Up to 5M Won Support
- SEOUL, South Korea (April 8, 2025) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government, in partnership with the Seoul Tourism Foundation, is seeking exceptional accommodation providers to participate in the "2025...
- The public offering, which began April 7, will continue through April 22.
- A "foreign tourism city resident" business is defined as one offering accommodations and facilities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Korean family life.
Seoul Launches “Excellent Accommodation” title=”… | The Official Travel Guide to …”>Seoul Stay” Contest for 2025
Table of Contents
- Seoul Launches “Excellent Seoul Stay” Contest for 2025
- Seoul “Excellent Seoul Stay” Contest 2025: Your Guide to Accommodation Opportunities
- What is the “Excellent Seoul Stay” Contest?
- Who is Eligible to Participate?
- When Can Businesses Apply?
- What are the Benefits of Participating?
- How Does the Seoul Stay Program Work?
- What is the Selection process for “Excellent Seoul Stays”?
- What Criteria are Important for the Selection?
- How do I Register for Seoul Stay?
- Are There Any Changes to the Application Rules for 2025?
- What is the Purpose of this Initiative, According to the Director of Tourism?
- Key Details at a Glance
SEOUL, South Korea (April 8, 2025) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government, in partnership with the Seoul Tourism Foundation, is seeking exceptional accommodation providers to participate in the “2025 Excellent Seoul Stay” competition. The initiative aims to highlight lodging options that offer unique and memorable experiences for international visitors.
Eligibility and request Details
The public offering, which began April 7, will continue through April 22. Eligible businesses include those providing foreign tourists with opportunities to experience Korean family culture within a residential setting, as well as “hanok” (traditional Korean house) experience businesses registered with Seoul Stay.
A “foreign tourism city resident” business is defined as one offering accommodations and facilities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Korean family life. Hanok experience businesses provide tourists with traditional cultural activities, including games, crafts, and accommodations in traditional Korean homes.
Financial Support and Benefits
This year, the city will select 20 establishments to receive financial support of up to 5 million won each. Beyond monetary assistance, selected “Seoul Stays” will gain a competitive edge through opportunities such as participation in major Seoul events and promotional marketing initiatives organized by the Seoul Tourism Foundation.
Seoul Stay Program
The Seoul Stay program, managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is open to any foreign tourism city resident or Hanok experience business registered in Seoul. The program offers support in two key areas: operations and public relations/marketing.
- Operations: Assistance with customized product planning, interior design costs, and safety/sanitary management expenses.
- PR/Marketing: Support for reservation systems, website improvements, and both online and offline marketing efforts.
Selection Process and Criteria
the 20 winning “Excellent Seoul Stays” will be announced June 5 at the Seoul Stay Nuri House, following a two-stage evaluation process. The initial document review will assess applications based on a scoring rubric.
The city is placing increased emphasis on facility hygiene and safety management to foster a healthy tourism environment. Considerations will also be given to minimizing any inconvenience to local residents, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between tourists and the community.
Registration Information
new Seoul Stay registrations require approximately 10 days to process. Interested parties should register online,allowing ample time before the application deadline.
Changes to Application Rules
This year’s competition includes new restrictions, such as limiting applications from accommodations that have applied three or more times. Adjustments will also be made for businesses that have received support for two consecutive years, perhaps reducing the subsidy to 70% or less.
Official Statement
Gu Jong-won, director of Tourism and Sports for Seoul, stated the city’s commitment to “discover excellent option accommodations so that tourists who visit Seoul can experience high quality accommodation facilities and support them from supporting operation subsidies to promotional marketing.”
Seoul “Excellent Seoul Stay” Contest 2025: Your Guide to Accommodation Opportunities
What is the “Excellent Seoul Stay” Contest?
The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation are hosting the “2025 Excellent seoul Stay” competition. This initiative recognizes and supports exceptional accommodation providers in Seoul, enhancing the travel experience for international visitors.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
Eligible businesses include:
- Businesses offering experiences in korean family culture within a residential setting.
- “Hanok” (traditional Korean house) experience businesses registered with Seoul Stay.
A ”foreign tourism city resident” business provides accommodations allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Korean family life. Hanok experience businesses offer traditional cultural activities and accommodations in traditional Korean homes.
When Can Businesses Apply?
The application period is from April 7 to April 22, 2025.
What are the Benefits of Participating?
Selected establishments will receive financial support and promotional advantages. The city will select 20 establishments to receive up to 5 million won each.
- Financial Support: Up to 5 million won per winning establishment.
- Promotion: Participation in major Seoul events and marketing initiatives by the seoul Tourism Foundation.
winning will also provide a competitive edge in the market.
How Does the Seoul Stay Program Work?
The Seoul Stay program, managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, supports registered foreign tourism city resident and Hanok experience businesses in two key areas.
- Operations: Support with product planning, interior design costs, and safety/sanitary management.
- PR/Marketing: Assistance with reservation systems, website improvements, and both online and offline marketing.
What is the Selection process for “Excellent Seoul Stays”?
The selection process involves a two-stage evaluation.
- Document Review: Applications will be assessed based on a scoring rubric.
- Announcement: The 20 winning “Excellent Seoul Stays” will be announced on June 5 at the Seoul Stay Nuri House.
What Criteria are Important for the Selection?
The city emphasizes:
- Facility hygiene and safety management.
- Minimizing inconvenience to local residents for a harmonious community.
How do I Register for Seoul Stay?
New Seoul Stay registrations require approximately 10 days to process. Interested parties should register online.
Are There Any Changes to the Application Rules for 2025?
Yes, there are new restrictions on applications. Accommodations that have applied three or more times are limited from applying again and there are adjustments for businesses that have received support for two consecutive years (possibly reducing subsidies).
What is the Purpose of this Initiative, According to the Director of Tourism?
Gu Jong-won, the director of Tourism and Sports for Seoul, aims to “discover excellent option accommodations so that tourists who visit Seoul can experience high-quality accommodation facilities and support them from supporting operation subsidies to promotional marketing.”
Key Details at a Glance
Here’s a summary of critically important details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition Name | 2025 Excellent seoul Stay |
| Organizer | Seoul Metropolitan Government & Seoul Tourism Foundation |
| Application Dates | April 7 – April 22,2025 |
| Eligible Businesses | Foreign tourism city residents & Hanok experience businesses registered with “Seoul Stay” |
| Financial Support | Up to 5 million won per establishment (20 winners) |
| Announcement Date | June 5,2025 |