Singapore Travelers Warn: Creepy Alleys & Stinky Spots in Seoul Airbnbs

Airbnb Adventures (and Misadventures) in Seoul

Thinking of ditching your hotel for an Airbnb on your next trip to Seoul? Well, you’re probably better off doing a deep‑dive research before you book.

How Singaporeans Shared Their Airbnb Tales on TikTok

• Weeyangkachopra posted a video on TikTok with footage from two rented apartments.
• The first was a banjiha – a semi‑basement unit that looks eerily similar to the film Parasite.

Why the First Apartment Was a Nightmare

• Ventilation was non‑existent, turning the process of drying laundry into a disaster.
• The bathroom turned into a drain‑fly factory, with swarms lurking everywhere.

The Second Apartment—Same Problem, Twice

• The second listing turned out to be yet another banjiha.
• Opening the window revealed a dank, stinky pit and a ladder that led straight up to the street.
• Location-wise, it sat in a low‑lying area bordering a river, making it highly susceptible to floods.

What Actually Happened During the Flood Risk

• When Seoul hit pouring rain in August, nearby units suffered damage.
• Weeyangkachopra spent an entire night “monitoring” water levels outside his unit, following a clueless host’s instructions.

Nicole Liel’s “Scary” Airbnb Experience

• She highlighted route issues more than the accommodation itself.
• The apartment was tucked deep into a neighborhood, forcing her to navigate through several dark alleys.
• She joked, “It’s like Halloween Horror Nights, but in Korea!”
• She stayed for one night, then left the next because of the unsettling vibe.

Airbnb’s Response

On Friday, Airbnb stated that its team is “focused on ensuring each stay is a positive experience for guests.” However, it didn’t comment on these particular incidents.

What to Do If You Encounter Problems

• Contact an Airbnb agent via AirCover for assistance.
• Use the Airbnb website or app to report issues.

Choosing an Airbnb in Seoul 

Mind the Nest: Airbnb Tips for Seoul

Thinking about booking an Airbnb in Seoul but want to dodge a nightmarish stay? We’ve got the skinny and a few laughs to keep you sane.

1. Nosy Knock‑Knock pays off

• Head over to the host’s profile—read reviews, simple photos, and see how they chat. If it feels like a fridge magnet of cleverly coined emojis, you’re in the right place.
• Don’t skip the “co-host” scoop—once the hosts call them “friend” in the description, something’s fecking off.

2. K-Pop on the roof?

• Check the noise policy in the listing. South Korea’s subway system can out‑loud a loud nightclub, but a voice‑guided “noisy” block can give you chills.
• Use Airbnb’s Neighborhood Guide to feel the vibes—turn streets into a beret‑filled shopping spree or a quiet zen zone.

3. Drop-Ins vs. Full-Access

• Make sure you have full access keys. Shared lockboxes are fun for group mates but can miss the intricacies of a “stealth” entry.
• Look for a “smart lock” feature—future‑proof your stay.

4. Details: DO NOT ignore the “Showroom” section

• It’s the AI’s way of telling you what to expect. If only pictures exist, the place might be a pasture of IKEA furniture.
• Spot inconsistencies like a missing bath inside laundry area—highlight the “make‑up” evidence.

5. Finally: Ground Zero of Stay

• Sort your itinerary: sort place of “stay” after you opted for the finest of amenities in the hub. Keeps your accommodation above the giant of Seoul city.
• In the end, your Airbnb’s success hinges on platform etiquette, while the connection stays in a delicate good service loop.

Bottom line: Ask questions, read reviews, and use the information displayed. Then you’ll hit the perfect stay in Seoul, without the nightmares.

1. Always ask the host 

Guest Guide: Avoid Apartment Nightmares

Tip #1: Don’t let a mysterious apartment type sneak up on you! Ask the host outright: “What kind of apartment am I renting?” A simple yes‑or‑no answer keeps the vacation vibes on point.

Tip #2: The floor matters! A mid‑floor studio has a different breath of fresh air than a penthouse. So, throw in a quick question: “Which floor is this place on?” Then you can mentally prepare for either evaporated balcony breezes or that cozy ground‑level hum.

With these two small questions, you’ll dodge any surprise room-turn surprises. Trust the host, trust the floor—be the savvy traveler who’s always in control, and keep the adventure vibe alive!

2. Don’t fully trust reviews 

Why Relying on Reviews Isn’t a Ticket to Nirvana

Even though Weeyangkachopra devotedly scours every review, that savvy habit alone isn’t a silver bullet guaranteeing you’ll get the bang for your buck.

Here’s the Real Deal

• Reviews Are Rolled Out in Time. Recent experiences can fade fast—what’s hot today can become yesterday’s flop.
• Everyone Has a Bias. A long‑time fan will shout louder than a casual user, while a disgruntled ex‑customer might preach doom.
• The “Spiking” Effect. Sudden bursts of praise or scorn often skew the true sentiment.
• Context Matters. A flawless product in one scenario might feel clunky under another; reviews rarely capture the whole picture.

Humor & A Dash of Reality

Imagine heading into a boutique on the basis of a dazzling five‑star Yelp post, only to find the designer offering a “secret, 10‑year‑old” carpet. That’s the kind of dissonance reviews can create.

Bottom Line for the Savvy Consumer

Read the reviews—big deal, trust them, but don’t put all your eggs in that basket. Combine that intel with a quick check of credentials, official specs, and even a quick call to the customer service line. It’s a simple combo that keeps the price‑quality dream alive.

3. Read up on which areas to avoid 

Nicole’s Wild Airbnb Adventure & What She Learned

Nicole’s trip to Korea hit a rough patch when she booked a supposedly cozy Airbnb that turned into a nightmare. After the chaos, she took a moment to reflect—and you might want to take these lessons to heart if you’re planning an overseas stay.

Lesson #1: Keep Your Distance from Seoul Station

“If you’re looking to avoid the usual chaos, stay away from the area around Seoul Station,” Nicole says. It’s a bustling hub, but it also attracts many homeless and drunken folks who make the night scene less than welcoming. Think of it more as a cautionary tale than a city tour guide.

Why It Matters

• Safety: More people, more potential for unwanted encounters.
• Comfort: A quieter, cleaner environment makes for a better sleep.
• Economy: Skip the crowd and you avoid the premium prices often thrown on souvenirs and late-night restaurants.

Nicole’s TikTok Takeaway

She even shared a clip on TikTok, and it quickly went viral—proof that travel drama can become international comedy gold. If you’re curious, just grab the app or visit tiktok.com[/b] for her story (no embed links required).