Pusanweb Lodging Guide

There is a wide variety of accomodation available to visitors to Korea - everything from expensive upscale hotels to inexpensive places to crash for the night. Below is a general overview of the types of short term lodgings available in Korea.


Hotels
Most of Busan's world class luxury hotels are in Haeundae and Seomyeon. Very decent, but less expensive hotel options are scattered throughout the city. For the most comprehensive guide to Busan Hotels, visit http://busanhotel.org/

Yogwans
Another popular, reasonably priced alternative is a yogwan, or Korean-style inn. Yogwans offer a Korean mattress, a pillow filled with wheat husks, heat from the floor, and a bathroom which may or may not be shared. Nowadays some yogwans also have western beds. Rates are per room, not per guest. Prices vary from 20-30,000won/night. Be aware that some yogwans are used primarily as rendezvous spots for (usually secret) romantic encounters. Commonly referred to as 'love hotels', they charge by the hour as well as by the day.

Yoinsuks
Yoinsuks are a step below and less expensive than yogwans. Usually they have shared bathrooms and Korean-style bedding. Some have hot water, others do not, but there is often a public bath nearby. Prices vary from 12,000 -22,000 won/night.

Hostels
At present, there are several dozen youth hostels in Korea; all are members of the Korea Youth Hostel Association. They offer reasonably priced rooms for economical travelers and students. The prices vary from 50,000 won/night for a twin room to 12,000 won/night for dormitories. (Seoul is more expensive than other parts of the country.) Reservations and further information can be obtained from the Korea Youth Hostel Association

Homestays
There are many homestay options in Korea. For a list of resources, visit Lee & Kim's Homestay links

Minbak & Hapsook
These are usually rooms in a private house, and involve shared facilities and meals. This is an especially popular form of accommodation in rural areas. As many as 12 people in a large traveling party will sometimes stay together in one room. Minbak usually cost around 5,000 to 10,000 won/night. Hapsook are similar to the minbak, but for long-term stays. These are also popular in rural areas and student communities. It's common to find families that provide meals as well rooms.


Campgrounds
Camping is usually not allowed in national parks, but some wilderness areas do have campgrounds. Campers must provide their own sleeping bags and camping equipment. The cost is usually 5,000won or less per night. Visit the National Park Authority website for more information about visiting wilderness areas in Korea.


Temples
It is sometimes possilbe to stay at Buddhist temples. Guests are expected to follow the temple habits (waking up early, sharing chores and eating what the monks or nuns eat). Men and women usually stay in separate quarters. It is appropriate to leave a small donation before leaving, but not required.


    Updated April 2002

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