South Korea, a country known for its vibrant cities and deep-rooted traditions, is taking a bold step to reshape its urban tourism landscape. On October 11, 2025, the government announced significant changes to regulations governing urban guesthouses, opening the door for houses over 30 years old to be registered as homestays for foreign tourists—provided they meet strict safety standards. The move, reported by Baovanhoa and The Korea Times, is part of a broader strategy to accommodate a surge in international visitors and to preserve the nation’s architectural heritage.
This policy shift comes hot on the heels of the 10th National Tourism Strategy Conference, held at the end of September 2025. There, officials recognized that the country’s tourism sector was bouncing back with remarkable speed after the pandemic, and that both domestic and international demand for unique travel experiences was outpacing the supply of suitable accommodations. The old rules, which barred any house aged 30 years or more from registering as a tourist lodging—regardless of its condition—were seen as a bottleneck, preventing homeowners from capitalizing on their historic properties and limiting the diversity of options available to travelers.
Under the new regulations, local governments are now tasked with inspecting and assessing the safety of older homes. If necessary, architects or construction experts will be called in to evaluate the structural integrity and durability of these buildings. Only those that pass these rigorous checks will be allowed to operate as homestays for international tourists. According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the goal is to offer visitors “more diverse accommodation options and deeper cultural experiences through traditional houses in major cities.”
But safety isn’t the only area getting a facelift. The government is also overhauling language requirements for homestay operators. In the past, those wishing to host foreign guests had to prove their foreign language skills—often through standardized tests like the TOEIC, with a minimum required score of 760. For many would-be hosts, this was a significant hurdle. Now, the focus is shifting to practical support: operators can use translation apps, bilingual information boards, or any other technology that ensures guests have access to essential information about facilities, services, and local culture. As long as communication is effective, the language barrier is no longer a deal-breaker.
“We hope international tourists will have more varied and enriching cultural and accommodation experiences when staying at urban homestays,” a Ministry representative told The Korea Times. The sentiment is echoed by tourism officials who believe that these changes will lower barriers for local residents, making it easier for them to enter the hospitality market and share their homes—and by extension, their culture—with the world.
The timing of these reforms could hardly be better. South Korea is witnessing a tourism boom that few could have predicted just a few years ago. According to data from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), more than 13.2 million foreign visitors arrived in the country in the first eight months of 2025 alone—a staggering 68% jump compared to the same period last year. The government has set an ambitious target of 18.5 million international arrivals by the end of the year, and the KTO projects that this figure will surpass 20 million, setting a new record for the nation’s tourism industry. Looking further ahead, the government hopes to attract 30 million visitors by 2028, transforming tourism into a pillar of the national economy.
For many in the industry, the decision to allow older homes to serve as guesthouses is a win-win. Not only does it boost the supply of accommodation at a time of soaring demand, but it also offers a lifeline to traditional architecture that is slowly disappearing from modern cityscapes. Homeowners—especially those in urban centers like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon—can now tap into the growing market for authentic, culturally immersive stays. In turn, travelers gain the chance to experience South Korea’s heritage in a way that sterile hotels simply can’t provide.
Local governments, however, will need to tread carefully. They are now on the front lines of ensuring that safety standards are rigorously enforced. The new rules require them to check for any violations of building codes and, when necessary, consult with structural experts. It’s a delicate balancing act: opening up opportunities for economic growth and cultural preservation, while making sure that guest safety is never compromised.
The language reforms are equally significant. By scrapping the requirement for standardized language certificates, the government is making it more feasible for everyday citizens to participate in the tourism economy. Now, the ability to support guests practically—whether through technology or bilingual signage—is what matters most. This approach not only embraces the realities of modern communication but also reflects a broader trend in global tourism, where technology is increasingly used to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps.
Officials are optimistic that these changes will encourage more residents to open their homes to foreign visitors, fostering a spirit of hospitality and cultural exchange. As one Ministry official explained, “This change will reduce barriers and make it easier for residents to open urban homestays catering to foreign tourists.”
The impact of these reforms is already being felt on the ground. Streets in and around South Korea’s historic urban villages are bustling with tourists eager to soak up the local atmosphere. Long lines snake into landmarks like Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul, as both domestic and international travelers seek out authentic experiences. Travel bloggers, too, are playing their part—sharing colorful stories and unique discoveries that inspire would-be adventurers to explore the country’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and cuisine.
In the end, South Korea’s new approach to urban homestays isn’t just about numbers or regulations. It’s about breathing new life into old buildings, forging connections between locals and visitors, and ensuring that the country’s cultural heritage isn’t lost in the rush toward modernization. With these reforms, South Korea is signaling its intent to become not just a destination, but a place where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand—offering every traveler a story to remember.
