Airbnb Korea addresses misconceptions about its platform and business model
Last week, Airbnb Korea published a compelling booklet titled "Five Truths About Airbnb." It tackles head-on some persistent misconceptions about the platform in Korea.
You can download the full booklet here.
Let's walk through Airbnb's responses to five common misunderstandings:
■ Misconception: Legality
In July, Airbnb announced mandatory compliance measures — only properties with proper business registration can be listed on the platform.
Unregistered listings will be removed in phases starting this October. By October 2025, only properties that have submitted registration information and certificates will appear on Airbnb.
For detailed Q&A, see this article. One quote from Seo Ga-yeon, Airbnb Korea Country Manager, particularly stood out.
■ Misconception: Safety
Airbnb operates as a trust-based community. Rigorous safety protocols — including identity verification — protect both hosts and guests.
Globally in 2023, safety-related reports accounted for less than 0.1% of all stays.
■ Truth: Job Creation and Economic Contribution
Airbnb has created 68,000 jobs in Korea. Retirees, parents, and people from diverse backgrounds earn income through hosting.
The platform contributed approximately ₩3.9 trillion to Korea's GDP — about 5% of the tourism industry's total GDP contribution.
■ Misconception: Competition with Traditional Lodging
Rather than competing directly with traditional hotels, Airbnb expands the overall travel and accommodation market while revitalizing local economies.
Airbnb explains in the booklet: "We've carved out a new market by offering home-like amenities — kitchens, laundry — and more space than hotels, at price points comparable to 1–3 star hotels."
■ Truth: Supporting Korea's Tourism Industry
Airbnb is helping Korea reach its goal of attracting 30 million international visitors. By distributing demand to rural and non-urban areas, it's driving balanced tourism growth across the country.
That wraps up our summary of Airbnb's five key points. ONDA has spent years building mutual trust by connecting Airbnb with legal, compliant properties.
We'll keep working to build an accommodation ecosystem where Airbnb, hosts, and guests all thrive together.