Where to stay in Seoul

There are not many places in the world where rituals are followed so succinctly, but the Buddhist Temple Programme in Seoul is one. It is almost like one of the hotels Seoul has because you can book to stay there overnight in the temple itself, with a minimum of 10 people allowed. To be able to do it, you must reserve in advance.

Once you have had a guided tour of the temple, you then sit down for Zen meditation. You sit cross legged and a monk will teach you the benefits of breathing. You are then served green tea, as in many of the hotels Seoul has, but it must be at exactly the right temperature and you must finish it in three sips.

The many hotels Seoul offers

The rituals at any hotel Seoul has will not be quite so rigid yet of course you must adhere to politeness and the hotel rules at all times. Most of the budget hotels Seoul offers will provide clean sheets, basic amenities and a friendly smile, even if English is non-existent.

Then there are of course the love hotels Seoul is famous for. Made for loving couples, most of the rooms in these love hotels Seoul offers are attractively decorated with extra diversions like DVD players and internet access for those awkward moments.

For business hotels Seoul exceeds all expectations as there are many dotted about the city, built to welcome the weary traveller. Some of the hotels Seoul has are for business travellers on a budget and most are centrally located. Make sure you always ask about discounts whatever time of week or year you are visiting. It might be worth your while.

Taking a bath

This might seem a mundane thing to do on holiday, something you can do in the privacy of the hotel Seoul offers. Yet you cannot say you have really been to Korea if you do not go to a public bath. It is another one of those rituals that has to be done.

Some of the international hotels Seoul has offer facilities that non-guests can use but the prices are really hiked up. For a cheaper alternative to a hotel Seoul has, visit a bath-house but be prepared to swallow any shyness as you do have to be naked. Do not worry though, the bath-houses have separate facilities for men and women.

Once inside, you have to strip off completely, wash yourself down and then get into the steaming hot bath. Many Koreans sit on the side for a few minutes dangling their feet in the water to get used to the heat. You then alternate between the hot and cold baths until you are ready to finish.

For a variety of hotels Seoul is accommodating as there is a range of budget hotels Seoul has right up to the more luxurious throughout the city. But for budget flights, get in touch with BudgetAir who offer the lowest and best deals for flights to Seoul.