Terms of Service

Last updated: February 2026

Welcome to Homestay Korea, operated by SNG United, Inc. ("Homestay Korea," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website at www.homestaykorea.com and all related services. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, making a booking, or otherwise using our platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. We may update these Terms from time to time, and continued use of the platform after any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We will notify registered users of significant changes via email.

2. Description of Service

Homestay Korea is an online platform that connects international guests with Korean host families for short-term and long-term homestay experiences. Our services include:

• Homestay search and matching between guests and verified host families
• Cultural and educational programs (Korean Language Course, English Tutoring, Local Buddy Program)
• Group homestay coordination for agencies and educational institutions
• Booking management and payment processing
• 24/7 emergency support for active guests and hosts

Homestay Korea acts as an intermediary platform. We facilitate connections between guests and hosts but are not a party to any accommodation agreement between them.

3. User Accounts

Our platform supports four types of user accounts, each with specific roles and responsibilities:

Guest Account

• For individuals seeking homestay accommodation in Korea
• Must provide accurate personal information including name, nationality, and contact details
• Must be at least 18 years of age, or have parental/guardian consent if under 18

Host Account

• For Korean families or individuals offering homestay accommodation
• Must provide accurate property information, family details, and photographs
• Must comply with local housing regulations and maintain a safe living environment
• Subject to verification and periodic review by Homestay Korea

Agency Account

• For educational institutions, travel agencies, and organizations arranging group homestays
• Must provide valid business registration information
• Responsible for the conduct of group members during their homestay

Buddy Account

• For Korean university students participating in the Local Buddy Program
• Must provide proof of current university enrollment
• Must demonstrate conversational-level English proficiency
• Subject to background verification

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account. Homestay Korea reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

4. Booking and Payment

Booking Process

• Guests may search for and request bookings with available host families through our platform
• Bookings are confirmed only after the host accepts the request and payment is processed
• A placement fee is charged by Homestay Korea for each confirmed booking to cover matching, verification, and support services

Payment

• All payments are processed securely through PayPal
• Homestay fees include accommodation costs paid to the host and a placement fee paid to Homestay Korea
• Prices are displayed in Korean Won (KRW), US Dollars (USD), or other supported currencies
• Homestay Korea does not store credit card information directly; all payment data is handled by our payment processors

Placement Fee

The placement fee is a one-time, non-refundable service charge that covers guest-host matching, background verification, pre-arrival coordination, and access to our 24/7 support line during your stay. The current placement fee amount is displayed during the booking process.

5. Cancellation Policy

Our cancellation and refund policies are designed to be fair to both guests and hosts. The specific refund schedule and conditions are outlined in our Refund Policy. Key points include:

• Refund amounts depend on how far in advance the cancellation is made
• The placement fee is non-refundable once a booking is confirmed
• Host-initiated cancellations entitle the guest to a full refund of accommodation fees plus rebooking assistance
• All cancellation requests must be submitted through the platform or via email to our support team

For the complete refund schedule, please refer to our Refund Policy.

6. User Conduct

All users of Homestay Korea agree to:

• Provide accurate and truthful information in their profiles and communications
• Treat all other users, host families, and staff with respect and courtesy
• Comply with Korean laws and the house rules established by host families
• Not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, or abusive behavior
• Not use the platform for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose
• Not circumvent the platform to arrange bookings or payments directly with hosts
• Not upload or share content that is offensive, defamatory, or infringes on the rights of others
• Report any safety concerns or policy violations to Homestay Korea promptly

Violation of these conduct rules may result in account suspension, termination, and forfeiture of any fees paid.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on the Homestay Korea platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, software, and design elements, is the property of SNG United, Inc. or its content suppliers and is protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

• You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content on our platform without prior written consent
• The Homestay Korea name, logo, and all related trademarks are the exclusive property of SNG United, Inc.
• User-generated content (reviews, photos, messages) remains the property of the user, but by posting it on our platform, you grant Homestay Korea a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content in connection with our services

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

• Homestay Korea provides the platform on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied
• We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any listings, user profiles, or content on the platform
• Homestay Korea is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the platform or any homestay arrangement
• Our total liability for any claim related to the platform shall not exceed the amount of fees you paid to Homestay Korea in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim
• We are not responsible for disputes between guests and hosts, though we will provide reasonable assistance in resolving such disputes

Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

9. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Korea, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Seoul, Republic of Korea.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

10. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

• Email: support@homestaykorea.com
• Address: #105, 36 Gyeonghuigung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea 03175
• Phone: +82-2-777-7410