There are many modern tourist hotels in the major cities and tourist areas. All of these are registered with the government. Most rooms have private baths as well as heating and cooling systems. Facilities in most tourist hotels include dining rooms, convention halls, bars, souvenir shops, cocktail lounges, barber and beauty shops and recreation areas. For further information and reservations, contact the Korea National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses). A service charge of 10% and 10% VAT are included in hotel bills; tipping is not necessary.

Grading: All registered hotels are classified according to their standard and quality of service. Hotels range from 5-Star (super deluxe) to 1-Star (third class). For further information, contact the Korea National Tourism Organization, KNTO.

This is an inexpensive way to experience Korean culture and meet other tourists. Many are re-modelled family homes and so have a shared bathroom.

Pensions are relatively new to Korea (Rep). They are often European-style villas and are usually located 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.

Situated in recreational forests and amusement parks, log cabins are ideal for families and groups. They are fully furnished with all services and amenities provided. Mountain huts and shelters (daespiso) are located in national parks and tend to be frequented by hikers. They have basic amenities: beds, light meals, clean drinking and bathing water, and are especially busy during the summer and autumn. From 15 November to 15 December, they are closed to the public to prevent wild fires.

This programme is supported by the Korea National Tourism Organization, offering visitors the chance to stay with a host family in Korea. For more information, contact the KNTO.

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 KNTO for details.

At present there are over 50 youth hostels in Korea (Rep), mainly located in Busan, Kyongju, Puyo, Seoul, Sokcho and vicinities.

Staying in a hanok is an ideal way to sample traditional life in Korea (Rep). All of the interior accurately reproduces a traditional Korean home with traditional sleeping pads and quilts provided. Some hanoks are located inside a hanok village.

There is also a temple stay programme where visitors can, as the name suggests, stay in temples and see what goes on. Further information can be obtained from the KNTO.

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 409, Jeokseon Hyundai Building, 80 Jeokseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (Republic of)
Tel: (2) 725 3031.
Website: http://yh.kyha.or.kr

Temple Stay Korea
Website: www.templestaykorea.com