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9 Accommodation in Korea You Must Know Before Arriving

Roverista

Aug 27, 2021 · 6 mins read

If South Korea’s irresistible beauty has finally made you cave and plan a trip to the country, that’s completely understandable. But while you’re at it, we advise you to learn all about where you’ll stay. This article will be your complete guide to accommodation in Korea, so say goodbye to all those confusions! 

WHERE TO STAY IN KOREA

  1. Hotel
  2. Resort
  3. Guesthouse
  4. Jimjilbang
  5. Templestay
  6. Hanok Guesthouse
  7. Hostel
  8. Airbnb
  9. Camping

1) Hotel

bed room interior at the hotel in seoul @ dohee /Adobe Stock

Just like most Asian countries, South Korea boasts a high number of hotels that can accommodate just about anyone with their varied price ranges. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise on luxury, as there’s a huge number of 5-star hotels as well.

While luxury hotels such as Conran Seoul and Lotte Hotel Busan offer top-class amenities like swimming pools and king-size beds, the smaller options ensure comfort in tighter budgets. You get all the basic amenities including beds to sleep in, functional bathrooms and polite staff.

Instead of being adventurous with your accommodation, staying in a hotel is better for those who value a good night’s sleep. Plus, a taste of home while you’re away with universal hospitality techniques could soothe that homesick child by your side.

According to budgetyourtrip.com, a couple spends about $104 per day on their hotel stay. Of course, this varies with the type of hotel you stay in, 5-star hotels being the most expensive. A way to know how many stars your hotel has is to look for flowers on a plaque at your hotel site. Each flower represents a star, and this way you’ll get a reservation at whichever hotel suits your needs the best.

2) Resort

Resort is located near Seoraksan national park @ tawatchai1990 / Adobe Stock

Resorts are one of high-end accommodation options in South Korea. The high prices earn you a swimming pool, kitchen facilities and breakfast buffets at many Korean resorts.

Resorts are best for those who are used to luxury, and don’t consider anything below a fully equipped condo. You should also consider them if you have extra cash and won’t mind splurging a bit! After all, you deserve having a delicious Korean breakfast next to a swimming pool.

In popular Korean centres like Jeju Island, prices for resorts can go over 500 dollars. Yikes! Peak seasons are worse, with skyrocketing prices for those same facilities. But you may be able to get the resort experience in much less during off-peak seasons.

3) Guesthouse

Beds in a hotel room @ gnohz / Adobe Stock

Talk about variety, South Korea has 3 different types of guesthouses too!

Yeogwan

This is the most common type of guesthouse. You can spot a Yeogwan in most cities and towns which makes them quite accessible. Most yeogwans have bathrooms that come with them. The beds are comfortable and the environment is cozy.

Yeogwans are best if you don’t want to spend a lot on accommodation alone.A double-room Yeogwan costs about $17-$30. The prices can vary according to season and the city it’s situated in.

Minbak

Minbaks are rooms in residential properties that are rented out to visitors. These are more common on islands, national parks and beaches.

Minbaks are good for those away-from-populated-cities nightstays. Plus, their cheap prices make them even better options.

The prices of Minbak stay in between that $10-$30 mark per night. They can differ according to seasons and places.

Yeoinsuk

Yeoinsuk are the cheapest type of guesthouses in South Korea. They’re very minimal and basic with only a few facilities such as beds and TVs. Yeoinsuk are the previous version of Yeogwan.

There aren’t many Yeoinsuk left and staying in one could educate you about older forms of Korean accommodation. The cheap prices will also be very light on your pockets.

Yeoinsuk come very affordable at about $10 per night.

4) Jimjilbang (Korea’s Ubiquitous Sauna)

Sauna @ ecobo / Adobe Stock

South Korea accommodation is not all about luxury. Jimjilbangs serve as a contrast to the many luxurious hotels and resorts. These saunas allow guests to sleep on the floor, with the only fun part being the steam baths and heated floors. 

But don’t cross them off yet! Jimjilbangs remain open 24 hours, 7 days a week. So you can always stop by after a tiring day of adventures. And with the prices being so low, you wouldn’t want to miss out on all the fun you get to have next to locals and visitors. 

Jimjilbangs are very cheap at about $5-$10 per night. The low prices are reflected in the very low-maintenance set-ups at these saunas.

5) Templestay

Korean traditional architecture in Donghwasa temple, Daegu, Korea @ Sanga / Adobe Stock

Temples are another fundamental part of the Korean heritage. And if you’re interested in learning about them, you can do so by getting directly involved in all of the activities by, yes, staying inside temples. Temples offer programmes that include meditation, prayer, meals and much more.

Reconnect with your spiritual soul at these temples in the calming ambiance, next to elderly monks in saffron robes. 

Templestay is somewhat expensive. It ranges from $40-$50, but could be more expensive. Anything for that relaxing environment though!

6) Hanok Guesthouse

Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea @ CJNattanai / Adobe Stock

The term Hanok refers to a traditional Korean building with some unique features such as paper doors, overhanging eaves and clay-tiled roofs. Hanok guesthouses provide a relaxing experience, away from the chaos of everyday life. The no-Wi-Fi, no-TV properties will give you the chance to take all your beautiful surroundings in.

Hanok guesthouses are somewhat more expensive than regular guesthouses.

They usually cost anything between &50-$300. But if you’re fascinated by Korean traditions, and have some spare cash, then you should definitely stay in a Hanok.

7) Hostel

Hostel @ jimmyan8511 / Adobe Stock

Korean hostels are similar to what they’re like elsewhere. You share rooms and facilities, and split the rent. However, private rooms can also be booked. The dorms are clean and maintained. Most hostels in South Korea are in the capital city of Seoul. And while hostels are a major part of Seoul accommodation, Jimjilbangs are more common in other parts of Korea. 

Hostels might be perfect for you if you like socializing and wouldn’t mind sharing your room including the bathroom and kitchen with other people. 

Hostel rates in Korea range from as low as $7 up to about $50. So you can find an option according to your budget easily.

8) Airbnb

Typical airbnb room @ elroce / Adobe Stock

Just like the rest of the world, Airbnb has become huge in Korea as well. The ease-of-use of Airbnb makes it the accommodation of choice for many visitors in Korea, considering they don’t have to be great at Korean to book them.

Airbnb also provides feedback options, and you also get pictures of places so you know what kind of place you’re signing up for beforehand.

9) Camping

Igari beach and camping tent in Pohang, Korea @ Sanga / Adobe Stock

South Korea is an excellent country for camping. It may be densely populated, but that in no way means it doesn’t have some beautiful camping spots consisting of mountain and forest views. 

Both public and private campsites are available to book and enjoy time outdoors. These sites include some basic facilities according to the prices. Camping in South Korea is truly a fulfilling experience for nature lovers.

That was all you needed to know about Korea accommodation.


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