Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Finding housing in South Korea can quickly become a headache, especially when encountering systems like jeonse (a large deposit with no monthly rent) or wolse (monthly rent with a deposit) for the first time. In this complex landscape, local real estate agencies play a key role. Some have specialized in assisting foreigners, others dominate specific neighborhoods, and some have become references for high-end real estate.
This article identifies the best local real estate agencies in South Korea, specifically useful for expatriates, international students, stationed military personnel, foreign investors, and families. The recommendations are based exclusively on a dedicated research report.
How the Real Estate Agency Market Works in South Korea
In South Korea, a real estate office is recognizable by the sign “부동산” (budongsan). Since 1984, all new agents must be licensed, under the title “공인중개사” (gongin jeunggaesa). Offices are often clustered together, with concise listings in the window and, inside, large wall maps to discuss neighborhoods, transportation, and schools.
Each office has its own listings, but agents work in a network: they start by offering their own properties, then contact other agencies if necessary. For a foreigner, the main challenge is less about “finding an agency” than finding the right contact person: bilingual, familiar with local law, and accustomed to handling cases for non-residents.
Jeonse, Wolse, and Local Specificities
The best agencies stand out for their ability to simplify and secure the Korean rental systems. For example, they explain that the reference amount for calculating agency fees on a rental is not just the deposit, but a formula incorporating the rent (deposit + monthly rent multiplied by a coefficient). They also know how to navigate between jeonse properties (very high deposit but no monthly rent) and wolse properties (lower deposit, monthly rent).
Real estate agents must comply with the Licensed Real Estate Agents Act, which governs training, advertising, liability, and sets a cap for commissions. In major cities like Seoul, municipal ordinances specify maximum fee schedules by price range.
Importance of Bilingual Agencies
Barely 1 to 2% of the country’s population holds a foreign passport. Agencies focused on foreigners therefore remain a niche. Some municipalities, like Seoul, Busan, or Suwon, publish official lists of “Global Real Estate Agencies” (글로벌 부동산중개소) with English-speaking staff. Other cities like Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, or Pohang do not yet have comprehensive lists, although census projects are underway.
Discover the specialized services offered by expert agencies to facilitate your relocation and life abroad.
Assistance in English and Chinese to overcome language barriers and facilitate your procedures.
Help understanding legal documents and contracts in the local language.
Organization and accompaniment for bank appointments for account openings and financial procedures.
Setup of your essential services: Internet and electricity, for quick and hassle-free installation.
Ongoing support throughout your stay, until your departure, for constant assistance.
Assistance for the resale of your property or for a rental investment, optimizing your assets.
Seoul: The Heart of the Market and the Highest Concentration of Agencies
The capital concentrates the majority of agencies and most expatriate needs: diplomats, researchers at major universities, corporate executives, exchange students, and families.
JK Global Realty: Expatriate Specialist in Mapo
JK Global Realty, located on the 2nd floor of a building on Sinchon-ro in Mapo-gu, is one of the most structured agencies for an international clientele. The company claims over 13 years of experience assisting expatriates and has been designated by the City of Seoul as a “global” agency. It even received a municipal award for its contribution to housing stability for foreigners and is a member of the international NAR (National Association of Realtors).
This institutional recognition is important for a foreign buyer or tenant: the agency must apply the legal commission caps, follow property rights verification procedures, and provide compliant contracts. JK Global Realty covers various property types: apartments, villas, officetels, studios, sometimes even renovated hanoks, as well as pre-construction projects.
Smile Realty (Miso/Smile Seoul Real Estate): A Global Hub in Mapo
Also in Seoul, Smile Realty, based in Mapo-gu, presents itself as a “global” agency certified by the municipality to work with foreigners. It highlights a key duo: a licensed agent, Noh Sang Kyu (Brian), and an English-speaking manager, Sean Kim, reachable on multiple messaging apps (KakaoTalk, LINE).
The agency specializes in popular neighborhoods (Sinchon, Hongdae, Sangam/DMC) and offers a wide selection of housing, from studios to family apartments. Its services also include comprehensive support: help with procedures (Internet, electricity, gas), lease management, and deposit refund.
Alice Realty: The Go-To for Foreign Tenants in Dongdaemun
Alice Realty is described as one of the main English-speaking players for foreigners seeking rentals in Seoul. Certified by the City, it has specialized in renting apartments and houses to non-Korean speakers.
The agency offers a diverse range of properties, including studios near universities, villas in residential neighborhoods, modern officetels, and mid-range apartments for families. It stands out for its understanding of specific expatriate needs, such as short-term stays, flexibility on furnishings, proximity to transportation, and access to daycare or international schools.
The Cluster of Agencies Around Gangnam and Yongsan
In the upscale districts (Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu, Songpa-gu), a multitude of certified agencies operate in very targeted niches: high-end, villas, expatriates, seniors, etc.
The following agencies are regularly cited for their expertise in housing foreigners or high-income clients:
| Agency / Office | Main Specialization | Key Areas |
|---|---|---|
| UN Real Estate Agency (RE/MAX) | Housing for expatriates, luxury | Itaewon, Dongbinggo, Hannam-dong |
| Fortune Certified Real Estate | High-end real estate | Yongsan-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Pyeongchang-dong |
| D1 Certified Real Estate (Michael Lee) | Residential and investment, international clientele | Itaewon, Hannam-dong, Seongbuk-dong |
| Green Certified Real Estate (Elvis Lim) | High-end houses and apartments | Hannam-dong |
| LA Certified Real Estate (Kevin Paik) | Itaewon market, foreign clientele | Itaewon (Yongsan-gu) |
| ABC Certified Real Estate (Misook Oh) | Properties in Hannam-dong and Yongsan-dong | Central Seoul |
| Hi-Rent Certified Real Estate (Jeff Ahn) | Housing for foreigners, long-term expatriates | Ichon-dong, Yongsan-dong, Itaewon |
These agencies often manage properties in premium complexes by recognized brands – Raemian, Xi, i-Park, Hillstate – highly sought for their resale value, amenities (gyms, gardens, security, parking), and proximity to subway stations (yeokseon).
Hometown Realty and At Seoul: Yongsan as a Hub District
Yongsan-gu, historically the heart of the international presence (military bases, embassies, international schools), concentrates several agencies focused on foreigners.
To retain a mobile clientele, as Hometown Realty does, offer a full service covering all steps (search, negotiation, signing, inspection, follow-up). Complement this offer with the use of modern and instant communication channels, such as WhatsApp or KakaoTalk, to facilitate exchanges and make the process smoother.
At Seoul, located in the Cheil building in Hannam-dong, operates as a platform dedicated to expatriate housing in this key triangle: Itaewon–Hannam–Gyeongridan. The agency targets diverse profiles – diplomats, executives, families – and covers both villas and high-rise apartments with views of the Han River.
ARIRANG-Realty: The Boutique Specialist for Seoul–Incheon
ARIRANG-Realty, based in Magok (Seoul), defines itself as a “boutique” agency focused on expatriate clientele. Its particularity is operating in both Seoul and Incheon (notably Songdo), in residential, commercial, industrial, and property management.
This type of player is particularly useful for foreign investors who wish to diversify across several cities: a single point of contact, but multi-zone coverage, including for more technical assets like warehouses, office spaces, or commercial properties.
Songdo (Incheon): A Model Agency for International Clients
Songdo, a new city near Incheon Airport and a showcase for smart cities, is home to an agency specifically geared towards foreigners that claims a 92% client satisfaction rate. It assists both Koreans and non-residents, with a focus on overcoming the language barrier.
The agency offers a wide range of services, including long-term rentals, investment in high-end apartments, as well as the search for modern officetels and apartments suitable for executives on assignment.
| City / Neighborhood | Main Type of Clientele | Local Agency Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Songdo (Incheon) | expatriates, executives, mixed families | 92% satisfaction, bilingual service |
| Dongdaemun (Seoul) | students, young professionals, families | Alice Realty, go-to for tenants |
| Mapo (Seoul) | students, young professionals, creatives | JK Global Realty, Smile Realty |
| Yongsan (Seoul) | diplomats, military personnel, families | At Seoul, Hometown Realty, certified agencies |
Busan: A Dense Network of Local and Marine Agencies
The country’s second city, Busan offers a very diverse real estate market: beach neighborhoods (Haeundae, Gwangalli), business centers, port areas, new residential districts. Foreigners are fewer than in Seoul, but several agencies have developed English-language services.
Busanrealty and Charm Zone Real Estate: English-Speaking Pioneers
Busanrealty, located within the Pale De Cz complex in Haeundae, is among the first agencies to explicitly target foreign clientele. Led by Kris Lee, it covers almost the entire city, with a spectrum of properties ranging from studios to luxury sea-view apartments.
Charm Zone Real Estate, based in Gwangan-dong near Gwangalli Beach, is run by an agent named Roy. The agency focuses on sea-view apartments, studios for students, and medium- to long-term housing for expatriates. Phone contacts and English communication are clearly displayed.
LCT Asia Real Estate Brokerage: The Ultra-High-End of Haeundae
LCT Asia Real Estate Brokerage is a licensed agency located in the heart of the LCT complex, the iconic skyline of Haeundae Beach. It specializes in ultra-high-end properties, accessible to foreign buyers: luxury apartments, residences, premium suites, and condominiums like LCT Luxury Apartments, LCT Residences, or Palais de Ci.
In Korea, the price per square meter for brand-name residences can exceed four times the national average price.
A Very Fine Network of Certified Agencies in Busan
Busan also stands out for its very dense network of local agencies, some officially listed as “agencies for foreigners.” They cover all districts, from Jung-gu to Haeundae-gu, including Suyeong, Busanjin, Saha, Geumjeong, and Gijang.
The following table illustrates the diversity of this network:
| Agency (examples) | District / Area | Main Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Rich | Jung-gu | General real estate, downtown |
| LCT-Top / LCT Bestmaru | Haeundae-gu | Specialists in the LCT complex, sea-view properties |
| Haeundae Yulim | Haeundae-gu | Residential near Dalmaji-gil |
| Centum Shinsegae | Haeundae-gu (Centum) | Properties near the mall and offices |
| Samsung (Haeundae) | Haeundae-gu | Samsung brand apartments, family residential |
| Arumdaun, KB Ltd | Suyeong-gu (Gwangan) | Beach-view apartments, local and expatriate clientele |
| Golden bell, Peace | Gijang-gun | Houses and apartments in coastal periphery |
In addition to these players, there are independent French-speaking or English-speaking agents, such as Changwoo Yang (Gold Real Estate), often recommended by expatriates for their efficiency and fine understanding of international expectations.
Extended Services: From Relocation to Private Tours
In the Busan market, some agencies and agent groups have developed full relocation services: orientation before arrival, temporary housing booking, accompanied tours, international school search, bank account opening, Internet/TV subscription, driver’s license help, moving coordination, move-out management (termination, inspection, deposit refund).
This range of services is valuable for transferees, international families, or non-Korean speaking foreigners.
Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Pohang: Emerging Markets for Foreigners
Not all Korean cities yet have an ecosystem as structured as Seoul or Busan for expatriates. Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, or Pohang, for example, do not yet have a complete official list of bilingual agencies, although some local players stand out.
Daegu: A Developing Real Estate Hotspot, but Few “Global” Agencies
Daegu, the country’s fourth-largest city, is experiencing sustained urban development (new subway lines, projects like Daegu Technopolis) and real estate prices still 24–25% lower than Seoul’s. The market remains accessible: a studio in Dong-gu can be acquired for around $100,000, a 2–3 bedroom apartment in Jung-gu or Nam-gu is around $300,000, a luxury apartment in Suseong-gu exceeds $500,000.
The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment downtown, in U.S. dollars, illustrating rental attractiveness.
However, Daegu does not yet have a municipal list of bilingual agencies. The need exists, however: the rental market is described as competitive, especially around Camp Walker, home to a large American military community. Agencies located near the base’s gate 4 have specialized in assisting U.S. Department of Defense military and civilian personnel, with well-identified agents (Sunny, Jenny, Mr. Lee, David Jeong from Kool House).
These offices act as global agencies, specialized in assisting U.S. military personnel. Their specific skills include English proficiency, understanding of US Army administrative procedures, handling of rents often paid annually by U.S. institutions, and expert knowledge of the most suitable residences like Hyperion, Hillstate, or Trump Towers.
Daejeon and Other Scientific Cities
Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu, Pohang host centers of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), which attracts foreign researchers. Authorities have initiated efforts to compile lists of English-speaking agencies, notably via “Global Help Desks,” but the work is not yet complete.
In Daejeon, for example, it is known that a one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of around 366,667 KRW per month and that about twenty rental listings are actively offered on platforms like Rentola. Foreigners must still rely more on online platforms or word-of-mouth to identify agencies capable of handling their cases in English.
Jeju: Specialized Agencies for a Very International Market
Jeju, an autonomous province and UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, is both a major tourist destination and a highly contested investment ground, notably by Chinese buyers. Foreigners can purchase property there, with rights almost identical to nationals, under the Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act.
English-City Myth Realtor (Iching J. Lee): A Key Contact for Foreigners
On Jeju Island, one figure stands out for the foreign public: Iching J. Lee, a certified agent operating under the name ENGLISH-CITY MYTH REALTOR. The agent specializes in residential and commercial sectors for foreigners, with an emphasis on premium properties.
The professional clearly communicates his international contact details (phone, email), demonstrating a willingness to work with non-resident clients. This profile is particularly suited to the real estate market, where foreign investors, notably Chinese, have been very active in recent years.
A Very Dynamic Market, Driven by Foreigners
Recent data shows how much Jeju has become a laboratory for foreign investment:
| Indicator (Jeju) | Recent Situation Described |
|---|---|
| Share of foreign buyers (residential) | Approximately 6% of buyers are expatriates or foreigners residing in Korea |
| Proportion of Chinese purchases (historically) | Up to 73% of buildings owned by foreigners at the end of 2015 |
| Increase in land value (2012–2016) | +40% over the period |
| Increase in apartment rents | Approximately +3% in 2024 |
| Average price per m² (residential) | Approximately 5 million KRW |
| Average Jeonse (July 2024) | 59.9 million KRW |
In this context, the best local agencies like English-City Myth Realtor must not only master prices and procedures but also assist foreign investors with regulatory aspects: filing the land acquisition report, declarations related to fund transfers, taxation (acquisition tax of 1 to 4%, registration tax of 0.1 to 3%, usual agent commissions of 0.5 to 1%).
Jeju is also at the heart of immigration-by-investment programs, where certain investment amounts (e.g., $500,000 in approved projects) can grant access to temporary, then permanent residency visas. Competent agencies must know these mechanisms, without substituting for immigration lawyers or consultants.
Platforms and Hybrid Solutions: When the Agency Becomes Digital
Alongside physical agencies, several platforms have emerged to simplify life for foreigners in South Korea. They are not all “agencies” in the legal sense, but they play a similar role in the search and securing of properties.
Enkostay and Stay Korea: Finding Housing Without an Astronomical Deposit
Enkostay directly targets students, workers, and travelers in South Korea who want to avoid the colossal deposits often required in the classic market. The platform offers no-deposit housing, ensuring properties are “foreigner-friendly”: landlords willing to sign with foreigners, adapted contracts, help with documents for residence cards and immigration.
Payment is secured by the platform: funds are held and only released to the host after move-in, with a 24-hour window to report any issues. Furthermore, Enkostay offers a community dimension via Enkoplay, which organizes events and activities for tenants.
The covered areas are numerous: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Goyang, Suwon, Seongnam, Anyang/Gunpo, Gwangju, as well as the surroundings of major universities like Hongik, Yonsei, Hanyang, Sogang, Ewha, Dongguk, Sejong, or Seoul National University.
Services like Stay Korea help foreigners find verified housing (goshiwons, officetels, shared housing) with bilingual support and flexible leases. These platforms specifically target small budgets and short stays, thus complementing the offer of traditional real estate agencies.
For people ready to manage in Korean, the major portals (Naver Budongsan, DaBang, Zigbang) have become essential for scanning the market. They do not replace the intervention of an agent – the law requires that a transaction be supervised by a registered office – but they allow for price comparison, spotting sought-after complexes (Raemian, Xi, i-Park, Hillstate…), and mapping interesting areas (proximity to subway, schools, parks).
Why Some Agencies Can Be Called “The Best”
Given the available data, several criteria distinguish the best local real estate agencies for a foreign audience in South Korea:
1. Certification and Legal Compliance Agencies recognized by municipalities as “global” (JK Global Realty, Smile Realty, Alice Realty, some agencies in Yongsan, etc.) must scrupulously respect legal fee schedules and the rules of the Licensed Real Estate Agents Act. Clients are thus better protected against overcharging, common when foreigners pay in cash without a receipt.
The top-rated real estate agencies in South Korea distinguish themselves by highlighting specific contacts, often English or Chinese speakers, with their direct contact information. For example, Michael Lee at D1, Elvis Lim at Green, Kevin Paik at LA, Misook Oh at ABC, Jeff Ahn at Hi-Rent, as well as the agents at Busanrealty, Charm Zone in Busan, and Iching J. Lee in Jeju. This practice, which includes providing a name, mobile number, or IDs on apps like Kakao or LINE, illustrates key linguistic and intercultural competence for serving an international clientele.
3. Experience with Foreign Clients A&A Realty in Itaewon (Seoul), for example, has worked “exclusively” with foreigners for years and maintains a database of about 5,000 properties, updated daily. Similarly, some agencies in Songdo explicitly claim the majority of their clientele is international.
4. Range of Services The best agencies don’t just show apartments. They assist with reading contracts, verifying property titles, setting up insurance, opening bank accounts, even school enrollment for children. The detailed relocation services in Busan (orientation, bank, driver’s license, departure) are a good example.
For a rental in Seoul, legal commissions range from 0.3% to 0.8% of the transaction amount. It is crucial to know these public fee schedules to avoid abuse, such as charges double the cap. A serious agency should explain these amounts, specify if the 10% VAT is included, and systematically provide a receipt.
6. Local Anchoring and Network A well-connected agent will quickly find an off-market property, negotiate with a landlord hesitant to rent to a foreigner, or recommend a notary, lawyer, loan broker, or moving company. This is the strength of well-established agencies in neighborhoods like Itaewon, Hannam-dong, Haeundae, or Jeju City.
Practical Tips for Choosing Your Agency in South Korea
Based on the regulatory framework and observed practices, a few simple rules can maximize your chances of finding a good local agency:
To secure your housing search in South Korea, verify the agent’s license (“licensed real estate agent”) and registration number with local authorities. Always demand a written quote detailing the fees and compare it to the official municipal fee schedules. Ask to see official documents, like a recent extract from the land registry, to verify the owner’s identity. Prioritize agencies recommended by other expatriates, with high satisfaction rates, or by international institutions. Finally, assess the quality of communication: response speed, clarity of explanations about contracts (jeonse, wolse), and ability to detail your rights and obligations.
Conclusion: A Constellation of Players Rather Than a Single Champion
The Korean real estate market is deeply fragmented: no agency dominates the residential sector on a national scale, and the best addresses are often very local. In Seoul, players like JK Global Realty, Smile Realty, Alice Realty, A&A Realty, Hometown Realty, At Seoul, or the large certified agencies in Yongsan, Gangnam, and Songpa form the core of the offer for expatriates.
In Busan, it’s Busanrealty, Charm Zone, LCT Asia Real Estate Brokerage, and a wide network of certified agencies spread by district that lead the way. In Jeju, profiles like Iching J. Lee (English-City Myth Realtor) ensure the link between foreign investors and the local market, in an environment marked by a strong Chinese presence and rapid price appreciation.
Real estate experts in Busan and Jeju
In secondary cities like Daegu, Daejeon, or Gwangju, efforts are still focused on compiling lists of bilingual agencies, but certain clusters – like the offices around Camp Walker in Daegu – already play an essential role for specific communities.
For a foreigner, the challenge is therefore not to “find the best agency in South Korea” in a global sense, but to identify the best local players, in the targeted city and neighborhood, relying on municipal labels, recommendations from other expatriates, fee transparency, and the strength of the Korean legal framework. With these landmarks, the market, complex as it may be, becomes much more readable – and significantly less intimidating.
A French business owner, around 50 years old, with a well-structured financial portfolio already in Europe, wanted to diversify part of his capital into residential real estate in South Korea to seek rental yield and exposure to the Korean won. Allocated budget: $400,000 to $600,000, without credit.
After analyzing several markets (Seoul, Busan, Incheon), the chosen strategy was to target a modern apartment building in a growing neighborhood like Gangnam or Songdo, combining a target gross rental yield of 6 to 7% – the greater the yield, the greater the risk – and medium-term appreciation potential, with an all-in cost (acquisition + fees + possible refurbishments) of about $500,000. The mission included: selection of the city and neighborhood, connection and handling by a local network (real estate agent, lawyer, tax specialist), choice of the most suitable structure (direct ownership or local vehicle), and definition of a time-based diversification plan.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
