[Edaily Kang Gyeong-rok Travel Reporter] An expo showcasing products and services necessary for starting and operating shared lodging businesses will be held.
The Korea Homestay Association announced on the 18th that it will host the “K-Stay Expo 2026” for two days starting October 9 at Art Hall 2 of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. Airbnb is sponsoring the event. The organizers explained that this is the first specialized expo in Korea focused on shared accommodations.

About 40 companies and organizations from the fields of interior design, home appliances and furniture, cleaning and laundry, hygiene and disinfection, tax, and fire safety and security will participate in the expo. Prospective entrepreneurs and accommodation operators will be able to compare relevant products and services and receive consultations from experts in each field.
Some participating companies will offer discounted sales on interior design products for accommodations, mattresses, coffee machines, and more. The event focuses on reducing the information-search costs for operators, who previously had to find the necessary equipment and services for running their properties individually.
Practical workshops for shared accommodation operators will also be held. Key topics include marketing accommodations, sourcing listings, space design, taxation and tax savings, and shared accommodation policies. Current operators and industry experts are scheduled to share their experiences in managing accommodations and explain relevant regulations.
The shared lodging market is gaining attention as a means to supplement accommodation infrastructure, driven by the increase in individual international tourists visiting Korea. Unlike hotels, these accommodations offer foreign tourists the opportunity to experience residential spaces and local communities, making them a popular choice.
However, to start a business, one must verify the lodging business registration requirements and operating standards that apply depending on the region and housing type. This is why the expo covers not only product exhibitions but also policy, taxation, and fire safety and security issues.
With large-scale international events, such as the World Youth Day, scheduled for next year, there is a possibility that demand for short-term accommodations will increase, particularly in Seoul.
Chae Bo-young, President of the Korea Homestay Association, said, “This event will serve as a platform to provide prospective entrepreneurs and operators with the necessary information and operational know-how, while supporting the growth of the shared lodging industry.”
Seo Ga-yeon, Country Manager for Airbnb Korea, said, “We hope this will help prospective entrepreneurs enter the market, assist existing operators in managing their properties, and serve as an opportunity to meet the accommodation demand generated by international events.”
Admission is free. Pre-registration is available on the event’s official website.