The voucher program that provided 50,000 won toward brokerage fees for rental contracts signed through South Korea’s real estate electronic contract system was announced as ending with applications received through April 30, 2026. Therefore, even if webpages describing application schedules for October or November remain available, you should not assume that applications are currently open. Brokerage fee assistance programs operated separately by local governments must be checked independently.
When Did the 50,000-Won Electronic Contract Voucher Program End?
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Real Estate Transaction Electronic Contract System published a notice announcing the end of its brokerage fee support voucher program on April 27, 2026. According to the notice, the program would operate only through the first quarter of 2026, with applications accepted through April 30 serving as the final submissions.
The 2026 voucher was described as providing 50,000 won per eligible transaction to tenants and landlords. However, the fact that an amount and eligibility requirements are listed does not mean that the application process is currently open.
In particular, operating guidance showing an application period in the fourth quarter of 2026 may remain online alongside the closure notice. In such cases, prioritize the closure notice and the actual application status rather than relying solely on a webpage displaying an application period.
What Were the Conditions of the Former Voucher Program?
The former program was not a general brokerage fee discount applicable to all real estate transactions. It required a rental contract to be completed through the electronic contract system and the applicant to meet specific eligibility requirements.
The main conditions listed in the former program guidance were as follows:
Contract method: A rental contract completed through South Korea’s Real Estate Transaction Electronic Contract System.
Housing requirements: Exclusive floor area of 85 m² or less and a lease deposit of 300 million won or less.
Support amount: 50,000 won per eligible transaction.
Eligible tenants: University students, young adults in the early stages of their careers, newlyweds, people aged 65 or older, and households with two or more minor children.
Landlords: Landlords who qualified under the former program's eligibility guidelines.
Application prerequisites: Completion of the electronic contract and payment of the brokerage fee.
Certain exclusions also applied, including some renewed or extended contracts and contracts involving corporate landlords. These were conditions of the former program and do not mean that new applications are currently being accepted.
If you have already signed a contract or missed the application period, the most accurate approach is to check whether your contract qualified for submission before the program ended and whether an application you previously submitted is still being processed, rather than relying solely on the former eligibility requirements.
Where Can You Check for Brokerage Fee Assistance Now?
Even though the former electronic contract voucher program has ended, local governments may operate separate brokerage fee assistance programs. Eligibility, housing price limits, maximum support amounts, and application channels vary by program, so check both your area of residence and your eligibility at the time of the contract.
The Gyeonggi Housing Welfare Portal provides information about housing welfare programs operated by individual cities and counties. For example, the guidance for Bucheon City describes brokerage fee assistance of up to 300,000 won for certain low-income residents involved in transactions involving homes priced at 200 million won or less.
The main conditions listed in that guidance are as follows:
Eligible applicants: Basic Livelihood Security recipients residing in Gyeonggi Province and self-reliance preparation young adults specifically identified in Bucheon City's guidance. Basic Livelihood Security is South Korea's public assistance system for eligible low-income households.
Eligible housing: Property priced at 200 million won or less.
Maximum support: 300,000 won.
Application offices: The Civil Affairs and Land Registration Divisions of Bucheon's Wonmi, Sosa, and Ojeong districts.
Frequency limit: Once within two years, measured from the contract date.
These are the terms described for Bucheon City's program; they do not apply uniformly to all residents of Gyeonggi Province. Other areas, including Ansan City, also publish separate program guidance. Check the program applicable to your actual place of residence and the location of the property involved in the contract.
What Should You Check Before Applying?
To avoid confusing the former electronic contract voucher with local brokerage fee assistance programs, follow these steps:
1. Check the electronic contract system's notice: Review the closure notice for the former 50,000-won voucher and check the processing status of any application you submitted.
2. Check your contract details: Confirm the contract date, property location, transaction amount, and whether the agreement is a rental contract.
3. Search for local programs: Look for real estate brokerage fee assistance programs in your city or county's housing welfare information.
4. Check eligibility and required documents: Confirm the applicable income or public assistance requirements, age criteria, and required documents, such as receipts and the contract.
5. Contact the responsible local office: Confirm the application period and whether submissions are being accepted before applying.
Signing an electronic real estate contract does not automatically entitle you to separate financial assistance. You must meet the eligibility requirements and application conditions of the specific program.
