If you are planning a trip, a semester abroad, or a digital nomad stint in Korea in 2026, you may have noticed a massive shift in the housing market.

Since October 2025, South Korea has significantly tightened regulations on short-term rentals, leading to a "Great Removal" of thousands of listings on global platforms like Airbnb as they aim to avoid any legal issue.

While these changes are meant to regulate the market, they have left many travelers and students in a difficult position. Here is what is happening and why choosing the right platform depending on your stay is now more important than ever.

The October 2025 Crackdown: What Changed?

Under current Korean law, short-term tourist rentals are only permitted in specific residential property types, such as detached houses, villas, or apartments.

The problem? Most of the convenient, modern housing in Seoul consists of Studio Apartments and Officetels. Legally, these are classified as commercial buildings, not residential homes. Starting in late 2025, the government began strictly enforcing the ban on these properties for short-term "hotel-style" stays for any host that do not own a professional license. As a result, Airbnb has proactively removed these listings to avoid legal penalties, leading to cancellations and a lack of affordable options for visitors.

The Momstay Difference: Legal, Licensed, and Stable

We understand why people love the "local living" experience, having your own kitchen, a private bathroom, and a neighborhood vibe. At Momstay, we provide diverse type of housing and within them studio and officetel can be found.

Here is how we differ from the standard short-term rental platforms:

1. We Specialize in Medium-to-Long Term Stays

The legal "gray area" mostly affects short-term tourists (stays under a week). At Momstay, our platform is designed for medium-to-long term stays, usually starting with a minimum of one week. By moving away from "nightly" tourism and focusing on "monthly" or "seasonal" housing, we operate under different legal regulations that allow for more stability.

2. Licensed Hosts & Legal Property Types

Unlike other platforms where anyone can list a room, Momstay hosts hold their own official Korean licenses. This allows them to legally operate studios and specialized student housing (like Goshiwons or Boarding Houses). When you book with us, you don't have to worry about your booking being cancelled by a regulator the night before you arrive due to sudden legal issue.

3. Real Housing Contracts for Your ARC (Alien Registration Card)

This is the biggest advantage for students and expats. If you are staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). To do this, the Immigration Office requires a formal Housing Contract.

Conclusion: Choose Peace of Mind

In the end for short trip and travel choose Airbnb but whether you want an independent studio in Mapo or a goshiwon in Sinchon for a few weeks or months, Momstay ensures your home in Korea is safe, and recognized by the government.

You can work or study in peace and live like a local!

Ready to find your home in Seoul? Browse our listings on Momstay