South Korean Lawmaker Proposes Revision to Tourism Promotion Act to Address Guesthouse Regulations
Seoul, South Korea – People Power Party lawmaker Jin Jong-oh has proposed an amendment to the Tourism Promotion Act aimed at resolving issues with the resident consent system for urban guesthouses and bolstering accommodation infrastructure to meet the country’s tourism goals. The proposed revisions seek to address inconsistencies in regional standards and excessive regulations that have led to the proliferation of illegal accommodations.
Addressing Regulatory Challenges and Infrastructure Gaps
During a meeting on urban guesthouse regulations held at the National Assembly on March 19, 2026, Rep. Jin highlighted the need for a standardized approach to resident consent. He noted that varying regional standards, particularly concerning apartment complexes, create confusion and hinder the development of legal lodging options. He stated the current law needs revision to break the “vicious cycle” of differing standards and regulations lacking legal basis, which contribute to illegal accommodations.1
Rep. Jin emphasized the urgency of expanding lodging infrastructure to achieve the target of 30 million foreign tourists annually. He observed a shift in travel patterns, with more tourists opting for smaller, individual trips rather than large group tours. This trend underscores the importance of urban bed and breakfasts as a vital component of the tourism ecosystem, offering visitors opportunities to experience local culture and daily life.1
Specifically, Rep. Jin pointed to Gangnam-gu in Seoul, a hub for medical tourism, as an area facing a significant accommodation shortage. Despite increasing numbers of foreign patients seeking long-term medical care, the supply of legal and manageable lodging options remains insufficient. He warned that failing to address this supply gap could jeopardize the nation’s ambition of attracting 30 million tourists.1
Proposed Improvements to the Resident Consent System
The proposed amendment also tackles the shortcomings of the current resident consent system. Rep. Jin criticized the system’s focus on preliminary barriers, such as initial consent, while lacking adequate post-management mechanisms to address actual resident complaints. This results in a cycle of strengthened regulations without resolving underlying conflicts.1
To address these issues, Rep. Jin outlined three key improvement plans:
- Mandatory Contact Information: Requiring accommodation operators to display their contact information and usage rules prominently outside their establishments.
- Autonomous Dispute Resolution: Establishing a dispute resolution system led by the Korea Bed and Breakfast Association to swiftly handle resident complaints.
- Balanced Management System: Implementing a system that imposes strong sanctions on repeat offenders while providing institutional trust and support for compliant operators.
Further proposals include the institutionalization of safety numbers for lodging facilities and the creation of a commendation system, such as a “Blue Ribbon” award, to recognize businesses that demonstrate regional coexistence and operational excellence.1
Call for Increased Attention from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Rep. Jin also directed criticism towards the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, urging greater attention to improving the urban bed and breakfast system. He expressed concern that the nation’s goal of generating 300 trillion won from K-Culture may be unattainable without addressing these regulatory hurdles.1
He also suggested exploring the potential of utilizing senior citizens as local guides, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in Japan.1
“Tourism that does not coexist with residents cannot last long,” Rep. Jin concluded. “A true transformation in Korean tourism will only be realized when both residents and businesses can thrive together.”1
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