Seoul district initiatives against lease fraud

Local government districts in Seoul are implementing specialized programs to protect students and young professionals from ‘jeonse’ (lump-sum deposit) lease fraud.

In Dongdaemun-gu, the district office launched a two-day consultation program at the University of Seoul. In collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Association of Realtors, the initiative provides guidance on verifying property rights and tax arrears. The district also offers financial support of up to 1 million won for litigation costs and housing stability to eligible victims.

Similarly, Dongjak-gu is establishing a ‘Visiting University Campus Counseling Center’ at Chung-Ang University to support single-person households. Professional real estate agents serve as ‘Housing Safety Managers’ to provide on-site consultations. Dongjak-gu has already distributed approximately 340 million won across 560 cases to assist those affected by fraud through moving expenses, litigation costs, and temporary housing support.