Announcement of the Enforcement of the Foreign Accommodation Reporting System: A Guide to Mandatory Reporting for Short-Term Foreign Stays During APEC

From October 24 to November 1, 2025, a temporary foreign accommodation reporting system will be in effect for lodging facilities in the Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, and Gyeongsang provinces. This measure is designed to enhance national security during the 2025 APEC Summit, following an increase in the terror alert level to ‘caution.’ The system is intended to provide real-time information on foreign guests to the government, enabling quick tracking and management in response to crises such as terrorism or infectious diseases. Below is a comprehensive overview of the legal basis, reporting requirements, and procedures.

1. Legal Basis and Purpose of the System

The legal foundation for the foreign accommodation reporting system is outlined in Article 81-3 of the Immigration Control Act (effective December 10, 2020) and its relevant implementation rules. These provisions allow the Minister of Justice, upon the request of relevant agencies, to demand accommodation information about foreigners when there is a public health concern or a heightened terror alert. This system is not merely about collecting tourism statistics; rather, it serves as a “conditional administrative order” invoked only in the interest of national security and public health.

2. Who Is Required to Report and the Duration of Reporting

This initiative will be enforced from 00:00 on October 24 to 24:00 on November 1, 2025, specifically in the APEC host city and surrounding major urban areas. It applies to foreigners entering under short-term visa categories (B-1, B-2, C-1, C-3, C-4). In essence, this includes tourists and visitors on short-term business trips. Conversely, foreigners with long-term visa categories (F, E, D, etc.) are exempt from this reporting obligation.

3. Those Responsible for Reporting

Accommodation providers that fall into either of the following categories are obliged to report:

• Entities registered as lodging businesses under Article 3 of the Public Health Control Act
• Those registered in tourism-related accommodations such as guesthouses, city inns, or traditional Korean houses under Article 3 of the Tourism Promotion Act

In practical terms, this refers to all types of accommodations aimed at tourists, including hotels, guesthouses, and cultural lodgings. However, unregistered stays like homestays are not subject to this legal requirement.

4. Timing and Method of Reporting

The timeline for reporting depends on when the accommodation takes place and when the alert is issued:

• Foreigners already staying prior to the alert → Must report within 12 hours of the alert
• Foreigners checking in after the alert → Must report within 12 hours of their stay

Reports can be submitted via the official Ministry of Justice designated system through kstay.hikorea.go.kr or a dedicated mobile app. Required information includes the name and address of the accommodation, the foreign guest’s nationality, date of birth, passport number, and duration of stay. All information is securely encrypted and transmitted to the Ministry of Justice’s servers, complying with public data security standards. After submission, a confirmation receipt can be printed or saved.

5. Responsibilities of Foreign Guests

According to Article 81-3, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Control Act, foreign guests are required to provide identification (such as a passport) upon request from the accommodation provider. If they refuse, their stay may be restricted, and accommodation providers who fail to fulfill reporting obligations could face administrative penalties, including warnings or fines. The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that this measure is strictly for public safety and does not infringe on foreign rights; any collected information will be destroyed promptly once the crisis is deemed over.

6. Administrative Significance and Future Outlook

The implementation of this foreign accommodation reporting system is seen as part of South Korea’s ongoing effort to bolster public safety during international events, similar to measures taken during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and the 2023 Busan World Expo preparation. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, along with the Ministry of Justice, is reportedly considering the possibility of making the foreign accommodation information management system a permanent fixture, potentially standardizing it as part of enhanced infectious disease or terrorism response protocols.

In conclusion, it is crucial for accommodation providers to diligently adhere to their reporting obligations, and foreign guests should cooperate accordingly. Non-compliance could lead to administrative sanctions or negative repercussions during future business license renewals.

This information is based on the current date, and government policies are subject to change. Additionally, this content is intended for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice or interpretations. For further inquiries, please visit our 1:1 consultation board.