Korean Job Discussion Forums

[balzor]

I'm going to Jeju at the end of July and am looking to either stay in seogwipo or Jeju city. I'm looking for a smaller little motel or B&B to stay in for a couple days. I would appreciate any suggestions people have.

Thanks

[neil537]

Just come back from a visit to Jeju, we stayed one night in Jeju city, one night in Seogwipo and one at Hongdeok (sp?) beach east of jeju city. All nights were in 'love' motels, nights in Jeju and Seogwipo were 40K, the Hongdeok beach was only 25K, bargain. We just looked for motels that weren't on the main strip and picked them. None were top class by any means, but all had double beds/TV/ensuite bathroom.

I'd imagine at the end of July it will be a good deal busier but you should still be able to find somewhere.

Our motel in Jeju was near Mcdonalds down at the port....can't remember exact locations of the other two. Have a good time!

[Robot_Teacher]

Neil, did they speak more English down there than you typically find on the mainland? Was it real tourist friendly, relaxed, and easy going like a tropical island typically is? Even in Seoul, I had to try my best newly learnt Korean when renting motels and I was prepared for it though I first give them the chance to practice their English if they can or want to. I've walked into a dozen or so motels and they didn't speak any English. Even the young dudes working didn't speak any. Well, as in any country, the front line people are usually the lowest skilled and lowest paid while the office behind closed doors is where the English speakers and smart educated people would be found.

[balzor]

sounds like a love motel is the way to go. im used to staying in dinky motels on trips anyway.

[newinseoul]

I stayed in Jungmun, but I forget the name of the place. If you walk around, you'll run into tonnes of love motels. They usually cost around 30,000-40,000 won. If you stay by the water, you'll be paying through the nose. Have fun! Expect crowds in the summer.

[n�fara]

Just keep your eye out for 민박 (minbak), 펜션 (pension), and 모텔 (motel). Also, "guesthouses" and "homestay" places are around too, if you look.

If you don't mind sleeping on the floor, just ask if they have an ondol room, and it could very well be cheaper.
I find the minbaks to be pretty decent for the most part. They are usually smaller, and while not a B&B the owners are usually pretty friendly. It's a good idea to be able to ask some questions in basic Korean:

Ondol shil issoyo? -> "Do you have an ondol room?"
Olmaaeyo? -> "How much?"

Please note that my Korean level isn't that awesome, but I think the Romanizations are at least pretty close I hope? Also, afterwards, when they ask you if you speak Korean, throw in a little Jeju dialect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeju_dialect) and say:

"hokum" (it means "a little")

You'll probably put a smile on their face. This would only work with true Jejuites, often older people, so I'd recommend adding the thumb and index finger body language as well when you say this, just in case.