Understanding how to discuss the “change of use” for buildings or land is crucial when dealing with Korean real estate, renovations, or business setups. This guide covers the essential Korean term 용도변경 (yong-do-byeon-gyeong) and related vocabulary and phrases needed to navigate this specific administrative process in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Term: Change of Use
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Expression: 용도변경
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong
Meaning: Change of use (referring to altering the legally designated purpose of a building or land parcel)
Key Vocabulary Related to Change of Use
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Expression: 건축물
Pronunciation: geon-chung-mul
Meaning: Building, structure -
Expression: 토지
Pronunciation: to-ji
Meaning: Land -
Expression: 허가
Pronunciation: heo-ga
Meaning: Permit, permission (often required for significant changes) -
Expression: 신고
Pronunciation: sin-go
Meaning: Report, declaration (often required for less significant changes) -
Expression: 용도
Pronunciation: yong-do
Meaning: Use, purpose (e.g., residential, commercial) -
Expression: 변경
Pronunciation: byeon-gyeong
Meaning: Change, alteration -
Expression: 주거용
Pronunciation: ju-geo-yong
Meaning: Residential use -
Expression: 상업용
Pronunciation: sang-eom-nyong
Meaning: Commercial use -
Expression: 공업용
Pronunciation: gong-eom-nyong
Meaning: Industrial use -
Expression: 시설군
Pronunciation: si-seol-gun
Meaning: Facility group (A classification system for building uses under the Building Act) -
Expression: 건축법
Pronunciation: geon-chuk-beop
Meaning: Building Act -
Expression: 지자체
Pronunciation: ji-ja-che
Meaning: Local government (e.g., city hall, district office)
Phrases for Discussing Change of Use
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Expression: 이 건물의 용도변경이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: i geon-mur-ui yong-do-byeon-gyeong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to change the use of this building? -
Expression: 용도변경 신청은 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong sin-cheong-eun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I apply for a change of use? -
Expression: 용도변경 허가를 받아야 합니다.
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong heo-ga-reul ba-da-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You need to obtain a permit for the change of use. -
Expression: 용도변경 신고 대상입니다.
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong sin-go dae-sang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This requires reporting for the change of use (simpler process). -
Expression: 어떤 서류가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon seo-ryu-ga pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: What documents are needed? -
Expression: 주거용에서 상업용으로 용도변경을 하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-geo-yong-e-seo sang-eom-nyong-eu-ro yong-do-byeon-gyeong-eul ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to change the use from residential to commercial. -
Expression: 용도변경 절차가 복잡한가요?
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong jeol-cha-ga bok-jap-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the procedure for changing the use complicated? -
Expression: 관련 법규를 확인해 봐야 합니다.
Pronunciation: gwan-ryeon beop-gyu-reul hwa-gin-hae bwa-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We need to check the relevant regulations. -
Expression: 용도변경 비용은 얼마 정도 드나요?
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong bi-yong-eun eol-ma jeong-do deu-na-yo?
Meaning: Approximately how much does the change of use cost? -
Expression: 건축사 사무소에 문의해 보세요.
Pronunciation: geon-chuk-sa sa-mu-so-e mun-ui-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please inquire at an architect’s office. -
Expression: 해당 지자체 건축과에 확인해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: hae-dang ji-ja-che geon-chuk-gwa-e hwa-gin-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You need to check with the architecture department of the relevant local government. -
Expression: 용도변경 가능 여부를 먼저 확인해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong ga-neung yeo-bu-reul meon-jeo hwa-gin-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You must first check if the change of use is possible.
Understanding Regulations and Procedures
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Expression: 건축법상 용도변경 규정을 따라야 합니다.
Pronunciation: geon-chuk-beop-sang yong-do-byeon-gyeong gyu-jeong-eul tta-ra-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You must follow the change of use regulations according to the Building Act. -
Expression: 시설군에 따라 절차가 다릅니다.
Pronunciation: si-seol-gun-e tta-ra jeol-cha-ga da-reum-ni-da.
Meaning: The procedure differs depending on the facility group classification. -
Expression: 상위 시설군으로 변경 시 허가가 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: sang-wi si-seol-gun-eu-ro byeon-gyeong si heo-ga-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Permission (허가) is required when changing to a higher (more regulated) facility group. -
Expression: 하위 시설군으로 변경 시 신고만 하면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: ha-wi si-seol-gun-eu-ro byeon-gyeong si sin-go-man ha-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Only reporting (신고) is needed when changing to a lower (less regulated) facility group. -
Expression: 같은 시설군 내 변경은 기재사항 변경 신청 대상입니다.
Pronunciation: ga-teun si-seol-gun nae byeon-gyeong-eun gi-jae-sa-hang byeon-gyeong sin-cheong dae-sang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Changes within the same facility group require an application to change registered details. -
Expression: 불법 용도변경은 처벌받을 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: bul-beop yong-do-byeon-gyeong-eun cheo-beol-ba-deul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Illegal change of use can be penalized. -
Expression: 전문가의 도움이 필요할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jeon-mun-ga-ui do-um-i pil-yo-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: You might need help from an expert (like an architect). -
Expression: 용도변경 시 구조 안전 확인이 필요할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong si gu-jo an-jeon hwa-gin-i pil-yo-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Structural safety checks may be required upon change of use. -
Expression: 주차 공간 확보 규정을 확인해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: ju-cha gong-gan hwak-bo gyu-jeong-eul hwa-gin-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You need to check the regulations for securing parking space. -
Expression: 소방 시설 기준을 충족해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: so-bang si-seol gi-jun-eul chung-jok-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Fire safety facility standards must be met. -
Expression: 용도변경 완료 후 건축물대장 변경 신청을 해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: yong-do-byeon-gyeong wan-ryo hu geon-chung-mul-dae-jang byeon-gyeong sin-cheong-eul hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: After completing the change of use, you must apply to change the building register. -
Expression: 지역 지구제에 따른 제한이 있을 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ji-yeok ji-gu-je-e tta-reun je-han-i i-sseul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There may be restrictions according to zoning regulations.
Korean Culture Notes
In Korea, building and land use regulations are quite specific and strictly enforced. 용도변경 (yong-do-byeon-gyeong) is a formal administrative process, not just a simple declaration.
The complexity of the process depends heavily on the 시설군 (si-seol-gun), or facility group classification, of the current and intended uses. Changing to a use within a ‘higher’ group (e.g., from residential to commercial) usually requires a 허가 (heo-ga – permit), which is more complex and stringent. Changing to a ‘lower’ group often only requires a 신고 (sin-go – report), which is simpler.
It is highly recommended to consult with the relevant local government office (구청 gu-cheong or 시청 si-cheong) architecture department (건축과 geon-chuk-gwa) or a licensed architect (건축사 geon-chuk-sa) before purchasing property or starting renovations if a change of use is intended. They can provide accurate information about feasibility, procedures, required documents, and potential costs.
Attempting an unauthorized 용도변경 can lead to significant fines, legal issues, and potentially an order to restore the property to its original permitted use (원상복구 명령 won-sang-bok-gu myeong-nyeong).
Beyond the Building Act, local zoning regulations (지역 지구제 ji-yeok ji-gu-je) also play a critical role. Certain areas may be designated exclusively for residential, commercial, or industrial use, restricting the possibility of 용도변경 regardless of the building itself.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A potential buyer (A) is discussing a property with a real estate agent (B) and inquiring about changing its use.
Roles: A: Potential Buyer, B: Real Estate Agent
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Expression: A: 이 건물은 현재 주거용으로 되어 있는데, 혹시 카페로 용도변경이 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: i geon-mur-eun hyeon-jae ju-geo-yong-eu-ro doe-eo it-neun-de, hok-si ka-pe-ro yong-do-byeon-gyeong-i ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: This building is currently for residential use, but would it be possible to change its use to a cafe? -
Expression: B: 네, 이론적으로는 가능할 수 있지만, 확인해봐야 합니다. 주거용에서 상업용(근린생활시설)으로 변경하는 것은 상위 시설군으로의 변경이라 허가 사항입니다.
Pronunciation: ne, i-ron-jeok-eu-ro-neun ga-neung-hal su it-ji-man, hwa-gin-hae-bwa-ya ham-ni-da. ju-geo-yong-e-seo sang-eom-nyong(geun-rin-saeng-hwal-si-seol)-eu-ro byeon-gyeong-ha-neun geo-seun sang-wi si-seol-gun-eu-ro-ui byeon-gyeong-i-ra heo-ga sa-hang-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, theoretically it might be possible, but we need to check. Changing from residential use to commercial use (neighborhood living facility) is a change to a higher facility group, so it requires a permit. -
Expression: A: 허가 절차가 많이 복잡한가요? 비용은 어느 정도 예상해야 할까요?
Pronunciation: heo-ga jeol-cha-ga ma-ni bok-jap-han-ga-yo? bi-yong-eun eo-neu jeong-do ye-sang-hae-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is the permit procedure very complicated? How much cost should I anticipate? -
Expression: B: 네, 신고보다는 서류도 많고 절차도 까다로울 수 있습니다. 건축사 통해서 진행해야 하고, 구조 안전 확인이나 주차 공간 확보 등 추가 요건이 있을 수 있습니다. 비용은 설계비, 대행 수수료, 공사비 등을 포함해서 꽤 들 수 있습니다. 정확한 건 건축사 상담을 받아보시는 게 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, sin-go-bo-da-neun seo-ryu-do man-ko jeol-cha-do kka-da-ro-ul su it-seum-ni-da. geon-chuk-sa tong-hae-seo jin-haeng-hae-ya ha-go, gu-jo an-jeon hwa-gin-i-na ju-cha gong-gan hwak-bo deung chu-ga yo-geon-i i-sseul su it-seum-ni-da. bi-yong-eun seol-gye-bi, dae-haeng su-su-ryo, gong-sa-bi deung-eul po-ham-hae-seo kkwae deul su it-seum-ni-da. jeong-hwak-han geon geon-chuk-sa sang-dam-eul ba-da-bo-si-neun ge jot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, compared to reporting, there can be more documents and the procedure can be trickier. You’ll need to proceed through an architect, and there might be additional requirements like structural safety checks or securing parking spaces. The cost can be quite substantial, including design fees, agency fees, construction costs, etc. It’s best to get a consultation with an architect for accurate details. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 먼저 용도변경 가능 여부와 대략적인 절차를 구청 건축과에 한번 문의해 봐야겠네요.
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. meon-jeo yong-do-byeon-gyeong ga-neung yeo-bu-wa dae-ryak-jeo-gin jeol-cha-reul gu-cheong geon-chuk-gwa-e han-beon mun-ui-hae bwa-ya-gen-ne-yo.
Meaning: I understand. First, I should inquire with the district office’s architecture department about the possibility of the change of use and the general procedure.
Practice Tips
Understanding 용도변경 involves specific legal and administrative vocabulary, so reviewing these terms is key! Try creating sentences about hypothetical situations, like changing an office (사무실 sa-mu-sil) to a restaurant (식당 sik-dang) or vice versa~.
Pay close attention to the pronunciation, especially the multi-syllable words like 용도변경 (yong-do-byeon-gyeong) and 시설군 (si-seol-gun). Practice saying the phrases related to permits (허가 heo-ga) and reporting (신고 sin-go) clearly.
Since this topic involves regulations, using precise language is important. Familiarize yourself with the key concepts and when to use terms like 허가 versus 신고. Good luck navigating the world of Korean building regulations! 화이팅!
