14/07/2012
Living in KOREA
Housing
Lodging Residential Types Real Estate Offices
Hotels
There are 5 Korean hotel ratings, Choteukgup, Teukgup, 1 Deunggup, 2 Deunggup, 3 Deunggup. The 5 ratings are in descending order. The rating system is not comparable with the internationally used ratings from 1 star to 5 stars. The ratings are indicated with the number of Mugungwha (rose of Sharon), which is the Korean national flower. Guest rooms are in two types; one type is the usual European hotel room with 1 full bed or 2 double beds, and the other type is the traditional Korean bedroom with heated floor and a sleeping mat to sleep on the floor. Hotels have conference rooms, banquet halls, restaurants, bars, duty free shops, fitness centers and more. Some hotels have rooms with fantastic views. Most of the hotels have convenient connections with airports and tourist sites. It is recommended to make a reservation 2 weeks prior to stay. Especially for peak seasons and the times with international conferences or events, it is required to make a reservation 1-2 months before stay. Check out time is usually 12:00 pm (noon). Meals are not included in a room rate. Since rooms for 1 person are rare, please check room types when making a reservation.
10% of tax on added value and 10% of service fee are additionally charged.
Room doors are automatically locked after shutting. Please take your key all the time and you can ask the front desk to keep your key during you are out.
KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION [http://english.visitkorea.or.kr] just call 1330
Hotels for Long Stays: Residence Inns & Suites
Each guest room at hotels for long stays has a washer, refrigerator, TV, VTR, DVD player and audio system, internet access and a computer. They have swimming pools and fitness centers, restaurants and recreation rooms as well. Even though the usual hotel rate is 100,000 won per day, discounts are possible depending on the period of a stay. noon).
KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION [http://english.visitkorea.or.kr] just call 1330
Inns and Motels
Although rates for Inns and motels differ by location and season, the rates range from 20,000 won to 60,000 won. There are additional charges for check outs later than noon. The rates do not include meals. Usually, they have both typical European rooms and traditional Korean rooms. Some motels do not have rooms with beds. They usually don’t have swimming pools, restaurants, fitness centers and other services. Employees of inns and motels usually don’t speak English. However, there is no tax and no service charges added to the rate.
Youth Hostels
There are 51 youth hostels in Korea and almost all of them are members of the Youth Hostel Association. Even though, the rates range from 15,000 won to 40,000 won, they may differ by locations. Some youth hostels only accept guests with youth hostel memberships. Although other youth hostels accept non-members as well they charge additional 30% to the rate. Youth hostel members of other countries can have the same rate with members in Korea if they show their membership cards. Food prices are relatively inexpensive and have cooking facilities. Check in time is between 12:00 pm (noon) and 2:00 pm and check out time is 12:00 pm (noon).
Korean Youth Hostel Association [http://www.kyha.or.kr] Tel. 02-725-3031
Conduminiums
There are condos (condominiums) for lodging near ski resorts and golf courses. A Condo has a kitchen including a stove, a refrigerator, pans and dishes. They also have amenities including convenience stores and fitness centers. For non-peak seasons, the rate per day is 60,000 won. For peak seasons, the daily rate is 150,000 won. Check in time is between 12:00 pm (noon) to 2:00 pm. Check out time is 12:00 pm (noon). Almost all the condos require guests to make reservations 2-4 weeks prior to stay for peak seasons and weekends.
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Guest Houses
Guest houses are for tourists who want to experience the Korean culture and foods. It will be a good opportunity to learn the Korean culture by staying at a guest house.
