Korean renting phrases: Korean renting phrases in this guide are organized for quick use and now include an English-friendly reading line for every Korean sentence.
Finding a home in Korea can require several conversations: arranging a viewing, separating the deposit from monthly rent, checking what the maintenance fee covers, and reporting a problem after move-in. This guide gives you complete phrases you can say or send by message.
Each entry keeps the same polite -요 style. Replace the time, room, or problem with your real details. For important costs and promises, ask for a written answer rather than relying only on a phone call.
This is a language guide, not legal advice
Who must pay for a repair can depend on the contract, the cause, and the facts. This article helps you ask clearly; it does not decide responsibility or replace a qualified housing or legal adviser.
Before a viewing or repair request
- Save the exact address, unit number, agent or landlord name, and contact number.
- Write down the deposit, monthly rent, maintenance fee, utility method, move-in date, and contract period separately.
- Before unpacking, photograph existing damage and send a dated message to the agreed contact.
- For a repair, report the room, exact symptom, when it began, whether it is getting worse, and when someone may enter.
1-7. Viewing the home and checking the basics
Start with the total monthly cost and exact dates. The word 집 can mean home, while 방 is often used for a room or small rental unit.
Korean renting phrases: how to pronounce each sentence
For every Korean renting phrases entry, read the learner-friendly pronunciation first and use the RR line as the standard romanization reference. Both are approximations; copy the Korean rhythm from a native recording or speaker when possible.
| # | Korean | How to say it | Natural meaning and use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 이 집을 보러 왔어요. | ee jee-beul boh-ruh wah-ssuh-yoh. RR: I jibeul boreo wasseoyo. |
I came to view this home. Use this when you meet the agent or landlord. |
| 2 | 방을 언제 볼 수 있을까요? | bahng-eul uhn-jeh bohl soo ee-sseul-kkah-yoh? RR: Bangeul eonje bol su isseulkkayo? |
When can I view the room? A polite way to ask for a viewing time. |
| 3 | 보증금과 월세가 얼마예요? | boh-jeung-geum-gwah wuhl-seh-gah uhl-mah-yeh-yoh? RR: Bojeunggeumgwa wolsega eolmayeyo? |
How much are the deposit and monthly rent? Ask for both amounts separately. |
| 4 | 관리비에 무엇이 포함돼요? | gwahn-ree-bee-eh moo-uh-see poh-hahm-dweh-yoh? RR: Gwanribie mueosi poham dwaeyo? |
What is included in the maintenance fee? Ask for an itemized explanation. |
| 5 | 전기, 가스, 수도 요금은 별도인가요? | juhn-gee, gah-seu, soo-doh yoh-geu-meun byuhl-doh-een-gah-yoh? RR: Jeongi, gaseu, sudo yogeumeun byeoldoingayo? |
Are electricity, gas, and water charged separately? Confirm how each utility is billed. |
| 6 | 입주 가능한 날짜가 언제예요? | eep-jjoo gah-neung-hahn nahl-jjah-gah uhn-jeh-yeh-yoh? RR: Ipju ganeunghan naljjaga eonjeyeyo? |
When is the home available to move into? Confirm the exact date in writing. |
| 7 | 계약 기간은 얼마나 돼요? | gyeh-yahk gee-gah-neun uhl-mah-nah dweh-yoh? RR: Gyeyak giganeun eolmana dwaeyo? |
How long is the contract term? Check the start and end dates, not only the number of months. |
8-13. Reading the contract and confirming contacts
Point to the exact line when you ask. Record pre-existing damage and agreed repairs in writing before signing.
| # | Korean | How to say it | Natural meaning and use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 계약서를 천천히 확인하고 싶어요. | gyeh-yahk-ssuh-reul chuhn-chuhn-hee hwah-geen-hah-goh see-puh-yoh. RR: Gyeyakseoreul cheoncheonhi hwaginhago sipeoyo. |
I would like time to review the contract carefully. Use this before signing. |
| 9 | 이 부분을 설명해 주시겠어요? | ee boo-boo-neul suhl-myuhng-heh joo-see-geh-ssuh-yoh? RR: I bubuneul seolmyeonghae jusigesseoyo? |
Could you explain this part? Point to the exact clause or amount. |
| 10 | 추가로 내야 하는 비용이 있나요? | choo-gah-roh neh-yah hah-neun bee-yohng-ee een-nah-yoh? RR: Chugaro naeya haneun biyongi innayo? |
Are there any additional costs I must pay? Ask about fees outside rent and maintenance. |
| 11 | 수리해야 할 곳을 계약서에 적어 주세요. | soo-ree-heh-yah hahl goh-seul gyeh-yahk-ssuh-eh juh-guh joo-seh-yoh. RR: Surihaeya hal goseul gyeyakseoe jeogeo juseyo. |
Please record the places needing repair in the contract. Keep photos and written details too. |
| 12 | 집주인에게 직접 연락하면 되나요? | jeep-jjoo-ee-neh-geh jeek-jjuhp yuhn-rah-kah-myuhn dweh-nah-yoh? RR: Jibjuinege jikjeop yeollakhamyeon doenayo? |
Should I contact the landlord directly? Confirm whether to call the owner, agent, or building office. |
| 13 | 비상시에 연락할 번호가 있나요? | bee-sahng-see-eh yuhn-rah-kahl buhn-hoh-gah een-nah-yoh? RR: Bisangsi-e yeollakhal beonhoga innayo? |
Is there an emergency contact number? Save it before moving in. |
14-23. Reporting leaks, heating, electricity, mold, and locks
A useful report follows a simple order: location, symptom, start time, urgency, and evidence. Do not attempt a repair you are not trained or authorized to perform.
| # | Korean | How to say it | Natural meaning and use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 집에 문제가 있어서 연락드렸어요. | jee-beh moon-jeh-gah ee-ssuh-suh yuhn-rahk-tteu-ryuh-ssuh-yoh. RR: Jibe munjega isseoseo yeollakdeuryeosseoyo. |
I am contacting you because there is a problem at home. Follow with the room, symptom, and start time. |
| 15 | 주방 싱크대에서 물이 새요. | joo-bahng seeng-keu-deh-eh-suh moo-ree seh-yoh. RR: Jubang singkeudaeeseo muri saeyo. |
Water is leaking from the kitchen sink. Add whether it is dripping or flowing continuously. |
| 16 | 화장실 배수가 잘 안 돼요. | hwah-jahng-seel beh-soo-gah jahl ahn dweh-yoh. RR: Hwajangsil baesuga jal an dwaeyo. |
The bathroom is not draining properly. Say which drain and whether water is backing up. |
| 17 | 뜨거운 물이 나오지 않아요. | tteu-guh-oon moo-ree nah-oh-jee ahn-hah-yoh. RR: Tteugeoun muri naoji anayo. |
There is no hot water. Say whether this affects every tap or only one. |
| 18 | 난방이 되지 않아요. | nahn-bahng-ee dweh-jee ahn-hah-yoh. RR: Nanbangi doeji anayo. |
The heating is not working. Mention the displayed error and room temperature if known. |
| 19 | 전기가 자꾸 나가요. | juhn-gee-gah jah-kkoo nah-gah-yoh. RR: Jeongiga jakku nagayo. |
The power keeps going out. Explain whether it affects one outlet, one room, or the whole home. |
| 20 | 콘센트에서 타는 냄새가 나요. | kohn-sehn-teu-eh-suh tah-neun nehm-seh-gah nah-yoh. RR: Konsenteueseo taneun naemsaega nayo. |
There is a burning smell from the outlet. Treat smoke, sparks, or a strong burning smell as urgent. |
| 21 | 벽에 곰팡이가 생겼어요. | byuh-geh gohm-pahng-ee-gah sehng-gyuh-ssuh-yoh. RR: Byeoge gompangiga saenggyeosseoyo. |
Mold has appeared on the wall. Send a wide photo and a close-up, and say when you noticed it. |
| 22 | 창문이 제대로 닫히지 않아요. | chahng-moo-nee jeh-deh-roh dah-tee-jee ahn-hah-yoh. RR: Changmuni jedaero dadhiji anayo. |
The window does not close properly. Say if rain, wind, or outside air is entering. |
| 23 | 현관문 잠금장치가 고장 났어요. | hyuhn-gwahn-moon jahm-geum-jahng-chee-gah goh-jahng nah-ssuh-yoh. RR: Hyeongwanmun jamgeumjangchiga gojang nasseoyo. |
The front-door lock is broken. State whether you are locked out or the home cannot be secured. |
24-30. Urgent hazards, photos, access, timing, and cost
After describing the problem, agree on the visit window, entry conditions, completion check, and cost responsibility.
| # | Korean | How to say it | Natural meaning and use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 가스 냄새가 나요. | gah-seu nehm-seh-gah nah-yoh. RR: Gaseu naemsaega nayo. |
I smell gas. Do not wait for a routine repair reply when there is immediate danger. |
| 25 | 사진을 보내 드릴게요. | sah-jee-neul boh-neh deu-reel-geh-yoh. RR: Sajineul bonae deurilgeyo. |
I will send you photos. Include a wide view, close-up, and identifying room or appliance. |
| 26 | 언제 수리하러 오실 수 있나요? | uhn-jeh soo-ree-hah-ruh oh-seel soo een-nah-yoh? RR: Eonje surihareo osil su innayo? |
When can you come to repair it? Ask for a date and time window. |
| 27 | 방문 전에 연락해 주세요. | bahng-moon juh-neh yuhn-rah-keh joo-seh-yoh. RR: Bangmun jeone yeollakhae juseyo. |
Please contact me before visiting. Use this when arranging access to your home. |
| 28 | 제가 집에 있는 시간은 오후 여섯 시 이후예요. | jeh-gah jee-beh een-neun see-gah-neun oh-hoo yuh-suht see ee-hoo-yeh-yoh. RR: Jega jibe inneun siganeun ohu yeoseot si ihuyeyo. |
I am home after 6 p.m. Replace the time with your actual availability. |
| 29 | 수리가 끝나면 알려 주세요. | soo-ree-gah kkeun-nah-myuhn ahl-ryuh joo-seh-yoh. RR: Suriga kkeunnamyeon allyeo juseyo. |
Please let me know when the repair is finished. Then test the affected item before closing the request. |
| 30 | 이 비용은 누가 부담하나요? | ee bee-yohng-eun noo-gah boo-dahm-hah-nah-yoh? RR: I biyongeun nuga budamhanayo? |
Who is responsible for this cost? Ask before approving paid work and keep the answer in writing. |
Three short message examples
Viewing
관리비에 무엇이 포함돼요? 전기, 가스, 수도 요금은 별도인가요?
What is included in the maintenance fee? Are electricity, gas, and water separate?
Leak
주방 싱크대에서 물이 새요. 사진을 보내 드릴게요. 언제 수리하러 오실 수 있나요?
Water is leaking from the kitchen sink. I will send photos. When can you come to repair it?
Access
방문 전에 연락해 주세요. 제가 집에 있는 시간은 오후 여섯 시 이후예요.
Please contact me before visiting. I am home after 6 p.m.
Words you may hear in the reply
- 포함돼요 — it is included
- 별도예요 — it is separate
- 확인해 볼게요 — I will check
- 기사님 — the technician
- 오늘 / 내일 / 오후 — today / tomorrow / afternoon
- 비용 — cost
- 집에 계세요? — Are you at home?
Do not wait for a normal repair reply in an immediate hazard
If you smell strong gas, do not use flames or electrical switches. Move to a safe place and call 119 or the relevant gas emergency service. For smoke, sparks, fire, or a strong burning smell, leave danger and call 119. Contacting the landlord can follow; it is not a substitute for emergency action.
Practise the phrases in BSKorean
Cover the meaning column, read the Korean aloud, and then replace one detail: 주방 with 화장실, 오늘 with 내일, or 오후 여섯 시 with your available time. Practise the headwords in the BSKorean app. For other high-pressure conversations, use the doctor and pharmacy guide and the workplace guide.
Official housing and emergency information
For current rental guidance, consult Seoul's Wolse and Jeonse guide and Global Real Estate Brokerage Office information. For gas and fire emergencies, follow the government's emergency response guidance.
Practise Korean renting phrases aloud
Review these Korean renting phrases by covering the meaning, reading the Korean aloud, and then replacing one detail with your real situation.