“Tell him we need two rooms for the whole night” I instructed my walking partner Lee at Deobeulyu Motel. Lee conveyed this in Korean through the clerk’s tiny window. There was an exclamation of surprise from behind the opaque glass. Deobeulyu Motel is a love motel. Many look ordinary from the outside. Aging brick facades are common. Sliding glass doors are activated by touch. Electronic signs are often dusty.
The clerk is hidden. You transact business through a small opening. The clerk cannot see you. You cannot see him. Inside the rooms more clues appear. Heart-shaped beds are typical. Sachets of perfume cologne and mouthwash are provided. Sanitizing alcohol and condoms are also present. Love motels may have begun as a front for prostitution. Their role has evolved. Today most love motels offer privacy. This is especially important in South Korea.
A 2021 government study showed 62% of unmarried Koreans aged 20-44 live with their parents. There is a huge demand for intimate escapes. Deobeulyu Motel like others across the nation offers this. The exact number of love motels in Seoul is unknown. Hundreds are reputed to operate. It’s not easy to book ahead. You often just show up. Deobeulyu Motel is inexpensive. Perhaps $8 an hour or $45 a night.
I asked Lee to ask about a desk and chair. There was a louder grunt of astonishment. Then the clerk opened his door and handed over his stool. This customer service is rare. Deobeulyu Motel like other love motels offers a unique experience. It’s a glimpse into Korean culture and the challenges faced by young couples. Deobeulyu Motel is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a symbol of societal changes and adaptation. It provides a temporary haven from societal norms. It reflects the realities of modern Korean life.