South KoreaI can't get my jeonse deposit back.
You can demand your jeonse deposit back within 30 days after the lease ends, and if the landlord refuses, you may file for a provisional attachment or sue for payment under the Housing Lease Protection Act.
What the Law Says
South Korean law provides strong protections for tenants who pay a jeonse (lump-sum deposit) instead of monthly rent. The Housing Lease Protection Act ensures the deposit is secured and recoverable.
Under the Housing Lease Protection Act, landlords must secure the full jeonse deposit by registering a 'jeonse security right' with the court or by depositing funds with a financial institution. This ensures the tenant’s priority claim over other creditors.
The tenant has the right to demand repayment of the entire jeonse deposit within 30 days after the lease ends. If the landlord fails to repay without just cause, the tenant may apply for a provisional attachment on the property or file a lawsuit for payment.
Protection applies only to leases registered with the local Legal Affairs Bureau and where the deposit does not exceed ₩20 million. Leases longer than 5 years are not covered by the mandatory security provisions.
Statutory TextThe lessor shall secure the amount of the jeonse deposit by registering a jeonse security right or depositing the amount with a financial institution.
— Housing Lease Protection Act, s. 4 — Securing Jeonse Deposit
Statutory TextThe lessee may demand repayment of the jeonse deposit within thirty days from the day following the termination of the lease contract.
— Housing Lease Protection Act, s. 6 — Repayment Period
Statutory TextThis Act shall apply to housing lease contracts with a jeonse deposit not exceeding twenty million won.
— Housing Lease Protection Act, s. 2 — Scope of Application
What to Do
Confirm your lease is registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau (법무부 법무사무소).
Send a written demand for repayment within 30 days after lease termination.
If unpaid, file for provisional attachment (가처분) at the district court where the property is located.
Consider filing a civil lawsuit for payment if attachment is denied or ineffective.
Consult a public legal aid center (Legal Aid Corporation of Korea) for free assistance.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.