Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Seoul, South Korea, Data & Trends 2026

Over the analysis period 2025-06 to 2026-05, Seoul ran 71% average occupancy with an ADR of 77€ (about $70) and average monthly revenue of 1,530€ (roughly $1,391) across 257 booked nights per year. Seoul is the only city ListingOK currently tracks in South Korea, so it effectively defines the national benchmark rather than sitting above or below a multi-city average; the figures should be read as the country reference point.

The numbers describe a high-volume, moderate-rate market: occupancy in the low 70s is healthy and revenue is carried more by nights sold than by a premium nightly price. Year-on-year revenue grew 10%, reflecting Seoul's tourism rebound past pre-pandemic levels. The seasonality index of 47% confirms a pronounced calendar, with the April-May spring peak and the January-February trough that the monthly data already flags.

Seoul's Airbnb demand is driven overwhelmingly by international leisure travel, with the largest visitor flows coming from China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States. The Korean Wave (Hallyu) is a major pull: a large share of younger arrivals come specifically for K-pop, K-drama filming locations and Korean beauty and fashion, while Myeongdong and Dongdaemun draw shopping-led tourists and Hongdae attracts a student and nightlife crowd. This skews short-term-rental guests toward stays close to subway lines and the K-culture hotspots rather than business districts.

For hosts, that demand profile means a relatively short, transactional booking window dominated by foreign tourists rather than domestic travellers or long corporate stays. Proximity to Line 2 and Line 4 stations, English-friendly check-in and listings optimised for the Chinese, Japanese and English-speaking markets matter more here than in most European capitals, and the legality of your registration is increasingly a gating factor as Airbnb tightens enforcement of Korean rules.

The strongest short-term-rental districts cluster by guest type. Hongdae (around Hongik University) is the youth, indie-music and nightlife hub and converts well for students, solo travellers and budget-conscious K-culture visitors. Myeongdong and adjacent Jung-gu offer the most central, shopping-and-sightseeing-led demand, commanding higher nightly rates but facing the toughest competition. Itaewon trades on international dining and a diverse, English-comfortable crowd.

Gangnam, Apgujeong and the COEX area south of the river attract higher-spend, longer-staying and business-adjacent guests, supporting premium ADRs in modern apartments. For character stays, the Bukchon and Seochon hanok areas command a premium and, importantly, find it easier to obtain legal guesthouse permits because traditional homes are favoured under the licensing rules. Choose the district to match both your unit type and the registration category you can realistically secure.