Interior of "Sajeokin," one of the 18 accommodations named a top-rated Seoul Stay. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
Interior of "Sajeokin," one of the 18 accommodations named a top-rated Seoul Stay. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

As immersive, long-stay tourism has taken hold as a new travel trend, more foreign tourists are choosing urban guesthouses and hanok stays to experience everyday life in Seoul. These accommodations offer visitors a natural window into the city's daily rhythms and culture.

In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation have selected 18 accommodations as "2026 Outstanding Seoul Stay" winners — properties that best capture the city's character and stories. Each selected accommodation will receive up to 5 million won ($3,520) to fund interior improvements and safety upgrades.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation on Sunday, the Seoul Stay program is a city-run support project designed to encourage registration and strengthen the operational capacity of foreign-tourist urban guesthouses and hanok experience businesses. About 803 establishments are currently operating under the program.

A total of 48 properties applied in this round. After a first-round document review and a second-round on-site evaluation by experts, 10 urban guesthouses and 8 hanok experience businesses were chosen, for a final total of 18.

This year, the city placed particular emphasis on selecting "sustainable accommodations" that prioritize safety and community coexistence. Safety and fire department-related criteria were given greater weight, safety specialists were brought in for the on-site evaluations, and inadequate facility safety management was added as a penalty item to sharpen the overall rigor of the selection process.

The winning properties include "Sajeokin," which offers a distinctly Korean atmosphere in the heart of the city, and "Heukseok Hamkke Jip B&B," where guests can share warm everyday moments with their host — among a range of accommodations that each reflect Seoul's unique appeal.

Selected businesses will receive up to 5 million won in project funding for interior improvements and safety upgrades, opportunities to join tourism marketing projects run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation, and SNS promotion and marketing support.

"We will continue to discover and support outstanding accommodations that combine Seoul's distinct character with strong safety standards, helping to make Seoul a city the world wants to stay in," said Jo Seong-ho, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Tourism and Sports Bureau.


ikson@heraldcorp.com