What is the difference between jeonse and wolse?

Jeonse requires a large lump‑sum deposit (often 10 % upfront then the rest on move‑in) with no monthly rent, while Wolse uses a smaller deposit (about 10‑20 times the monthly rent) plus regular monthly payments; the landlord must return the full Jeonse deposit at lease end, but may keep it for unpaid rent or utilities, and Wolse deposits are refundable unless the contract is broken【1†L1-L9】【1†L10-L18】. Full details below.

Details

• Jeonse (Key Money)

• Pay a large lump‑sum deposit (typically 10 % as contract fee, the rest on move‑in) for a 1‑2‑year lease【1†L1-L4】.

• No monthly rent is required during the lease term.

• Tenant must maintain the property and obtain landlord’s permission for interior changes【1†L5-L6】.

• Landlord must fully return the deposit at the end of the contract【1†L7-L8】.

• Wolse (Monthly Rent)

• Pay a smaller deposit, usually 10‑20 times the monthly rent, with 10 % as contract fee and the balance on move‑in【1†L10-L13】.

• Pay regular monthly rent throughout the lease.

• If the tenant ends the contract early, the deposit is not refunded; if the landlord ends it early, they must compensate the tenant with double the deposit【1†L14-L16】.

• Deposit is normally returned at lease end, but can be reduced for unpaid rent, utilities, etc.【1†L17-L18】.

• Protecting Your Deposit

• Free, multilingual lease‑counseling is available at the Seoul Foreign Resident Center (walk‑in, phone 02‑2229‑4900, email help@sfrc.seoul.kr)【2†L13-L19】.

• You can apply for a Jeonse Deposit Guarantee from HUG to secure the return of your deposit if the landlord defaults【6†L1-L9】.

• Hotlines for Assistance

• 132 – Legal Aid Corporation

• 1350 – Labor Office (general counseling)

• 1577‑0071 – Foreign Worker Counseling (English support)