Experience-Based Accommodations: Ban on Illegal Recording Devices and Restrictions on Operators with Sexual Offense Records

Assembly Passes Cho Gye-won’s Tourism Promotion Act Amendment
Stricter Safety Standards for City Guesthouses and Hanok Experience Lodgings

Fire Safety Inspection at Foreign Tourist City Guesthouse

Safety standards for experience-based accommodations, such as foreign tourist city guesthouses and Hanok experience lodgings, will be significantly strengthened. The installation of illegal recording devices will be strictly prohibited, and individuals with a history of sexual offenses will be restricted from operating these businesses.

On October 26, the National Assembly passed amendments to the Tourism Promotion Act and the Culture and Arts Promotion Act, both sponsored by Assemblyman Cho Gye-won.

With these amendments, experience-based accommodations will now be subject to safety regulations equivalent to those applied to traditional lodging businesses. The installation of illegal recording devices is explicitly prohibited, and individuals with a record of sexual offenses are barred from registering or operating such businesses. These measures are expected to enhance tourist safety and increase overall trust in the lodging industry.

Assemblyman Cho stated, "We have applied the same safety standards to experience-based accommodations, which previously had weaker regulations compared to traditional lodging businesses," adding, "This will resolve many of the safety concerns on the ground."

The amendment to the Culture and Arts Promotion Act, which was also passed, clarifies the legal basis for the receipt of donations by professional arts organizations and groups. Previously, the law only allowed for the 'solicitation' of donations, creating legal ambiguity regarding voluntary 'contributions.' The revised act changes this to 'solicitation and receipt,' thereby eliminating legal uncertainty.

Assemblyman Cho said, "A stable path has been opened for professional arts organizations and groups to receive voluntary donations," and added, "Through legislative activities that reflect the needs of the tourism and culture industries, we will continue to support the virtuous cycle of creativity and industry."