Accommodation in South Korea
Where will you stay in South Korea?
On your Rickshaw South Korea holiday, you'll mix comfortable city hotels with some very Korean ways to spend the night. One evening you might be in a lively Seoul neighbourhood, a short stroll from sizzling street food stalls. Next, you could be sleeping on a heated floor in a wooden hanok in Jeonju, or waking to the sound of a temple bell in the mountains.
South Korea is still a rising star in the travel world, so small, boutique-style places are fairly rare. Hotels are generally comfortable and welcoming, though décor and finishing touches don't always match Western expectations. That's all part of the charm.
How it works
We use a hand-picked selection of hotels, chosen by our local partners in South Korea, who know the country inside out. Our team visits regularly to check them, looking for the right mix of location, cleanliness, atmosphere, friendly staff and good value. This gives us the flexibility to find the perfect spot for you, improves availability at busy times, and allows us to offer upgrades or tailor your stays to your preferences. As Korean hotels don't always fit European star ratings, we've created our own categories so you know what to expect.
Here’s what to expect from your Rickshaw accommodation:
Standard accommodation (category 3)
Most of your nights will be in our standard category: comfortable, characterful hotels chosen for their location and good value for money. In Seoul and Busan, you'll usually stay in a lively district, so you can head straight out to a local restaurant or night market. Further afield, you'll find yourself somewhere quieter, in small towns or surrounded by mountains and countryside.
In-Style accommodation
In some places, we can offer hotels with a little extra. Expect more spacious rooms, a pool or spa, or a standout location, such as a sleek Seoul hotel with skyline views or a seafront stay in Sokcho with the East Sea on your doorstep. They cost a bit more, but for good reason.
Special stays
A special stay is about experiencing a place, not just seeing it. It's not necessarily more luxurious, but it's one you'll remember.
Spend the night in a hanok, a traditional Korean house with a tiled roof, paper-screened doors and a quiet courtyard. You'll sleep on a padded mattress on the floor, kept cosy by ondol underfloor heating, just as Koreans have done for generations.
Or stay overnight in a Buddhist temple, tucked away in green, peaceful surroundings. Temple stays are a gentle introduction to monastic life, from early morning meditation to a shared vegetarian meal and a walk through the forest. Rooms are simple and bathrooms are often shared, but the experience more than makes up for it.
Simple accommodation
These are simple but reasonably comfortable places to sleep. You'll have your own room with private facilities, though the hotel itself has little atmosphere. As with all our categories, we make sure rooms are clean. You'll mostly find this type of accommodation in more remote areas, where there are few other options.
Tailoring your holiday
When planning your South Korea holiday, your travel specialist will talk you through where you'll stay and can request alternatives or upgrades to suit you.
Ready to start creating your perfect holiday? Get in touch!