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.
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:
- Availability: "Is a room available from [date]?"
- Duration: "What's the minimum stay?"
- Deposit: "How much is the deposit and how is it returned?"
- What's included: "Are utilities and internet included?"
- Room viewing: "Can I visit to see the room before deciding?"
- 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
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
| Item | Negotiable? | Typical Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rent | Sometimes | ₩10,000-50,000 off |
| Deposit amount | Often | Reduce or increase based on rent trade |
| Move-in date flexibility | Usually | Free |
| Included amenities | Sometimes | Free bedding, cleaning, etc. |
| Contract length | Usually | Flexible 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