How to Read a Korean Property Register

The property's legal résumé

The register is the public record of rights over a property. Issue it through the Supreme Court Internet Registry. Obtain fresh copies at least before signing, before any interim payment, and immediately before closing so a new filing is not missed.

Title section: identify the property

• Address: it must match the contract exactly.
• Exclusive-use area: this is the registered private area and may differ from the marketing area.
• Land-share ratio: the unit's share of the complex land, which can matter in redevelopment.

Gap-gu: ownership history

Eul-gu: mortgages and other rights

Red flags when buying

1. An active provisional seizure, provisional disposition, or auction entry in Gap-gu.
2. Several ownership transfers within a short period without a clear explanation.
3. Maximum secured claims approaching 70% or more of the price without a documented simultaneous payoff.
4. A trust registration without the trustee's written authority.
5. Unapproved construction shown on the building ledger, even if it is absent from the register.

Red flags for Jeonse

1. Market value minus senior mortgages and senior deposits is less than your deposit.
2. A Jeonse-to-price ratio above roughly 80%, especially in a falling market.
3. A newly built villa or multi-family building with few comparable sale transactions.
4. A landlord or company holding many units with concentrated deposit-return risk.
5. National or local tax arrears that may rank ahead of the tenant; request current clearance certificates.

Read only the active entries

A cancelled entry no longer has effect; focus on rights without a cancellation notation. At closing, issue another copy before sending funds. If an active mortgage will be paid off from the balance, the contract should require simultaneous payoff and cancellation, with the release documents delivered at closing.

Official records

• Supreme Court Internet Registry — property registers.
• Government24 — building ledgers and administrative records.
• MOLIT Transaction Price System — reported sale and lease prices.
• Land Use Regulation Information Service — zoning and land-use plans.