What do '500/60' and similar listings mean?

Many Korean rental listings show a deposit and a monthly rent in shorthand. In the common format, the first number is the deposit and the second is the monthly rent, both usually written in ten-thousand-won units. So '500/60' generally means a 5 million won deposit with 600,000 won per month in rent. A listing with no monthly figure, such as '50,000 deposit', usually indicates a full jeonse arrangement.

Jeonse vs wolse: what is the difference?

According to Korea's official legal guide (Easy Law), the main ways to live in someone else's home are jeonse and monthly rent (wolse). In a jeonse, the tenant pays a large deposit and no monthly rent, and the deposit is returned at the end of the contract. In a wolse, the tenant pays a smaller deposit plus monthly rent. Jeonse may be registered as a jeonse right, which is a property right, or left unregistered, which is a contract right. Registration is required for a jeonse right but optional for a standard lease.

Contract deposit vs balance

A contract deposit is usually a portion of the total deposit paid when signing, and the balance is paid on the move-in date. The official guide does not specify percentages or timing, so confirm the exact schedule in your contract before paying anything. Ask for a written receipt for every payment.

What does 관리비 (maintenance fee) cover?

관리비 generally covers shared building costs such as cleaning, security, and common-area utilities. The official source does not list specific charges, so ask the landlord or agent which costs are included and whether utilities are billed separately.

For international fans

If you are new to Korean housing, the legal rules favor tenants: the Housing Lease Protection Act overrides the Civil Act for residential leases, and any clause that disadvantages you in breach of that act is void. For up-to-date figures and procedures, check the official Easy Law site or contact the relevant agency. As of September 30, 2026, this is the latest reference cited.