Nowadays more tourists are becoming more adventurous in that they do not want to follow organized and escorted tours when they travel to a foreign country. They prefer to go on free and easy trips where they are left on their own to do their own things and to explore the travel destination by themselves. Actually I think it’s more fun and cheaper that way. Sometimes one gets to stumble upon great hideaways on the “off the beaten tracks” one happens to take by chance, which one might not be able to see on an escorted tour. There are also some tourists who are travelling on a budget, what they are interested in are the museums, art galleries, the different cultures, food etc.
The last thing on their minds would be sleep when there’s so much to see and do. So what’s the use of staying in a posh hotel when one only comes back at night to sleep? It’s a waste of money really unless of course one is rolling in money and doesn’t know what to do with all that money. So I thought I’d let you know what other types of accommodation you can get if you are looking for budget priced accommodation in Korea.
The types of budget accommodations available are
- Motels/Inns (yeogwan)
- Youth Hostel
- Guesthouse
- Homestay
- Hanok Stay
- Temple Stay
The most common types of accommodation in Korea are the motels and yeogwans (sometimes referred to as yeoinsuk or jang). Many motels and yeogwans are in the vicinity nearby bus terminals and train stations in large cities. Not only are they easy to access, but they are also inexpensive. No reservations are needed unless it is high season or during holidays. And because of the cheap price and easy accessibility, the conditions may not necessarily be pleasant. Many are ondol only rooms, and if you want a western-style room it is better to check beforehand. The prices vary depending on location and facilities. Generally, the cost is about 25,000-50,000 won, however prices may be significantly raised during high season and holidays.
Korea`s Peak Seasons: April-May, July-August, October-November. During winter, motels and yeogwans around ski resorts are usually full
Currently there are 52 hostels in Korea nationwide. Hostels are located in famous cities and regions - from tourist sites and downtown areas to places that are difficult to reach. It is better to make a reservation beforehand. Generally, hostels are very big and offer facilities comparable to deluxe hotels. Thus, the price varies considerably from 10,000 won (for a single room) to 160,000 won (for a family room). Persons possessing a Hostelling International Card can receive discounts of up to 20-30%. Hostelling International Cards are available at various Youth Hostels Association offices around the world. In Korea, you can get one from the Korea Youth Hostels Association Office for 20,000 won (15,000 won if under 25 years old).
If you want to meet other foreign tourists and experience Korean culture then guesthouses which are inexpensive is your answer.The owners of the guesthouses .are a great source of information, Guesthouses offer foreign tourists the opportunity to learn about Korea firsthand and meet new Korean friends. Many of the guesthouses are remodelled family homes (with shared bathrooms) and are nearby downtown areas and tourist destinations. The price for one night is around 15,000-40,000 won.
Nothing beats homestays for the best way to learn and experience Korean culture and lifestyle Homestay hosts provide a comfortable home for you and thereby enable you to better understand Korean culture through experiencing it directly from Korean domestic life. You will also find that your Korean improves dramatically through conversation and daily interaction with their families. The greatest reward for the guests and families is the deep, lasting friendship between them.
The hosts have a greater sense of security and exposure to a rich variety of cultural learning opportunities, like family activities, holiday celebrations, religious practices, sporting events, etc. Homestay hosts are required to be confident in hosting foreigners, as well as basic foreign language skills. They are carefully selected for their kind and caring personalities, genuine desire and willingness to open their homes and share their family lives with the guests. They provide a separate room for a guest, breakfast, restroom and kitchen utensils. Although guests pay their own expenses for room and board, a homestay is more of a relationship than a room rental. The cost for one night's accommodation usually ranges from 25,000-40,000 won. Cheaper rates are available for long-term accommodation. An application has to be made and a match will be made with the most suitable family available.
Hanok Stay refers to staying in a traditional Korean house. It is a good opportunity to experience traditional Korean lifestyle and culture. The traditional houses available for hanok stays are hundreds of years old but they have been renovated for the convenience and safety of its guests, whilst the traditional Korean style and sentiment are still retained. Old furniture, paper-pasted windows, and props like soy jars add to the traditional ambiance. Most homes for hanok stay have electronic goods, including a TV set, and Western-style toilets, but some still have traditional toilets. If you prefer a Western-style toilet, you are strongly recommended to make reservations in advance. Some houses offer various programs to experience Korean culture, including tea ceremonies, pottery making, and traditional Korean folk games. Simple meals are usually available at an extra charge. Houses for hanok stay vary in size; some are very large with a guest house and a main building, while others are small with only bedrooms and a living room. Room rates also vary widely. You are recommended to consider various factors when choosing one, such as the room rate and nearby tourist attractions.
Temple Stays were initially established for foreign tourists during the 2002 World Cup, but with their continued popularity and demand, the program has been extended. Participants were given the opportunity to experience Korean Buddhist culture and stay in some of Korea's loveliest temples. Thirty three temples participated in the program during the international event. And in 2007, the number has grown to seventy three. Temple Stays offer a unique experience for tourists to live in a Buddhist temple and learn about and experience firsthand Korean culture and the lifestyle of Buddhist monks. It is a truly unique and special type of accommodation. Temple Stays operate on an irregular basis depending on the schedules of individual temples. Applications can be made at the Temple Stay Korea homepage.
Templestay programs allow visitors to experience Korean Buddhist culture. Participants are given the chance to take part in day-to-day activities and witness the rituals of traditional Korean temples. These temples possess the history of traditional Korean culture and Buddhist tradition. A basic two-day program (which includes an overnight stay) can be extended to three or four days. A half-day Temple Life program (3 1/2 hrs) is also available for participants with tight schedules.
Most temples participating in the program are all located either in National or Provincial parks which feature well preserved natural environments. Thus, the program provides participants with a chance to relax, reflect and revitalize themselves in the tranquillity of nature. You'll go back home richer in heart and more at peace. You may even hate to leave especially if you are a Buddhist. In fact there are many western repeat temple stay participants who keep coming back and some of them have even become Buddhists.
Any of you campers by any chance? Since I still have some space left, thought I’d tell you about 2 camp sites in Seoul which are quite popular with the Koreans. Didn’t bring your tents? No need, you can rent it at the campsite.
The Natural Campsite at Seoul Grand Park is located behind the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea in Seoul Grand Park. The campsite is 27,000㎡ in size and can accommodate 1,500 people at the same time. Here, you can breathe in the fresh air coming from Mt. Cheonggyesan and clean waters flowing through its valleys. In the camping ground, you can cook and enjoy outdoor activities. For a one-day picnic, a reservation is not necessary and you can visit valleys and nearby resting places. You can also stroll along the path ways in the forest. Walk barefoot through the yellow soil walkways during the daytime and have fun with your friends sitting around the campfire at night
The Seoul Grand Park is a major theme park in Korea with all kinds of entertainment facilities and a zoo, and is beautifully surrounded by nature. Covering an area of about 7,000,000 sq km, Seoul Grand Park opened in 1984. A lake runs at the center of Seoul Grand Park, and zoo, botanical garden, educational center for youth, and various convenience facilities are available.
Currently, the zoo has an extremely rare Roland Gorilla, and about 360 kinds of animals, and total of 3,200 creatures from all over the world, divided into origin and species. The botanical garden is sectioned into different temperature zones, and the zoo has a practical layout.
The dolphin and seal shows are the highlights of Seoul Grand Park. The botanical garden contains 1,300 kinds of plants, and the Mt. Cheonggyesan Forest Relaxation Area is great for trail walking.
The large field on which the Seoul Grand Park operates holds various seasonal festivals. In April, the Royal Cherry Blossoms Festival, in June, the Rose Festival beloved by couples, and in October the Autumn Leaves Festival is held to appreciate the surrounding Mt. Cheonggyesan fall colors.
Nanji Campground, which is situated in Nanji Hangang Park, has recently reopened after renovations. Its size will increase to 26,000m² and the facilities in the campsite will be improved. The site is complete with all the items and facilities for camping such as field kitchens, shower rooms, tents, burners and BBQ grills.
As part of the Hangang Renaissance project, Nanji Hangang Park will be transformed into an eco-friendly theme park.
The Park will feature the Nanji Eco-Wetland, Nanji Campground and a marina. Also, there will be a specially designed area where visitors can enjoy extreme sports such as inline skating and BMX. A riverside swimming pool, the Water Plaza, and a riverside stage will be set up as well. Visitors will be able to relax and take a leisurely stroll around the park.
There you are, I hope you have found the type of accommodation that appeals to you most.
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