Trying to rent a place in Korea as a foreigner can be pretty overwhelming. The jeonse system, contracts in Korean, and stories about scams—it’s all a lot to process. And sadly, some foreigners have been burned before, losing their entire deposit to dishonest landlords.
But here’s some good news: there’s now a way to get ahead of the risk. A new system lets you check your landlord’s background before you commit. It won’t solve everything, but it can give you a much clearer picture—and that’s a good place to start.
After a surge in rental fraud cases in recent years, South Korea decided to take action. From May 27, 2025, a new policy called the Landlord Information Inquiry System officially rolled out. It allows anyone preparing to rent a home to look into a landlord's history before signing a lease—something that wasn’t possible before.
This guide will explain how the system works, what you can learn from it, and how to protect yourself when renting in Korea.
Table of Contents :
- Why This System Matters
- What You Can Check
- Can Foreigners Use It?
- How to Access the Landlord Information
- Things to Keep in Mind
- How to Read the Results
- Other Tips to Avoid Rental Scams
- FAQ (10 Questions)
- What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
Why This System Matters
Korea’s rental system is quite different from what many foreigners are used to. Instead of paying monthly rent, many tenants pay a large deposit (jeonse) and live rent-free for two years. Sounds great, right? But it comes with risk. If a landlord has financial problems or owns too many properties, they might not be able to return your deposit.
This is where the Landlord Information Inquiry System comes in. It offers peace of mind by allowing you to check if a landlord has a clean history or a trail of unpaid deposits. It also empowers tenants to make informed choices in a rental market that can feel opaque, especially when navigating it in a second language.
What You Can Check
Through the system, you can find out:
How many properties the landlord owns that are covered by deposit return guarantees
If the landlord has ever failed to return a deposit, resulting in compensation paid by Korea’s Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG)
Whether the landlord is currently restricted from getting new guarantees because of past issues
Additionally, some properties may show signs of being part of serial investment practices. If your potential landlord has dozens of registered properties but a history of missed refunds, you may want to take extra caution.
Can Foreigners Use It?
Yes! This system is open to all tenants, regardless of nationality. Whether you're a student, a long-term expat, or on a working visa, you can use this system if you're planning to sign a lease. You'll need to show a valid ID (like your ARC or passport) and proof that you're seriously considering the property (such as a viewing confirmation or working with a licensed real estate agent).
Don't worry if your Korean isn't fluent—many HUG offices are familiar with helping non-Korean speakers, and bilingual support is increasingly common, especially in Seoul and major cities.
How to Access the Landlord Information
There are three main ways to get this information:
a. Through a Licensed Real Estate Agent
Ask your agent to help you obtain a confirmation document. Bring this document to a nearby HUG (Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation) branch, and they will assist you in accessing the landlord’s record.
b. Visit a HUG Branch Directly
If you're not using a real estate agent, you can go to a HUG office with your ID and details about the property. They will help you with the process.
c. Use the Safe Jeonse App (Launching June 23, 2025)
The Korean government is releasing an app to make the process easier. Once launched, you’ll be able to check landlord info straight from your phone. Keep an eye on government announcements for app store links.
💡 If you're comfortable navigating Korean websites, you can also visit the official page of the Landlord Information Inquiry System provided by the Korea Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG).
Note: This page is only available in Korean, but you can use Google Chrome's translation feature to view it in English or your preferred language.
Things to Keep in Mind
Monthly Limit: You can only check up to 3 landlords per month.
Transparency Notice: The landlord will be notified that someone checked their information.
Proper Usage Only: You must actually be considering a rental contract. Abusing the system could result in restrictions.
If you’re unsure whether your reason qualifies, real estate agents or HUG staff can help clarify whether you’re eligible to request information.
How to Read the Results
If the landlord has:
Many guaranteed properties: Not necessarily bad, but check if they’re managing them responsibly.
A history of unpaid deposits: Consider this a red flag.
Guarantee restrictions: This could mean past issues with returning deposits. Be cautious.
Also take note if the landlord frequently shifts properties or changes the name under which properties are registered. This could be a sign of debt evasion or legal risk.
Other Tips to Avoid Rental Scams
Checking a landlord’s record is just one part of staying safe. Here are more tips:
Use trusted real estate websites: Platforms like Zigbang or Dabang are popular in Korea.
Ask for the building’s registry (등기부등본) to check for mortgages or liens.
Get a deposit guarantee: It might cost extra, but it ensures your deposit is protected.
Document everything: Keep records of all payments and agreements.
Avoid cash payments and always request a receipt.
Trust your gut: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
FAQ
Q1: What if I don’t speak Korean?
Many real estate agents catering to foreigners speak English. Use translation apps or bring a bilingual friend when visiting a HUG office.
Q2: Can the landlord refuse this check?
No. The system is legally available to tenants, and landlords can't block access.
Q3: Is this available outside Seoul?
Yes, the system is nationwide. You can use it in any city or region in Korea.
Q4: Is it free to use the system?
Yes, checking a landlord's record is free through official channels like HUG or the Safe Jeonse App.
Q5: Can I check more than one landlord?
You can check up to three different landlords per month.
Q6: Will the landlord know I checked?
Yes, the landlord receives a notification that their information was accessed.
Q7: What if I’m not using a realtor?
You can still access the system by visiting HUG directly with proof that you're interested in renting.
Q8: What’s considered a red flag in a landlord’s record?
Repeated failures to return deposits or restrictions on new guarantees should be taken seriously.
Q9: Can the results help me negotiate the lease?
Yes. If you find concerning info, you can negotiate stricter contract terms or walk away.
Q10: Is the Safe Jeonse App available in English?
The government plans to provide multi-language support, including English, for the app.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you suspect something is off:
Don’t rush: Take your time to verify information.
Report suspicious activity: Contact 112 or visit a local police station.
Consult expat communities: Forums like r/LivingInKorea often share real-time experiences.
Ask the Korea Legal Aid Center for Foreigners: They offer legal consultations (1345).
Contact your embassy: Many embassies in Korea have lists of trusted agents and can provide guidance.
Let’s be real—finding a place to live in a new country is stressful enough without the fear of being scammed. The Landlord Information Inquiry System gives you a solid way to know who you’re dealing with before handing over a big deposit.
It’s not a magic shield, but it’s a great first step. Use it along with some common sense, basic research, and a reliable agent. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. You’ll thank yourself later.
