Negotiating rent with a landlord in Korea requires specific vocabulary and cultural understanding. This guide provides essential Korean expressions and tips to help you navigate rent discussions (월세 협상 – wolse hyeopsang) effectively, whether you’re renewing a lease or signing a new one. Learn how to communicate your desired terms politely and confidently.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental term for negotiating rent.
- Expression: 월세 협상 (wolse hyeopsang)
Pronunciation: wol-seh hyuhp-sahng
Meaning: Rent negotiation (월세 means monthly rent, 협상 means negotiation)
Initiating the Conversation
Use these phrases to start the discussion about rent with your landlord (집주인 – jipjuin).
- Expression: 안녕하세요, 집주인님. 계약 관련해서 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, jip-ju-in-nim. gye-yak gwal-lyeon-hae-seo deu-ril mal-sseum-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Hello, landlord. I have something to discuss regarding the contract. - Expression: 재계약 시기가 다가와서 연락드렸습니다.
Pronunciation: jae-gye-yak shi-gi-ga da-ga-wa-seo yeol-lak-deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m contacting you because the contract renewal period is approaching. - Expression: 월세 관련해서 상의드릴 것이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: wol-se gwal-lyeon-hae-seo sang-ui-deu-ril geo-shi it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have something to discuss regarding the monthly rent. - Expression: 혹시 잠시 시간 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-shi jam-shi shi-gan gwaen-chan-eu-shin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have a moment? - Expression: 계약 연장에 대해 이야기하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gye-yak yeon-jang-e dae-hae i-ya-gi-ha-go ship-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to talk about extending the contract. - Expression: 다음 계약 조건에 대해 미리 상의하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: da-eum gye-yak jo-geon-e dae-hae mi-ri sang-ui-ha-go ship-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’d like to discuss the terms for the next contract in advance. - Expression: 월세 조정이 가능한지 여쭤보고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: wol-se jo-jeong-i ga-neung-han-ji yeo-jjwo-bo-go ship-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to ask if adjusting the rent is possible. - Expression: 현재 계약 조건에 대해 이야기 나눌 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-jae gye-yak jo-geon-e dae-hae i-ya-gi na-nul su it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could we discuss the current contract terms? - Expression: 전화 괜찮으신 시간에 다시 걸겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jeon-hwa gwaen-chan-eu-shin shi-gan-e da-shi geol-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will call back at a time that is convenient for you. - Expression: 직접 만나서 이야기하는 것이 좋을 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: jik-jeop man-na-seo i-ya-gi-ha-neun geo-shi jo-eul geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I think it would be better to meet in person to discuss this. - Expression: 언제 방문드리면 편하실까요?
Pronunciation: eon-je bang-mun-deu-ri-myeon pyeon-ha-shil-kka-yo?
Meaning: When would be a convenient time for me to visit? - Expression: 먼저 문자로 연락드렸습니다.
Pronunciation: meon-jeo mun-ja-ro yeol-lak-deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I contacted you via text message first.
Stating Your Position (Desired Rent/Terms)
Clearly express your desired rent amount or contract conditions.
- Expression: 월세를 조금 낮춰주실 수 있는지요?
Pronunciation: wol-se-reul jo-geum nat-chwo-ju-shil su it-neun-ji-yo?
Meaning: Would it be possible to lower the rent a little? - Expression: 주변 시세보다 조금 높은 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-byeon shi-se-bo-da jo-geum nop-eun geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It seems a bit higher than the surrounding market price. - Expression: 혹시 월세 [금액]원에 맞춰주실 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-shi wol-se [geum-aek]-won-e mat-chwo-ju-shil su it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be possible to set the rent at [amount] won? - Expression: 보증금을 조금 올리고 월세를 낮추는 것은 어떨까요?
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum-eul jo-geum ol-li-go wol-se-reul nat-chu-neun geo-seun eo-tteol-kka-yo?
Meaning: How about increasing the deposit slightly and lowering the monthly rent? - Expression: 관리비 포함해서 [금액]원이면 좋겠습니다.
Pronunciation: gwan-li-bi po-ham-hae-seo [geum-aek]-won-i-myeon jo-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It would be great if it were [amount] won including the management fee. - Expression: 제가 이 집에 오래 살고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: je-ga i jib-e o-rae sal-go ship-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to live in this house for a long time. - Expression: 현재 제 예산으로는 조금 부담스럽습니다.
Pronunciation: hyeon-jae je ye-san-eu-ro-neun jo-geum bu-dam-seu-reop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a bit burdensome with my current budget. - Expression: 월세 동결을 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: wol-se dong-gyeol-eul bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: I request a rent freeze (keeping the rent the same). - Expression: 계약 기간을 [기간]년으로 연장하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gye-yak gi-gan-eul [gi-gan]-nyeon-eu-ro yeon-jang-ha-go ship-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to extend the contract period to [duration] years. - Expression: 다른 곳도 알아보고 있는데, 여기가 마음에 듭니다.
Pronunciation: da-reun got-do ar-a-bo-go it-neun-de, yeo-gi-ga ma-eum-e deum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m looking at other places too, but I like this one. - Expression: 합리적인 선에서 조정해주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ham-ni-jeo-gin seon-e-seo jo-jeong-hae-ju-shi-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would appreciate it if you could adjust it within a reasonable range. - Expression: 월세 인상률이 너무 높은 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: wol-se in-sang-ryul-i neo-mu nop-eun geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The rent increase rate seems too high.
Responding to the Landlord
Listen to the landlord’s position and respond appropriately.
- Expression: 네, 집주인님 말씀은 잘 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, jip-ju-in-nim mal-sseum-eun jal al-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, landlord, I understand what you’re saying. - Expression: 그 금액은 저에게 조금 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: geu geum-aek-eun jeo-e-ge jo-geum eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: That amount is a bit difficult for me. - Expression: 다시 한번 고려해주실 수 없을까요?
Pronunciation: da-shi han-beon go-ryeo-hae-ju-shil su eop-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could you possibly reconsider? - Expression: 그럼 [제안 금액]원은 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom [je-an geum-aek]-won-eun eo-tteo-shin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Then how about [proposed amount] won? - Expression: 집주인님의 입장도 충분히 이해합니다.
Pronunciation: jip-ju-in-nim-ui ip-jang-do chung-bun-hi i-hae-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I fully understand your position as well, landlord. - Expression: 혹시 중간 지점에서 합의할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: hok-shi jung-gan ji-jeom-e-seo hap-ui-hal su it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could we perhaps meet somewhere in the middle? - Expression: 조금만 더 생각해볼 시간을 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jo-geum-man deo saeng-gak-hae-bol shi-gan-eul ju-shi-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Could you give me a little more time to think about it? - Expression: 제시하신 조건에 동의합니다.
Pronunciation: je-shi-ha-shin jo-geon-e dong-ui-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I agree to the terms you proposed. - Expression: 그렇게 해주시면 정말 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: geu-reo-ke hae-ju-shi-myeon jeong-mal gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would be really grateful if you could do that. - Expression: 죄송하지만, 그 조건은 받아들이기 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, geu jo-geon-eun bad-a-deul-i-gi eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but it’s difficult to accept those terms. - Expression: 다른 대안은 없을까요?
Pronunciation: da-reun dae-an-eun eop-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Are there any other alternatives? - Expression: 최종 결정 전에 다시 연락드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-jong gyeol-jeong jeon-e da-shi yeol-lak-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will contact you again before making a final decision.
Discussing Contract Details
Clarify and confirm the details before finalizing the agreement.
- Expression: 계약서는 언제 작성하면 될까요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-neun eon-je jak-seong-ha-myeon doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: When should we draw up the contract? - Expression: 계약 기간은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak gi-gan-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the contract period? - Expression: 보증금과 월세 납입일은 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: bo-jeung-geum-gwa wol-se nab-ib-il-eun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When are the deposit and monthly rent payment dates? - Expression: 관리비는 월세에 포함인가요, 별도인가요?
Pronunciation: gwan-li-bi-neun wol-se-e po-ham-in-ga-yo, byeol-do-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the management fee included in the rent, or is it separate? - Expression: 특약 사항이 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-yak sa-hang-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any special clauses/riders? - Expression: 계약서 내용을 한번 확인해봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo nae-yong-eul han-beon hwa-gin-hae-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I review the contents of the contract? - Expression: 수리나 유지보수는 어떻게 진행되나요?
Pronunciation: su-ri-na yu-ji-bo-su-neun eo-tteo-ke jin-haeng-doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How are repairs and maintenance handled? - Expression: 계약 만료 시 퇴실 절차는 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak mal-lyo shi toe-shil jeol-cha-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the move-out procedure upon contract expiration? - Expression: 계약서에 도장(사인)하기 전에 궁금한 점이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo-e do-jang(sa-in)-ha-gi jeon-e gung-geum-han jeom-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have some questions before stamping (signing) the contract. - Expression: 모든 조건에 동의합니다. 계약 진행해주세요.
Pronunciation: mo-deun jo-geon-e dong-ui-ham-ni-da. gye-yak jin-haeng-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: I agree to all the terms. Please proceed with the contract. - Expression: 계약서 사본을 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: gye-yak-seo sa-bon-eul bad-eul su it-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I receive a copy of the contract? - Expression: 확정일자를 받는 것을 잊지 않겠습니다.
Pronunciation: hwak-jeong-il-ja-reul bat-neun geo-seul it-ji an-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I won’t forget to get the fixed date stamp (hakjeong ilja).
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these cultural points can help your negotiation process.
- Politeness is Key: Always use formal language (존댓말 – jondaetmal) and address the landlord respectfully (e.g., 집주인님 – jipjuinnim). Maintaining a polite and non-confrontational attitude is crucial, even when disagreeing.
- Market Research: Before negotiating, research the current market rates (시세 – sise) for similar properties in the area. Mentioning this research politely can strengthen your position (e.g., “주변 시세를 알아보니…” – I looked into the surrounding market prices…).
- Timing Matters: Negotiations are often more successful during the off-peak moving season or when renewing an existing lease, as landlords may prefer keeping a reliable tenant. Bringing up your history as a good tenant can be beneficial.
- Flexibility (Deposit vs. Rent): Sometimes landlords are more flexible with adjusting the rent if you offer to increase the deposit (보증금 – bojeunggeum), or vice versa. This shows willingness to compromise.
- Building Rapport: Koreans value relationships (정 – jeong). If you’ve been a good tenant (paying on time, keeping the place clean), subtly reminding the landlord of this positive relationship can sometimes aid negotiations.
Real Conversation Example
This example shows a tenant negotiating rent upon lease renewal.
- Situation: A tenant (A) calls the landlord (B) to discuss renewing the lease and potentially negotiating the rent.
-
Roles:
- A: Tenant (세입자 – Seipja)
- B: Landlord (집주인 – Jipjuin)
-
Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 집주인님. 저 [아파트/빌라 이름 및 호수]에 사는 세입자입니다. 재계약 관련해서 연락드렸습니다.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, jip-ju-in-nim. jeo [a-pa-teu/bil-la i-reum mit ho-su]-e sa-neun se-ip-ja-im-ni-da. jae-gye-yak gwal-lyeon-hae-seo yeol-lak-deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Hello, landlord. I’m the tenant living in [Apartment/Villa Name and Unit Number]. I’m calling regarding the lease renewal. - Expression: B: 아, 네, 안녕하세요. 벌써 시간이 그렇게 됐네요. 연장하실 건가요?
Pronunciation: a, ne, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. beol-sseo shi-gan-i geu-reo-ke dwaet-ne-yo. yeon-jang-ha-shil geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Ah, yes, hello. Time flies, doesn’t it? Are you planning to renew? - Expression: A: 네, 계속 살고 싶은데요. 혹시 월세 조정이 조금 가능할지 여쭤보고 싶어서요.
Pronunciation: ne, gye-sok sal-go ship-eun-de-yo. hok-shi wol-se jo-jeong-i jo-geum ga-neung-hal-ji yeo-jjwo-bo-go ship-eo-seo-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, I’d like to continue living here. I wanted to ask if a slight adjustment to the rent might be possible. - Expression: B: 월세요? 음… 요즘 주변 시세가 좀 올라서요. 그대로 가거나 조금 올려야 할 것 같은데요.
Pronunciation: wol-se-yo? eum… yo-jeum ju-byeon shi-se-ga jom ol-la-seo-yo. geu-dae-ro ga-geo-na jo-geum ol-lyeo-ya hal geot gat-eun-de-yo.
Meaning: B: The rent? Hmm… The market price around here has gone up a bit lately. I think it should stay the same or perhaps increase slightly. - Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요. 제가 알아보니 주변에 비슷한 조건의 집들이 현재 월세와 비슷하거나 조금 낮기도 해서요. 혹시 [원하는 금액]원 정도로 맞춰주실 수 있을까요? 제가 여기서 문제없이 잘 지냈고, 앞으로도 오래 살고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-kun-yo. je-ga ar-a-bo-ni ju-byeon-e bi-seut-han jo-geon-ui jip-deul-i hyeon-jae wol-se-wa bi-seut-ha-geo-na jo-geum nat-gi-do hae-seo-yo. hok-shi [won-ha-neun geum-aek]-won jeong-do-ro mat-chwo-ju-shil su it-seul-kka-yo? je-ga yeo-gi-seo mun-je-eop-shi jal ji-naet-go, ap-eu-ro-do o-rae sal-go ship-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Ah, I see. From what I’ve researched, similar places nearby are around the current rent or slightly lower. Would it be possible to adjust it to around [desired amount] won? I’ve lived here without any issues and would like to stay for a long time. - Expression: B: [원하는 금액]원은 좀 어렵고… 그럼 딱 중간인 [타협 금액]원은 어떠세요? 그 정도는 해드릴 수 있을 것 같네요.
Pronunciation: [won-ha-neun geum-aek]-won-eun jom eo-ryeop-go… geu-reom ttak jung-gan-in [ta-hyeop geum-aek]-won-eun eo-tteo-se-yo? geu jeong-do-neun hae-deu-ril su it-seul geot gat-ne-yo.
Meaning: B: [Desired amount] won is a bit difficult… How about meeting in the middle at [compromise amount] won? I think I can do that much for you. - Expression: A: 네, [타협 금액]원이면 괜찮을 것 같습니다! 그렇게 해주시면 감사하겠습니다. 그럼 계약서는 언제쯤 작성할까요?
Pronunciation: ne, [ta-hyeop geum-aek]-won-i-myeon gwaen-chan-eul geot gat-seum-ni-da! geu-reo-ke hae-ju-shi-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da. geu-reom gye-yak-seo-neun eon-je-jjeum jak-seong-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, [compromise amount] won sounds acceptable! Thank you for doing that. When should we arrange to sign the contract then? - Expression: B: 네, 좋습니다. 제가 이번 주중에 연락드려서 시간 잡도록 하죠.
Pronunciation: ne, jo-seum-ni-da. je-ga i-beon ju-jung-e yeol-lak-deu-ryeo-seo shi-gan jap-do-rok ha-jyo.
Meaning: B: Yes, sounds good. I’ll contact you sometime this week to schedule a time.
Practice Tips
Negotiating can feel daunting, but practice helps~! Try role-playing the conversation with a Korean-speaking friend or tutor. Researching market prices beforehand gives you confidence and specific numbers to discuss. Remember to stay polite and clearly state your reasons. Fighting! (화이팅! – Hwaiting!) You can do it!~
