Decoding the Korean Rental Contract: Essential Phrases & Terms

You are about to sign the papers. The contract is entirely in Korean. The agent is pointing at the bottom line. You are nervous.

Don't sign blindly. While standard contracts are safe, the "Special Agreements" (Teuk-yak / 특약) section is where the important rules hide.

Here are the key terms you need to spot.

 The Basics

• Imdae-in (임대인): Landlord (The owner).

• Imcha-in (임차인): Tenant (You).

• Bojung-geum (보증금): Deposit.

• Wolse (월세): Monthly Rent.

2. The "Teuk-yak" (Special Agreements)

This is the free-text section at the bottom. Google Translate this part immediately. Look for these common clauses:

• Move-out Cleaning Fee (퇴실 청소비):

  • "Imcha-in pays roughly 70,000~100,000 KRW for cleaning upon exit." (This is standard).

• No Pets (애완동물 금지 / 반려동물 금지):

  • If you sneak in a cat, they can cancel your contract and charge penalty fees.

• No Indoor Smoking (실내 흡연 금지):

  • Strictly enforced. You may pay for wallpaper replacement if you smoke inside.

• Short-term Penalty:

  • If you leave before your contract ends, you usually forfeit your deposit or pay the remaining rent.

3. The Dates

Check the Contract Period (임대차 기간). Does it match your flight dates? In Korea, you typically move out in the morning (around 11 AM) so the next person can move in.