“Just Start” | The Story of Kim Eun-kyung, a Mother of Two Who Became an Enkostay Host
From Traditional Leasing to Mid-term Hosting: “Less Time, More Stability”
Q. Please introduce yourself and tell us how you started hosting.
When my kids started elementary school, it became harder to work long hours. I wondered if there was a way to operate with less of my time while still maintaining stability. Since I already had rental experience, naturally I turned to mid- and long-term rentals. I first began with platforms targeting Koreans, and when contracts were quickly signed, I realized the demand for temporary housing was much larger than I had expected. That gave me confidence to continue.
Why Enkostay? “Foreigners Need That Connection Too”
Q. Why did you choose Enkostay? What has your experience been like?
When I lived abroad for a few months, I also had to find housing, so I knew foreigners coming to Korea would need the same kind of reliable connection. I even consulted lawyers, administrative offices, and local authorities like the district office and LH(Korea Land and Housing Corporation), but none could give me a clear answer on long-term foreigner rentals.
Through blogs and community groups, I found Enkostay and was impressed that it focused on foreign tenants. What I appreciate most is the platform’s stability: most stays are long-term contracts, and Enkostay responds immediately when issues arise. That reliability is why I now use Enkostay as my main channel.
Hosting Foreign Guests: “Much Easier Than Expected”
Q. What do you usually do in your day-to-day hosting routine?
Honestly, there isn’t much I need to do. Once a reservation is confirmed, Enkostay automatically sends the necessary messages. My role is simply to confirm the contract. Since most guests stay long-term, there isn’t much maintenance either.
Q. How has your experience been with foreign guests? What was the most rewarding moment?
Foreign guests are often easier to host than expected. They keep to their contracts, live cleanly, and rarely raise unnecessary issues. Sometimes they ask about recycling or basic house rules, but that’s about it. One memorable moment was reading a review that said: “This was my first home in Korea, and I lived happily here.” That line reminded me this work is about more than income, it’s about being part of someone’s meaningful chapter in Korea.
Q. Any cultural or language challenges?
Not much. The biggest was when a guest ordered bedding online and listed my phone number for delivery, so the courier called me! It was surprising, but I found it rather cute in the end.
Looking Ahead
Q. How would you like guests to remember your stays?
I hope they remember it as a safe, comfortable, and affordable home in Korea, more than just a place to stay, but their first real “home away from home.”
Q. Any future plans?
Yes, I want to continue expanding. I currently operate four properties and am preparing to open a fifth.
