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| From WashingtonPost.com |
Happy New Years!! I hope everyone had a wonderful New Years Eve =]
With 2012 already here there seems to be a plethora of articles online about all the amazing things to see or do this year. CNNGo.com recently published an article 12 Reasons To Visit Korea in 2012 and one of the reasons listed was KoreaStay.
KoreaStay is a homestay program set up by the Korea Tourism Organization. While I am sure these programs might exist in other countries I would be soooo skeptical of the accommodations that I probably wouldn't take advantage of this great opportunity. However when considering something like this in the country of Korea, it might just be worth it.
Why choose a homestay?
Some people like their space. If you're one of those people than KoreaStay probably isn't for you, but if your someone who wants to be immersed in Korean culture and need a friendly face to help you do so, then you might want to check this out. I think if I traveled to Korea this would be something I would want to try. Being in an unfamiliar place with a different culture having a friend to rely on might be the difference of making an already fun trip an amazing adventure.This program is still really new, so feedback is still rather scarce, however looking at their website the program seems really thorough and well thought out. Both the traveler (you) and the host (the Korean home in the program) have to submit applications and be approved by the government before partaking in this program.
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| Visual of the application process on the VisitKorea Site. |
Still unsure? There is two things in particular which made me really want to try this program out.
- Price :: 40,000-70,000 wons :: This is probably one of the most affordable accommodation options that would allow you a clean place to sleep, breakfast the next morning, and a friendly face (if not more - some homes offer cultural programs such as guided tours, cultural dress, etc).
- Host Search :: One of the great things about this program is on the VisitKorea site you can actually search through the hosts currently in the program. If gives you information about the host family as well as details and pictures about where you will be staying. You can even search by region to find a homestay in the area where you are wanting to visit!
If you have tried this program or know someone who did I would definitely be interested to hear what they have to say! While I was reading about it today I couldn't help but feel excited and interested even though I won't be traveling to Korea anytime in the next 6 months. Regardless its a cool program and maybe something to think about if your planning trip there.
*********** Don't forget I'm having a giveaway that's still open!!! Check it out!! **************
I would love to go to South Korea! So many things I want to do in life lol.
ReplyDeleteHope your New Years was good :D Thank you again for your input, it meant a lot.
I love this entry so much! Since i am going to South Korea by myself i enjoyed reading this~
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work.
Oh how fun! I'm jealous of you already! I'll be looking forward to seeing posts about it in the future!!
ReplyDeleteI know!! -- I'm glad. Sometimes its just nice to have someone listen to what you have to say.
ReplyDeleteThis was such an interesting post to read Marie. I would love to visit Korea one day, but I never knew programs like this existed. This would make traveling to foreign countries much more easier, especially if you aren't very familiar with the language.
ReplyDeleteI agree, thank you again :]
ReplyDelete