When planning a trip to South Korea, most travelers think of hotels or Airbnb—but Korea offers so much more when it comes to accommodations. For those seeking a memorable, cultural, and local experience, staying in unique lodgings like Buddhist temples or traditional hanok houses can completely transform your journey.
Here’s a guide to the most unique places to stay in Korea, whether you're looking for peace, tradition, or something totally out of the ordinary.
π 1. Templestay – Sleep Like a Monk
Templestay programs allow visitors to stay overnight at a Buddhist temple, experience monastic life, and reconnect with nature and inner peace. It's a peaceful and spiritual escape from the fast pace of city life.
What to Expect:
- Early morning meditation and chanting
- Tea ceremonies with monks
- Vegetarian temple meals
- Mindful walking in nature
Popular Locations:
- Jogyesa (Seoul)
- Haeinsa (Gyeongnam)
- Beomeosa (Busan)
Best For: Travelers seeking calm, reflection, and a break from modern noise.
π― 2. Hanok Stay – Live Like Royalty in a Traditional Korean House
A hanok is a traditional Korean house built with natural materials like wood, stone, and paper. Many hanoks have been beautifully restored into guesthouses, especially in places like Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul or Jeonju Hanok Village.
Highlights:
- Sleep on heated floors (ondol)
- Traditional courtyard gardens
- Learn Korean calligraphy or tea ceremony
- Perfect photo opportunities in hanbok
Top Places to Try:
- RakKoJae (Seoul & Andong)
- Hanok 24 Guesthouse (Seoul)
- Soriwool Hanok Stay (Jeonju)
π️ 3. Hanok Meets Modern: Luxury Boutique Guesthouses
Some hanoks are redesigned with modern comforts and high-end interiors, giving you the best of both worlds—tradition with a touch of luxury.
Features Include:
- Spa-style bathrooms
- In-room breakfast service
- Artistic interior design
Perfect For: Couples, honeymooners, and culture lovers who want comfort and charm.
π️ 4. Glamping and Camping in Nature
For outdoor lovers, glamping (glamorous camping) in Korea is a rising trend. It offers the beauty of Korean mountains, rivers, or coasts with the comfort of cozy tents or cabins.
Where to Go:
- Gapyeong (near Seoul)
- Jeju Island seaside glamping
- Gangwon-do mountain retreats
Facilities May Include:
- Barbecue pits
- Beds and heating/cooling
- Stargazing areas
π 5. Capsule Hotels – Sleek, Cheap, and Futuristic
If you're traveling solo or on a tight budget, capsule hotels are a fun and efficient option. Popular in cities like Seoul and Busan, they offer compact sleeping pods with high-tech amenities.
Why Choose It:
- Budget-friendly
- Central locations near subways
- Secure and private despite the small size
π 6. Seaside Pension Houses – Relaxing Coastal Getaways
A pension in Korea is like a guesthouse or small villa, often family-run and located near beaches or countryside. They’re perfect for weekend getaways and group stays.
Where You’ll Love:
- Sokcho or Gangneung (East Coast)
- Namhae and Geoje (South Coast)
- Jeju Island beach areas
π️ Final Thoughts: Stay Somewhere Memorable
When traveling in Korea, your accommodation can be more than just a place to sleep. Whether it’s chanting with monks at sunrise, enjoying tea in a 100-year-old hanok, or waking up to ocean waves in a glamping tent—Korea’s unique stays make your journey unforgettable.
Why settle for a standard hotel when you can live like a local, experience ancient traditions, or sleep under the stars?
