Implementation of Short-Term Foreign Guest Registration System: Mandatory Accommodation Notification for Short-Term Foreign Visitors in the Yeongnam Region

by

Announcement on the Implementation of the Foreign Accommodation Reporting System: A Guide for Foreign Nationals During APEC

Starting from October 24 to November 1, 2025, a temporary foreign accommodation reporting system will be enforced across various lodging establishments in Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, and the provinces of Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. This initiative is a crucial measure to enhance national security and safety during the APEC summit, following an escalation in the terror threat alert to a “caution” level.

The primary goal of this system is to provide real-time lodging information of foreign nationals to the government, enabling swift tracking and management in response to crises such as terrorism or infectious diseases. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive overview covering the legal basis, subjects of reporting, reporting obligations, and procedures.

1. Legal Basis and Purpose of the System

The legal foundation for the foreign accommodation reporting system is stipulated in Article 81-3 of the Immigration Control Act (effective December 10, 2020) and its implementation rules, Articles 69-2 and 69-3. This provision allows the Minister of Justice to request lodging information from foreign nationals in instances where a public health emergency or heightened terror alert has been declared.

This isn’t merely for tourist data collection; it embodies a “conditional administrative order” intended for national security and public health needs.

2. Target Reporting Individuals and Duration

The implementation of this measure will take place from October 24 at 00:00 to November 1 at 24:00, specifically in the APEC host region and key neighboring cities. The reporting requirement applies to foreign nationals entering the country under short-stay visas (B-1, B-2, C-1, C-3, C-4), which include travelers for tourism and short-term business visits. However, individuals holding long-term residency permits (F, E, D, etc.) are exempt from this reporting obligation.

3. Reporting Obligations

Obligated businesses under the foreign accommodation reporting system fall into two categories:

  • Entities registered as lodging businesses as per Article 3 of the Public Health Management Act.
  • Entities registered under Article 3 of the Tourism Promotion Act, such as tourist hotels, guesthouses, urban accommodation providers, and hanok experience facilities.

Generally, operators of accommodations providing services for tourism—like hotels, guesthouses, and traditional Korean lodging experiences—are included. However, unregistered home-sharing accommodations are not subject to this reporting obligation.

4. Reporting Timing and Methods

The timeframe for reporting depends on when the foreign national begins their stay and the alert issuance.

  • For those already checked in before the alert: Report within 12 hours of the alert issuance.
  • For those who check in after the alert: Report within 12 hours of the start of their stay.

Reports can be made through the Ministry of Justice’s designated official system via the kstay.hikorea.go.kr webpage or through a dedicated mobile app. Required information includes the name of the accommodation, address, nationality, date of birth, passport number, and duration of stay. This data will be securely encrypted and transmitted to the government server, adhering to public data security standards. After completing the report, individuals can print or save a confirmation.

5. Cooperation from Foreign Nationals

According to Article 81-3, Section 2 of the Immigration Control Act, foreigners staying at accommodations are required to provide proof of identity (e.g., passport) upon request by the accommodation service provider. Refusal may lead to restrictions on their stay, and accommodation providers who fail to meet reporting obligations could face administrative penalties (warnings or fines).

The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that this measure is solely for public safety and does not infringe on the rights of foreigners. Any gathered information will be promptly destroyed once the crisis is resolved.

6. Administrative Significance and Outlook

The enforcement of the foreign accommodation reporting system is viewed as part of South Korea’s commitment to enhancing public safety during international events like APEC and G20. Similar measures were in place during the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and the 2023 Busan World Expo preparations. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Justice are considering the potential for making this reporting system a regular practice to enhance the country’s responsiveness to infectious diseases and terrorism.

In conclusion, accommodation providers are urged to comply with the reporting requirements diligently, and foreign guests are expected to cooperate accordingly. Non-compliance could lead to administrative penalties and could impact future business operations, especially during license renewals.

This information is accurate as of the writing date, and government policies may be subject to change. It only serves as general information and should not be construed as legal interpretation or advice.

For additional inquiries, feel free to reach out on our 1:1 consultation board.