South KoreaI'm being asked to vacate due to reconstruction.
You cannot be forced to vacate immediately for reconstruction; the landlord must give at least 6 months’ written notice and pay relocation expenses unless the building is unsafe or condemned.
What the Law Says
South Korean law strictly regulates tenant displacement for reconstruction. Landlords must follow statutory notice periods and provide financial support unless exceptional safety conditions apply.
Under the Housing Lease Act, a landlord must give written notice at least 6 months before requiring a tenant to vacate for reconstruction. This applies even if the lease has expired, unless the building is officially declared unsafe or subject to urgent demolition.
The Act on Special Measures for Improvement of Deteriorated Housing Areas (also known as the Deteriorated Housing Improvement Act) allows redevelopment projects but requires landlords to secure alternative housing or pay relocation assistance — typically up to three times the monthly rent — when tenants are displaced for urban renewal or reconstruction.
If the building is certified as dangerous by local authorities (e.g., under the Building Act), shorter notice may apply, but the landlord still bears responsibility for safe relocation and compensation unless the tenant refuses reasonable alternatives.
Statutory TextA lessor who intends to demolish or reconstruct a leased dwelling unit shall notify the lessee in writing at least six months prior to the intended date of eviction.
— Housing Lease Act, Art. 32 — Notice of Eviction for Reconstruction
Statutory TextWhere a lessee is required to relocate due to improvement projects under this Act, the project operator shall provide relocation assistance equivalent to three times the monthly rent, unless alternative housing is provided.
— Act on Special Measures for Improvement of Deteriorated Housing Areas, Art. 6 — Relocation Assistance
What to Do
Confirm in writing whether the reconstruction is part of an official urban renewal project or private redevelopment.
Request the landlord’s written notice specifying the exact eviction date — it must be ≥6 months from delivery.
Ask for documentation of any official building safety determination (e.g., from the municipal building safety office).
Negotiate relocation assistance: minimum 3× monthly rent unless suitable alternative housing is offered.
File a complaint with your local Gu Office (district office) or the Korea Housing Finance Corporation if the landlord fails to comply.
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.