About Us
About Hometown Realty
Licensed Korean Real Estate Agency Serving Expats, Embassies, and Multinational Companies in Seoul
Hometown Realty is a licensed expat real estate agency in Seoul, specializing in residential rentals and relocation services for foreign expatriates, diplomatic missions, and multinational corporate clients. Based in Yongsan-gu — Seoul’s most international district — we have placed families and executives from over 30 embassies and Fortune 100 companies in the neighborhoods most trusted by Seoul’s expat community.
Our team works exclusively with foreign clients, meaning every process, contract, and communication is designed for English-speaking tenants unfamiliar with Korean rental systems. From the deposit structure to move-out registration, we handle the details that make Korean rentals confusing for foreigners.
Location: Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
Contact: WhatsApp +82-10-8478-9555 / KakaoTalk +82-10-8478-9555 (Kakao ID: Hakfilm) / Phone +82 2-794-9555
What We Do
We provide end-to-end residential rental and relocation services for three main client types:
- Diplomatic missions — Embassy staff placements, diplomatic clause negotiations, ambassador residences
- Multinational corporations — Corporate expat housing, HR team coordination, bulk assignment management
- Individual expat families — Family placements, school-matched neighborhoods, long-term rental support
Every client receives dedicated support from initial consultation through move-in and beyond. Our services are designed to remove the friction that foreign tenants typically face in the Korean rental market.
Areas We Serve in Seoul
We work across Seoul’s most established expat neighborhoods:
- Yongsan-gu: Hannam-dong, Itaewon, UN Village, Ichon, Yongsan, Dongbinggo-dong, Samgakji station area
- Jung-gu: City Hall, Gwanghwamun, Seoul Station area
- Gangnam-gu and Songpa-gu: Gangnam, Jamsil
- Yeongdeungpo-gu and Mapo-gu: Yeouido, Mapo
- Jongno-gu and Seongbuk-gu: Seongbuk-dong, Pyeongchang-dong
- Seodaemun-gu: Yeonhui-dong (Seoul Foreign School area)
- Seocho-gu: Seorae Village (French Village), Banpo-dong, Bangbae-dong
For clients relocating outside Seoul, we coordinate through our realtor network across Korea.
Our Services
Finding Your Home
- Preference-based property selection — We shortlist properties based on your budget, family size, school needs, workplace, and lifestyle requirements
- Neighborhood-matched viewings — Focused tours in the neighborhoods best suited to your priorities
- Direct landlord negotiation — We negotiate rental price, deposit structure, and lease terms on your behalf
- Bilingual lease preparation — Contracts prepared in both English and Korean, with diplomatic clauses where applicable
For a full explanation of the rental process, see our step-by-step guide to renting an apartment in Seoul as a foreigner.
Moving In and Settling
- Pre-move-in inspection — We inspect the property and coordinate any repairs with the landlord before you move in
- Photo and video documentation — We record property condition on move-in day to protect you at lease end
- Inventory of furniture and appliances — Complete inventory of remaining items in the unit
- Household orientation — We walk you through appliance use, waste sorting and recycling, heating and cooling systems, and daily responsibilities
- Neighborhood introduction — Guidance on nearby restaurants, groceries, public transit, and community facilities
- Landlord communication management — All ongoing communication with your landlord handled through us
Preparing to Leave
- Move-out coordination — Support with packing logistics and removal timing
- Security deposit return — Assistance recovering your full deposit, including negotiation of any disputed damage claims
- Utility disconnection — Coordination of internet, cable, phone, gas, water, and electricity disconnection
- Final property inspection — Joint inspection with landlord using move-in photos for reference
Why Foreign Families Choose Hometown Realty
Bilingual, foreign-focused expertise. Every team member communicates fluently in English and understands the specific concerns of expat tenants — from ARC (Alien Registration Card) requirements to embassy diplomatic clauses.
Direct owner engagement. As an owner-operated agency, we don’t hand your case to junior staff. You work directly with senior team members throughout your tenancy.
Neighborhood specialization. We work exclusively in Seoul’s established expat neighborhoods, giving us deep relationships with landlords, building managers, and community networks in each district.
End-to-end service. Our involvement doesn’t end at contract signing. From move-in day through utility setup, ongoing repairs, and eventual move-out, we manage the full tenancy.
Trusted by diplomatic and corporate clients. Our client roster includes over 30 embassies and dozens of multinational corporations. References available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hometown Realty a licensed real estate agency?
Yes. Hometown Realty is a licensed Korean real estate agency, authorized to conduct real estate transactions under the Korean Public Realtor Act
What areas of Seoul does Hometown Realty cover?
We work across Seoul’s established expat neighborhoods, with concentration in Hannam-dong, UN Village, Itaewon, Ichon, Seorae Village, Yeonhui-dong, Pyeongchang-dong, Seongbuk-dong, Yeouido, Gangnam, and central business districts (City Hall, Gwanghwamun, Seoul Station area). For relocations outside Seoul, we coordinate through our national realtor network.
Does Hometown Realty work with corporate HR teams?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with HR teams from multinational corporations and diplomatic missions, providing bulk relocation support, standardized reporting, and single-point-of-contact management for corporate assignments. See our Seoul business districts guide for corporate housing options.
What languages does Hometown Realty support?
All team members work fluently in English and Korean.
Does Hometown Realty charge upfront fees for consultations?
No. Initial consultations, neighborhood recommendations, and property shortlisting are provided at no charge. Brokerage fees apply only after a lease is signed.
Can Hometown Realty help me find a rental if I’m not yet in Korea?
Yes. We regularly conduct video walkthroughs of properties for clients still overseas, prepare bilingual contracts for review before your arrival, and coordinate move-in scheduling around your travel dates.
Get in Touch
Ready to start your Seoul rental search? Whether you’re a diplomatic family, a corporate HR team, or an individual expat planning your move, we’re here to help.
WhatsApp / KakaoTalk: +82-10-8478-9555 (Kakao ID: Hakfilm)
Email: rent@hometownrealty.co.kr
Browse our current listings:
Explore our blog for guides on Seoul neighborhoods, Korean rental systems, and expat living.
