More Than a Room” | The Story of Sora, Building a Welcoming Space for International Students
Introduction and How It Began
Q. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you started hosting?
A. My name is Sora, and I work in product planning for a fashion brand. Alongside that, I manage around four short-term rental stays, including ones listed on Enkostay.
Hosting Routine: “Creating Atmosphere”
Q. What are some of the regular things you do as a host?
A. I spend a lot of time on interior details and atmosphere. Even if I can’t replace furniture, I regularly change small décor items to give the space a fresh feeling.
Experiences with International Guests
Q. Are there any memorable stories with international guests?
A. I’ve rarely had problems with language differences, but sometimes cultural habits stand out. For example, some guests wore bathroom slippers into the living areas, and one guest asked if I could provide extra pillows because they always used more than one at home. These small moments were fun and memorable.
Q. Is there anything you’d like to say to international guests?
A. I hope you can feel comfortable and at ease while staying here, and that your time in Korea becomes a special memory.
The Reality and Joy of Hosting
Q. What has been the most difficult part of hosting?
A. Maintenance is the hardest part. When something breaks or there’s a leak, I have to handle it right away, especially if someone is already living in the space. In those cases, being careful and considerate in how I respond is very important.
Q. What has been the most rewarding moment?
A. When guests leave a short thank-you note in Korean or write a long message in English, I feel deeply touched. One guest, who said they were a cosmetics company CEO, even gave me products from their own brand as a gift. These gestures make hosting truly rewarding.
Looking Ahead
Q. Do you have any plans or dreams for the future?
A. One day, I’d like to try running a small co-living house. It’s still just an idea, but my goal is to create a space that offers guests more than just accommodation—a place that feels meaningful and memorable.ㄹ