How to Find Housing in Korea: Complete Renter's Guide for Expats

byLiving and Working in Korea by CPA, Ryan M. • • 2 min read
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How to Find Housing in Korea: Complete Renter's Guide for Expats




Hi, Welcome to Living and Working in Korea. I'm Ryan, M, Korean CPA.



Finding an apartment, studio in Korea is a battlefield. 

For locals, it’s stressful. 

For foreigners? It’s often a rip-off waiting to happen.



"I went to an English-speaking agency in Itaewon, and the rent was 200,000 won higher than online."

"Wait, I paid a 500,000 won commission for a tiny studio. Did I get scammed?"

I hear this stuff constantly. As a Korean CPA, 

I’m going to walk you through the exact steps to finding a place without getting fleeced. 

No fluff, just the tactics you need to save money and stay legal.




1. Finding a Place: Ignore the "English Spoken" Signs


The rookie mistake? Walking into the first office in Hongdae with an "English Real Estate" sign in the window. Sure, they speak English, but you’ll likely pay the "Foreigner Premium"—inflated rent for subpar listings.


Strategy A: Use Seoul’s "Global Real Estate Agencies"
The Seoul government actually designates specific brokers to serve foreigners. They’re monitored to prevent price gouging.


This link is provided by Seoul City. 


I've compiled a complete directory of English-speaking real estate agencies across all Seoul districts at the end of this post. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!


  • Busan: Hit up the Haeundae area—there are about 40 designated agencies there.


Strategy B: Check the "Real" Price on Local Apps
Before you talk to anyone, check the apps Koreans use. You need a baseline.

  • Naver Real Estate: The gold standard. Most listings, fewest fakes. (Use Chrome’s translate feature).

  • Zigbang / Dabang: Slick apps, but prone to "Bait Listings" (fake cheap rooms to get you to call). Use them for price reference only.

2. The Anti-Scam Checklist: Ask These Questions


Agents are salespeople. They won’t volunteer the downsides. You have to ask.

  • "Can I do Address Registration (Jeonip-singo)?"

    • Korean phrase: "전입신고 가능한가요?"

    • The Dealbreaker: Some shady landlords refuse this to dodge taxes. Walk away immediately. If you can’t register, your deposit is legally unprotected.


  • "Does the Maintenance Fee include utilities?"

    • Korean phrase: "관리비에 공과금 포함인가요?"

    • A "cheap" 500k rent might come with a 150k maintenance fee that doesn't include gas or internet. Always do the math on the total monthly cost.


  • "Is this unit Residential or Commercial?"

    • Korean phrase: "주거용인가요, 업무용인가요?"

    • (This question alone could save you hundreds on commission. See below.)

3. The Commission Trap: Don't Pay Double



This is where I see foreigners lose the most money.
Misconception: "All officetels (studio apartments) have the same fee."
Reality: Absolutely not.


The Law:
If an officetel has a kitchen and bathroom (under 85㎡), it’s "Residential." The legal commission cap is 0.4%.
However, some agents will try to charge you the "Commercial" rate of 0.9% because you’re a foreigner and you don't know the difference. That’s more than double.

The Fix:
If an agent quotes you 0.9%, point to the kitchen and say: "This is a residential unit with floor heating. The legal cap is 0.4%. Please adjust the fee." Watch how fast they change their tune.

4. Verified English-Speaking Agencies (2026 List)




Seoul English-Speaking Real Estate Agencies by District – Complete 2026 Guide



Jongno-gu (종로구)

  • Alpha Certified Real Estate Agency – Baek Eun-kyeong – 790-7714 – 1F, #12, 24, Sajik-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Alpha Certified Real Estate Agency – Ha Chang-su – 82-2-844-6000 (Fax 82-2-844-6007) – #101 Hansung Apt. Sangga, 13, Yeouidaebang-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (※ Dongjak-gu로도 표기 혼재)

  • Cheongsol Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Don-kwon – 82-2-763-1126 (Fax 82-2-763-1141) – 365, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Cheongun Sangnoksu Certified Real Estate Agency – Kang Hui-mok – 82-2-738-5288 (Fax 82-2-735-4982) – 30, Jahamun-ro 33-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Hanil Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Wung-ki – 82-2-765-2189 (Fax 82-2-765-2146) – 2F, 1, Jong-ro 46-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Hyundai Certified Real Estate Agency – Ki Jong-ik – 82-2-379-2600 (Fax 82-0505-889-6161) – 439, Jinheung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Jeil Certified Real Estate Agency – Baek Tae-hyeon – 02-379-3806 – #105, 8, Pyeongchang 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Jongno Sangga Certified Real Estate Agency – Choi Mun-gyu – 82-2-3672-3478 (Fax 82-2-3672-3479) – Samchang Building #302, 26, Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • LK Central Real Estate Agency – LEE MOON WOONG – 82-2-379-0047 – Glory Town B-103, 75 PyeongchangMunhwa-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Mentor Real Estate Agency – Yoon Young-sook – 82-2-725-1127 (Fax 82-0504-059-2727) – #112, 24, Sajik-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul


Jung-gu (중구)

  • DongDaeMoon Certified Real Estate Agency – Kim Myung-soo – 82-2-2254-4984 (Fax 82-2-2254-4985) – Shinhan Building #402-1, 11, Majang-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

  • Kukje Certified Real Estate Agency – Gu Yeong-ju – 82-2-2233-2525 (Fax 82-2-2233-2503) – 21, Dasan-ro 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

  • Myeongdong Best Real Estate Agency – So, Byung Taek – 82-2-318-0203, 82-10-5390-5168 – Myeong-dong 9-gil 45, Jung-gu, Seoul

  • Mr. Holmes Seongdong Geumho Center Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Hye-Won – 82-2-2233-4567 – rose9623@hanmail.net – 103, 147 Geumho-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (※ Seongdong-gu로도 표기)

  • Our Rich Real Estate Brokerage Co.Ltd – Kim, Yoon-jeong – 82-10-8824-2955 (Fax 82-2-070-8233-7675) – #105, 454 Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

  • Place4You Real Estate Agency – Chang, Yeon Joo – 82-10-6345-7896 – B110, 227, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

  • IN&PARK Real Estate Agency – IN, CHI HYUN – 82-70-8239-7674, 82-10-3246-8076 – inpstars@naver.com – JustCo No.33, Seoul Finance Center 8F, 136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

  • Mirae Global Realty – Erica Kim (Misook Kim) – 82-10-3891-1526, 82-2-2263-9567 – Unit 28, 1F, Building A, Bangsan Market, 20 Dongho-ro 37-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul


Mapo-gu (마포구)

  • E-eum Certiried Real Estate Agency – Kim Kwan-Ho – 82-2-2039-2641~3, 82-10-9840-7514 – kh085@naver.com – 108, B-dong, 42 Yeonnam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Forum Certified Real Estate Agency – Park Sun – 82-2-338-8988 (Fax 82-707-7753-7019) – spark789@naver.com – 11F, #1110, 133, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Global Seoul Certified Real Estate Agency – Yun Seon-hwa – 82-2-717-0049 (Fax 82-2-702-2480) – 2-#B104, 24, Tojeong-ro 31-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Hanbit Forena Real Estate Agent – Moon Hyunchan – 82-2-981-1007, 82-10-7589-3477 – hlmoon3477@outlook.com – 1F, 260, Solsam-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (※ Gangbuk-gu로도 표기)

  • Hyundai Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Mi-suk – 82-2-376-7700, 82-10-3666-8279 (Fax 82-2-376-7720) – misukie88@gmail.com – Sangga #101, 57, Sangamsan-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Ian(02-376-0089) Certified Real Estate Agency – Choi Eun-jin – 82-2-376-0089 (Fax 82-2-6393-6377) – #112, 361, World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • JK Global Real Estate Agency – Lim, Jinki – 82-2-393-8487, 82-10-9919-8487 – jkexchange@naver.com – #208, 150 Sinchon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Jin Myung Real Estate Agency – Kim Jong-Hwan – 82-2-363-2462, 82-10-5479-2462 – kimjh2462@naver.com – Building 3-101, 183 Daeheung-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Kachi Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee, Sung-won – 82-2-332-5949, 82-10-4953-5885 – kachithevalue@naver.com – 3F, 39, Yanghwa-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Leaders(714-4800) Certified Real Estate Agency – Han, Jung-hee – 82-2-714-4800, 82-10-2249-2574 (Fax 82-2-714-4802) – vancent720@naver.com – 1F, 215 Sungmun-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Mapo granxi(a nice sister) Certified Real Estate Agency – Shin, hyesun – 82-2-707-3434, 82-10-2631-4080 – ellarang@naver.com – Room 102 in Building 4, 175, Daeheung-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • MEMBERS Real Estate Agency – Kim Byong-Su – 82-2-3273-8924, 82-10-5240-6146 – bskimseaone@naver.com – 1st FL, 4 Tojeong-ro 32-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Mideum Certified Real Estate Agency – Yang Dong-il – 82-2-365-2100, 82-10-2234-2660 (Fax 82-2-365-3003) – 1F, 16, Sinchon-ro 31-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (※ Seodaemun-gu로도 표기)

  • Miso Certified Real Estate Agency – Noh Sang-gyu – 82-2-713-7756~7, 82-10-3937-5154 (Fax 82-2-713-7758) – realtor2013@naver.com – #110, 25, World Cup buk-ro 54-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Mun Chan-ho Real Estate Certified Real Estate Agency – Moon Chan-ho – 82-2-392-4040 (Fax 82-2-393-0804) – #106-1, 16, Sinchon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (※ Seodaemun-gu로도 표기)

  • Myungsung Certified Real Estate Agency – Han, Mi-na – 82-2-393-4949, 82-10-5653-5265 (Fax 82-070-4009-5861) – workerex@naver.com – 1F, 38 Hwanil-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Rivercen Certified Real Estate Agency – Park, Yun – 82-2-2494-0223 (Fax 82-2-6499-9967) – #102, 38, Bonghwasan-ro 3-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul (※ Jungnang-gu로도 표기)

  • Sarang(Danjinae) Certified Real Estate Agency – Kim, Young Joong – 82-2-702-5525, 82-10-5476-8206 – youngjkim39@naver.com – 105, 1F, D-Dong, 24 Daeheung-ro 24-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Sindaerim Certified Real Estate Agency – Cho Hang-jun – 82-2-375-4489, 82-10-9128-0586 (Fax 82-2-490-9114) – no1korealtor@nate.com – 188, World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Tower Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Yeong-tae – 82-2-393-3500 (Fax 82-2-393-3502) – Sangga #4-113, 195, Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Woo-Jeong Certified Real Estate Agency – Song, Jung-eun – 82-2-704-8949, 82-10-6329-3465 (Fax 82-2-714-3438) – jjenn@daum.net – B102, 8 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Yale Certified Real Estate Agency – Jang Deuk-keol – 82-2-3141-1233 (Fax 82-504-033-3030) – Paradisetel #B-03, 157, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul


Seodaemun-gu (서대문구)

  • Good Place Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Kap-ho – 82-2-307-8779 (Fax 82-2-303-4770) – 1F, 23, Eungsam-ro 14-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (※ Eunpyeong-gu로도 표기)

  • INWANGSAN HYUNDAI Certified Real Estate Agency – Lim, Kwang-hyuk – 82-2-396-0011, 82-10-8110-7929 (Fax 82-2-396-9936) – limkwanghyuk.joshua@gmail.com – #17, 2F Sanggadong, 48, Tongil-ro 34-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

  • Sinseong Certified Real Estate Agency – Jeon Yong-wu – 82-2-372-0202, 82-10-3273-1788 (Fax 82-2-372-0212) – Sangga #103, 45, Gajaeul-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

  • Taeyang Certified Real Estate Agency – Oh Kyu-yeon – 82-2-322-8945, 82-10-7323-8945 (Fax 82-2-323-8945) – thesunrealty@gmail.com – 48, Jeungga-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul


Eunpyeong-gu (은평구)

  • DMC(Su) Certified Real Estate Agency – Cheon Seon-gi – 02-304-0600 – 1F, 8, Jeungsan-ro 15-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

  • Hwi-kyung XiDecencia Real Estate Brokerage – Kim, Sook-hee – 82-10-6831-3665 (Fax 82-2-0504-412-0965) – 1F, 30 Hwigyeong-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (※ Dongdaemun-gu로도 표기)

  • Smart Realty Certified Real Estate Agency – Kim Sun-ju – 82-10-6344-9879 – #101, 12-6, Eungam-ro 61ga-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

  • Yesung Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Jong-bae – 82-2-383-2459 (Fax 82-2-383-2480) – 99, Yeonseo-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul


Guro-gu (구로구)

  • Gongwongil Real Estate Agency – Choi, Sik-chul – 82-2-393-9393 – 241mitam@naver.com – #213, 26 Gongwon-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul

  • Jimibek Realty Boutique Real Estate Brokerage – Yoon, Day-gyu – 82-2-858-3733 – jimibek.realty@gmail.com – 1F, 48 Saemal-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul

  • Jungang Certified Real Estate Agency – Choi, Keun Myung – 82-2-858-0033, 82-10-6226-7439 – glitter9@naver.com – 134, Gasan-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul (※ Geumcheon-gu로도 표기)

  • Yuil Certified Real Estate Agency – Moon Kyeong-yong – 82-851-1616, 82-10-5250-7246 – kymoon01@naver.com – 59, Gurojungang-ro 28-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul


Geumcheon-gu (금천구)

  • W Real Estate Agency – Kim So-jeong – 82-2-853-0010 – #C-106, 168, Gasan digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul


Gwanak-gu (관악구)

  • DeunDeun Certified Real Estate Agency – Shin, chang uk – 82-10-6364-5919, 82-10-8296-1601 – 1st floor, 19 Sinwon-ro 3-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

  • Do Dream Certified Real Estate Agency – Seo Ji-yu – 82-2-865-1116 (Fax -) – 1F, 119 Jowon-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

  • Donghwa Certified Real Estate Agency – Ahn Jong-in – 82-2-884-8579 (Fax 82-2-878-8565) – 1F, 43, Yangji 7-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

  • Pyeonghwa Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee, Sun-young – 82-2-6080-6461, 82-10-2482-6461 – 1F, 107-1 Nangok-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul


Dongjak-gu (동작구)

  • Dongjak Certified Real Estate Agency – Kim Yeong-cheol – 82-2-587-4589 – 18, Sadang-ro 12-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

  • Samsung Certified Real Estate Agency – Kang Ji-yeong – 82-2-814-5848 (Fax 82-2-824-5114) – 263-11, Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

  • Sin-Hyundai Certified Real Estate Agency – Kim Yeong-sik – 82-2-817-8008 (Fax 82-2-817-8532) – #103-116, 127, Deungyong-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul


Yeongdeungpo-gu (영등포구)

  • Dasan Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Dong-myeong – 82-10-5254-3559 – givelive@naver.com – Section of 1F, 2, Singil-ro 60ga-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

  • Fortune Real Estate Agency – Kim, In-ho – 82-2-842-0900, 82-10-3350-2100 (Fax 82-2-814-8660) – Ra-dong 1-2, 1-1, Yeouidaebang-ro 61-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

  • JK Real Estate Agency – Kang, Jung-ah – 82-10-9144-9380 (Fax 82-2-0504-191-9380) – #538, 20 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

  • Kyungnam Licensed Real Estate Agent – Jo Dong-Yoon – 82-2-843-7200, 82-10-2956-2472 – 58iop58@naver.com – 104, 353, Yeongdeungpo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

  • Madang Licensed Real Estate Agency – Lee, Yoon Jin – 82-2-2692-7007 – nina_pusan@hanmail.net – 4-34, Commercial-Dong, 47, Nambusunhwnro 83gil, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (※ Yangcheon-gu로도 표기)

  • Moka Licensed Real Estate Agency – Choong Hyun Lee – 82-10-8473-5510 – mokachlee@gmail.com – N0.129, 166 Yeongsin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

  • Mullae Paragon Real Estate Agency – Lee Seung-jin – 82-2-2635-1900, 82-10-5441-2247 (Fax 82-2-2635-1551) – #101-102, 12, Seonyu-ro 11-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

  • Summit Real Estate Agency – Na, Sun-hae – 82-2-2677-5820, 82-10-9458-5820 (Fax 82-0504-272-5820) – realestate_001@naver.com – 1F, 16-2, Dangsan-ro 28-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

  • Thankyou Real Estate Agency – Kim Tae-Kyun – 82-2-784-7575, 82-10-5658-1226 – poly2063@naver.com – 22, Retail B dong, 45, 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul


Seongdong-gu (성동구)

  • True Light Real Estate Research Agency – Song Chang-hyeon – 82-2-498-9669, 82-10-7633-0887 (Fax 82-2-498-9766) – chsong64@naver.com – Hyundai I-park Sangga #101, 137, Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul


Seongbuk-gu (성북구)

  • Gangbuk Best Real Estate Brokerage Co.Ltd – Park, Young-bok – 82-2-921-7779 – 2F, 20, Goryeodae-ro 24-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

  • Orient Certified Real Estate Agency – Kim Yu-suk – 82-2-3672-4400 (Fax 82-2-3672-1279) – 98, Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

  • RAON(02-913-3200) Real Estate Agency – Hong Suk-Min – 02-913-3200 – B110, 307, Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

  • Seoul Certified Real Estate Agency – Jeong Ba-reum – 82-10-5578-6796 – 1F, 4, Seonjam-ro 2-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul


Dobong-gu (도봉구)

  • Jai Certified Real Estate Agency – Cho, Chun-ok – 82-2-945-0018, 82-10-2162-5866 (Fax 82-0504-312-2197) – jaiestate9450018@naver.com – 1F, 21, Dobong-ro 29-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (※ Gangbuk-gu로도 표기)

  • James Certified Real Estate Agency – Chae Ji-heon – 82-2-581-0039 – #426, 4F, 191 Dobong-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (※ Gangbuk-gu로도 표기)

  • Joeun Certified Real Estate Agency – Lee Kyeong-suk – 82-2-990-0708, 82-10-6338-1616 (Fax 82-2-990-0711) – cdjind@nate.com – #102, 37, Nohae-ro 63ga-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul


Gangbuk-gu (강북구)

  • Kims Suyu Station Real Estate Agency – Kim, Kwang-byrme – 82-2-905-2300, 82-10-3019-2389 (Fax 82-2-905-9977) – luwiskim8@gmail.com – 1F, 1045 Hancheon-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul


Jungnang-gu (중랑구)

  • Jangwon Certified Real Estate Agency – Jang Mu-hyeon – 82-2-444-8066 (Fax 82-2-444-8069) – 1F, 36, Achasan-ro 51-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (※ Gwangjin-gu로도 표기)

  • Kumgang Certified Real Estate Agency – Yeom Heung-seob – 82-2-977-5775 (Fax 82-2-972-5776) – 7, Dongil-ro 157-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul


Dongdaemun-gu (동대문구)

  • Kyeonghui Certified Real Estate Agency – Kim Ha-na – 82-2-969-4501 (Fax 82-2-966-4501) – 138, Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

  • Seohae Certified Real Estate Agency – Eun Jun – 02-3664-3954 – #817, 42, Magokjungang 6-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul (※ Gangseo-gu로도 표기)


Gwangjin-gu (광진구)

  • Jungang Certified Real Estate Agency – Min Seon-ki – 82-2-457-5002 (Fax 82-2-457-6008) – 1F, 676 Ttukseom-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul


Gangdong-gu (강동구)

  • Elite Real Estate Agency – Lee, Hyuk-jae – 82-2-428-3828 (Fax 82-2-0504-369-3828) – 105-na, 48, Godeok-ro 62-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul

  • Goldentoad Real Estate Agency – Seong, Young-seob – 82-2-488-6811, 82-10-7288-8547 (Fax 82-0504-078-8547) – 103, 1st floor, 57, Pungseong-ro 67-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul

  • Hyundai Licensed Real Estate Agency – Ahn, Hye won – 82-2-426-0002 – 1st Floor, 46 Sangam-ro 61-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul

  • Namyang Real Estate Agency – Seo Pil-eon – 82-10-4044-2400 – 1F, 3, Hakdong-ro 6-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (※ Gangnam-gu로도 표기)

  • Sola Licensed Real Estate Agency – Sola Chae – 82-2-477-1588, 82-10-3246-1588 – poised@naver.com – 17, Seongan-ro 7-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul

Ryan's Final Tip:
Before you sign anything, demand to see the "Certified Copy of Register" (Deunggi-bu-deung-bon). It shows the landlord’s debt. If the house is mortgaged to the hilt, your deposit is in danger.



Next post? I’ll teach you how to read that document in under 60 seconds. Stay tuned.

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