Jeonse, South Korea's lump-sum rental deposit system, is becoming markedly more expensive in Seoul's northern districts, where deposits for standard 84-square-meter apartments have reached 1 billion won or more. A new contract at Lotte Castle Clasia in Seongbuk District was signed at 1.1 billion won, while comparable units at Raemian Gireum Centerpiece and two Dongdaemun complexes also reached at least 1 billion won. Seoul apartment jeonse prices rose 7.79% through the 14th, compared with 1.66% during the same period last year, according to the Korea Real Estate Board. Seongbuk led Seoul's 25 districts with a 12.84% gain, followed by Nowon at 12.25% and Dongdaemun at 8.43%. The increase reflects a sharp contraction in new housing completions and tighter leasing supply. Citywide move-ins fell 31.9% to 25,281 units this year and are projected to decline to 18,682 next year. Occupancy requirements linked to lending curbs and land transaction permit zones are further reducing available rental listings, while demand remains strong around schools and private-education districts.