Love motels are found everywhere in South Korea, and the capital city of Seoul is no different. Although often used by young lovers or adulterers, love motels are ideal for foreign travelers as they are an inexpensive alternative to regular hotels. The average love motel has all the modern amenities: large screen TVs, showers, hot tubs and even saunas. They are clean and reliable and cost 30,000 to 40,000 Won ($25 to $30 USD) as of October 2010.
Located in the Seoul's business district of Yoido-dong, the Benhur Hotel is close walking distance to shopping areas and Western eateries. As most love motel guests want a room for only one or two nights, the price is right at Benhur, with nightly rates ranging from 35,000 to 40,000 Won ($30 USD) as of October 2010. The rooms are clean, with large beds, 50-inch flat screen TVs, showers and hot tubs. Although the staff does not speak English, getting a room at the Benhur does not require a reservation; just walk in and request a room. However, like most love motels, the Benhur will ask you to come back after 9 p.m. to check in.
Benhur Hotel
13-18 Yoido-dong Yeongdeungpo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
011-82-02-9148-3377
The Lexy Hotel is located near Shinchon subway station on Line 2, two stops from the Hongik University and Ehwa Women's University, which are both famous for the busy nightlife scene. For young travelers, the Lexy is ideal: It's cheap, clean and close to many university bars. Rooms start at 30,000 Won ($25 USD) as of October 2010, and the rooms have modern designs with large comfortable beds, couches, showers and hot tubs. As with Benhur Hotel, the staff at the Lexy does not speak English, and they would prefer if you asked for your room after 9 p.m.
The Lexy Hotel
29-55 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu
Seoul, South Korea
011-82-02-363-4700
If the Lexy has no vacancies, go next door to Hotel Jade. Similar in style to the Lexy, Hotel Jade offers all the necessary ingredients for a pleasant stay: inexpensive rates with large, soft beds and hot tubs. Again, rooms start at 30,000 Won ($25 USD) as of October 2010. What sets Hotel Jade apart from other love motels is the cleanliness of the rooms. The walls, sheets and couches are all white, providing a refreshingly clean feeling without the seediness that may occur at other love motels. The staff at Hotel Jade is friendly, but they do not speak English.
Hotel Jade
29-49 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu
Seoul, South Korea
011-82-02-362-8877
