Gangbuk District expands housing protections for foreign tenants

Gangbuk District in Seoul is expanding a municipal program to protect foreign residents navigating the South Korean residential real estate market. The initiative aims to mitigate financial risks caused by language barriers and unfamiliar administrative procedures.

Under the enhanced program, foreign tenants registering a move-in address or filing for an official ‘fixed date’ status (hwakjeong ilja) will receive administrative guidance stamped on their documentation in nine languages: English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Filipino, Uzbek, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Thai. Obtaining a ‘fixed date’ is a critical legal step that provides tenants priority to reclaim security deposits if a landlord faces foreclosure or property auction.

Additionally, district offices are distributing QR code stickers that link to the ‘MY SEOUL’ mobile application. This app, operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, provides multi-language housing guidelines, municipal safety updates, and multicultural social services.