If you’ve been considering a trip to South Korea, you’re not alone. Following the pandemic, the country has witnessed a notable rise in international tourism, not just from its neighboring countries, but around the world. In May 2022, an increase in international flights was announced to keep up with demand. The country’s rising pop culture, known as the Korean Wave, is just one of the reasons for the influx in travelers, with K-pop groups such as BTS and Blackpink and the Netflix show Squid Games becoming worldwide phenomenons.
To help make the country even more accessible to international tourists, Airbnb recently enabled the ability to search for hanok stays in South Korea. Similar to ryokans in Japan, hanoks are preserved historic houses, with some dating back to the 14th century. Featuring timber frames and curved roofs, the serene houses are often built in picturesque regions and with a specific position in mind—ideally with a mountain to the back of the house and a river in the front. A stay in one of these houses offers a unique experience, particularly at night, when sleeping usually takes place on a mattress, called a Yo, that sits on the floor. For more inspiration, here are just some of the hanoks we like the look of on Airbnb.
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