Korean Real Estate Guide: Apartment Prices, Jeonse & Maps
Research South Korean real estate in English with Richgo. Learn how to compare Seoul apartment prices, recorded transactions, asking prices, jeonse deposits and floor areas, then explore the full property map.
Explore Korean apartments in EnglishJeonse (전세)
A rental arrangement involving a large refundable deposit. Deposit protection, repayment risk and the exact contract terms should be checked for each property.
Wolse (월세)
Monthly rent, usually together with a deposit. Compare the deposit, monthly payment and maintenance charges separately.
Actual transaction price (실거래가)
A reported completed transaction. It differs from a seller’s asking price and from an estimated market value.
Pyeong (평)
A Korean area unit: one pyeong is approximately 3.3058 square meters. Supply area and exclusive floor area are different measures.
Explore Korean apartment prices by area
Korean apartment map
Explore apartments and compare prices on the map.
Seoul apartment prices
Compare districts across Seoul.
Gyeonggi apartment prices
Explore cities around Seoul.
Busan apartment prices
Explore apartment communities in Busan.
Incheon apartment prices
Explore apartment communities in Incheon.
Using Richgo from overseas
How can I research Korean real estate in English?
Start with the Richgo apartment map in English, choose an area such as Seoul, Busan or Incheon, and select an apartment community. Compare its recorded transactions, current asking prices and price charts. Property names remain in Korean so they can be matched to local addresses.
How do I compare apartment prices in Seoul?
Compare apartments in the same area and use the same transaction type and floor area. Open a community to review dated transactions and charts rather than treating a city-wide average as the price of an individual home. An asking price is a seller’s advertised price, not a completed transaction.
What do jeonse, wolse and pyeong mean?
Jeonse is a rental arrangement based on a substantial refundable deposit. Wolse refers to monthly rent, usually with a deposit. Pyeong is an area unit of approximately 3.3058 square metres. Check whether an area is exclusive-use or includes shared space before comparing homes.
What can I explore on Richgo?
Richgo provides Korean apartment maps, property details, recorded transaction prices, asking prices, estimates and price charts. Open the map to explore a neighborhood and select an apartment community.
Are prices in US dollars?
No. Prices are in Korean won (KRW). A recorded transaction, an asking price and a Richgo estimate describe different things. Check the price label and date before comparing values.
Why are property names still in Korean?
Korean names and addresses are retained so you and an agent can identify the same property. You can use the English interface to explore its details and charts.
Can I contact Richgo without a Korean phone number?
Yes. Email patrick@dataknows.ai with your preferred language, area or property, and what you need. English, Chinese and Japanese email responses can be supported by AI-assisted translation.
Does Richgo act as my real estate broker?
Richgo handles initial enquiries and is preparing introductions to independent real estate agencies. Richgo does not provide brokerage services directly. An introduction depends on agency availability and is not guaranteed.
Buying Korean property as a foreigner
Rules checked on 4 November 2026
Can foreigners buy an apartment in South Korea?
Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can generally buy Korean apartments and register ownership in their own name. Like any buyer, the purchase must be reported to the local government within 30 days of the contract, usually by the real estate agent. Some areas and buyers need prior permission (see the next question).
Do foreigners need permission to buy a home in Seoul, Gyeonggi or Incheon?
Yes, in most of the capital region. Since 26 August 2025, foreign buyers of houses (apartments, row houses, multi-family and detached houses) in all of Seoul, 23 cities and counties of Gyeonggi-do and most districts of Incheon need permission from the local government before signing. On 20 August 2026 the government extended this to 25 August 2027. Permitted buyers must move in within four months and live in the home for two years. Separate permit zones also apply to Korean buyers in parts of Seoul and Gyeonggi, so check the designation for the exact address.
What do foreign buyers have to report?
Since 10 February 2026, a foreign buyer’s transaction report must state their visa (residence status) and whether they have a Korean address or have stayed in Korea for 183 days or more. In permit zones, buyers must also submit a funding plan with evidence, including overseas deposits and overseas loans. Buyers without a Korean address may need to appoint a local representative.
Can a foreigner get a mortgage from a Korean bank?
Sometimes. Korean banks usually require an alien registration card and income that can be verified in Korea, and the same loan-to-value and debt-service limits apply as for Korean borrowers. Non-residents rarely qualify, so many foreign buyers use overseas funds. Ask the bank before signing a contract.
How do I bring money from abroad to buy property in Korea?
A non-resident buying Korean real estate generally reports the acquisition to a Korean foreign-exchange bank under the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act and sends the funds through that bank. Keep the remittance and report records: you will need them to explain the source of funds and to send sale proceeds back abroad later.
What taxes does a foreign owner pay?
Foreign owners pay the same main taxes as Korean owners: acquisition tax when buying (about 1–3% for most single-home purchases, higher for additional homes in regulated areas), annual property tax and, above a threshold, comprehensive real estate holding tax, and capital gains tax when selling. Non-residents usually cannot use one-home exemptions. Richgo shows an estimated annual holding tax on each apartment page; confirm your case with a Korean tax adviser.
Does buying property give me a Korean visa?
No. Owning a home in Korea does not by itself give a visa or residence status. Permitted buyers in the capital-region permit zone must still meet the move-in and two-year residence condition, which requires a status that lets you live in Korea.
Can I use Richgo without a Korean phone number or KakaoTalk?
Yes. Maps, recorded sale prices, asking prices, charts, schools and auction listings are open without signing in. Saving favorite apartments and price alerts currently need a KakaoTalk or Apple account. For help in English, Chinese or Japanese, email patrick@dataknows.ai.
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