Have you ever been caught off guard when you went to see a place and the landlord asked, 'Do you have a guarantor?' This often happens to foreigners. I'll explain why that happens and share practical ways to find a room without a guarantor. ## Why is a guarantor required? Landlords worry about legal costs that can arise when returning the deposit, dealing with unpaid rent, or asking tenants to vacate. If communication breaks down or contact is lost, it's harder to resolve, and because court and enforcement costs are involved they want a guarantor who will take responsibility on their behalf. ## Realistic alternatives for renting without a guarantor 1) Propose signing lease/rent guarantee insurance: if an insurer guarantees the contract, the landlord will be reassured. Check with the Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) or the Korea Housing Finance Corporation (HF). You’ll need to pay insurance premiums and undergo screening. 2) Show trust with documents: prepare your passport, visa, employment certificate and bank transaction records, and persuade them by prepaying several months' rent or offering a higher part of the deposit. 3) Other housing options: move into a share house, school dormitory, serviced residence or short-term rental first to buy time. Make sure to sign the contract and check the terms through a licensed real estate agent.