Try the Web App

A Motel

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Try the Web App

Across bustling Seoul, A Motel offers a unique glimpse into South Korea’s evolving culture. A Motel isn’t just a place to rest your head. It’s a reflection of societal shifts and a testament to the ingenuity of Korean entrepreneurs. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek, during his Out of Eden Walk, stumbled upon this distinctive lodging experience. He found A Motel, like many others, unassuming from the outside. The brick facade, the sliding glass doors, the electronic sign – all seemed ordinary. Yet, the transaction process hinted at something different. The frosted glass booth, separating clerk and customer, created an unusual anonymity. Inside, the rooms told a more complete story. Heart-shaped beds, an array of toiletries, and sometimes, even laminated menus offering more than just food, revealed A Motel’s true nature. These establishments, often dubbed “love motels,” serve a particular purpose in a country where a significant portion of young adults live with their parents. They provide a space for couples to find privacy. A Motel and similar establishments became a solution to a social need, offering a temporary escape from the family home. A Motel likely stands as one of hundreds in Seoul alone, evidence of the high demand. Salopek’s experience highlights the practical side of A Motel. The affordable rates, around $45 a night, made it ideal for a budget traveler. He even managed to secure a desk and chair for his writing, an unexpected perk. A Motel, with its blend of practicality and cultural significance, offers a memorable experience for any visitor to Seoul. It’s more than a motel; it’s a window into the dynamics of modern Korean society.

The story of A Motel in Seoul is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Seoul and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Seoul in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Seoul with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Seoul – only with Explory.

More Places in Seoul

좋은나무교회

Have you ever heard of a church that doesn’t celebrate Christmas? Right here at the 숭의교회 in Seoul, that’s the

Explore

Myeongnyun 1-ga

Wander through the streets and discover the charm of Myeongnyun 1(il)-ga. This area in Jongno-gu Seoul blends modern city life

Explore

Wolgye High School

Did you know Wolgye High School stands in the heart of Seoul’s Nowon District? Its location within Wolgye-dong a vibrant

Explore

Seoul Digital University

Indeed, Seoul Digital University stands as a pioneering institution. It delivers education entirely online. Imagine being able to study from

Explore

Mecenatpolis

A breathtaking canyon. That’s what Mecenatpolis in Seoul reminds me of. Its design is inspired by nature’s elegant curves. Located

Explore

애린교회

Have you ever felt the weight of history beneath your feet? Here at Aerin Church you stand on hallowed ground.

Explore

Daesin-dong

Stretching before us lies Daesin-dong a legal dong in Seoul. It is more than just a neighborhood. Daesin-dong is a

Explore