The landlord gave notice of termination. When must I leave?

What the Law Says

South Korean law sets strict rules for lease termination notices, depending on whether the lease is fixed-term or periodic. The Civil Act and Housing Lease Act define required notice periods and formalities.

For fixed-term leases (e.g., 2-year contracts), the landlord must give written notice at least 3 months before the lease expires if they wish to terminate and not renew. This applies even if the lease automatically renews under the Housing Lease Act’s ‘renewal by silence’ rule.

For periodic (month-to-month) leases with no fixed end date, the landlord must give at least 1 month’s written notice before termination.

All termination notices must be in writing — oral or text-based notices are not legally valid. The notice must clearly state the termination date and be delivered to the tenant in a verifiable way (e.g., certified mail or registered letter).

Statutory Text

A lessor who intends not to renew a fixed-term lease shall notify the lessee in writing at least three months prior to the expiration of the term.

— Civil Act, Art. 620 — Termination of Fixed-Term Lease

Statutory Text

Where a lessor wishes to terminate a periodic lease, he or she shall give the lessee one month's written notice.

— Housing Lease Act, Art. 10 — Termination of Periodic Lease

What to Do

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