Airbnb Has Announced the Removal of Illegal Accommodations in South Korea

The Home-sharing Platform Airbnb Has Announced The Removal of Illegal Accommodations In South Korea, Signaling Plans To Strengthen Its Presence in The Domestic Market

Starting from October 2024, accommodations without a business registration certificate will be removed from the platform, although a grace period will be given for existing listings. From October 2, 2024, Airbnb will require newly listed properties on the platform to submit a business registration certificate. As a result of this measure, officetels, which cannot register as lodging businesses, will no longer be allowed to operate on Airbnb.

Airbnb first entered the South Korean market in 2014 and has been in operation for ten years. While staying at an Airbnb property is not entirely illegal, the controversy over illegal use by locals has persisted. In major cities across the country, operating a home-sharing business is only permitted for those registered under the ‘Foreign Tourist City Accommodation’ as per the Tourism Promotion Act.  This means locals cannot use these accommodations, and only foreigners can be accepted as guests. Additionally, the property must be the owner’s primary residence. Thus, officetels, which are not classified as residential properties, cannot be registered as lodging facilities, and apartment use requires consent from neighboring residents. Unless the South Korean government changes the regulations, domestic use remains prohibited.

Meanwhile, an Airbnb spokesperson emphasized the company’s plan to comply with regulations while also raising the need for regulatory relaxation by the government. The spokesperson stated, “In South Korea, accommodation businesses are only allowed for owner-occupied properties, which is among the strictest in the world.” They urged for relaxation of lodging regulations, considering goals such as attracting tourists.

Data form Hankyoreh

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