ℹ️ Information is accurate as of the date shown and can change. Confirm critical steps with official sources before acting.

1. Before you pay anything

Pull the 등기부등본 (property registration certificate) yourself at iros.go.kr (₩700) — do NOT rely on the agent’s copy; pull it again the morning of signing and again before paying the balance.
Match the owner name on the register EXACTLY to the person/ID on the contract. A mismatch = stop.
Confirm the building has an 건축물대장 (building ledger) with no “위반건축물” (illegal-structure) stamp — illegal units can’t get deposit insurance.

2. Three red flags = walk away

① 근저당 (mortgage lien) + your deposit together exceed ~70–80% of the property’s market value. If the bank forecloses, you’re behind the bank and may get nothing.
② “신탁” (trust) registered owner — the real owner is a trust company; the person signing may have no authority to lease. Requires the trustee’s written consent.
③ Rent far below market or pressure to wire to a personal account different from the registered owner.

Get 전입신고 (resident registration) + 확정일자 (fixed date stamp) at the 동주민센터 the DAY you move in — this gives your deposit priority. Missing this by even one day can cost you everything.
Buy 전세보증보험 (deposit guarantee insurance) via HUG (khug.or.kr) or SGI. It refunds your deposit if the landlord defaults. Eligibility depends on the lien ratio above — another reason to check it first.
Keep every payment as a bank transfer to the registered owner’s account, with a memo. Never cash.

Jeonse fraud victim support: 전세피해지원센터 (HUG) — there is English phone support. Act fast; deadlines apply for the auction process.
File 임차권등기명령 (lease registration order) before moving out if the deposit isn’t returned, so your priority survives the move.