Even if you actually live in an officetel, it is often classified as a business facility rather than housing under Korean building law, making foreign tourist urban homestay registration difficult. Before operating Airbnb, you must check the building use on the building register, feasibility of change of use, residence hotel status, and penalties for unreported lodging business.
8/21/2026
Business registration at the tax office is not enough to operate an Airbnb-style accommodation in Korea. Before hosting, you need to check foreign tourist urban homestay registration, building use on the building register, whether officetels are allowed, apartment management rules, restrictions on domestic guests, and the visa status of foreign hosts.
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Columns are general guidance. Individual cases are reviewed after consultation.
8/21/2026
