How do I move to a jeonse apartment but can't pay the full deposit upfront?

Jeonse loans (전세자금대출) for foreigners exist but options are more limited than for Koreans. The main programs are through Korea Housing Finance Corporation (HF, hf.go.kr) and major banks. To qualify for the standard buwon (본원) jeonse loan, you typically need an F-2, F-5, or F-6 visa with 1+ year of Korean income tax records, while D-series and E-series workers face stricter requirements or may not qualify at all from major banks.

The most accessible foreigner-friendly jeonse loan is HF's Buyaeg-jeonse Resident Stabilization Loan (버팀목 전세자금대출), which lends up to 1.2 billion won (depending on apartment size and area) at 1.2 to 2.7 percent interest, repayable over 2-year jeonse contract terms. Eligibility: married couples or single workers, annual household income under 50 million won (lower limits for premium amounts), and the property must be under 85 sqm and jeonse deposit under 300 million won (Seoul/metropolitan), 200 million won (other regions). Apply through KEB Hana, Woori, KB, NH, or Shinhan Bank with your ARC, marriage cert, employment cert, tax records, and the lease contract.

For those not qualifying for state programs, commercial bank jeonse loans through KEB Hana's foreigner-friendly desk or Citibank Korea offer 4 to 6 percent rates with smaller amounts (50 to 70 percent of deposit, depending on credit). HUG (Korea Housing and Urban Guarantee Corp, khug.or.kr) jeonse insurance is also worth signing up for to protect your deposit. The Seoul Global Center offers free 1-on-1 jeonse loan consultations in 6 languages. Bring all documents and apply 4 to 6 weeks before move-in date since approval takes time.