6/11 Talk about the ways of renting homes in Korea.

 There are two options of renting an apartment or a house in Korea.

ex> Most newly-weds rent an apartment or a house.

First, there’s something called weol-sea. You pay a deposit before moving in.

* pay a deposit: 보증금을 내다

ex> I paid a deposit and got it back when I moved out.

And then, you pay a monthly rent as you go.

ex> Tenants pay a monthly rent to live in their apartments.

The lease is typically for a year or two. The other option is jeon-sae. You pay a big lump sum at the beginning of the contract as a deposit.

* pay a big lump sum: 큰 금액을 지불하다

ex> I cannot afford to pay a big lump sum right now.

You do not pay a monthly rent though. You get the deposit back once your lease is up. Of course, there are lease contracts that combine the two ways. The problem is rent prices have skyrocketed in Korea in the last couple of years. There are many real estate agencies that help you find a home you want. You pay them a commission only if you do sign a deal for a home.

* real estate agency: 부동산 중개업소, 복덕방

ex> You pay the real estate agency a commission if you sign a lease contract.

@ My lease is up next month.  다음 달에 임대 계약이 만료돼.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I prefer renting a house to buying one.

2. I had to pay a deposit of 10 million won.

3. I’m paying a monthly rent of 1 million won.

4. You have to pay a big lump sum every quarter.

@ Related Topics>> Renting an Apartment (2010.9.29), Renting an Apartment (Power English, 2013.12.9)