As part of the South Korean government´s five-year plan to improve living conditions for foreigners in the country, the Korea Investment Service Center and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy announced in October 2003 that it would begin drawing up measures to improve the housing conditions for foreign residents. The housing conditions in Korea are expected to be improved to the standard of other developed countries

As part of the new measures, the government plans to introduce standard housing contract forms that will be specifically used for foreigner residents. These forms will help to prevent previous issues of landlords refusing to repay "jeonse" deposits until after they find new tenants. This unfair practice often occurred even after the expiration of the rental contract.

Jeonse is a lump-sum deposit that is unique to Korea´s housing rental system. Instead of a monthly rent, jeonse is paid upfront and is refunded upon expiration of the contract. Often, landlords will demand upfront rent payment for the entire contract period and a deposit. With the new housing contract forms as well as the proposed measures in place, foreign tenants will be able to pay monthly rent and a 3-6 month returnable deposit. Real estate brokers that violate the new guidelines will be subject to restrictions and fines. The government will also designate real estate agents who meet the proper standards, such as language skills and insurance protection, to cater to foreign residents.

The new measures are expected to be implemented by early 2004. Other plans to facilitate housing for foreign residents include the establishment of a housing information center to mediate disputes as well as plans to build rental housing complexes in preferred areas for foreigners.