The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), with the Korea Minbak Association, selected the top 10 minbak (Korean guesthouses) and honored them at a December 10 ceremony at the Korea Press Center. Selection focused on foreign tourist minbak and hanok (traditional Korean house) experiences, using document review and on-site expert evaluations of infrastructure, customer service and communication, space appeal, and compliance with safety and regulations. Winners include Gayeongdang Hanok Culture Stay (a traditional hanok built with domestic pine and loess), Seaside Cloud (rooms with sea views), and Haiyan (overlooking the Dongdaemun area). KTO will promote these properties on its VISITKOREA platform in eight languages to attract international visitors and highlight regional charms. The agency also provided trainings and consultations to 1,209 minbak operators and prospective entrepreneurs this year, and worked with the association to publish safety and hygiene guides to raise industry standards. KTO says growing interest in K-culture is driving demand for authentic Korean accommodations, and it plans to expand efforts to boost “K-stay” competitiveness.
