Buying Property in Korea as a Foreigner: 2026 Rules and Costs
By WCS Last reviewed and updated: July 18, 2026 · Checked against official Korean government sources. Key takeaways Foreigners can own 100% of Korean property in their own name, with the same registered title (deunggi) as citizens — no Korean co-owner or nationality cap in the general case. Seoul's current official designation table lists foreigner-only residential land-transaction permission zones in Seoul from August 26, 2025 through August 25, 2026 . Do not generalize that Seoul notice to all of the Seoul Capital Area or to a later date; check the current MOLIT and local designation notices before signing. Seoul's land-transaction permission guidance states a 2-year residential use obligation . A 4-month move-in deadline is not a universal permit-zone rule; any separate move-in term must be checked in the current permit or loan notice. Enforcement charges and contract effects depend on the specific violation. Mortgage LTV and amount limits depend on the current Financia...