What's the purchase process to buy a property in Daejeon?

Last updated on September 1, 2025

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the South Korea Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our South Korea Property Pack

Buying property in Daejeon as a foreigner is legally permitted and follows a structured process with specific documentation and registration requirements.

The Korean government allows foreign nationals to purchase real estate under the same terms as local citizens, with the main requirement being proper notification to authorities within 60 days of contract signing. The process involves working with licensed agents, conducting due diligence, and completing official registration at government offices to secure legal ownership.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in South Korea, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

Quick Summary:

Foreign buyers can purchase property in Daejeon without residency requirements, following a 12-step process that includes document preparation, agent selection, contract signing, and government registration within 60 days.

The process requires specific documentation, payment of various taxes and fees, and completion of due diligence to ensure clear property title before finalizing the purchase.

Step	Requirement	Timeline
1. Eligibility Check	Confirm foreign ownership rights	Before searching
2. Document Preparation	Passport, bank statements, ID cards	1-2 weeks
3. Agent Selection	Licensed broker with good credentials	1-2 weeks
4. Contract Signing	Sales contract with all terms	1-3 days
5. Payment Schedule	10-20% deposit, remainder at closing	As per contract
6. Government Registration	District office notification	Within 60 days
7. Title Transfer	Registry office registration	Within 60 days
8. Tax Payment	Acquisition tax, registration fees	At closing

Who is the author of this content?

BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Daejeon. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the South Korean real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daejeon. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

How do I check if foreigners are legally allowed to buy property in Daejeon?

Foreigners are legally permitted to purchase property in Daejeon under the same terms as Korean citizens, as of September 2025.

The Korean government allows foreign nationals to buy almost any type of real estate including apartments, houses, land, and commercial properties without requiring residency status or special permits. This is governed by the Foreigner's Land Acquisition Act and the Act on Report of Real Estate Transactions.

The only exceptions are certain restricted land types near military installations or sensitive areas. You can verify your eligibility by checking with the local district office (si/gun/gu office) in Daejeon or consulting with a licensed real estate agent who can confirm specific property restrictions.

No minimum investment amount is required, and you don't need to establish a Korean company or obtain special visas to purchase property in Daejeon.

What documents do I need to prepare before starting the process?

You need to prepare several essential documents before beginning the property purchase process in Daejeon.

Document Type	Purpose	Where to Obtain
Valid passport or Alien Registration Card	Identity verification for all transactions	Your home country or Korean immigration
Taxpayer ID card (if available)	Tax registration and payment processing	Korean tax office
Bank statement or proof of funds	Demonstrate financial capacity for purchase	Your bank (Korean or foreign)
Certified copy of land acquisition report	Official notification to authorities	Prepared during purchase process
Real estate appraisal report	Property valuation for legal purposes	Licensed appraiser
Proof of address	Current residence verification	Utility bill or official document
Power of attorney (if using agent)	Legal authorization for representation	Notary public

How do I find a reliable real estate agent or licensed broker in Daejeon?

Finding a trustworthy real estate agent in Daejeon requires checking their credentials and reputation through official channels.

Start by using specialized platforms like KoreanAgents.com or property directories that list licensed agents in Daejeon. These platforms verify agent licenses annually and only include brokers in good standing with the Korean Real Estate Board.

Always verify the agent's license number directly with the local real estate association and check their client reviews. Request to see their official broker certification and ensure they have experience working with foreign buyers who understand the specific requirements for international transactions.

Look for agents who can provide bilingual services or work with certified translators, as this will be crucial for contract negotiations and document preparation.

It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.

What's the step-by-step process for signing a sales contract in Daejeon?

The contract signing process in Daejeon follows a structured sequence that ensures legal compliance and buyer protection.

1. **Conduct comprehensive due diligence** on the property with your agent, including title verification, lien checks, and zoning confirmation2. **Negotiate purchase terms** including price, payment schedule, and closing date with the seller3. **Review the real estate acquisition contract** thoroughly, preferably with a bilingual lawyer4. **Sign the contract** with all parties present and witnesses as required5. **Submit immediate notification** to the local district office about your intent to purchase6. **File the contract and supporting documents** with relevant authorities within the required timeframe7. **Complete the official registration** at the land registry office to establish legal ownership

Each step must be completed in sequence, and you cannot proceed to property transfer without completing the notification requirements first.

How do I handle the required deposits and payment schedule during the transaction?

Payment schedules in Daejeon property transactions typically follow a structured deposit and closing arrangement.

Most contracts require a deposit of 10-20% of the purchase price upon signing, with the remainder paid at closing. You can make payments through domestic bank transfers within Korea or international remittances after notifying a foreign exchange bank as required by Korean banking regulations.

The exact payment schedule should be clearly outlined in your contract, including specific dates for each payment installment. Late payments can result in contract cancellation, so strict adherence to the schedule is essential for maintaining your purchase rights.

All payments must be properly documented with receipts and bank transfer confirmations for tax and registration purposes.

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What government offices do I need to register the property with after purchase?

Property registration in Daejeon requires interaction with multiple government offices to ensure legal compliance.

The primary office is the local district office (si/gun/gu office) where you must submit your acquisition notification within 60 days of contract signing. This is mandatory under the Foreigner's Land Acquisition Act.

You also need to complete registration at the competent land registry office to officially transfer property ownership to your name. This establishes you as the legal owner and provides protection under Korean property law.

Additionally, you may need to visit the local immigration office to obtain a real estate registration number if required for your specific situation.

Each office has specific documentation requirements and processing times, so coordinate with your agent to ensure all submissions are completed within legal deadlines.

How do I transfer the property title and officially register ownership?

Title transfer and ownership registration in Daejeon involves a formal process at the land registry office with specific documentation requirements.

You must submit an application for registration along with certified copies of your acquisition notification, the real estate registration documents, and your passport or Alien Registration Card. If using an agent for this process, a notarized power of attorney is required.

The registration process formally establishes you as the legal property owner and provides official documentation of your ownership rights. This registration must be completed within 60 days of the purchase contract signing.

Once completed, you'll receive an official certificate of ownership that serves as legal proof of your property rights in Korea.

What are the main taxes and fees I must pay when buying a property in Daejeon?

Property purchase in Daejeon involves several taxes and fees that buyers must budget for beyond the purchase price.

Tax/Fee Type	Rate/Amount	When Paid
Acquisition Tax	Varies by property type and location (1-4%)	At closing
Registration Tax/Stamp Duty	0.2-2% of property value	During registration
Property Tax (Annual)	0.15%-0.50% of assessed value	Annually after purchase
Education Tax	20% of acquisition tax amount	At closing
Rural Development Tax	20% of acquisition tax amount	At closing
VAT (if applicable)	10% for commercial properties	At closing
Agent Commission	0.3-0.9% depending on property value	At closing

How do I make sure the property has no legal issues or outstanding debts before buying?

Due diligence is essential to ensure the property you're purchasing in Daejeon is free from legal complications or financial encumbrances.

Obtain a certified copy of the property's registration from the land registry office to check for existing liens, mortgages, or outstanding debts attached to the property. This document will show the complete ownership history and any legal claims against the property.

Have your lawyer or agent review all public records related to the property and verify the seller's documentation is legitimate and current. Professional property appraisal and notarized contracts provide additional risk mitigation.

Check with local authorities about any pending development plans, zoning changes, or municipal liens that could affect the property value or your intended use.

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We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in South Korea versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are the most common mistakes foreigners make when buying in Daejeon?

Foreign buyers in Daejeon frequently encounter specific pitfalls that can be easily avoided with proper preparation.

The most common mistakes include:1. **Failing to notify authorities within the 60-day deadline** after contract signing, which can result in legal penalties2. **Submitting incomplete documentation** to government offices, causing delays and potential contract issues 3. **Misunderstanding contract terms written in Korean** without proper translation or legal review4. **Skipping thorough due diligence** on property liens and outstanding debts5. **Not using licensed, reputable real estate agents** with experience in foreign transactions6. **Underestimating total costs** by not accounting for all taxes, fees, and registration expenses7. **Ignoring local zoning restrictions** that may affect intended property use

Each of these mistakes can result in significant financial losses or legal complications that are entirely preventable with proper planning.

How can I avoid confusion around contract terms written in Korean?

Contract language barriers are a significant concern for foreign buyers in Daejeon, but several strategies can eliminate confusion.

Have all contracts reviewed by a bilingual lawyer or certified notary who specializes in real estate transactions. Never sign any document you don't fully understand, regardless of pressure from sellers or agents.

Request certified English translations of all critical documents, including the sales contract, property registration papers, and any addendums or modifications. Korean law recognizes properly certified translations as legally binding.

Always ask for detailed explanations of financial schedules, payment terms, and any penalty clauses in the contract. Ensure you receive proper receipts and documentation for all payments made during the process.

Working with agents who provide bilingual services or have dedicated translation support can significantly reduce the risk of misunderstanding important contract provisions.

What local regulations or restrictions in Daejeon often cause problems for buyers?

Daejeon has specific local regulations that can create unexpected challenges for foreign property buyers if not addressed early in the process.

Local zoning regulations may restrict certain types of property use or development, particularly in residential areas where commercial activities are prohibited. These restrictions can affect your investment plans or intended property use.

Urban planning regulations in Daejeon may include development limitations, building height restrictions, or future infrastructure projects that could impact property values or accessibility. Some areas may be designated for future redevelopment, affecting long-term ownership rights.

Environmental regulations specific to Daejeon's geography and development plans may impose additional compliance requirements or restrictions on property modifications.

Always request your agent to disclose any city-level restrictions at the start of your property search and verify these directly with local authorities to avoid surprises during the purchase process.

It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Purchasing property in Daejeon as a foreigner follows a clear legal framework with specific requirements for documentation, registration, and compliance with Korean real estate laws.

Success depends on proper preparation, working with licensed professionals, and understanding both national regulations and local Daejeon-specific restrictions that may affect your purchase.