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How to Message a Host on RoomRoom (What to Ask)
Using RoomRoom10 min

How to Message a Host on RoomRoom (What to Ask)

Tips for messaging hosts on RoomRoom. What questions to ask, how to write, and what to expect.

Person messaging on phone to contact a host

What to Ask the Host

Once you find a room on the RoomRoom search page, click on it and use the chat feature to ask:

  1. Availability: "Is a room available from [date]?"
  2. Duration: "What's the minimum stay?"
  3. Deposit: "How much is the deposit and how is it returned?"
  4. What's included: "Are utilities and internet included?"
  5. Room viewing: "Can I visit to see the room before deciding?"
  6. Foreigner-friendly: "Do you accept foreign tenants?"

Tips for Better Communication

  • Write in English — many hosts understand basic English
  • Be specific about your dates and budget
  • Ask for additional photos if the listing doesn't show enough
  • Don't be afraid to negotiate, especially for longer stays
  • Check our FAQ page for more guidance
Person typing a message on a laptop

Sample Message Templates (English + Korean)

Use these ready-made templates to message hosts. Copy and paste directly — having Korean included shows respect and gets faster responses:

Initial Inquiry Template

English + Korean version (recommended):

Hello! I am interested in your room.
안녕하세요! 방에 관심이 있어서 연락드립니다.

- Move-in date / 입주 희망일: [DATE]
- Duration / 거주 기간: [X months]
- Budget / 예산: ₩[AMOUNT]/month

Is a room available? Can I visit to see it?
방이 비어있나요? 방문해서 볼 수 있을까요?

Thank you! / 감사합니다!

Follow-Up Questions Template

Thank you for your reply! I have a few more questions:
답변 감사합니다! 몇 가지 더 여쭤볼게요:

1. Is the deposit refundable? / 보증금은 퇴실 시 전액 환불인가요?
2. What is the minimum contract period? / 최소 계약 기간이 어��게 되나요?
3. Are utilities included in the rent? / 공과금이 월세에 포함인가요?
4. Can I see additional photos of the room? / 방 사진을 더 볼 수 있을까요?
5. Do you accept foreigners? / 외국인 입주 가능한가요?

Scheduling a Visit Template

I would like to visit the room. When is a good time?
방을 보러 가고 싶습니다. 언제가 편하신가요?

I am available on:
가능한 시간:
- [DATE/TIME option 1]
- [DATE/TIME option 2]

Please let me know which works best.
편하신 시간을 알려주세요. 감사합니다!

Negotiation Tips

Many foreigners do not realize that room prices in Korea are often negotiable, especially in certain situations:

When You Can Negotiate

  • Longer stays (3+ months): Hosts prefer stable tenants. Offer to stay 6+ months for a discount.
  • Off-peak seasons: May-June and November-December have more vacancies.
  • Rooms listed for 2+ weeks: If a room has been available for a while, the host may be flexible.
  • Deposit trade-off: Offer a higher deposit in exchange for lower monthly rent.
  • Multiple rooms available: If the host has many vacancies, they are more likely to negotiate.

How to Negotiate Politely

Korean culture values indirect communication. Do not demand; suggest:

I really like this room, but my budget is ₩[AMOUNT]/month.
이 방이 정말 마음에 드는데, 제 예산이 월 ₩[금액]입니다.

If I stay for 6 months, is a small discount possible?
6개월 이상 거주하면 조금 할인 가능할까요?

I can pay a higher deposit if that helps.
보증금을 더 낼 수 있습니다.

What is Typically Negotiable

ItemNegotiable?Typical Discount
Monthly rentSometimes₩10,000-50,000 off
Deposit amountOftenReduce or increase based on rent trade
Move-in date flexibilityUsuallyFree
Included amenitiesSometimesFree bedding, cleaning, etc.
Contract lengthUsuallyFlexible minimum stay

What to Do If Host Does Not Reply

Sometimes hosts do not respond immediately. Here is what to do:

Wait Times and What They Mean

  • Within 1 hour: Excellent — this host is active and attentive
  • Same day (1-12 hours): Normal — hosts are often busy during the day
  • 1-2 days: Acceptable — send a polite follow-up
  • 3+ days: May not be actively managing the listing. Move on to other options.

Follow-Up Message Template

Hello! I sent a message [X days] ago about the room.
안녕하세요! [X]일 전에 방에 대해 문의 드렸는데요.

I am still very interested. Is the room still available?
아직도 관심이 있습니다. 방이 아직 비어있나요?

Thank you! / 감사합니다!

Alternative Strategies

  • Message multiple hosts: Do not wait for one response. Contact 3-5 listings simultaneously.
  • Try different times: Hosts may be more responsive in the evening (after 6 PM) or on weekends.
  • Check if listing is recent: Older listings may be outdated or the room already taken.
  • Look for verified hosts: Hosts with premium or basic plans tend to respond faster as they are actively managing their properties.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Host asks for deposit before you visit the room
  • Host refuses to show the room in person
  • Host pressures you to decide immediately
  • Price seems too good to be true compared to similar listings
  • Host asks you to communicate outside of RoomRoom platform

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