Yes, there are national and local requirements for permits, licenses, and registrations for short-term rentals in South Korea. These regulations ensure that short-term rental properties comply with safety, health, and zoning standards. Here’s an overview of the key requirements:

Business Registration:

Hosts operating short-term rentals may need to register their rental business with the National Tax Service (NTS). This registration is necessary for tax purposes, including income tax and, if applicable, VAT.

Tourism Promotion Act:

The act may require certain types of accommodations, especially those marketed towards international tourists, to be registered with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. This ensures compliance with standards aimed at promoting tourism and protecting guests.

In South Korea, operating a short-term rental typically requires the landlord's consent, as most lease agreements prohibit subletting without permission. Additionally, local government regulations may apply, and it's advisable to consult with the relevant municipal authorities to ensure compliance. Informing neighbors can help maintain good relations, though it's not legally mandated.

Income from minbak operations must be reported and taxed. Additional local taxes may apply depending on the location.

In South Korea, rental income is subject to income tax (6-45% progressive rates) and may also be subject to 10% VAT if the rental is considered a tourist accommodation service and the provider is VAT-registered. Specific income tax provisions or deductions may apply.

In South Korea, there is no specific national tourist tax imposed on short-term rentals. However, the country has established the Tourism Promotion and Development Fund, managed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to support tourism-related initiatives.

While short-term rental hosts are not directly required to contribute to this fund, they must comply with general tax obligations, including income tax on rental earnings. Additionally, certain accommodations may be subject to value-added tax (VAT). It's important to note that foreign tourists staying in certified hotels for less than 30 days can benefit from a VAT refund on accommodation expenses.

Airbnb and Other Platforms: South Korea requires that operators of short-term rentals, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb, report their rental activities to the government. This involves submitting details about the rental properties and sometimes about the guests. For example, operators must report foreign guest details to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), including information like nationality and passport numbers, which is part of broader efforts to monitor and manage tourism impacts.

Compliance with safety and hygiene standards is mandatory. This includes regular inspections and meeting specific criteria set out by local health and safety ordinances.

South Korea requires that operators of short-term rentals, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb, report their rental activities to the government. This involves submitting details about the rental properties and sometimes about the guests. For example, operators must report foreign guest details to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), including information like nationality and passport numbers, which is part of broader efforts to monitor and manage tourism impacts.

In South Korea, there is no comprehensive anti-discrimination law that specifically addresses short-term rentals. However, the Constitution and various sector-specific laws prohibit discrimination based on factors such as sex, religion, and social status. While these laws are primarily focused on employment and other areas, they reflect a broader societal commitment to equality. As such, hosts offering short-term rentals should adhere to these principles, ensuring fair and equal treatment of all guests to align with the nation's anti-discrimination stance.

While there are no specific data-sharing requirements unique to short-term rentals, hosts should be aware of general data localization laws in South Korea. Certain types of personal data may be required to be stored within the country, especially in contexts like national security, finance, and medical information.

It's advisable for hosts to consult with legal professionals or relevant authorities to ensure full compliance with data protection laws and regulations

While there isn't a specific "national insurance" solely for short-term rentals, the National Pension and National Health Insurance schemes are relevant for those operating in this sector.

If you are operating short-term rentals as a business, you may have obligations to contribute to these schemes.

It's advisable to consult with a tax advisor or social security expert in South Korea to determine your specific obligations regarding national insurance based on your individual circumstances.

Zoning Laws: Zoning regulations determine where short-term rentals can operate. Some areas may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, particularly in residential zones.

Protection of cultural properties:South Korea has laws to protect designated cultural heritage sites and properties. If a property listed for short-term rental is a designated cultural property, specific restrictions may apply regarding alterations or commercial use.

South Korean Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are subject to several environmental regulations. Key areas of focus include: strict waste management practices requiring separation and proper disposal of recyclables, food waste, and general waste; adherence to energy efficiency standards, with government incentives available for energy-efficient upgrades; encouragement of water conservation through the use of low-flow fixtures and potential local rebates; and adherence to noise pollution limits, with fines possible for excessive noise, especially in residential areas. These regulations, while potentially varying by locality, aim to minimize the environmental impact of STR operations.

In South Korea, there is no single national tenant protection law that specifically targets short-term rentals. However, there are various laws and regulations that provide some level of protection for tenants in short-term rental situations. The main laws governing rentals in South Korea are:

The Housing Lease Protection Act (, Jutaek Lease Hoan Bub): This law provides general protections for tenants in long-term rentals, including requirements for written leases, security deposits, and eviction procedures.

Yes, foreigners who rent out their properties on short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb must comply with reporting requirements set by the Korean government. According to the Ministry of Justice, as of 2022, there are approximately 23,000 foreign-owned properties in South Korea that are rented out on short-term basis, with 70% of them being listed on Airbnb. As of January 2020, foreigners who rent out their properties for less than 90 days per year are required to report their rental income to the National Tax Service and pay a withholding tax of 10-20% on their rental income.

General Laws: Platforms like Airbnb are subject to general South Korean laws, including:

Electronic Commerce Act: This act governs online transactions and requires platforms to provide clear information to users.

Consumer Protection Laws: Platforms must ensure fair practices and protect consumer rights.

Data Protection Laws: Platforms must comply with data privacy laws when handling user data.

South Korea's Framework Act on Consumers protects short-term rental guests from misleading advertising, unfair contract terms, and ensures their right to accurate information. Hosts can be liable for damages, and disputes can be mediated by the Consumer Dispute Resolution Committee. The Fair Trade Commission enforces these laws

Non-resident property owners in South Korea must comply with several laws. The Foreign Investment Promotion Act allows foreign ownership but mandates property registration within 60 days of purchase. Rental agreements are governed by the Housing Lease Protection Act (protecting tenant rights) and the Civil Code (covering contract terms). Taxation includes income tax on rental income, capital gains tax on sales (potentially higher for non-residents), and annual property tax. Reporting property transactions and income to tax authorities is mandatory, and double taxation treaties may offer relief. Appointing a local representative or using a property management company is often advisable for handling legal and administrative matters.

South Korea's short-term rentals are broadly categorized as:

Minbak: Traditional Korean guesthouses/homestays.

Pension: Small, family-run lodgings with private rooms.

Guesthouse: Larger establishments with private rooms and shared facilities.

Short-Term Rental (STRL): A general term encompassing various short-term accommodations (apartments, houses, etc.).

The 2019 "Short-Term Rental Business Act" mandates registration and compliance for operators.

During national events in South Korea, existing regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) regarding noise, public order, and building safety may be more strictly enforced. Local authorities might also implement temporary measures affecting STR operations. It's crucial for hosts to stay informed about local announcements and ensure guest compliance with regulations.

Penalties for violating South Korean short-term rental rules vary but can include fines, business suspension, or even criminal charges depending on the severity and nature of the violation (e.g., operating without registration, tax evasion, safety violations).