Foreign Tourist Urban Guesthouse Registration in Korea — 2026 Guide

1. What Is an Urban Guesthouse?

A foreign tourist urban guesthouse (외국인관광 도시민박업) allows homeowners to host foreign tourists in their primary residence. Regulated under the Tourism Promotion Act, it is the legal framework for Airbnb-style short-term rentals to international guests.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• The host must actually reside in the property (owner-occupancy required)
• Property must be a registered residential building
• Only foreign tourists may be hosted (not domestic guests)
• No more than the number of rooms specified in the registration

3. Facility and Safety Requirements

• Fire extinguisher and smoke detector in each guest room
• Emergency exit markings
• Basic kitchen and bathroom facilities
• Separate entrance or lockbox for guest access is recommended

4. Required Documents

• Application form
• Proof of residence (copy of resident registration)
• Building register extract (건축물대장)
• Fire safety inspection report
• Floor plan

5. Application Procedure

1. Submit to the local district office (구청)
2. On-site inspection by fire and tourism officials
3. Registration certificate issued (approx. 7–14 business days)

6. Operating Rules

• Foreign guest passports must be recorded within 24 hours of check-in
• Maximum stay per guest: 30 days
• Prohibited: signage that looks like a hotel, hosting domestic Korean guests
• Income is subject to rental income tax