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I'm looking for a place to live, or I have a problem with my deposit

Renting a home involves a lot of money. Always sign a written contract, keep a copy, and report your move-in after you move.

Source
Korea Legal Aid Corporation · Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission See sources
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
This translation was prepared by the LINKRIGHTS team and is still being checked. If anything is unclear, ask one of the organisations below.

Is this your situation?

  • I want to rent a room with monthly rent but don't know what to check.
  • My landlord won't return my deposit.
  • I'm living there without a written contract.
  • I have nowhere to stay right now.

Rights you should know

  • You have the right to a written contract and your own copy

    A housing contract should also be in writing, and you should get your own copy. Check that the deposit, monthly rent, contract period and landlord's name are written correctly.

  • Reporting your move-in protects you

    Reporting your move-in at the community service center after you move often helps protect your deposit. Ask the community service center which steps are needed.

  • You can get legal advice about deposit problems

    If your deposit has not been returned, you can get free advice from the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132).

  • You can ask for help if you have nowhere to stay

    If you have nowhere to sleep right now or it is dangerous to stay at home, call the Youth Helpline 1388 to be told about safe places such as youth shelters.

Try this

  1. 1.

    Check the home and the documents before signing

    See the room in person, and check the person's ID to make sure they are the real landlord. Don't decide alone: it is safer to go with a trusted adult.

  2. 2.

    Pay by bank transfer and keep records

    Pay the deposit and rent by bank transfer if possible, and save the transfer records. If you paid in cash, always get a receipt.

  3. 3.

    Report your move-in at the community service center after you move

    If you have completed foreigner registration, you may also need to report a change of residence, so check this with 1345 as well.

  4. 4.

    If a problem comes up, call 132

    For getting your deposit back or contract disputes, you can get free legal advice from the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132).

Please note

Legal decisions about housing contracts and deposits must be confirmed with a professional legal organisation.

You might also want to know

Where to get help

  • Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132

    Area: NationwideLegal

    How they can help

    Free legal advice from a public body, with free litigation support if you meet the criteria.

    Languages
    Korean
    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    132 Website

    klac.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Government Complaints Hotline 110 (e-People)

    Area: Nationwide

    How they can help

    A single government window that tells you which office handles your issue, and lets you file a complaint.

    Languages
    Korean · English
    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    110 Website

    epeople.go.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “Can I get advice in English?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Local Family Center (Multicultural Family Support)

    Area: NationwideLocal centresFamilyEducation & school

    How they can help

    Local centres offering Korean lessons, interpretation and study support. On the Family Center portal (familynet), choose your city or province to see nearby centres and their contact details.

    1577-9337 Find one near you

    familynet.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 16 September 2026

  • Danuri Call Center 1577-1366

    Emergency line

    Area: NationwideFamilyViolence & safety

    How they can help

    A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.

    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
    Opening hours
    24 hours
    1577-1366 Website

    liveinkorea.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Youth Helpline 1388

    Emergency line

    Area: NationwideMental healthViolence & safety

    How they can help

    A helpline for young people aged 9-24 about any worry: home, violence, school, or the future. Your call is confidential.

    Languages
    Korean
    Opening hours
    24 hours
    1388 Website

    kyci.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 24 September 2026

Choose your area
What to say once the call connects

If you are not sure how to start the call, use these sentences as a guide. They are only examples and do not replace advice from the organisation.

  1. 1. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about Daily Life in Korea.”
  2. 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
  3. 3. “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

Tips for the call

  • If Korean is hard for you, ask: "Can I get advice in another language?"
  • Keep dates, places and things like text messages or contracts next to you so it is easier to explain.
  • You only need to give your name or contact details if the counsellor asks for them.

Follow the organisation's own guidance on how advice works. If you are in danger now, call 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance) straight away.

Sources for this page

Official sources (organisation websites, open in a new window)

Last reviewed 6 September 2026

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