Creepy alleys and smelly pits: Singapore travelers warn of sleazy Airbnb apartments in Seoul, Lifestyle News
Thinking of booking an Airbnb instead of a hotel for your next trip to Seoul?
You might want to think twice before doing this – or at least do your research thoroughly.
These unlucky Singaporeans recently took to TikTok to share their misadventures involving Airbnb apartments they had booked in Seoul, hoping to save other travelers from the same predicament.
TikTok user Weeyangkachopra documented his experience with two apartments he booked in Seoul in a video posted on Tuesday (September 20).
@weeyangkachopra
The first apartment was a banjiha (semi-basement unit) – similar to the one featured in the movie Parasite.
According to him, the unit had little or no ventilation, which made drying his laundry a nightmare.
Another problem he faced was the “drain fly swarms” invading his bathroom.
Fed up with the shabby conditions, he booked a second apartment, which unfortunately ended up being another banjiha.
Opening the window of the apartment, Weeyangkachopra found himself facing a “stinky, damp pit” with a ladder leading to the street.
Of more concern was the fact that this apartment was located in a low-lying area near a river, making it at high risk of flooding.
Luckily, some of the nearby units were hit when Seoul experienced torrential rains in August.
Weeyangkachopra said he spent an entire night checking the water levels outside his unit “like an idiot” after following instructions from his Airbnb host, who also didn’t know what to do.
Local influencer Nicole Liel also ran into trouble with her accommodation in Seoul on a recent trip, heading to TikTok to share on his “scary” Airbnb.
In a video posted on Tuesday, Nicole said there was nothing wrong with the apartment itself, but the problem she faced was the route she had to take to get to the apartment. .
@lielnicole Replying to @Stitch 626
The apartment was located at the end of a neighborhood, which meant that she had to navigate several dark alleys.
“This Halloween Horror Nights, but in Korea [sic]“, she said in the video.
Nicole said she ended up sleeping in the Airbnb for one night, but opted to stay out the second night because of how “scary” it was.
In response to questions from AsiaOne, AirBnb said Friday (September 23) that its team “is focused on ensuring that every stay is a positive experience for guests,” but did not comment on the incident.
Guests who encounter issues with their accommodations should contact an agent through AirCover — a service to protect guests during their stay — on the AirBnb website or app, its spokesperson urged.
Choosing an Airbnb in Seoul
If you’re still considering an Airbnb stay in Seoul, but want to avoid a nightmarish experience, here are some tips.
1. Always ask the host
A user pointed out that it is important to clarify the type of apartment you are booking, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Another also suggested asking your host what floor the apartment is on.
2. Don’t fully trust reviews
Although Weeyangkachopra has made it a point to read reviews, it’s still not a surefire way to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
3. Learn about areas to avoid
After her Airbnb disaster, Nicole herself shared a few takeaways from her experience, one of which is to avoid staying near Seoul Station, where “most homeless people and drunks” tend to find themselves.
@lielnicole Replying to @cornsoup
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