.png%3Ftable%3Dblock%26id%3D1f80ebcc-71b9-807a-a1ec-d05d41e574cf%26cache%3Dv2&w=3840&q=75)
.png?table=block&id=1f80ebcc-71b9-807a-a1ec-d05d41e574cf&cache=v2)
Introduction
When I first landed in Korea on a working holiday visa, one thing became clear fast, finding housing and making local friends was way harder than expected.
If I hadn’t already had Korean friends who helped me search and sign a rental, I would’ve been completely lost. Even today, I meet so many foreigners facing the same challenges, looking for a place to stay, trying to figure out the immigration system, and feeling isolated despite loving K-pop, Korean food, and dramas.
So when I sat down with Jay, the CEO of Enko With Us, I knew this wasn’t just a company story. It’s a mission.
🏠 What Is Enkostay?
Enkostay is more than a housing platform. It’s a bridge for foreigners trying to build a real life in Korea.
👉 Check out: Enkostay
Founded by Jay, Enkostay helps people rent homes without massive deposits, get the right documents for immigration, and most importantly, connect to local communities through EnkoPlay — their casual event and gathering platform.
“We want to build a foreign lifestyle platform,” Jay said. “Not just housing, but help with visas, jobs, and friendships, everything that makes settling in Korea easier and warmer.”
👨💼 Meet Jay - CEO of Enkorwithus : The Heart Behind the Vision
Jay’s story started in London.
He had gone there to learn English and met an older landlord named Donald, who treated him like family, even inviting him to his Christmas party.
That experience of kindness and community stuck with him.
Later, while visiting a university in Seoul, Jay noticed tons of international students… but also heard the same frustration again and again:
“We love Korea. But finding housing here is so hard
That was the spark.
Jay began hosting share houses, then social events, and slowly built what is now Enkostay and EnkoPlay, platforms designed to give foreigners in Korea the same welcoming experience he had abroad.
🏠 Why Enkostay Is Different from Airbnb
At first glance, Enkostay might seem similar to Airbnb. But they’re quite different:
- Airbnb is for short-term accommodation and requires host licenses
- Enkostay is a rental platform, which means you can stay longer (14+ days or even months) and get legal documents to apply for your ARC (Alien Registration Card)
“If you plan to stay in Korea long-term, Airbnb doesn’t provide housing contracts you need for immigration,” Jay explained.
“We (Enkostay) do. We also help connect you with landlords and guide you through what you need to register.”
On top of that, Enkostay plugs you into a real community, something Airbnb doesn’t offer.
🎲 Enkoplay: More Than Just Events
Enkoplay is the social side of the platform.
You can join picnics, K-culture experiences, weekend trips outside Seoul, or even just meet someone to grab dinner with.
If you’re a resident at Enkostay, most events are free. Non-residents can join for a small fee.
“Koreans love to play,” Jay laughed.
“But all the content is in Korean. We want to be the bridge that helps foreigners find where to go, what to do, and who to enjoy it with.”
EnkoPlay isn’t just for foreigners either. More and more Koreans are joining because they want to meet international friends, learn new cultures, and enjoy life in a more global way.
🚧 Top 3 Problems Foreigners Face in Korea
Jay broke it down simply:
- Housing – Finding a place, understanding contracts, and avoiding huge deposits
- Immigration & ARC – The ARC process is long and confusing, with paperwork that most people aren’t prepared for
- Social Isolation – Making Korean friends isn’t easy when everything is in Korean and there’s no built-in way to meet locals
Having personally gone through all three, I couldn’t agree more.
🚀 A Mission That’s Growing
Jay doesn’t just want to solve problems — he wants to transform the foreigner experience in Korea.
In the next 5 years, Enko wants to:
- Support longer-term rentals
- Help foreigners get housing loans and work with banks like JB Financial (one of their investors)
- Offer services around visa help, job matching, and cultural guidance
In 10 years, Jay sees this model expanding across Asia and globally, starting with countries facing labor shortages and population decline.
“If Airbnb is the platform for tourists,” Jay says,
“Then Enko is the platform for immigrants, helping them live, not just visit.”
🏢 Enkoplex: Co-living, Co-working, Co-growing
Right now, Enko also runs Enkoplex, a physical building in Seoul where about 300 people live, 80% of whom are foreigners.
But more Koreans are joining too.
“Some Koreans tell me they feel like they’re living abroad, even though they’re still in Seoul. That’s the magic of cultural exchange,” Jay smiled.
It’s a place to live, work, meet people, and grow together.
Conclusion
Most businesses start with a problem.
But the best ones like Enko come from a personal story and a genuine desire to help others.
Jay was once a struggling newcomer in a foreign country.
Now he’s making sure people who come to Korea don’t feel the same isolation he did.
Enkostay and EnkoPlay are more than services. They’re an invitation, to enjoy Korea, to connect with people, and to feel at home.
📌 If you’re planning to stay in Korea, or know someone who is, check out Enkostay and EnkoPlay. You might just find your new home and your new community.
🎉 Special Offer: Use code
KIMNINJA20 at checkout to save 20% off on Enkostay Service Fee booking!Note from 2025/05/12: "Enkorstay" and "Enkorplex" have been rebranded to "Enkostay" and "Enkoplex" respectively. All features, benefits, and services remain the same.
🏠 Looking for Housing in Korea? Renting Made Easy!
20% Off Service Fee with code:
KIMNINJA20
Enkostay Benefits:
✅ No Deposit ✅ Online Booking ✅ Immigration-friendly docs ✅ Flexible Contracts
Perfect for:
👨🏻💻 Digital Nomads 🎓 Students ✈️ Long-Term Travelers 🧳 Working Holiday
🤝 Collaborations & Inquiries
Are you a brand, business, or organization looking to reach the expat or digital nomad community in Korea?
I’m open to meaningful partnerships that align with my mission, bridging Korea 🇰🇷 with the world 🌍.
Whether you’re looking to:
- 📢 Promote a product or service to a Korea-curious audience
- 🤝 Collaborate on culture, tech, or lifestyle content
- 🎤 Invite me to speak, host, or create for your platform
- 🧭 Share helpful resources with people living in or moving to Korea
💡 How I Can Help You
Whether you’re visiting, staying long-term, or relocating. I share honest insights, guides, and tools to help you navigate life in Korea.
🛫 Working Holiday Korea
Real experiences & survival tips from someone who’s been through it all.
💻 Digital Nomad Korea Service
Guidance for remote workers and entrepreneurs building a life in Korea.
🧠 Need Help Understanding Korea?
What I Offer:
- 🧭 Personalized Advice: Get tailored advice specific to your situation
- 🧠 Cultural Insights: Learn about Korean customs and etiquette
- 🧰 Practical Tips: From finding accommodation to understanding public transport
- 🌐 Networking Opportunities: Connect with other expats and locals
- 📕 Exclusive Resources: Gain access to exclusive guides and resources
📬 Weekly Tips in Your Inbox
Join 1,000+ readers learning how to live smarter in Korea — from visas to vibes.
👋 About Kim Ninja
Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
🧭 Cultural Guide · ✍️ Storyteller · 🎨 Curator
📢 Creator helping foreigners understand and thrive in Korea
🗺️ I turn everyday challenges into comics, guides, and stories
The blog published by Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen) is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter.
