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Residence
Types of Residences
Lease Contracts
1. Deposit-based lease (jeonse)
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A deposit-based lease is one type of way to lease a house. The lessee makes a lump-sum deposit on a rental space to the property owner and uses the house for a period of one or two years, according to the lease contract. The lessee shall pay 10% of the security deposit for the lease as a down payment when concluding the contract, and settle the balance when moving in.
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The lessee shall maintain the original house conditions during the term of the lease. If he/ she wants interior work done, he/she shall obtain consent from the property owner in advance.
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The property owner shall return the full amount of the security deposit to the lessee at the end of the lease.
2. Monthly Rent (Wolse)
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Under a monthly lease contract with a term of one or two years, the lessee may use the house by paying a deposit up front and rent every month. The amount of the deposit is generally 10 to 20 times the monthly rent.
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The lessee shall pay 10% of the security deposit for the lease as a down payment and settle the balance when moving in. If the lessee cancels the lease during the term of the contract, the down payment shall not be returned. If the property owner cancels the contract, he/she shall pay twice the amount of the down payment to the lessee.
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In principle, the full amount of the security deposit is returned after termination of the contract. In special cases, such as arrears of monthly rent or utility charges, these expenditures are deducted from the security deposit, and the remaining amount is returned.
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Real estate agent commissions vary depending on the type of residence and area, as well as the transaction amount
Moving
1. Things to look out for before moving in
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Check the conditions of the house thoroughly before you move in. If there are any issues, take a picture and notify the real estate agent or property owner of it before you unpack.
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If you want to paint or repair the house, you should obtain permission from the property owner in advance.
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If you move out, do not forget to return the house keys to the owner after receiving the security deposit to avoid potential conflict.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
WHEN MOVING OUT!
Make sure all utility charges and management expenses are paid.
Pay all of your utility charges, such as electric bills, gas bills, and management expenses, and keep the receipts just in case.
Inquiries
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City gas : 1588-5788
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Water and sewage : 120
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Electricity : 123
2. Types of Moving Services
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Call Van Service:
For small-scale moves with a limited amount of belongings, using a call van is a cost-effective option. -
Standard Moving Service:
In this type of move, the individual is responsible for packing and organizing their own belongings. The contract with the moving company is limited to vehicle use only. Costs may vary depending on whether additional labor is required for loading and unloading. This service can be selected based on the scale of the move. -
Full-Service Moving (Packing & Moving):
The moving company handles the packing, transportation, and full setup at the new residence. The individual is only responsible for managing valuables separately and directing the placement of furniture and appliances upon arrival. Pricing depends on the volume and quantity of belongings. Additional services such as cleaning may be available for an extra charge.
Tips
Implicit Renewal
It is important to be aware of key deadlines as the lease expiration date approaches.
If a tenant does not intend to continue residing in the property, they must notify the landlord at least one month before the lease ends.
Otherwise, the lease may be automatically renewed under the same terms, even without signing a new contract—this is known as implicit (or tacit) renewal.
Likewise, if the landlord does not wish to extend the lease with the current tenant, they must provide written notice at least two months before the lease ends, allowing the tenant sufficient time to prepare for relocation.
Tips
Other Moving Services
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If your move-in and move-out dates do not align and you need temporary storage for your belongings, you can use storage services provided by international or specialized moving companies. Storage fees are typically calculated based on the number of days items are stored.
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If you would like to have your new home professionally cleaned before moving in, you can search for services using keywords such as "move-in cleaning" or "moving-out cleaning" on major portal sites.
Electricity, Gas, and Water
1. Electricity
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The standard voltage for residential electricity in Korea is 220V / 60Hz. If you plan to use electrical appliances from abroad, please check that the voltage and frequency are compatible before use.
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Electricity usage is billed monthly, and the charges appear on the following month’s bill. In apartment buildings or officetels, electricity fees are usually included in the monthly maintenance fee.
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For inquiries regarding electricity rates, payments, service subscriptions, or reporting outages, contact KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) via its 24-hour customer service center(☎123) or visit the official website(www.kepco.co.kr), which is available in Korean, English, Chinese, French, and Spanish.
2. Gas
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In Seoul, city gas (piped natural gas) is commonly used. However, in areas where city gas infrastructure is not available, LP (liquefied petroleum) gas may be used instead. City gas in Seoul is supplied by Seoul City Gas. For households using LP gas, residents can contact a nearby gas supplier to arrange for delivery.
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After moving in, residents must contact the local gas supply company for their area to apply for city gas service. A technician will visit the residence on the requested date to perform the installation.
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Because gas installation and removal can be hazardous, all work must be carried out by qualified professionals from the city gas company.
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Information about regional city gas providers is available on the Korea City Gas Association website: www.citygas.or.kr.
3. Water Supply
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Water bills are issued every two months and include charges for tap water, sewage services, and water usage fees.
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For more information, please contact the Seoul Waterworks Authority (☎120 or visit arisu.seoul.go.kr, available in Korean and English).
Tips
Preventing Water Meter Freezing in Winter
During winter, water meters may freeze when temperatures fall below zero, causing inconvenience.
To prevent this, fill the meter box with old clothes or towels to provide insulation, and cover it with plastic to block cold air from entering.
Even when not using tap water, keeping the faucet slightly open can help prevent the pipes from freezing.
Waste Disposal
1. Waste Separation and Recycling
Waste must be separated and disposed of according to type, such as PET bottles, paper, vinyl, and cans. Non-recyclable general waste and food waste must be disposed of using standard volume-based waste bags, which are available for purchase. This system helps reduce the amount of waste generated by making the disposer responsible for disposal costs, and encourages proper separation and recycling.
2. Fines for Violations
Each neighborhood (dong) within Seoul’s 25 districts has designated days and times for waste disposal. Failure to comply with these schedules or illegal dumping may result in fines of up to KRW 1,000,000. Additional fines may be imposed depending on the number of violations, especially in cases where general waste and food waste are not properly separated.
(Please note that regulations and penalties may vary by district.)
3. General and Food Waste
General Waste
Food Waste
Type
General Household Waste :
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Bones from livestock such as chicken or beef
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Shells from clams or other shellfish
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Garlic and onion peels
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Single-use tea bags
* Source: https://bestchoony.tistory.com
Food Waste and Pre-/Post-Cooking Leftovers
Tips
Items Not Considered Food Waste
Fruits:
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Shells or peels from walnuts, chestnuts, peanuts, acorns, coconuts, pineapples
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Pits/seeds from apricots, peaches, persimmons
Meat:
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Animal bones, feathers
Seafood:
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Shells from clams, conchs, abalone, cockles, sea squirts, oysters, lobsters
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Internal organs (e.g., blowfish roe)
Others:
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Tea bags, herbal powder residue
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Onion peels, highly seasoned items such as gochujang (red chili paste)
Disposal Date & Time
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Date: Regulations May Vary by District
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Time: between sunset and midnight
Please check with your local authority for specific disposal rules and schedules.
Disposal Location
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Detached Houses:
Place waste in front of the main gate or at the designated disposal site. -
Apartments and Multi-Unit Housing:
Use the designated waste collection bins within the residential complex.
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Single-family homes and buildings with 20 or fewer households:
Dispose of food waste using a designated 25L waste container. -
Multi-unit housing with more than 20 households:
Use the 120L designated food waste container installed within the residential complex. -
Apartment complexes:
Use the automated food waste volume-based disposal system (RFID food waste bin) available within the complex.
Fee
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General Waste:
Dispose of general waste using standard volume-based waste bags.
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Multi-unit housing (more than 20 households):
General waste disposal fees are included in the monthly maintenance fee. -
Apartment complexes (food waste):
Use the RFID food waste bin; payment is made via transportation card (e.g., T-money).
※Available at supermarkets or convenience stores. Prices may differ by district.
4. Recyclable Waste
Sort recyclable items by category (e.g., plastic, paper, glass, cans, etc.)
Type
Recyclable (O)
Non-recyclable (X)
Paper
Newspapers, books, notebooks, wrapping paper, corrugated cardboard, paper bags, paper boxes, and other paper items bearing a recycling symbol
Vinyl-coated paper bags or paper cups
Glass
Liquor bottles such as beer and soju bottles, soda bottles, and other glass items bearing a recycling symbol
Plate glass, mirrors, heatresistant dinnerware, and ivory-colored (creamcolored) glass
Metal
Drink cans, spray cans, butane fuel canisters, aluminum, stainless steel flatware, tools, and other iron/aluminum items bearing a recycling symbol
Paint cans, oil barrels, harmful substance containers
Styrofoam
EPE foam buffers for home appliances, containers for transporting fishes or fruits, and clean instant cup noodle containers
Disposable plates
Plastic
Items bearing an PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, or OTHER recycling symbol
Pens, socket with button switch, toys, baby walkers, telephones, disposable cameras, electric heaters
Milk cartons
Milk cartons
Fluorescent lamps
Unbroken fluorescent lamps and bulbs
Broken fluorescent lamps and bulbs
Vinyl
Vinyl bags (white/black/other vinyl bags, instant noodle packages) Items bearing an HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, or OTHER recycling symbol
Dirty vinyl bags
Recycling Guidelines
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Separate and organize recyclable items—such as paper, scrap metal, plastic, glass bottles, and vinyl—by type, and place them outside for collection all at once.
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Vinyl items must be kept clean and either tied or placed in a transparent plastic bag, as they are often mistaken for general waste.
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As collection schedules vary by district, be sure to check your local recycling day and place items out between sunset and midnight.
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Since December 25, 2020, residents of apartment complexes in Seoul are required to separate clear PET bottles (e.g., water, beverages) from general plastics (e.g., colored PET bottles, disposable cups).
Plastics
(e.g., PET bottles)
Non-combustible Waste
(Broken glass, coal briquette ash, ceramics, etc.)
Cans
& Scrap Metal
Paper
(e.g., boxes, newspapers, books, milk cartons)
Styrofoam & Vinyl
(Styrofoam packaging, ramen and snack wrappers, plastic film and bags)
Disposal Location
For single-family homes, waste should be placed in front of the main gate or at the designated disposal site.
For apartments, use the designated waste collection area within the complex.
Sort recyclable items by category (e.g., plastic, paper, glass, cans, etc.)
Type
Description
Website and Contact information
Yangcheon-gu
Recycling Center
Dobong-gu
☎ 02-902-8272
The Recycling Center buys and sells used goods to help conserve resources and protect the environment
Seodaemun-gu
Geumcheon-gu
/Gwanak-gu
Dongdaemun-gu
The Salvation Army Thrift Store
www.nanumistore.org
[Korean and English]
Donation and sponsorship inquiries ☎ 02-365-7084 / 1588-1327
The Salvation Army Thrift Store accepts donations of goods from individuals or companies and sells them at low prices.
Beautiful Store
The Beautiful Store accepts donations of new or used goods and sells them at low prices after making any necessary repairs.
www.beautifulstore.org
[Korean and English]
☎ 02-3676-1009 / 1577-1113
Ttukseom Beautiful Flea Market
Locals buy and sell a variety of goods here to encourage reuse and sharing. Exit 2 or 3 of Ttukseom Resort Station (Line 7)
www.pungmul.or.kr
[Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese]
Seoul
Folk
Flea Market
Visitors can enjoy both the traditional flea market and the beauty of Cheonggyecheon Stream. This tourist destination is popular with Seoul locals, as well as Korean and foreign tourists. 100m from Exit 9 of Sinseol-dong Station (Lines 1 and 2)
www.facebook.com/flea1004 [Korean]
☎ 02-1899-1017
Itaewon Used Furniture Street
You can buy furniture used by foreigners at low prices. Located between Exits 3 and 4 of Itaewon Station (Line 6)
5. Bulky waste
Bulky waste refers to waste which cannot be put in a standard plastic garbage bag, such as furniture, home appliances, etc.
Type
Details
Furniture
Drawers, cabinets, desks, dressers, bookshelves, beds, sofas, sinks, etc.
Damaged home appliances
Home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, etc.
Undamaged home appliances
TV, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and home appliances to be disposed of that are one meter tall or higher
※A small home appliance such as an iron or vacuum cannot be thrown out by itself. You should either take out five or more small home appliances at once, or put it out when intending to dispose of bulky waste.
How to take out bulky waste and report its disposal
▶ Online report
※You can report waste disposal through your local district office’s website.
▶ Report at your local community service center
▶ Reporting online
If you book online in advance, staff from the Home Appliances Disposal Center will come to your home and collect any home appliances to be disposed of for free.
※Home Appliances Disposal Center
☎ 1599-0903 (www.15990903.or.kr)
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Business hours :
Weekdays and holidays : 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
(To arrange pick-ups after 6:00 pm, please contact the Home Appliances Disposal Center.) -
Closed :
Every Saturday and Sunday, Lunar New Year holiday, Chuseok holiday, Labor Day, New Year’s Day (January 1), and public holidays
▶ How to dispose of bulky waste
Bulky waste disposal fees
Attach a "report receipt for bulky waste disposal" issued by the District Mayor to the item and put it outside.
Fees vary by district. If the reported information is not consistent with the actual item, it is deemed illegal dumping and the item will not be collected. If caught dumping bulky waste illegally, you could face a maximum fine of 200,000 won.
6. Small home appliance waste
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33 kinds of small home appliances, including cell phones, irons, and vacuums, may be disposed of for free.
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Take out any small home appliance waste items on your area’s recyclable waste collection day.
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Bring cell phones to a cell phone retail store or put the Green Boxes located in community service centers, Woori Bank branches, etc., to dispose of them.
*Source: Guidebook for Living in Seoul
_Seoul Foreigner Portal,