When money starts moving

Hey cuz,

One thing that caught me off guard when I returned to Korea was how quickly the money starts moving once both sides say yes. And how the whole process asks for your attention in multiple stages.

A small holding deposit first. Then suddenly contract day arrives and larger numbers start wiring around. Then sometimes some more in the middle. Almost like both sides checking, “Are we still good?” Finally the balance on move-in day.

The structure itself is actually pretty simple. What surprises people more is the pace and commitment feeling behind it.

• 가계약금 (holding deposit): 1% or small amount
• 계약금 (contract deposit): 10%. Holding deposit counts here.
• 중도금 (interim payment, optional): 40% or varies
• 잔금 (final payment): remainder

One thing that seems to help people is treating each payment like a mental checkpoint. Because each one changes the psychological temperature of the deal a little.

가계약금 pauses the listing.
계약금 locks commitment.
중도금 increases exposure.
잔금 day is the handoff moment.

Money finishes moving. Keys move. Possession moves. Rights and responsibilities turn on.

It's completely normal to feel exhausted during the process.

The commitment gradually hardens in stages. And if the deal keeps moving forward, eventually both sides know the answer.

Stay steady,
--JK