Host Introduction & Background
Q. Please briefly introduce yourselves and tell us how you began hosting.
We are a couple running a women-only stay in Hongdae.
Jinwook Park (Host): For years in business, I kept thinking, “It’s a waste to just pay rent to the landlord every month.” Since owning a building wasn’t an option, I looked for a stable business item that could generate steady income, and that’s how I started hosting.
Hyejung Kim (Host): I worked in a company for a long time, but I was thinking about a new challenge. Watching a friend successfully operate a premium boarding house gave me confidence. I thought, “I can do this too,” and decided to start together with my husband.
Q. What were your expectations and concerns when you first decided to operate the stay?
A. We expected stable income and more freedom with our time. The concerns were renovation and permit issues, as well as risks from guest management. But honestly, the biggest worry was not being able to do this business at all.
Connection with Enkostay
Q. Why did you choose Enkostay among other platforms? What was your experience with hosting on our platform?
A. We actually had ties with Enkostay even before we opened. Their sales team once visited us directly. Right after registering as hosts on Enkostay, our very first contract was completed.
We used multiple platforms, but Enkostay was the fastest, and the contract terms were clear, so vacancy risks decreased. In boarding houses, move-out periods often aren’t fixed, leading to sudden vacancies. With Enkostay, that problem didn’t exist. Also, the fact that Enkostay would mediate if any issue arose, even without deposits, gave us peace of mind. In practice, no major issues occurred, and many foreign guests booked with us. Nowadays, even when guests contact us directly, we guide them to sign contracts through Enkostay.
Meeting Foreign Guests
Q. How was it welcoming your first foreign guest?
A. It was all excitement and curiosity. We wondered, “What kind of student will come? How will they adapt to life in Korea?” Meeting them in person, we were impressed by their energy and positivity, it gave us energy, too.
Foreign guests usually have a strong willingness to learn about Korea. They check even small details carefully and act thoughtfully. Even when things felt unfamiliar due to cultural differences, they would ask questions and try to find solutions. That mindset impressed us, making them feel more like partners adapting together rather than just tenants.
Q. Did you experience any language or cultural challenges?
A. Yes, mostly from cultural differences. For example, waste separation. In Korea it’s basic, but many foreign guests didn’t know, so we had to guide them several times. Some also struggled with digital door locks. But those moments often turned into opportunities to connect. Through translation apps or simple English, we would laugh together and become closer.
Q. Is there something you’d like to say directly to foreign guests?
A. Definitely: “If you feel uncomfortable or have questions, please let us know anytime. We’re always ready to help.”
Once, during a fire safety inspection, we had to keep the door open all day. We didn’t explain enough, and one guest sent us a long message about their discomfort. That’s when we realized: “They may feel uncomfortable but not always express it right away.” We gave them an Olive Young gift card as an apology and learned the importance of open communication. Since then, we always encourage guests to reach out immediately.
Daily Hosting Life
Q. What’s your daily routine as hosts?
A. Our mornings always start with guests in mind. We check messages first thing, making sure no one was uncomfortable overnight. Then we review CCTV for common spaces to see if any issues arose. Trash disposal and cleanliness checks are part of our daily routine. We believe that caring for these small details is the foundation of guest comfort.
Q. Any memorable stories?
A. Many. Guests have left thank-you notes, small gifts, or even shared food. A guest from Taiwan once cooked japchae to show us their thanks. Others left handwritten letters when moving out. Those moments remind us that we’re not just renting rooms, we’re sharing experiences.
Challenges and Rewards
Q. What has been the hardest part of operating your stay?
A. Scheduling. Using multiple platforms means juggling reservations, and when check-ins and check-outs pile up on the same day, it’s exhausting to clean, prepare, and greet all at once.
Some platforms allowed guests to say, “I’ll try for a month and then decide,” which made vacancy management stressful. But with Enkostay, move-in and move-out dates were fixed, eliminating that uncertainty. That difference was huge for us as operators.
Q. What has been the most rewarding moment?
A. When guests express their appreciation. Whether it’s a snack handed over during cleaning or a heartfelt thank-you note, those gestures remind us we’re helping shape someone’s life experience, not just providing a room. Hearing guests say, “I felt at home here,” gives us the deepest sense of fulfillment.
Future Plans & Wishes
Q. How do you want your stay to be remembered, and do you have future plans?
Jinwook Park: I want to operate a stay more like a foreigner-exclusive share house, with stronger community aspects. My goal is to expand common areas so guests can interact and enrich their experiences in Korea.
Hyejung Kim: I want guests to remember our place as “safe and warm.” Not just a house they stayed in, but a comforting space in their Korean journey. I’d also like to try hosting exclusively for foreign guests in the future.
