Deposits for most rental apartments in Korea are so high that I was wondering whether the landlord was trying to sell me the place during one of my first visits. Unsurprisingly, it's not unheard of that the landlord does not return the deposit after the tenant has moved out. I think it's therefore good to know that there is a Deposit Return Guarantee program run by the Housing & Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG 전세보증금반환보증). Here's how the application process works, as explained by the kind people of the KIRD Support Team. 1. Sign a lease agreement. 2. Complete your Report of Change in Place of Stay (체류지 변경신고) and obtain a Confirmed Date (확정일자, an official date attached to your lease agreement) at your local community service center (주민센터 - bring ID and the lease agreement). 3. Obtain a Certificate of Fact on Alien Registration (외국인등록사실증명서) from the community service center. 4. Apply through HUG (https://khig.khug.or.kr) or a participating financial institution (ask your bank).