Using a licensed estate agent

Don't deal privately — go through a licensed, registered agent. There is a safety net if things go wrong.

Why use an agent

• They carry duties and liability. Agents must check and explain the register and rights over the property.
• They hold mutual aid insurance. Losses caused by the agent's fault can be partly compensated.
• You receive a property confirmation and explanation statement setting out the condition and rights.

What to check in the office

1. Office registration certificate — should be on the wall
2. Agent's licence — does the photo match the person?
3. Mutual aid certificate — is it still valid?
4. Business registration certificate

Steps

1. Visit several offices. Don't rely on one.
2. State your requirements — budget, area, move-in date.
3. View properties together.
4. Receive and read the confirmation and explanation statement.
5. Check the property register together. Ask the agent to explain it.
6. Sign and pay the commission. Get a receipt.

What you need

• Passport and Alien Registration Card
• A note of your budget and requirements
• The down payment at signing

Where to go

• Local licensed estate agents
• Ministry of Land 1599-0001
• Your local government's real estate department (agent complaints)
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpreted advice

Questions people ask

How much is the commission? There is a legal cap depending on the amount and type of transaction. Check the office notice or your local government's website, and ask before signing.

They want more because I'm foreign. Demanding above the legal cap is illegal. You can report it to the local government's real estate department.

The agent won't show me the register. That breaches their duty to explain. Do not contract with such an office. You can obtain the register yourself at www.iros.go.kr.

They say a private deal is cheaper. You save the commission but lose the duty to explain and the insurance protection. Where a large deposit is involved, use an agent.

Take care

Being rushed with "this place is popular, put down a deposit now" is a warning sign. Send no money before checking the register.

Related

lease-contract · housing-scam · deposit-protection · housing-types

Source

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport www.molit.go.kr / As of 2026-08