Airbnb Isn’t Your Only Option: A Clear Guide to Short-Term Rentals in Korea (and a Better Alternative)

If you’re trying to find a short-term rental in Korea, chances are your first stop was Airbnb. And if you searched a little deeper, you may have come across confusing discussions like “Is Airbnb illegal in Korea?” or “Why do some hosts ask you to avoid the front desk?”

You’re not alone—many visitors, expats, students, and remote workers experience the same confusion. Korea’s short-term rental landscape works differently from many other countries, and the information online can feel scattered or contradictory.

This guide breaks everything down clearly—and introduces a safer, simpler alternative for living comfortably in Korea, especially for stays of a month or longer.

1. Why Airbnb Feels Confusing in Korea

Airbnb itself isn’t illegal in Korea.
But many types of homes listed on Airbnb cannot legally operate as short-term rentals, especially if they are standard residential apartments or officetels being used without proper permits.

This mismatch creates the confusion you often hear about. Here’s what’s happening:

1) Some buildings simply aren’t allowed to host short-term stays

Korean housing laws restrict short-term rentals in:

• Regular apartments

• Residential officetels

• Homes without a tourism license

This means many Airbnb listings may technically violate building or municipal regulations.

2) Guests often feel “nervous” during check-in

Because of the restrictions above, some hosts ask guests:

• Not to speak with the building guard

• To say they are “visiting a friend”

• To avoid using the front desk altogether

This feels uncomfortable—not the experience you want when arriving in a new country.

3) Long stays become surprisingly expensive

Airbnb is ideal for short vacations, but for 30 nights or more:

• Discounts vary greatly

• Cleaning fees add up

• Prices often surpass local rental options

For long-term living—like a workation, remote work stay, or a one-month immersion—Airbnb often isn’t optimized.

2. So What Are Your Options? The Short-Term Rental Landscape in Korea

Short-term stays in Korea fall into a few categories:

✔ Hotels & Residences

Great for short trips but costly for multi-week stays.

✔ Co-living Spaces

Affordable and community-based, though privacy varies.

✔ Short-term officetel rentals

A popular choice for students, remote workers, and visitors who want a private home-style space.

✔ Specialized platforms (like LiveAnywhere)

Offering legal, fully furnished, move-in-ready homes for stays of one month to several months.

This last category is where many long-term visitors find the best balance of comfort, legality, and affordability.

3. Meet LiveAnywhere: A Safer, Simpler Alternative to Airbnb for Korea

LiveAnywhere is a dedicated short-term rental platform built specifically for people who want to live in Korea—not just visit.

⭐ 100% legal stays

All properties listed on LiveAnywhere are legally permitted for short-term rentals.
No awkward check-ins, no worrying about building staff, and no risk of last-minute cancellations.

⭐ Made for monthly living

Unlike vacation rentals, each home includes:

• Full furnishings

• Reliable Wi-Fi

• Laundry & kitchen setups

• Work-friendly environments

Ideal for:

• Remote workers

• Digital nomads

• Students

• People relocating or exploring neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease

⭐ Predictable, transparent pricing

Monthly discounts are built in, with no surprise cleaning fees or service charges.

⭐ Smooth, hotel-like check-in

Every building supports legitimate short-term use—so you can check in confidently, any time of day.

4. Airbnb vs. LiveAnywhere: A Quick Comparison

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb illegal in Korea?

Not exactly. But many residential units listed on Airbnb operate without proper authorization, which creates uncertainty for guests.

Can foreigners use LiveAnywhere?

Absolutely. The platform is designed for both Koreans and international visitors.

Is LiveAnywhere cheaper than Airbnb for long stays?

In most cases, yes. Prices are structured specifically for monthly or multi-month stays.

Do I need a Korean phone number or bank account?

No. Bookings and payments can be made online just like any international platform.

6. Final Thoughts: You Have More Options Than You Think

The truth is simple:
Airbnb isn’t your only choice for staying in Korea—and often, it’s not the best one for longer stays.

If you want a place where you can:

• Feel safe

• Live comfortably

• Work remotely

• Settle in for a month or more

• Avoid legal gray areas

Then LiveAnywhere offers a smoother, more reliable experience.

👉 Explore fully furnished, legal monthly homes across Korea—designed for people who want to live, not just visit.