Korean Real Estate Glossary

The words you will see on contracts, the property registry, and bank forms — in Hangul, romanization, and plain English. Use the search box to filter.

Search terms

Leasing & deposits

전세 · JeonseA lease where you pay one large lump-sum deposit (often 50–80% of value) instead of monthly rent. The deposit is returned in full at lease end.

월세 · WolseMonthly rent, usually paid on top of a smaller deposit.

반전세 · Ban-jeonse"Semi-Jeonse" — a mid-size deposit plus reduced monthly rent.

보증금 · BojeunggeumThe deposit held by the landlord and returned at the end of the lease.

임대인 · ImdaeinLandlord / lessor.

임차인 · ImchainTenant / lessee.

관리비 · GwanlibiMonthly building maintenance / management fee (separate from rent).

장기수선충당금 · Janggi-suseon-chungdanggeumLong-term repair reserve. Paid into by the owner; tenants who advanced it get it back at move-out.

Buying & payment stages

계약금 · GyeyakgeumDown payment at signing, typically ~10% of price. Usually forfeited if the buyer backs out.

중도금 · JungdogeumInterim payment(s) between signing and closing.

잔금 · JangeumThe final balance paid on closing day, when keys and registration are exchanged.

입주 · IpjuMove-in.

공인중개사 · Gongin-junggaesaLicensed real estate agent / broker.

중개수수료 (복비) · Junggae-susuryo (Bokbi)Brokerage commission, capped by price band; VAT may apply.

Registry & tenant protection

등기부등본 · Deunggibu-deungbonCertified copy of the property register — shows the owner and any mortgages or seizures. Always check before paying.

전입신고 · Jeonip-singoResident (move-in) registration at the local office — a key step to secure tenant rights.

확정일자 · Hwakjeong-iljaAn official date stamp on your contract. Move-in registration + fixed date = priority repayment right.

대항력 · Daehangnyeok"Opposing power" — the right to assert your lease against a new owner. Arises from possession + move-in registration (effective next day).

우선변제권 · Useon-byeonjegwonPriority repayment right — lets you recover your deposit ahead of later creditors if the property is auctioned.

전세권 · JeonsegwonA Jeonse right formally registered on the property register (stronger, but needs the owner's cooperation).

근저당권 · GeunjeodanggwonA registered mortgage/collateral right. Large amounts ahead of your deposit are a red flag.

가압류 · GaapnyuProvisional seizure on the property — a sign of the owner's financial trouble.

Taxes

취득세 · ChwideukseAcquisition tax paid by the buyer at purchase (rate varies by price, home count, and area).

양도소득세 · Yangdo-sodeukseCapital gains tax on sale. Non-residents do not get the 1-home exemption.

재산세 · JaesanseAnnual property tax based on the officially assessed price.

종합부동산세 (종부세) · Jonghap-budongsanse"Comprehensive real estate tax" — an extra national holding tax on higher-value holdings.

공시가격 · Gongsi-gagyeokGovernment-assessed price, usually 60–70% of market value; used as the tax base.

시가표준액 · Siga-pyojunaekStandard taxable value used for acquisition-related taxes and bond purchases.

Loans & guarantees

LTV · Loan-to-ValueMaximum loan as a share of property value (e.g., 50–70% by region/home count).

DSR · Debt Service RatioAnnual loan principal + interest ÷ annual income. Typically capped at 40% (1st-tier banks) / 50% (2nd-tier).

DTI · Debt-to-IncomeA related income-based limit on the new loan's repayment.

디딤돌 / 보금자리 · Didimdol / BogeumjariGovernment policy mortgages with lower rates and separate limits for eligible buyers.

전세보증보험 · Jeonse-bojeung-boheomDeposit-return guarantee insurance (HUG / HF / SGI) that repays your deposit if the landlord cannot.

깡통전세 · Kkangtong-jeonse"Empty-can Jeonse" — where deposit + senior debt ≥ property value, so the deposit may not be recoverable.

전세사기 · Jeonse-sagiJeonse fraud — schemes where a tenant's deposit is put at risk by a bad-faith landlord.

Auctions

권리분석 · Gwolli-bunseokRights analysis — checking which rights survive or are wiped out before bidding.

말소기준권리 · Malso-gijun-gwolliThe "baseline" right; rights registered after it are generally extinguished by the auction.

명도 · MyeongdoTaking possession after winning — getting the current occupant to vacate.

How to use this Romanization is approximate and meant for recognition, not pronunciation. Definitions are general information, not legal or tax advice — always confirm against the registry and a licensed professional.