South Korea Travel Guide

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Hotels

Modern tourist hotels in major cities and tourist areas are registered with the government and graded: super deluxe (5-star), deluxe (4-star), first class (3-star), second class (2-star) and third class (1-star). A service charge of 10% and 10% VAT are included in hotel bills; tipping is not necessary.

Guest Houses

This is an inexpensive way to experience Korean culture and meet other tourists. Modest in style and decor, many are re-modeled family homes and so often have a shared bathroom. Contact the Korea Tourism Organization.

Self Catering

Pensions are a relatively new concept, often European-style villas, and usually found in tourist areas. They are especially popular with couples and families. Condominiums are apartment-style lodgings usually situated near ski resorts, famous mountains, parks and beaches. Also developing in cities is the concept of ‘serviced apartments’, suitable for longer stays and business travelers.

Cabins

Situated in forests and amusement parks, log cabins are ideal for families and groups. Mountain huts and shelters (daespiso) are located in national parks and are great for hikers. They are equipped with basic beds, light meals, clean drinking and bathing water.

Homestay Accommodation

Supported by the Korea Tourism Organization, this registered nationwide home-stay placement service offers visitors the chance to live in a Korean home, giving a unique perspective on local life.

Camping/Caravanning

Campsites are located throughout the country in national parks, recreational forests and amusement parks. Services such as ’tent rent’ are provided as well as shower facilities and bathrooms. Contact Korea Tourism Organization for details.

Youth Hostels

There more than 70 youth hostels located across the country.

Budget

The Korea Tourism Organization can provide a list of yogwans, reasonably-priced motels where rooms usually consist of a small mattress and a firm pillow on the ondol, Korea’s traditional floor-heating system. Some may have Western-style rooms too.

Unique Accommodation

Korea’s temple stay program (website: www.templestaykorea.com) gives visitors a glimpse of Buddhist life.

Accommodation Information

Korea Homestay
3rd Floor, Songok Building,154-3 Myeongnyun-Dong, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: (2) 766 4663.
Website: www.homestaykorea.com

Korea Hotel Reservation Center
PO Box 1099, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA
Tel: (845) 426 7335.
Website: www.khrc.com

Korean Youth Hostels Association
Room 408, Jeokseon Hyundai Building, 80 Jeokseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: (2) 725 3031.
Website: www.kyha.or.kr