Airbnb's Strict New Rules in South Korea: Travelers Urged to Book Wisely

Upcoming registration checks could leave many tourists without accommodation if hosts fail to comply.

Global accommodation platform Airbnb's South Korean branch has announced a significant policy change, implementing its most stringent business registration review for all listings within the country. Starting October 16, 2025, existing listings that have not completed the legal registration process will be removed from the platform beginning January 1, 2026.

Airbnb emphasized that this measure is not mandated by South Korean law but is a voluntary decision aimed at fostering trust with travelers. This move comes as a response to ongoing issues with illegal operations and aims to cultivate a more robust accommodation culture.

Reports indicate that as of the end of 2024, there were a total of 72,400 registered Airbnb listings in South Korea. Approximately half of these, around 36,000, are shared accommodations such as apartments and officetels. However, only 7,200 listings have successfully completed the legal registration for foreign tourist city guesthouses and similar accommodations. This suggests that a substantial 80%, or about 29,000 listings, may have been operating without proper legal registration.

Initially, Airbnb reportedly considered delisting unregistered properties in October. However, considering the high demand for tourism during the peak season towards the end of the year, the deadline for delisting has been extended to January 2026.

This policy shift could directly impact Taiwanese travelers planning trips to South Korea. If a traveler has already booked a listing, and the host fails to complete the registration process by the October 16 deadline, the listing may be forcibly removed. This could lead to a situation where travelers arrive in South Korea and find themselves without accommodation.

To avoid potential travel disruptions, experts advise consumers to prioritize listings on Airbnb that clearly display business registration details below the property information. Alternatively, travelers may consider booking through other platforms to ensure their accommodation rights are protected.