Wehome Introduces Special Permit Plaque for Real-Time Legal Stay Verification

SEOUL--(Korea Newswire)--Wehome (Wehome.me), South Korea's government-authorized home-sharing platform operating under a special permit, has introduced its new “Special Permit Plaque” and begun distributing it to registered hosts. The plaque enables guests and local residents to easily identify legally authorized home-sharing accommodations and verify their status through a QR code.

The new plaque replaces Wehome‘s previous regulatory sandbox identification plaque, following approximately six years of operations under Korea’s ICT Regulatory Sandbox program and the company's transition to a government-approved special permit. It also introduces enhanced digital features designed to improve transparency, trust, and communication.

Since 2020, Wehome has operated legal home-sharing accommodations for both domestic and international guests under the government's regulatory sandbox program. Following government approval of its temporary permit, Wehome has entered a new phase toward the formal institutionalization of home sharing in Korea. Registered hosts benefit from government-recognized legal operating status and may continue operating under the special permit framework, subject to applicable regulations and permit conditions, until the relevant regulatory framework is formally established.

The new shield-shaped plaque prominently displays “GOV-AUTHORIZED HOME SHARING” and “Government-Authorized Special Permit” in Korean, making authorized accommodations easily recognizable to guests and local residents.

Unlike conventional plaques that simply indicate registration or approval, Wehome‘s new plaque is designed to function as a digital verification and communication platform. Through its QR code, users will be able to verify a property’s current permit registration status in real time, access a channel for neighborhood concerns or complaints, and obtain useful local travel information.

By connecting physical identification with digital verification and communication, the system aims to strengthen guest confidence, promote cooperation with local communities, and help prevent fraudulent claims of authorization or misuse of permit identification.

The Korean government has also actively encouraged the distribution of these plaques and the expansion of their digital capabilities. Wehome plans to enhance the system in phases while pursuing intellectual property protection, including trademarks, design rights, utility models, and patents, to help prevent counterfeiting, unauthorized use, and imitation.

“The transition from six years of regulatory sandbox operations to a special permit represents an important step toward establishing a formal legal framework for home sharing in Korea,” said Jihee Park, Host Growth Manager at Wehome. “While the previous plaque primarily identified legally authorized accommodations, the new plaque is designed to become a digital trust infrastructure that verifies legal status and connects guests, hosts, and local residents.”

“Our goal is to provide hosts with the credibility and confidence that come with government authorization, guests with a safer and more trustworthy accommodation experience, and neighbors with a convenient communication channel. We believe this will help build a more sustainable and community-friendly home-sharing ecosystem,” Park added.

Wehome has begun distributing the new plaques to its Premier Hosts and plans to expand distribution gradually to all registered special permit hosts. Through this initiative, the company aims to increase public awareness of legal home sharing, strengthen trust in government-authorized accommodations, and promote a sustainable home-sharing culture that benefits both travelers and local communities.

About Wehome

Wehome (Wehome.me) is a South Korean home-sharing platform operating under a government-authorized special permit, enabling legal accommodations for both domestic and international travelers. Guided by its vision, “Your Home in Korea. Live Locally.”, Wehome connects travelers with authentic Korean homes, neighborhoods, and local experiences. Beyond accommodation, the company continues to expand its K-LIFE services, helping visitors experience Korea like locals.

Special Permit Host Plaque Information: https://wehome.me/plaque

Website: http://www.wehome.me

This is a news release distributed by Korea Newswire on behalf of this company.