The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Real Estate Information Portal sources. Updated August 8, 2026.
To ensure a safe and transparent housing transaction, the most reliable way to learn how to find English-speaking real estate agents in Seoul is by using the official list of “Global Real Estate Brokerage Offices” designated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. These specific agencies are recognized for their ability to provide consultations and explain key lease contract details—such as jeonse and monthly rent—in English and other foreign languages to reduce the language burden on foreign residents.
Use the Official Global Real Estate Brokerage List
The Seoul Metropolitan Government designates certain agencies as Global Real Estate Brokerage Offices. Unlike general agencies that may claim to speak English, these offices are officially noted for their capacity to support foreign residents through the complexities of Korean real estate laws and terminology.
How to access the official list
You can find the searchable directory of these designated agencies through the Seoul Real Estate Information Portal. To find a certified agent, follow these steps:
- Visit the Seoul Real Estate Information Portal (land.seoul.go.kr).
- Navigate to the Global Civil Mediation section and select Global Real Estate Agency.
- Use the search function to filter agencies. Note that the search is generally limited to specific fields, such as the name of the office or the borough (gu) where you are looking for a home.
Because these lists are updated periodically, it is important to verify the current status of an agency directly on the portal before visiting.
Verifying Agency Legitimacy and Services
When using the official portal, you are verifying that the agency is a registered professional entity. Designated Global Real Estate Brokerage Offices are expected to provide the following support:
- Consultations in foreign languages (primarily English, Chinese, and Japanese).
- Simplified explanations of lease contract terms, specifically regarding jeonse (large lump-sum deposit) and wolse (monthly rent).
- Guidance on the essential points of the rental agreement to ensure the tenant’s rights are protected.
If you encounter an agency that is not on the official list but claims to offer English support, you can still use the Seoul Real Estate Information Portal to check the agency’s general registration and business history to ensure they are licensed brokers.
Getting Additional Professional Support
Finding an English-speaking agent is the first step, but you may still have questions about a specific contract or encounter a dispute. For these instances, the Seoul Metropolitan Government provides independent support through the Seoul Foreign Resident Center.
The center offers free, in-depth consulting for real estate transactions. This is particularly useful for:
- Reviewing the terms of a lease contract before signing.
- Seeking assistance with jeonse or monthly rent disputes.
- Understanding legal requirements for deposit recovery.
These services are typically available by appointment or during specific hours (for example, Mondays from 2 PM to 5 PM). It is recommended to check the current schedule via the official Seoul Metropolitan Government housing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there extra fees for using a Global Real Estate Brokerage?
Official designation as a Global Real Estate Brokerage refers to the agency’s language capabilities and service quality; it does not authorize them to charge fees beyond the legal brokerage commission rates set by Korean law.
What should I do if I cannot find an English-speaking agent in my specific neighborhood?
If the portal does not show a designated agency in your preferred borough, you can search adjacent boroughs or contact the Seoul Foreign Resident Center for guidance on how to handle the transaction with a Korean-speaking agent safely.
How often is the official list updated?
The list is updated periodically by the city. Always refresh the Seoul Real Estate Information Portal to ensure the agency is still actively designated.
Practical Next Steps
To secure your housing safely, follow this sequence:
- Identify your target borough: Decide which district of Seoul you want to live in.
- Search the portal: Use the Seoul Real Estate Information Portal to find designated Global Real Estate Brokerages in that borough.
- Contact and confirm: Call the agency to confirm their current English-speaking availability and the types of properties they handle.
- Review the contract: If you have doubts about the final lease agreement, schedule a free consultation with the Seoul Foreign Resident Center before signing.
Maximizing the Seoul Real Estate Information Portal
When utilizing the Seoul Real Estate Information Portal, users should be aware that the search functionality is not an open-text search. To successfully locate a Global Real Estate Agency, you must input specific criteria. The portal is primarily designed to filter results based on the office name or the borough (gu). If you are unsure of the exact name of a brokerage, your most effective strategy is to search by the administrative district where you intend to reside.
Because the list of designated agencies is updated periodically, a brokerage that was listed previously may no longer hold the official designation. It is a practical necessity to confirm the agency’s current status on the portal immediately before scheduling an appointment. This ensures the office is still recognized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for providing specialized foreign-language support.
Detailed Use of the Seoul Foreign Resident Center
For foreign residents who require more than just a listing search, the Seoul Foreign Resident Center serves as a critical safety net. While real estate agents facilitate the transaction, the center provides an independent layer of professional consulting. This is essential for verifying that a contract is fair and that the tenant’s deposit is secure.
To access these free services, residents should keep the following practical constraints in mind:
- Scheduling: Consulting services are not always on-demand and are typically available by appointment.
- Specific Hours: Certain real estate consulting sessions are held during set windows, such as Mondays from 2 PM to 5 PM.
- Scope of Help: The center can assist with complex issues, including jeonse or monthly rent disputes and the nuances of lease agreements, providing a professional perspective outside of the broker’s influence.
First-Contact Verification Tips
Once you have identified a potential agency through the official portal, the initial phone call is the best time to verify the level of English support available. Not every staff member in a Global Real Estate Brokerage may be fluent; the designation often applies to the office as an entity or specific certified agents within it.
Consider asking the following questions to ensure you are paired with the right professional:
- Request the designated agent: Specifically ask to speak with the agent who handles the “Global Real Estate” services.
- Confirm language scope: Verify if they can provide the full explanation of the jeonse or wolse contract in English, rather than just basic communication.
- Clarify documentation: Ask if they provide English-translated summaries or guides for the key points of the Korean lease agreement.
By combining the official portal’s registry with the independent consulting of the Foreign Resident Center, residents can significantly mitigate the risks associated with language barriers in Seoul’s housing market.
Official sources
- Seoul Metropolitan Government: Global Real Estate Brokerage Office Guide
- Seoul Metropolitan Government: Wolse/Jeonse Guide
- Seoul Real Estate Information Portal: Global Real Estate Agency Search