Even with a translation app in your pocket, a few Korean phrases for renting go a long way in Seoul. Knowing the key words helps you follow what an agent is saying, ask the right questions, and catch the details that matter, like whether the maintenance fee is included. Here are the phrases you will actually use, grouped by situation, with simple pronunciation. Don’t worry about perfect grammar; a few words are enough to be understood.
Starting Your Search: Talking to an Agent
These are the first phrases you’ll reach for when you contact a real estate office or start asking about listings.
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 원룸 있어요? | wollum isseoyo? | Do you have any one-rooms (studios)? |
| 월세 얼마예요? | wolse eolmayeyo? | How much is the monthly rent? |
| 보증금 얼마예요? | bojeunggeum eolmayeyo? | How much is the deposit? |
| 방 보러 갈 수 있어요? | bang boreo gal su isseoyo? | Can I go see the room? |
| 언제 입주 가능해요? | eonje ipju ganeunghaeyo? | When can I move in? |
Viewing the Room: Questions That Matter
When you’re standing in the unit, these help you check the things that are easy to forget. Our pre-signing checklist covers what to look for in more detail.
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 관리비 포함이에요? | gwallibi pohamieyo? | Is the maintenance fee included? |
| 옵션 있어요? | opsyeon isseoyo? | Does it come furnished (with appliances)? |
| 채광 어때요? | chaegwang eottaeyo? | How is the natural light? |
| 지하철역에서 가까워요? | jihacheollyeogeseo gakkawoyo? | Is it close to the subway station? |
Price, Deposit, and Terms
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 조금 깎아 주실 수 있어요? | jogeum kkakka jusil su isseoyo? | Could you lower it a little? (negotiating) |
| 계약 기간 어떻게 돼요? | gyeyak gigan eotteoke dwaeyo? | What is the contract period? |
| 단기 거주 가능해요? | dangi geoju ganeunghaeyo? | Is a short-term stay possible? |
Wondering how deposits and monthly rent fit together in Korea? Our guide to jeonse vs wolse explains the system.
Signing and Moving In
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 이거 무슨 뜻이에요? | igeo museun tteusieyo? | What does this mean? (pointing at the contract) |
| 천천히 말해 주세요 | cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo | Please speak slowly. |
| 특약사항에 적어 주세요 | teugyaksahang-e jeogeo juseyo | Please write it in the special terms. |
Filing your residence report and getting a fixed date are what protect your deposit. Our deposit protection guide walks through the steps.
After You Move In: Everyday Problems
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 물이 안 나와요 | muri an nawayo | The water isn’t running. |
| 보일러가 안 돼요 | boilleoga an dwaeyo | The boiler (heating) isn’t working. |
| 인터넷이 안 돼요 | inteoneshi an dwaeyo | The internet isn’t working. |
| 고쳐 주실 수 있어요? | gochyeo jusil su isseoyo? | Could you fix it? |
Two Small Habits That Help
- Add “-요 (yo)” and you’ll sound polite in almost any situation. A simple 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida, thank you) and 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida, sorry) cover a lot of ground.
- If you don’t catch something, 다시 한번요 (dasi hanbeonyo, one more time please) is the most useful three-word phrase you can memorize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need Korean if I use a translation app?
Apps handle most of a conversation, but knowing the core words yourself, especially 보증금 (deposit), 관리비 (maintenance fee), and 월세 (monthly rent), helps you catch the details that decide your monthly budget.
Q: What’s the single most useful phrase?
관리비 포함이에요? (Is the maintenance fee included?) A room that looks cheap can cost noticeably more once maintenance and utilities are added, so this one question saves surprises.
Q: Will I offend anyone with my beginner Korean?
Not at all. Making the effort is usually appreciated, and a friendly 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo, hello) is a fine start to any conversation.
Q: How do I say a Korean address or ask for directions?
Show the address on your phone and ask 여기 어떻게 가요? (yeogi eotteoke gayo?, how do I get here?). Most people will happily point you the right way.
Ready to Put These to Use?
A few phrases make viewings and paperwork a lot smoother. When you’re ready to start looking, tell us what you’re after through our inquiry form, and we can help you find a place that fits.
Browse Available Properties on Ziptoss →
Explore the Seoul rental map, filter by area, and inquire directly.