리비). 빌라 (Villa) refers to smaller, older apartment buildings (usually under 5 floors) without extensive complex amenities. 아파트 (Apartment) typically means units in large, modern high-rise complexes with amenities.
- Fixed Date Stamp (확정일자 – Hwak-jeong-il-ja): After signing the lease and registering your move-in (전입신고 – jeo-nip-sin-go) at the local community center (주민센터 – ju-min-sen-teo), getting a fixed date stamp (확정일자) on your lease provides legal protection for your deposit in case the property is sold or the landlord faces financial issues.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A foreign student (A) visits a real estate agency (부동산) to find a studio apartment (원룸). B is the real estate agent (공인중개사).
Roles:
- A: Potential Tenant (Student)
- B: Real Estate Agent (공인중개사)
Conversation:
- Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 저, 방 구하러 왔는데요. (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. jeo, bang gu-ha-reo wan-neun-de-yo.)
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. jeo, bang gu-ha-reo wan-neun-de-yo
Meaning: Hello. Uh, I came here to look for a room. - Expression: B: 네, 어서 오세요. 어떤 방 찾으세요? (ne, eo-seo o-se-yo. eo-tteon bang cha-jeu-se-yo?)
Pronunciation: ne, eo-seo o-se-yo. eo-tteon bang cha-jeu-se-yo
Meaning: Yes, welcome. What kind of room are you looking for? - Expression: A: 학교 근처에 원룸 월세로 찾고 있어요. (hak-gyo geun-cheo-e won-rum wol-se-ro chat-go i-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: hak-gyo geun-cheo-e won-rum wol-se-ro chat-go i-sseo-yo
Meaning: I’m looking for a one-room studio with monthly rent near the university. - Expression: B: 아, 네. 보증금이랑 월세는 어느 정도 생각하고 계세요? (a, ne. bo-jeung-geum-i-rang wol-se-neun eo-neu jeong-do saeng-ga-ka-go gye-se-yo?)
Pronunciation: a, ne. bo-jeung-geum-i-rang wol-se-neun eo-neu jeong-do saeng-ga-ka-go gye-se-yo
Meaning: Ah, yes. How much are you thinking for the deposit and monthly rent? - Expression: A: 보증금은 1000만원 이하, 월세는 60만원 정도 생각하고 있어요. 관리비 포함해서요. (bo-jeung-geum-eun cheon-ma-nwon i-ha, wol-se-neun yuk-sim-ma-nwon jeong-do saeng-ga-ka-go i-sseo-yo. gwal-li-bi po-ham-hae-seo-yo.)
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum-eun cheon-ma-nwon i-ha, wol-se-neun yuk-sim-ma-nwon jeong-do saeng-ga-ka-go i-sseo-yo. gwal-li-bi po-ham-hae-seo-yo
Meaning: I’m thinking under 10 million won for the deposit, and around 600,000 won for monthly rent, including the maintenance fee. - Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 그럼 몇 군데 보여드릴게요. 이쪽으로 오시죠. (ne, al-get-sseum-ni-da. geu-reom myeot gun-de bo-yeo-deu-ril-ge-yo. i-jjo-geu-ro o-si-jyo.)
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-sseum-ni-da. geu-reom myeot gun-de bo-yeo-deu-ril-ge-yo. i-jjo-geu-ro o-si-jyo
Meaning: Yes, I understand. Then I’ll show you a few places. Please come this way. - Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다. 아, 그리고 혹시 즉시 입주 가능한 방이 있을까요? (ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. a, geu-ri-go hok-si jeuk-si ip-ju ga-neung-han bang-i i-sseul-kka-yo?)
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. a, geu-ri-go hok-si jeuk-si ip-ju ga-neung-han bang-i i-sseul-kka-yo
Meaning: Yes, thank you. Ah, and also, are there perhaps any rooms available for immediate move-in? - Expression: B: 네, 바로 입주 가능한 방도 몇 개 있어요. 같이 보여드릴게요. (ne, ba-ro ip-ju ga-neung-han bang-do myeot gae i-sseo-yo. ga-chi bo-yeo-deu-ril-ge-yo.)
Pronunciation: ne, ba-ro ip-ju ga-neung-han bang-do myeot gae i-sseo-yo. ga-chi bo-yeo-deu-ril-ge-yo
Meaning: Yes, there are a few rooms available for immediate move-in as well. I’ll show them to you together.
Practice Tips
Finding a place to live is a big step! Don’t feel pressured~ Take your time reviewing these phrases. Try practicing the conversation example with a friend or language partner. You can also browse Korean real estate apps or websites (like 직방 – Jikbang or 다방 – Dabang) to see these terms used in real listings! Familiarizing yourself with the vocabulary beforehand will make visiting a 부동산 much less intimidating. 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – You can do it!)
