Guide › Moving in South Korea: the checklist

Moving in South Korea: the checklist

The general list plus what comes on top in this country: deadlines, offices and customs.

58 tasks · General checklist

Contracts and authorities

17 weeks before
Check the lease end: give notice two to six months ahead
Housing Lease Protection Act, art. 6: without notice between six and two months before expiry the lease renews implicitly (묵시적 갱신).
14 weeks before
Tell the landlord you will not renew, with proof
By message with a reply or by 내용증명 (certified mail with content proof).
13 weeks before
Arrange viewings for the next tenant
11 weeks before
Sign the new lease
10 weeks before
Pay the deposit (전세/월세 보증금) and the first month's rent
Check the property register (등기부등본) before paying (mortgages, owner); deposit insurance (전세보증보험 from HUG or SGI) protects the deposit.
9 weeks before
Arrange the handover date for the old flat
6 weeks before
Cancel internet and TV contracts
6 weeks before
Book a van for the cellar and small items
4 weeks before
Book time off for moving day
3 weeks before
Draw up the list of address changes
2 weeks before
Adjust fire and contents insurance
Apartment complexes are often insured through the management; contents separately.
7 days before
Cancel the standing order for the old rent

Packing and decluttering

5 weeks before
Get moving boxes
5 weeks before
Get packing material
4 weeks before
Set a decluttering day per room
3 weeks before
Move the cellar and attic ahead of time
2 weeks before
Pack seasonal and rarely used things
10 days before
Pack the workspace
5 days before
Pack the kitchen, defrost the fridge
2 days before
Pack the first-night box
2 days before
Keep the toolbox separate

Old home

9 weeks before
Declutter: sell, give away, dispose
6 weeks before
Clear out the cellar and attic
4 weeks before
Buy bulky waste stickers (대형폐기물 스티커) and book the pickup
Via the district website or the community centre; attach the sticker to the item.
7 days before
Factory-reset the smart home devices
1 day before
Read and photograph the meters
7 days after
Clean the old place for the handover
10 days after
Sign the handover protocol, count the keys
4 weeks after
Deposit refund: due at move-out, otherwise register a lease right (임차권등기명령)
The deposit is due when you move out; if the landlord does not pay, register the lease right with the court so protection continues after you leave.

New home

9 weeks before
Move-in check (입주 점검): record the condition with photos and send it to the landlord
Dated photos by message to the landlord — your proof at move-out.
6 weeks before
Book the electrician and tradespeople
6 weeks before
Check mounting points: shower rail, lamps, curtains
4 weeks before
Internet and TV: book the relocation install (이전 설치)
KT, SK Broadband, LG U+: book the move installation one to two weeks ahead; check the cancellation penalty (위약금) before switching.
4 weeks before
Decide what to buy new
2 weeks before
Draw a furniture plan per room, take measurements
7 days before
Test the internet connection
7 days before
Electricity (KEPCO), gas and water: change the account holder and meter reading
Gas: appointments to close and open with the city's gas supplier; electricity via KEPCO (한전) 123.
1 day after
Record and report defects on moving in
1 day after
Get the confirmed date (확정일자) on the lease: protects the deposit
At the community centre or online (인터넷등기소) right after moving in — with the 전입신고 it secures priority for your deposit (Housing Lease Protection Act, art. 3-2).
3 days after
Label the doorbell and letterbox
3 days after
Management office (관리사무소): report the move-in, arrange the lift and parking
In apartment complexes you report move-in and move-out; book the lift or the ladder truck (사다리차) in advance.
7 days after
Set the smart home up again
7 days after
Greet the neighbours, ask about the complex's recycling rules (분리수거)
Waste goes in pay-as-you-throw bags (종량제) and sorted recyclables; collection days depend on the complex.

Moving day

13 weeks before
Fix the moving date
9 weeks before
Book the moving company
2 weeks before
Reserve parking outside both buildings
2 weeks before
Reserve the lift at both addresses
10 days before
Arrange care for children and pets
3 days before
Move the plants separately
3 days before
Plan bikes and bulky items separately
On moving day
Food and drink for the helpers
On moving day
Final walk-through of the old flat

After the move

3 days after
Report the move-in (전입신고) at the community centre
Within 14 days of moving in (Resident Registration Act, art. 16), possible online via 정부24; a fine applies when late.
7 days after
Set up mail forwarding (주거이전 서비스) with Korea Post
epost.go.kr; three months free.
10 days after
School transfer (전학) with the 전입신고 through the new school
Elementary: assignment follows the address; bring the enrolment certificate from the old school.
2 weeks after
Tell the bank, employer and insurers
2 weeks after
Update subscriptions and delivery services
2 weeks after
Vehicle: change the registered address (자동차 변경등록)
Within 30 days (Motor Vehicle Management Act, art. 11); often automatic with the 전입신고, otherwise at the district office.

In the app: when setting up the move or under Tasks → Template. Everything can be deselected; a template is a suggestion.

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The checklists in this guide are compiled with care, but without guarantee of completeness or currency. Deadlines and responsibilities change. The information of the respective authority or contracting party is authoritative.