From Songpa to Hongdae | The Story of Suyeon, Growing a Stay Together with Her Spouse

Introducing Suyeon

Q. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how you started hosting?

A. Hello, my name is Suyeon. I have a full-time job, but I also run short-term rentals together with my spouse. I usually handle the management, while my spouse helps with setting up and decorating the spaces.

Hosting Experiences: “Unexpected Things Always Happen, But You Learn by Responding”

Q. Have there been any unexpected incidents?

A. Yes, one tenant got locked inside their room on the very first day because the door lock broke. I had to call a locksmith, and since it was late at night, the tenant ended up stuck for two to three hours. I felt so sorry for the inconvenience. There have also been sudden issues like air conditioner breakdowns or water leaks. No matter how much you prepare, unexpected situations always come up, and hosting teaches you to handle them as they arise.

Welcoming International Guests

Q. What have you noticed when hosting international tenants?

A. At first, I worried about cultural and language differences. But in practice, there were no major problems. Sometimes they were unfamiliar with daily routines like recycling or using the washing machine, so I provided extra guidance there.

Q. Is there anything you’d like to share with international guests?

A. I’d like to encourage guests to look carefully at the photos when choosing a home. Sometimes the pictures look nice, but the building may be older in reality. If you can’t visit in person, it’s always a good idea to ask for additional photos to avoid disappointment. That way, you can make a choice you’ll feel comfortable with.

The Reality and Rewards of Hosting: “Hearing ‘It Was Better Than I Expected’”

Q. What has been the most challenging aspect of hosting?

A. Maintenance is the hardest part. When something breaks unexpectedly, you have to fix it while the tenant is still living there, and arranging the timing can be tricky. Especially for women living alone, even scheduling a visit requires extra sensitivity.

Q. What has been the most rewarding moment?

A. When tenants leave and say, “It was even better than I expected,” I feel the most fulfilled. Sometimes they leave a handwritten note as well, and that gives me the greatest sense of reward as a host.