Hanok Experience Business Registration in Korea — 2026 Guide

1. What Is Hanok Experience Business?

The Hanok Experience Business (한옥체험업) allows owners of traditional Korean houses to provide overnight accommodation and cultural experience programs to visitors. It is regulated under the Tourism Promotion Act and specifically designed to preserve and promote traditional Korean architecture.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• The building must be a hanok meeting the standards publicly notified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (hanok designated or registered as cultural or natural heritage, or registered as an excellent architectural asset, are exempt from this test)
• No disqualification ground for the representative

3. Facility Requirements

• Floor area used for overnight stays (rooms and amenities) under 230 m², except heritage-listed hanok, excellent architectural assets and hanok specified by local ordinance (such as hanok in hanok villages)
• Where overnight stays are offered: bathrooms or showers and other amenities, a single-station smoke alarm in every room (and a carbon monoxide alarm where heating is individual), and the rate table posted at the front desk and on any online platform used, with the posted rates observed
• At least one fire extinguisher in or near the rooms; cooking facilities, if installed, must meet the gas and fire-safety laws
• Tap water or drinking water meeting the water-quality standards; bath water meeting the bathing-water standards
• Monthly disinfection, regular cleaning and bedding laundry, ventilation, and a manager on site during business hours

4. Required Documents

• Tourism business registration application
• Business plan
• Floor plan and layout plan of the facilities
• Facility list for a hanok experience business
• Proof of ownership or lease (only where the land registry does not show it)

5. Application Procedure

1. Check that the building meets the hanok standards
2. Prepare facility to meet standards
3. Submit application to the city, county or district office
4. Review and registration (statutory processing period: 14 days)

6. Operating Rules

• A hanok experience business may host both Korean and foreign tourists
• The business may offer overnight stays, traditional culture experiences such as traditional games and crafts, or both
• Tax filing on the income should be confirmed with a tax professional