Seoul launches real estate service for foreigners

By Kim Boram
SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Yonhap) -- Seoul's metropolitan government on Tuesday announced a
list of 20 "international" realtors that can offer various real estate services
to foreigners in English and other languages.
The 20 realtors, located in 10 areas of the capital where many foreign people
reside, will be given a plate of "Certified Real Estate Agent for Foreigners,"
officials said. Half of them are in Yongsan-gu, home to Seoul's international
shopping district Itaewon, and three are in Seocho-gu, southern Seoul, they said.
Foreign residents who want to rent a house will be assisted by the agents who can
speak fluent English and draw English-written contracts. Some agencies offer
French, Japanese, Chinese or Arabic services besides English.
"We designated real estate brokers who have three-year's experience in the field
and good command of foreign languages," a metropolitan government official said.
"We plan to publish a pamphlet introducing Seoul's real estate transactions for
foreigners," he said, adding the list of international realtors is available at
the municipal government's global website (http://global.seoul.go.kr).
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)