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[Yanolja Research Insights] Vol.16 Analysis of Seoul Airbnb Quality and Satisfaction Through Customer Reviews

 What Do Airbnb Guests Really Think About Staying in Seoul?

As travel continues to rebound, Seoul’s Airbnb scene is booming—and evolving. But what do guests really value? Where do they prefer to stay, and what makes or breaks their experience?

Here are the key insights shaping today’s Airbnb landscape in Seoul:


📈 A Rapidly Growing Market

  • Airbnb listings in Seoul surged 45% year-over-year, nearing full recovery to pre-pandemic levels.

  • Growth isn’t limited to tourist hotspots. Less-traveled districts like Dobong-gu and Geumcheon-gu saw the highest increases in listings, signaling wider interest across the city.



🌍 Who’s Booking and Where They’re Staying

  • Guests came from over 120 countries—with Koreans, Americans, and Chinese leading the way.

  • Foreign tourists favor central districts like Myeong-dong and Hongdae.

  • Local guests tend to book outside tourist hubs, suggesting different travel purposes such as business trips or personal gatherings.



💬 What Do Guests Care Most About?

Across thousands of reviews, these factors stood out:

  • 🧼 Cleanliness ranked as the most critical factor in overall satisfaction.

  • 💰 Value for money and 📋 Accuracy (how well listings match reality) also heavily influenced guest ratings.

  • 📍 Surprisingly, location was the least important factor after the stay—what happens inside matters more than what’s nearby.



🌐 Locals vs. Foreigners: Different Priorities

  • Local guests focus on interior details: facilities, amenities, and atmosphere.

  • Foreign guests emphasize cultural immersion, host communication, and proximity to attractions.

  • This highlights the need for personalized approaches depending on guest background.


🚀 The Road Ahead

As Seoul’s Airbnb ecosystem matures, quality will be key to sustainable growth—especially with increasing inbound tourism. Improving service standards, especially in communication and cleanliness, is essential to make every guest stay memorable.


✨ Want to see which districts are rising fast or where satisfaction scores are highest?
📲 Visit Yanolja Research website for in-depth insights and interactive data.

Yanolja Research Insights Vol.16


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Location: Seoul, Korea

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