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A love hotel, often found globally, is designed mainly to provide guests with a private space for intimate encounters. This concept began with “Hotel Love” in Osaka, established in 1968, distinguished by its rotating sign. Nowadays, such hotels are present worldwide. Explore love hotels in South Korea to get a unique and distinct experience. Here are some facts about love hotels in South Korea, and how to find them.
South Korean Love Hotels: Basic Facts
1. The History of Love Hotels in South Korea
Love hotels (Korean: 러브호텔), also known as love hotels and initially referred to as “Parktel” (Korean: 박텔), emerged in South Korea around the mid-1980s. However, its rapid expansion is because the influx visitors for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Traditionally viewed with skepticism, these establishments have faced criticism, particularly concerning their proximity to schools and residential zones. In response, some owners have endeavored to reinvent their image, focusing on modern, cleaner services and toning down overtly sexual themes in their décor. Despite these efforts, the topic of love motels remains somewhat controversial in South Korean society, highlighted by the public uproar caused by a foreigner’s photographic exhibition showcasing these motels in 2010.
2. Facilities and Amenities
Stepping into a love hotel, you’ll notice the subtly designed entrance, crafted to maintain guest privacy. Guests usually do the transactions through a window resembling a bank teller’s, allowing for cash payments with minimal staff interaction, often without eye contact.
These hotels are not just discreet but also offer great value, often boasting amenities superior to those in regular business hotels. The attention to detail extends to the in-room comforts provided. Staff will usually give guests a thoughtful package containing items like instant coffee, tea bags, razors, hair ties, bubble bath gel, and even condoms.
3. Activities in Love Hotels
While love motels are primarily known for offering young couples a private retreat, their appeal extends beyond this. They are a practical and budget-friendly option for regular travelers seeking a place to rest or immerse themselves in the local culture.
These motels are also ideal for taking a refreshing mid-day nap or enjoying a shower without the need to book an overnight stay. Open to everyone, they present a unique opportunity to experience a different aspect of Korean life. So, if you find yourself in Korea, consider giving a love motel a try!
4. Cost of Love Hotels in South Korea
In South Korea, staying at love hotels is quite affordable, often costing about half as much as a standard hotel. These hotels offer more than just savings; they typically provide amenities that surpass those found in hostels or guesthouses. Expect to find a large TV, a computer with internet access, and quite possibly an advanced Japanese-style toilet with impressive water jet capabilities. Essentially, they offer all the essentials needed for travel, plus a few extra luxuries.
5. Availability of Smoking Rooms
It appears that the majority of love hotels permit smoking within their rooms. This can be a challenge for non-smokers, as the scent of smoke is often difficult to fully eliminate. In some experience, it required some effort to ensure that the smell was sufficiently removed from our room to be acceptable for non-smokers.
6. Unique Themes
A particularly enjoyable aspect of love motels is their array of creative themes. These themed establishments have become quite popular in Korea, drawing attention for their Instagrammable setups. While they tend to be pricier than standard love motels, the unique experience and photogenic interiors make them worth the extra cost for those seeking a memorable backdrop.
A prime example of such a themed love motel is the Graffiti & Hip Hop Love Motel, located in Seoul’s Seongdong District. This kind of themed environment adds an extra layer of fun and uniqueness to the stay.
7. How to Find Love Hotels in Korea
Finding love hotels online can be a bit tricky, as they tend not to have a prominent online presence. This is partly due to the slightly discreet reputation they hold in South Korea. However, identifying them in person is easier due to their distinctive appearance. Look for buildings with somewhat flashy designs, often bearing names with words like “Queen” or “Castle.”
There are love motels throughout Korea, especially in Seoul, but they might not immediately catch the eye of a foreign traveler. They’re typically nestled among other structures and alleyways, with little to no English signage indicating their nature as a “Love Motel.”
You can often spot a love motel by its bold, perhaps gaudy, signage with the word “HOTEL” prominently displayed. In addition, we can commonly find love hotels in areas known for vibrant nightlife.
A final hint: if you see a building adorned with neon lights, fringes, and bright, contrasting colors, it’s likely a love hotel.
Exploring Love Hotels Across South Korea
Jeju Queen Self Check-in Motel
Located in Jeju City’s Aewol area, the Jeju Queen Self Check-in Motel boasts a convenient setting, just a short 5-minute drive from attractions like Jeju Dinosaur Land and the Hangpaduri Hangmong Historical Site. This cozy motel, with its 13 well-appointed rooms, is situated 15.5 km from Dongmun Market and 21.5 km from Jeju Shinhwa World.
The motel, acknowledging the needs of different guests, provides designated smoking areas. Additionally, guests benefit from complimentary on-site self-parking.
Each of the motel’s 13 air-conditioned rooms has a refrigerator and a computer, alongside free wireless Internet access. The private bathrooms feature jetted bathtubs and hair dryers for added comfort. Additional amenities include telephones, and guests can expect daily housekeeping services during their stay.
Address: 2540, Pyeonghwa-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-s, Jeju, Jeju-do, South Korea
Ulsan Angel Self Check-in Motel
Situated in Uljin, the Ulsan Angel Self Check-in Motel offers a convenient location, just a 10-minute drive from both Deokgu Valley and the Hanul Nuclear Power Plant. This welcoming motel is also within easy reach of Samcheok Beach, 48.3 km away, and a mere 8.2 km from the National Ocean Science Museum.
The motel, which houses 13 air-conditioned rooms, caters to guests with designated smoking areas and provides the convenience of free self-parking on the premises.
Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in any of the motel’s rooms, each equipped with a refrigerator and complimentary wireless Internet to ensure connectivity. The private bathrooms are fitted with jetted bathtubs and hair dryers for a touch of luxury. Daily housekeeping and convenient amenities like telephones are also part of the experience at Ulsan Angel Self Check-in Motel.
Address: 2248-16 Uljinbuk-ro, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Seven Self Check-In Motel
Nestled in Taean, the Taean Seven Self Check-in Motel presents a strategic location for explorers and tourists. A short 5-minute drive connects you to the Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum, while a 9-minute journey takes you to the scenic TaeanHaean National Park. Additionally, the motel is conveniently positioned 47.7 km from Daecheon Beach and just 9.9 km from Mongsanpo Beach.
With 44 air-conditioned rooms, this motel accommodates guests with designated smoking areas and the benefit of complimentary on-site self-parking.
Each room in the motel has a refrigerator and offers complimentary wireless internet to ensure guests stay connected. Meanwhile, the bathrooms are equipped with either bathtubs or showers, along with hair dryers for guest convenience. Additional amenities include telephones and the assurance of daily housekeeping, making for a comfortable and worry-free stay.
Address: Nam-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
Incheon (Seoul) My Heart Self Check-in Motel
The Incheon (Seoul) My Heart Self Check-in Motel is an ideal spot for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re in Incheon for business or leisure, this motel promises a comfortable stay.
Located 24 km from Incheon International Airport and 37 km from Gwangmyeong, it’s conveniently situated for easy access. Nearby attractions such as Seonjaedo, Simnipo Beach, and Daebudo offer a variety of activities for guests to explore and enjoy.
After a day filled with activities or business meetings, guests can choose to relax in the tranquil environment of the motel or venture out to experience the vibrant city life.
Address: 76, Seonjae-ro 226beon-gil, Yeongheung-myeon, Ongjin-gun, Incheon, South Korea
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