Korean Housing Terms Every International Student Should Know (Part 5: Move-in & Daily Living)
Korean Housing Terms Every International Student Should Know (Part 5: Move-in & Daily Living)
A FindHouse Korea Settling-In Guide
Over Part 1 through Part 4, we covered rental types, paperwork, tenant protections, and payments. This final part covers what happens after you sign — the everyday terms about moving in, keeping the place in good condition, and moving out without losing money.
1. 입주청소 (Ipju-cheongso) — Move-in Cleaning
In one line: A professional cleaning service done right before you move in, so the apartment is spotless on day one.
Why it matters: In Korea, this is usually arranged and paid for separately — it's not automatically included with your rental contract. Ask your landlord or agent whether the unit will be cleaned before you arrive, and if not, whether they can recommend a service.
Related terms: Management Fee, Original Condition Restoration
2. 하자보수 (Haja-bosu) — Defect Repair
In one line: Fixing problems that exist in the apartment before you move in — like a broken heater, leaking faucet, or damaged door.
Why it matters: Document everything on move-in day. Take photos or videos of any existing damage or issues immediately when you arrive, and share them with your landlord or agent in writing. This protects you from being blamed — and charged — for pre-existing damage when you eventually move out.
Example:
You notice a crack in the bathroom tile on move-in day → photograph it and message your landlord the same day, so there's a clear record it wasn't caused by you.
Related terms: Original Condition Restoration, Lease Contract
3. 원상복구 (Wonsang-bokgu) — Original Condition Restoration
In one line: Your obligation to return the apartment in the same condition it was in when you moved in (normal wear and tear excepted) — a standard clause in almost every Korean lease.
Why it matters: This is the most common source of deposit disputes. If you paint a wall, drill holes for shelves, or damage flooring, you may be required to pay for repairs before your deposit is returned. Always ask your landlord before making any changes to the space, even small ones.
Good to know: Reasonable wear from normal daily living (minor scuffs, fading) is usually not something you have to pay for — it's specifically damage and unauthorized changes that create liability.
Related terms: Defect Repair, Deposit
4. 관리비 포함항목 (Gwanlibi Pohamhangmok) — What's Included in the Management Fee
In one line: The specific list of utilities and services covered by your monthly management fee — which varies significantly from building to building.
Why it matters: Two apartments with the same management fee can include completely different things. Always ask for the exact breakdown before signing — not just the total number.
What to specifically ask about:
- Water (수도)
- Internet (인터넷)
- Electricity and gas (전기·가스) — often billed separately, based on usage
- Common area cleaning (공용 청소)
- Building security (보안)
Related terms: Management Fee, Wolse
Quick Recap
Term Korean When it matters Move-in Cleaning 입주청소 Before you move in Defect Repair 하자보수 Day 1 — document existing issues Original Condition Restoration 원상복구 Throughout your stay + move-out Management Fee Breakdown 관리비 포함항목 Before signing, to budget correctly
The Golden Rule
Photograph everything on move-in day, before you unpack. This single habit resolves more deposit disputes than any contract clause — it's your proof of the apartment's condition before you ever lived there.
You've completed the full guide
Across these five parts, you now have the vocabulary to:
- Understand rental types and read a listing correctly (Part 1)
- Recognize the documents that legally protect you (Part 2)
- Spot risky properties before signing (Part 3)
- Budget for every payment along the way (Part 4)
- Move in and move out without losing your deposit (Part 5)
FindHouse Korea helps international students find verified housing in Korea — in your own language, without the confusion.