Navigating the Korean real estate market involves understanding not just property types but also associated costs like agent fees. This guide provides essential Korean expressions and cultural insights for successfully negotiating the real estate agent’s commission (중개 수수료 – jung-gae su-su-ryo), a common practice in Korea. Learning these phrases can help you secure a fair rate when renting or buying property.
Table Of Content
Core Concept: Fee Negotiation
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Expression: 중개 수수료 협상
Pronunciation: jung-gae su-su-ryo hyeop-sang
Meaning: Real estate agent fee negotiation (The act of discussing and potentially lowering the commission)
Key Vocabulary for Real Estate Fees
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Expression: 부동산
Pronunciation: bu-dong-san
Meaning: Real estate -
Expression: 공인중개사
Pronunciation: gong-in-jung-gae-sa
Meaning: Licensed real estate agent -
Expression: 중개 수수료 / 중개보수
Pronunciation: jung-gae su-su-ryo / jung-gae-bo-su
Meaning: Real estate agent fee / commission -
Expression: 법정 수수료
Pronunciation: beop-jeong su-su-ryo
Meaning: Legally stipulated fee (often refers to the maximum allowed rate) -
Expression: 상한 요율
Pronunciation: sang-han yo-yul
Meaning: Maximum rate limit -
Expression: 협상하다
Pronunciation: hyeop-sang-ha-da
Meaning: To negotiate -
Expression: 할인
Pronunciation: hal-in
Meaning: Discount -
Expression: 깎다
Pronunciation: kkak-da
Meaning: To cut down / reduce (often used for prices/fees) -
Expression: 계약
Pronunciation: gye-yak
Meaning: Contract -
Expression: 임대차 계약
Pronunciation: im-dae-cha gye-yak
Meaning: Lease contract -
Expression: 매매 계약
Pronunciation: mae-mae gye-yak
Meaning: Sales contract -
Expression: 보증금
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum
Meaning: Security deposit
Phrases for Requesting a Discount
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Expression: 중개 수수료는 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: jung-gae su-su-ryo-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How much is the agent fee? -
Expression: 수수료 협상이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo hyeop-sang-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is fee negotiation possible? -
Expression: 수수료를 조금 깎아주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo-reul jo-geum kka-kka-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you lower the fee a little bit? -
Expression: 수수료 할인이 가능한지 궁금합니다.
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo hal-in-i ga-neung-han-ji gung-geum-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m wondering if a fee discount is possible. -
Expression: 법정 수수료 상한선 내에서 조정 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: beop-jeong su-su-ryo sang-han-seon nae-e-seo jo-jeong ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it adjustable within the legal maximum fee limit? -
Expression: 혹시 수수료 네고가 될까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si su-su-ryo ne-go-ga doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: By any chance, can the fee be negotiated? (Nego is borrowed from ‘negotiation’) -
Expression: 다른 부동산에서는 조금 더 저렴하게 해준다고 하던데요.
Pronunciation: da-reun bu-dong-san-e-seo-neun jo-geum deo jeo-ryeom-ha-ge hae-jun-da-go ha-deon-de-yo.
Meaning: I heard that other real estate agencies offer it a bit cheaper. -
Expression: 예산이 조금 부족해서 그런데, 수수료 조정 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: ye-san-i jo-geum bu-jok-hae-seo geu-reon-de, su-su-ryo jo-jeong bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: My budget is a bit tight, so I’d appreciate it if you could adjust the fee. -
Expression: 수수료를 [금액] 정도로 맞춰주실 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo-reul [geu-maek] jeong-do-ro mat-chwo-ju-sil su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could you possibly match the fee to around [amount]? -
Expression: 이전에 거래했을 때보다 조금만 할인해 주시면 안 될까요?
Pronunciation: i-jeon-e geo-rae-haess-eul ttae-bo-da jo-geum-man hal-in-hae ju-si-myeon an doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Couldn’t you give me a small discount compared to our previous transaction?
Phrases During Negotiation
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Expression: 저희가 생각하는 수수료는 [금액] 정도입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui-ga saeng-gak-ha-neun su-su-ryo-neun [geu-maek] jeong-do-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The fee we have in mind is around [amount]. -
Expression: 이 정도 금액으로 합의하는 것은 어떨까요?
Pronunciation: i jeong-do geu-mae-geu-ro ha-bui-ha-neun geo-seun eo-tteol-kka-yo?
Meaning: How about agreeing on this amount? -
Expression: 수수료율이 법정 상한 요율보다 높은 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo-yul-i beop-jeong sang-han yo-yul-bo-da nop-eun geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The fee rate seems higher than the legal maximum rate. -
Expression: 거래 과정이 비교적 간단했으니 수수료 조정이 가능할 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: geo-rae gwa-jeong-i bi-gyo-jeok gan-dan-hae-sseu-ni su-su-ryo jo-jeong-i ga-neung-hal geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Since the transaction process was relatively simple, I think adjusting the fee should be possible. -
Expression: 사장님께서 제시하신 금액은 조금 부담스럽습니다.
Pronunciation: sa-jang-nim-kke-seo je-si-ha-sin geu-mae-geun jo-geum bu-dam-seu-reop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The amount you suggested, sir/ma’am (agent), is a bit burdensome. -
Expression: 조금 더 생각해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jo-geum deo saeng-gak-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’ll think about it a bit more. -
Expression: 그럼 [금액]으로 맞춰주시면 바로 계약 진행하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: geu-reom [geu-maek]-eu-ro mat-chwo-ju-si-myeon ba-ro gye-yak jin-haeng-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Then, if you can match it to [amount], I’ll proceed with the contract right away. -
Expression: 수수료 부분만 잘 협의되면 좋겠습니다.
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo bu-bun-man jal hyeo-bui-doe-myeon jo-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I hope we can reach a good agreement just on the fee part. -
Expression: 서로 조금씩 양보해서 좋은 금액으로 정했으면 합니다.
Pronunciation: seo-ro jo-geum-ssik yang-bo-hae-seo jo-eun geu-mae-geu-ro jeong-haess-eu-myeon ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I hope we can both compromise a little and settle on a good amount. -
Expression: 이해합니다만, 저희 입장도 고려해 주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: i-hae-ham-ni-da-man, jeo-hui ip-jang-do go-ryeo-hae ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I understand, but I would appreciate it if you could also consider our position.
Confirming the Agreed Fee
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Expression: 그럼 최종 수수료는 [금액]으로 확정하는 건가요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom choe-jong su-su-ryo-neun [geu-maek]-eu-ro hwak-jeong-ha-neun geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: So, are we confirming the final fee as [amount]? -
Expression: 네, 그 금액으로 합의하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, geu geu-mae-geu-ro ha-bui-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I agree to that amount. -
Expression: 계약서에 수수료 [금액]으로 명시해 주세요.
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-e su-su-ryo [geu-maek]-eu-ro myeong-si-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please specify the fee as [amount] in the contract. -
Expression: 수수료는 언제 지불하면 되나요?
Pronunciation: su-su-ryo-neun eon-je ji-bul-ha-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: When should I pay the fee? -
Expression: 부가세 포함된 금액인가요?
Pronunciation: bu-ga-se po-ham-doen geu-mae-gin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is VAT (Value Added Tax) included in that amount? -
Expression: 협의된 수수료로 진행하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: hyeo-bui-doen su-su-ryo-ro jin-haeng-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will proceed with the negotiated fee. -
Expression: 좋은 조건으로 합의하게 되어 기쁩니다.
Pronunciation: jo-eun jo-geon-eu-ro ha-bui-ha-ge doe-eo gi-ppeum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m glad we could agree on good terms. -
Expression: 신경 써주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: sin-gyeong sseo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your consideration / taking care of this. -
Expression: 그럼 이 금액으로 최종 결정하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: geu-reom i geu-mae-geu-ro choe-jong gyeol-jeong-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Then, I will make the final decision with this amount.
Korean Culture Notes
Legal Fee Structure: Korea has legally defined maximum commission rates (법정 수수료 상한 요율 – beop-jeong su-su-ryo sang-han yo-yul) based on the type of transaction (sale, lease) and property value. Agents cannot charge more than this limit, but the actual fee paid can often be negotiated below this ceiling.
Negotiation is Common: While not always guaranteed, negotiating the agent’s fee is quite common, especially for higher-priced properties or if the client brings significant business (e.g., renting multiple units). Don’t feel shy about politely asking for a discount.
Politeness Matters: Approach the negotiation politely and respectfully. Using phrases like “조금 깎아주실 수 있나요?” (jo-geum kka-kka-ju-sil su in-na-yo? – Could you lower it a little?) is better than demanding a discount. Building a good rapport with the agent can be beneficial.
VAT (부가세 – bu-ga-se): Real estate agent fees are subject to a 10% Value Added Tax (VAT). Always clarify whether the quoted or agreed-upon fee includes VAT (부가세 포함 – bu-ga-se po-ham) or is exclusive of VAT (부가세 별도 – bu-ga-se byeol-do).
Written Confirmation: Ensure the finally agreed-upon fee is clearly stated in the contract (계약서 – gye-yak-seo) or a separate fee agreement to avoid misunderstandings later.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A client (A) is finalizing a lease agreement through a real estate agent (B) and wants to negotiate the commission fee.
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Expression: A: 계약 잘 진행해 주셔서 감사합니다. 중개 수수료는 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: A: gye-yak jal jin-haeng-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jung-gae su-su-ryo-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Thank you for handling the contract process well. How much is the agent fee? -
Expression: B: 네, 이 금액이면 법정 수수료율에 따라 [금액]원 입니다. 부가세는 별도입니다.
Pronunciation: B: ne, i geu-mae-gi-myeon beop-jeong su-su-ryo-yul-e tta-ra [geu-maek]-won im-ni-da. bu-ga-se-neun byeol-do-im-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, for this transaction amount, according to the legal rate, it’s [Amount] won. VAT is separate. -
Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요. 혹시 수수료 협상이 조금 가능할까요? 예산이 약간 빠듯해서요.
Pronunciation: A: a, geu-reo-kun-yo. hok-si su-su-ryo hyeop-sang-i jo-geum ga-neung-hal-kka-yo? ye-san-i yak-gan ppa-deut-hae-seo-yo.
Meaning: A: Ah, I see. By any chance, is a little fee negotiation possible? My budget is a bit tight. -
Expression: B: 음… 저희도 정해진 요율이 있긴 한데요. 얼마 정도 생각하고 계신가요?
Pronunciation: B: eum… jeo-hui-do jeong-hae-jin yo-yul-i it-gin han-de-yo. eol-ma jeong-do saeng-gak-ha-go gye-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Hmm… We do have set rates. How much are you thinking of? -
Expression: A: 혹시 [조정된 금액]원 정도로 맞춰주실 수 있을지 여쭤봅니다.
Pronunciation: A: hok-si [jo-jeong-doen geu-maek]-won jeong-do-ro mat-chwo-ju-sil su i-sseul-ji yeo-jjwo-bom-ni-da.
Meaning: A: I was wondering if you could possibly match it to around [Adjusted Amount] won. -
Expression: B: [조정된 금액]원이요… 잠시만요. (잠시 생각 후) 네, 이번에는 그렇게 해드리겠습니다. 다음에도 저희 부동산 이용해 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: [jo-jeong-doen geu-maek]-won-i-yo… jam-si-man-yo. (jam-si saeng-gak hu) ne, i-beon-e-neun geu-reo-ke hae-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. da-eum-e-do jeo-hui bu-dong-san i-yong-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: [Adjusted Amount] won… Just a moment. (After thinking briefly) Okay, I can do that for you this time. Please use our agency again next time. -
Expression: A: 정말 감사합니다! 그럼 최종 수수료 [조정된 금액]원에 부가세 별도로 계약서에 명시해 주시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: A: jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! geu-reom choe-jong su-su-ryo [jo-jeong-doen geu-maek]-won-e bu-ga-se byeol-do-ro gye-yak-seo-e myeong-si-hae ju-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Thank you so much! Then please specify the final fee as [Adjusted Amount] won plus VAT separately in the contract.
Practice Tips
Negotiating fees can feel intimidating, but practice makes perfect~! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner. Listen carefully to how Koreans discuss fees in real estate contexts if possible. Remember to be polite but clear about your request. Knowing the standard rates and using these phrases confidently will significantly help your negotiation! Good luck~!
