Q. Jeonse / monthly rent / purchase — which wins?
It depends on horizon, interest rates, price appreciation, and opportunity cost. Purchase tends to win above 5-year stays; renting is safer for 1-3 years.
Q. What is jeonse opportunity cost?
The return you could have earned investing the lump-sum deposit elsewhere (typically 3-5%). The calculator adds it to the jeonse total.
Q. Doesn't falling home prices ruin buying?
Yes. The simulator uses your inputted price appreciation. Run a -3 to -5% scenario to stress-test.
Q. How big are acquisition + property taxes?
Acquisition tax: 1-3% of purchase price (Seoul >KRW 600M = 2%, >KRW 900M = 3%). Property tax: 0.1-0.6%/yr of assessed value. Combined, 5 years = ~3-5% of price in tax.
Q. How are mortgage interest payments handled?
Add the loan amount and rate — monthly interest is added to total purchase cost. For variable rates, add ~1pp as a buffer.
Q. Does monthly-rent deposit count as opportunity cost too?
Yes. Any deposit (jeonse or rent) accrues opportunity cost. KRW 100M at 4% = KRW 4M/year added to rental cost.
