Real Estate and Construction
Deposits, leases, sales, construction disputes
Real Estate and Construction
Housing deposits in Korea are large, and problems getting them back are among the most common legal issues foreign residents face. Beyond leases, buying property, redevelopment projects and construction contracts each combine civil, administrative and sometimes criminal questions in one case.
We handle lease and deposit disputes, purchase and sale agreements, defect claims, redevelopment and reconstruction matters, auctions and building permits, with the litigation experience to protect your position.
What we handle
Construction contracts
Defect repair disputes
Buying and selling property
Redevelopment and reconstruction
Pre-sale (bunyang) disputes
Lease and deposit disputes
Real estate auctions
Building permits and licensing
What foreign nationals should know
Foreign residents can protect a housing deposit much like Koreans: register your address with the immigration office (this replaces the Korean resident registration), get a fixed date (hwakjeong-ilja) on the lease, and keep the original contract.
If the landlord does not return the deposit at the end of the lease, there are specific tools: a registered leasehold order (임차권등기명령), a deposit-return lawsuit and, in fraud cases, a criminal complaint. Act before you leave the country.
Foreign nationals can buy property in Korea but must report the purchase under the Act on Report of Real Estate Transactions, and some land needs prior permission. We check this before you sign.
Contracts are in Korean. We review the Korean text and explain each clause before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
First send a formal demand and, if you are moving out, register a leasehold order so your priority survives the move. Then a deposit-return lawsuit and enforcement against the property. If the landlord never intended to repay, a fraud complaint may be possible.
Yes, with a transaction report and, for some land, a permit. Financing and taxes differ for non-residents; we coordinate with a tax advisor where needed.
The seller or builder is liable for defects during statutory warranty periods that depend on the part of the building. Document the defects with photos and expert reports early.
Yes. Agents owe duties of explanation and verification, and their liability insurance can cover losses caused by a failure to disclose.
This page provides general information about Korean law and is not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Consultations are paid and are held in English or with an interpreter.