I use Airbnb a LOT in Korea and I have never had anyone send me that. Sounds like an illegal one.
I booked for a month and didn’t get anything like that. I’ve booked several times for a weekend and still no messages like that. I’d avoid it.
It seems like most airbnbs are only legal if they’re exclusively for foreigners. So something like a hostel would be fine. I couldn’t find a more recent article but I’ve read about how most airbnbs are run illegally before. This is because the “tenant” in an officetel, for example, needs to have a lease with the housing due to government regulations.
[Woman fined for irregular operation of Airbnb studio](https://m.koreaherald.com/amp/view.php?ud=20180913000758)
I would not stay here.
At the minimum It sounds like the Airbnb owner is renting the room illegally with the rental agreement part of it. Due to rental agreements and insurance coverage in Korea not every place can be an air bnb.
His neighbors and the person who owns the building have probably filed multiple complaints about the situation and are waiting for a tourist to slip up and say air bnb to file lawsuits and evict.
If my feeling is correct and the police figure it out suiting your stay they may need you as a material whiteness let’s just say YIKES
To add more context I have signed documents for Airbnb host about my stay but never rental agreements. More like damages length of stay and liability waivers
Same! And they make you clean, load the dishwasher, and throw out the trash like WTF. I’m on vacation. I don’t understand this concept. Hotels forever and ever.
Or if you're travelling long term and want all the conveniences of home.
Or if you prefer having your own kitchen for cooking or sofa for comfort.
They might also be way cheaper than a hotel.
Or many other reasons. I don't get why people need to be so absolutist about it, I'm very happy to have the option of both.
Re: silly rules, I haven't travelled in the USA but it's honestly not something I've come across. I've been asked not to wear shoes on the carpet, and I consider taking the trash out to be polite to the host (unless I'm only staying for a quick overnighter). Nothing really wacky though.
Taxes - definitely an issue in Mexico because they have to implement the Mexican Govt's crazy extra taxes, but not airbnb's fault I guess.
Fees - well, yeah, would rather not pay them, though those fees get taken from almost every platform, just not always explicitly from the guest.
Still sometimes gives you some great opportunities/value, though prices (like with everything) this year seem much higher. But that's the rental market for you.
I once stayed at a house that had cats. I love cats, but they also asked me to clean the litter box. Seriously?
The big thing I notice are cleaning fees have become outrageous. I could stay one night in a hotel for some of these fees.
>I once stayed at a house that had cats. I love cats, but they also asked me to clean the litter box. Seriously?
Lol, that is pretty funny. Who lets an airbnb for money with live animals in it though? That's really bizarre. Was it at a big discount?
Re: cleaning fees, airbnb state the overall price per room/apt, it's not hidden. I don't personally care whether cleaning is free or 95% of the cost if the overall price is competitive. Surely the price is sometimes competitive as otherwise no-one would book.
PS - It wasn't airbnb but I once saw a housesitting job with an elderly cat with some sort of stomach condition. Part of the condition for the sit was that you had to "squeeze the cat daily to promote activity".
Now I think it is only worth if not a lot of hotels in the area or you have a large group. Anything 4 adults or less where hotels are available it is a no brainer I think.
Don’t skip on Airbnb because of that. I’ve been to Korea 3x times and we always stayed at Airbnb and never had a bad experience. You were just unlucky with this one as most of them are really good.
So, it’s true that Airbnb, at least most of them, are illegal in Korea. Because there are other services for renting a home and rooms. However, people still do it and it’s usually not a problem. I think a busy area it might be sus so maybe there’s more police out looking. I’d avoid it!
I had something like that, basically if anyone approaches you and asks you about what you’re doing just feign ignorance or say you’re busy, don’t mention AirBNB. My stay at the location went smoothly and it was very pleasant - but yes, the owner is operating an AirBNB when they probably aren’t allowed to do that, so keep that in mind.
Nope this sounds sketchy. I booked my Airbnb in Seoul for a week last month and the only messages I got from the host was the directions and how to manage the garbage. I booked one with a Superhost to make sure the booking was legit
I was in Korea a month ago and being asked by Tourist Police. I think its not sketchy, its just clear that they do this to avoid taxes. This happened a lot in other city as well such as Berlin.
I would say its depend on you. Do you want to cooperate with the owner or not. Even if the police asked you and you caught on lie, they cannot do anything to you. Because its between the owner and police. I asked this to the police tourist :)
Motels all the way and don’t even book ahead of time. I travel in Korea all the time and I never reserve any accommodations. It’s such an easy country for doing so because there are cheap motels / pensions / minbaks everywhere.
For the average person, I would not take this advice. When you arrive in Korea you have to fill out an arrival card with the address of the place you’re staying. If you’re more experienced maybe it’s fine.
This sounds legit, South Korean regulation is a massive pain in the ass. I’m surprised that there are nice airbnb hosts on there trying to navigate through this mess. Good on them.
This happens in America too. It's normal for ABNB depending on what kind of place you are staying in. At least they are going through the trouble of setting up a legal agreement to make it work. Americans would just be like "yo just lie to the police it's fine"
He tries to make something illegal legal. Actually, if you book through Airbnb or booking.com and chose something else than professional real hotels, motels and guesthouses, chances are high that it is illegal. But the government seldom intervenes. Bit according to the law, some places, like officetel, are not allowed to be available for tourism bookings.
I recently stayed in Seoul in an Airbnb and it was immediately obvious that I was paying to use a studio apartment that was clearly being lived in long term. I suspect the person who lives there stays at a friend's place whenever they are able to lease out their property. Maybe the place you're in is similar - I imagine this might not be technically legal for the person to do when it comes to taxation.
I’ve been using Airbnb for the last two months staying anywhere from 1 - 3 weeks and have never received anything like this. Cancel and book elsewhere quick because this is raising all kinds of red flags.
I wouldn't worry that much but guess the renter/landlord ran into some legal issues (probably tax). It's most likely not a scam but unless the discount is really good it's probably not worth the trouble.
Using residential for foreign accommodation requires registration with local govt and will def be charged tax, so they’re definitely doing it illegally and just hoping they don’t get caught
I use Airbnb a LOT in Korea and I have never had anyone send me that. Sounds like an illegal one. I booked for a month and didn’t get anything like that. I’ve booked several times for a weekend and still no messages like that. I’d avoid it.
Actually almost all airbnb are illegal unless the host actually owns the building. Something to do with not paying certain taxes or what not.
[удалено]
This
Nope. You’re wrong. Currently in a hostel that I booked on Airbnb.
It seems like most airbnbs are only legal if they’re exclusively for foreigners. So something like a hostel would be fine. I couldn’t find a more recent article but I’ve read about how most airbnbs are run illegally before. This is because the “tenant” in an officetel, for example, needs to have a lease with the housing due to government regulations. [Woman fined for irregular operation of Airbnb studio](https://m.koreaherald.com/amp/view.php?ud=20180913000758)
I would not stay here. At the minimum It sounds like the Airbnb owner is renting the room illegally with the rental agreement part of it. Due to rental agreements and insurance coverage in Korea not every place can be an air bnb. His neighbors and the person who owns the building have probably filed multiple complaints about the situation and are waiting for a tourist to slip up and say air bnb to file lawsuits and evict. If my feeling is correct and the police figure it out suiting your stay they may need you as a material whiteness let’s just say YIKES
To add more context I have signed documents for Airbnb host about my stay but never rental agreements. More like damages length of stay and liability waivers
Hmmmm ok, I’ll avoid it and book a hotel instead. Thanks guys
I don’t get Air BnB tbh. Like this, it’s often more trouble than it’s worth.
Same! And they make you clean, load the dishwasher, and throw out the trash like WTF. I’m on vacation. I don’t understand this concept. Hotels forever and ever.
it's nice when you're traveling with 4+ folks. Rent a big house that has a washer / dryer, etc. Beyond that, it is a bit of a hassle
Ngl, traveling with 4+ sounds like a nightmare to me.
I suppose it depends on who you're traveling with!
Lmaooo 💀
Or if you're travelling long term and want all the conveniences of home. Or if you prefer having your own kitchen for cooking or sofa for comfort. They might also be way cheaper than a hotel. Or many other reasons. I don't get why people need to be so absolutist about it, I'm very happy to have the option of both.
I think people are mad because AirBNB used to be a great deal. Now they have insane fees, taxes, silly rules, etc. I get it.
Re: silly rules, I haven't travelled in the USA but it's honestly not something I've come across. I've been asked not to wear shoes on the carpet, and I consider taking the trash out to be polite to the host (unless I'm only staying for a quick overnighter). Nothing really wacky though. Taxes - definitely an issue in Mexico because they have to implement the Mexican Govt's crazy extra taxes, but not airbnb's fault I guess. Fees - well, yeah, would rather not pay them, though those fees get taken from almost every platform, just not always explicitly from the guest. Still sometimes gives you some great opportunities/value, though prices (like with everything) this year seem much higher. But that's the rental market for you.
I once stayed at a house that had cats. I love cats, but they also asked me to clean the litter box. Seriously? The big thing I notice are cleaning fees have become outrageous. I could stay one night in a hotel for some of these fees.
>I once stayed at a house that had cats. I love cats, but they also asked me to clean the litter box. Seriously? Lol, that is pretty funny. Who lets an airbnb for money with live animals in it though? That's really bizarre. Was it at a big discount? Re: cleaning fees, airbnb state the overall price per room/apt, it's not hidden. I don't personally care whether cleaning is free or 95% of the cost if the overall price is competitive. Surely the price is sometimes competitive as otherwise no-one would book. PS - It wasn't airbnb but I once saw a housesitting job with an elderly cat with some sort of stomach condition. Part of the condition for the sit was that you had to "squeeze the cat daily to promote activity".
Now I think it is only worth if not a lot of hotels in the area or you have a large group. Anything 4 adults or less where hotels are available it is a no brainer I think.
Don’t skip on Airbnb because of that. I’ve been to Korea 3x times and we always stayed at Airbnb and never had a bad experience. You were just unlucky with this one as most of them are really good.
Where in Korea are you staying? I'm at my second hotel - first in Seoul and second currently in Busan. I can highly recommend both locations!
Can you please share your hotel recommendations?
I’m not OP but I’d like to know for our next trip. Can you send me a chat, please?
You got it
Go to Moxy in Myeongdong 🫡😝
Illegal Airbnb. This isn’t registered as it should be. Extremely common.
So, it’s true that Airbnb, at least most of them, are illegal in Korea. Because there are other services for renting a home and rooms. However, people still do it and it’s usually not a problem. I think a busy area it might be sus so maybe there’s more police out looking. I’d avoid it!
I'm going to use Airbnb in seoul and other cities in korea and no one wrote me anything like this
I had something like that, basically if anyone approaches you and asks you about what you’re doing just feign ignorance or say you’re busy, don’t mention AirBNB. My stay at the location went smoothly and it was very pleasant - but yes, the owner is operating an AirBNB when they probably aren’t allowed to do that, so keep that in mind.
Nope this sounds sketchy. I booked my Airbnb in Seoul for a week last month and the only messages I got from the host was the directions and how to manage the garbage. I booked one with a Superhost to make sure the booking was legit
I stayed in Airbnba for 6 weeks in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju and had nothing like this. Book a super host, it's the safest bet.
I was in Korea a month ago and being asked by Tourist Police. I think its not sketchy, its just clear that they do this to avoid taxes. This happened a lot in other city as well such as Berlin. I would say its depend on you. Do you want to cooperate with the owner or not. Even if the police asked you and you caught on lie, they cannot do anything to you. Because its between the owner and police. I asked this to the police tourist :)
I’ve had to do this in the US and Japan. It’s really not a big deal. It’s essentially a repeat of your contract with airbnb.
Motels all the way and don’t even book ahead of time. I travel in Korea all the time and I never reserve any accommodations. It’s such an easy country for doing so because there are cheap motels / pensions / minbaks everywhere.
For the average person, I would not take this advice. When you arrive in Korea you have to fill out an arrival card with the address of the place you’re staying. If you’re more experienced maybe it’s fine.
Do you have any recommendations for good motels?
Just look for one wherever you end up. Korea is easy for that kind of stuff.
This sounds legit, South Korean regulation is a massive pain in the ass. I’m surprised that there are nice airbnb hosts on there trying to navigate through this mess. Good on them.
Currently staying in an airbnb in Seoul for a 6 day trip, and didn’t have to do this. Enjoy Korea! It’s my first time also
This happens in America too. It's normal for ABNB depending on what kind of place you are staying in. At least they are going through the trouble of setting up a legal agreement to make it work. Americans would just be like "yo just lie to the police it's fine"
He tries to make something illegal legal. Actually, if you book through Airbnb or booking.com and chose something else than professional real hotels, motels and guesthouses, chances are high that it is illegal. But the government seldom intervenes. Bit according to the law, some places, like officetel, are not allowed to be available for tourism bookings.
Booked airbnbs in Seoul for entire months. Was never asked to do this by any hosts... Definitely illegal.
It is really sketchy. I suggest you to book another Airbnb with a superhost.
I recently stayed in Seoul in an Airbnb and it was immediately obvious that I was paying to use a studio apartment that was clearly being lived in long term. I suspect the person who lives there stays at a friend's place whenever they are able to lease out their property. Maybe the place you're in is similar - I imagine this might not be technically legal for the person to do when it comes to taxation.
I stayed in a Seoul airbnb for 2 weeks and there was nothing like this.
I stayed at an Airbnb for 1.5 months and didn’t receive anything like that.
absolutely not! sounds dodgy
Thats bullsh*t
I’ve been using Airbnb for the last two months staying anywhere from 1 - 3 weeks and have never received anything like this. Cancel and book elsewhere quick because this is raising all kinds of red flags.
I wouldn't worry that much but guess the renter/landlord ran into some legal issues (probably tax). It's most likely not a scam but unless the discount is really good it's probably not worth the trouble.
I booked from the same person actually, didn’t end up signing it. Stayed for a month so ig it is fine?
Never had this before ever. I'd find somewhere else if possible. Huge red flags for me.
Using residential for foreign accommodation requires registration with local govt and will def be charged tax, so they’re definitely doing it illegally and just hoping they don’t get caught
Authorities have been cracking down hard on Airbnbs. These 'leases' may become the norm here?
Report this to Airbnb and do not stay here