Moving into a new home in Korea is exciting, but the first day is also the best time to check and document everything. Once you unpack and begin daily life, it becomes harder to prove whether damage or equipment problems were already present.
A careful move-in inspection can help protect your deposit, reduce repair disputes, and make the first weeks in your new home much smoother. Photos, videos, written messages, and test results are especially useful.
This guide provides a practical checklist for keys, locks, water, heating, appliances, electricity, internet, mold, cleaning, utility payments, damage records, and address-related steps during move-in day and the first few days.
- Take wide photos, close-ups, and a video walkthrough before unpacking.
- Test locks, water, hot water, heating, electricity, appliances, and internet immediately.
- Report existing damage and missing items in writing as soon as possible.
- Confirm how rent, maintenance fees, and utilities will be billed and paid.
- Keep move-in records until your deposit has been fully returned.
- Before You Start Unpacking
- Keys and Door Locks
- Water, Bathroom, and Drainage
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Appliances and Furniture
- Electricity and Internet
- Mold, Smell, and Ventilation
- Cleaning and Trash Rules
- Maintenance Fee and Utility Payments
- Record Existing Damage
- Address and Registration Steps
- Useful Korean Words
- What This Guide Does Not Cover
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Before You Start Unpacking
Before you move furniture, unpack boxes, or clean heavily, document the condition of the home. This is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself later if there is a dispute about damage.
- Take wide photos of every room
- Take close-up photos of existing damage
- Record a short video walkthrough
- Photograph the entrance, door lock, windows, bathroom, kitchen, walls, floor, ceiling, and appliances
- Save the photos with the move-in date
- Send important damage photos to the agent or landlord by message
2. Check the Keys and Door Lock
Security should be checked immediately. Korean homes may use digital door locks, physical keys, lobby access cards, parking cards, or mailbox keys.
- Main door digital lock works correctly
- Password has been changed if needed
- Physical keys are received if applicable
- Building entrance card or code works
- Mailbox key is provided if needed
- Parking access card works if parking is included
- Door closes and locks smoothly
- Emergency battery method for digital lock is understood
3. Check Water, Bathroom, and Drainage
Water problems can be annoying and expensive if you notice them late. Test the bathroom and kitchen before settling in.
4. Test Heating and Air Conditioning
Korean homes commonly use floor heating called ondol. Some homes use individual gas boilers, while others use central or district heating. You should understand the system before cold weather arrives.
- Boiler or heating controller turns on
- Hot water works
- Floor heating works
- Air conditioner turns on
- Remote control is provided
- Filters look reasonably clean
- No strange smell or loud noise
- You know who to contact if heating fails
5. Test Appliances and Furniture
If the room includes appliances or furniture, check them before assuming everything works. This is especially important in furnished one-rooms and officetels.
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Washing machine
- Air conditioner
- Stove or induction cooktop
- Microwave
- Range hood
- Intercom
- Wi-Fi router if included
- TV or monitor if included
6. Check Electricity, Outlets, and Internet
Electrical and internet issues can affect daily life immediately. Test basic functions while the agent or landlord can still respond quickly.
- Lights work in every room
- Outlets work
- Circuit breaker location is known
- Internet is connected if included
- Wi-Fi password is received if included
- Router works
- No exposed or damaged wires
- Intercom or building call system works
7. Look for Mold, Smell, and Ventilation Problems
Mold and ventilation problems are common issues in some Korean homes, especially basement rooms, older villas, poorly ventilated bathrooms, or rooms with weak sunlight.
- Window frames
- Bathroom ceiling and corners
- Behind furniture
- Inside closets
- Under the sink
- Near the washing machine
- Wall corners
- Ceiling edges
8. Confirm Cleaning and Trash Rules
Cleaning condition varies by property. Some rooms are professionally cleaned before move-in, while others may require you to clean more yourself. Also ask where to throw trash and recycling.
- Room was cleaned before move-in
- Bathroom and kitchen are usable
- Old items from previous tenant are removed
- You know where the trash area is
- You know which official trash bags to buy
- You know food waste rules
- You know recycling days if the building has a schedule
9. Confirm Maintenance Fee and Utility Payments
After moving in, confirm how you will receive and pay monthly costs. This avoids confusion when the first bill arrives.
- How is monthly rent paid?
- When is rent due each month?
- How is maintenance fee paid?
- Are electricity, gas, water, internet, or heating separate?
- Will bills come by mail, text, app, or building office?
- Is the first month prorated?
- Who should you contact for billing questions?
10. Record Existing Damage in Writing
Photos are useful, but written communication is also important. If you find a problem, send a clear message to the agent or landlord.
English:
Hello, I moved in today and found some existing damage. I am sending photos for record. Please confirm that these were already present before move-in.
Korean:
안녕하세요. 오늘 입주했는데 기존 손상 부분이 있어서 기록용으로 사진을 보내드립니다. 입주 전부터 있었던 부분인지 확인 부탁드립니다.
11. Address and Local Registration Steps
After moving, foreign residents may need to update their address depending on their visa and situation. This is separate from checking the physical condition of the home, but it is still an important move-in step.
- Confirm your official Korean address
- Keep your rental contract copy
- Update address with immigration if required
- Update address with bank if needed
- Update address with mobile phone provider if needed
- Update delivery app address
- Check mailbox location
12. Useful Korean Words
- 입주 — Move in
- 이사 — Moving
- 하자 — Defect / problem
- 고장 — Breakdown
- 수리 — Repair
- 보일러 — Boiler
- 난방 — Heating
- 온수 — Hot water
- 곰팡이 — Mold
- 누수 — Water leak
- 비밀번호 — Password
- 관리실 — Management office
13. What This Guide Does Not Cover
This guide focuses only on move-in checks. To keep Korea Life 101 organized, the following topics are handled in separate guides.
- How to Find Housing in Korea — overall housing search process
- Jeonse vs Wolse — rental payment types
- Real Estate Agent Guide — viewing and agent communication
- Rental Contract Guide — contract terms before signing
- Maintenance Fees Explained — monthly fees and utility costs
- Deposit Protection Guide — protecting your rental deposit
14. FAQ — Moving Into a Home in Korea
Should I take photos before unpacking?
Yes. Take photos and videos before moving furniture or unpacking. This helps record the original condition.
What should I check first?
Check door locks, water, electricity, heating, appliances, existing damage, and mold.
What if I find damage after moving in?
Take photos and report it to the agent or landlord as soon as possible in writing.
Should I change the door lock password?
Yes, if the home uses a digital door lock and the password was used by a previous tenant.
Do I need to update my address?
Foreign residents may need to update their address depending on visa status and rules. Check with immigration or a local office if unsure.
Who should I contact for repairs?
It depends on the issue. Contact the landlord, agent, or building management office based on the property arrangement.
Should I keep move-in photos until I move out?
Yes. Keep them until your deposit is fully returned.
- Take photos and videos before unpacking to record the original condition of the home.
- Test keys, locks, water, heating, electricity, appliances, internet, and included items immediately.
- Report existing damage in writing and keep all records until your deposit is returned.
It is the day to check, record, and protect yourself before daily life begins."
Moving into a new home in Korea becomes much smoother when you follow a clear checklist. Take photos first, test everything, ask questions early, and keep written records. These small steps can help prevent bigger problems later.
Address reporting, local procedures, utility activation, and building rules may change. Confirm current requirements after moving.