South Korea hotels generally fall into 4 categories: jjimjilbangs, love motels, guest houses or hotels. These go up respectively in price, though each has its advantages apart from cost. Read on for more information on accommodation in South Korea.

Jjimjilbangs

Usually ranging in cost from about ₩5000 to ₩15000 (approximately $5 U.S. to $15 U.S.), the jjimjilbangs are the public bath houses. For a small cost you will be provided with pajamas, 2 towels, a locker and access to all of the facilities for the night. These facilities usually include a shower area, hot tubs, cold pools, steam rooms, a pitch black sleeping area, smoking rooms and public areas with televisions, hairdryers, sprays and lotions. For another ₩10000 to ₩20000 you can book yourself a massage or body scrub, and you can also purchase any toiletries you might need as well as cold drinks and snacks. The downsides are that the sleeping arrangements include floor mats and foam pillows, and if you want to use the spa area you'll have to get naked with everyone else. But it's extremely common in Korea, and no one really notices anybody else.

Guest Houses

These dorm-style hostels usually charge from ₩15000 to ₩50000 depending on the amount of privacy you'll require. Lower price tags will get you shared rooms and baths, while the higher end will earn you private rooms and occasionally ensuite facilities. Accommodations usually include breakfast, laundry facilities, a kitchen and common area and occasionally internet access. The crowd in guest houses is often young and on the go, so you're sure to make a few friends that you can have a drink with. Guest houses are usually only found in bigger cities.

Love Motels

To stay in a love motel will usually cost between ₩40000 and ₩70000, which is a fair sight cheaper than standard hotels. They are so named because of their predominant use by Korean couples who want a little privacy, and as such you usually have the option to book a room by the hour, day or night. The rooms are almost always clean, but it's worth asking if you can see the room before you pay for it. You'll receive a toothbrush upon check in, and a hairdryer and all other manner of toiletries are provided in the rooms. There's usually a rather large supply of x-rated films to choose from, and some of the motels are decorated in pretty fantastic manners.

Hotels

A standard hotel will run between ₩70000 and ₩400000. You'll have a clean, private room and bath that is less seedy and more luxurious than at the love motels. Higher end hotels often include indoor pools, gyms and more, much in the style of western hotels. However, many regular hotels will charge you for using the toiletries provided in the rooms, so be prepared to shell out a few extra thousand won upon check out. Hotels are usually only found in bigger cities.