The Korea Tourism Organization published on Monday an English-language book introducing unique accommodations throughout South Korea. The book “Korea’s Most Unique Accommodations” offers 50 alternative hotels and other types of lodging, showing readers that there is more to Korea than stereotypical hotels.

Divided into five themes ― Unique Designs Featuring Special Themes, When Comfort Meets Convenience, Discovering Korea’s Traditional Culture, Beautiful Places with Picturesque Views and Luxury Resorts ― the book introduces tourist attractions near the accommodations as well.

KTO accepted recommendations and also conducted research on famous accommodations through various media including newspapers, magazines and the internet. Experienced travel writers, both Korean and foreign, also contributed to the selection of the venues.

Some of the interesting accommodations include the Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht, a cruise ship-resembling, 121-room hotel and condominium located in Jeongdongjin in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province; Sancheong Hanbang Resort in Sancheong-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, a mushroom-shaped medical herbs resort that looks as if it popped out of a Smurfs cartoon; and Happy House Santorini, a Greek-style pension near Jebu Island in Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province.

The 115-page book is filled with information and photos of interesting accommodations. The book will not be for sale but distributed through the KTO. The e-book format is also available at the Visit Korea website (english.visitkorea.or.kr).

By Park Min-young  (claire@heraldcorp.com)