We are seeing a lot of expats renting places for the 1st time and of course, they get suspicious and afraid of putting down a high deposit..  
Today, we will let you know that there is at least one of the most important tips to check when signing contract documents.  

In Korea, when you sign a contract in a reatlor office, the realtor should print out a deed(Officical titile) document from Korean Court website and show you first.  
There will be a block on the doucment, mostly at the last page, showing who is the real current offiicial ower of the place.  You need to make sure that the name as the official ownership on the document should match with the name on the lease agreement.  And besides, check the owner's Photo ID to check the names. 
If it doensn't match, the place will be either fraud, or sublease that still we don't let our clinets to sign up because it won't be fully safe for getting the deposit back. 

Some people find their places by themselves and directly go and sign with people who call themselves the owners of the places without showing the deed (Officical titile) document.  Who could realize that the person who signed with you was the actual owner without checking that document with his or her ID? 

Hopefully, you will check the above procedure just in case of you sign a place without any agent.  
But, strongly recommend to use a real eatae agent to your home renting and buying. 

Will contiure to other helpful tips for you. 

Stay safe.