Jeonse fraud: foreign renters can be recognised as victims, but not all help is open to them

Jeonse (전세) is a way of renting in Korea where you give the landlord one very large deposit instead of monthly rent. If the landlord does not pay it back, you can lose that money.

The numbers
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport says that by the end of August 2026, 40,936 cases had been recognised as jeonse fraud victims under the special law. 547 of them (1.3%) were foreign nationals.

Foreigners can be recognised, but some help is closed to them
The Korea Times reported on 11 September that the law does not stop foreign residents from being recognised as victims. But after recognition, foreign victims still cannot use some help that Korean citizens can, including public rental housing and loans backed by the Housing and Urban Fund.

Where to ask for help

• You apply to be recognised as a victim at the city or province office (시·도) where you live.
• Jeonse damage and prevention support centre: 1533-8119.
• Online: HUG Safe Jeonse portal, www.khug.or.kr/jeonse
• Before you sign a new contract, the support centres can check the contract and the home's ownership records with you.

Next step: if you think your deposit is at risk, keep your contract, payment records and messages, and call 1533-8119.

Sources: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport press release, 7 September 2026; The Korea Times, 11 September 2026. Checked 14 September 2026.