SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – In a strategic move to enhance the experience for international visitors and showcase the unique charm of the capital, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) have announced the ‘2025 Excellent Seoul Stay’ competition. This initiative aims to identify and support 20 outstanding local accommodations, providing each selected establishment with up to 5 million Korean Won in funding.

The ‘Seoul Stay’ program is an official accreditation brand managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, designed to recognize and promote quality lodging options. Under the Tourism Promotion Act, any legally registered Urban Stay for Foreign Tourists or Hanok (traditional Korean house) Stay located within Seoul is eligible to become a part of the Seoul Stay network.

The benefits of being recognized as an ‘Excellent Seoul Stay’ are significant. Beyond the financial support of up to 5 million KRW per property, which can be used for operational improvements and marketing endeavors, selected accommodations will receive an official plaque and emblem. These serve as a mark of quality and safety, assuring tourists of a comfortable and reliable stay.

Furthermore, these distinguished establishments will gain access to exclusive opportunities, including participation in key events organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization. They will also benefit from targeted promotional and marketing support, providing them with a distinct competitive edge in attracting international travelers.

The application period for the 2025 competition runs online from April 7th to April 22nd at 5:00 PM KST. Interested parties can submit their applications through the designated online portal: https://url.kr/jypjuj. A total of 20 exceptional accommodations will be chosen through a rigorous evaluation process.

To be eligible for the ‘Excellent Seoul Stay’ designation, applicants must have completed their registration as a Seoul Stay accommodation (either an Urban Stay for Foreign Tourists or a Hanok Stay) by the application deadline. New registrations can be completed via the official Seoul Stay website: stay.visitseoul.net/cms. Potential applicants should note that the new registration process can take up to 10 days to finalize, so timely application is crucial.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has emphasized a commitment to ensuring high standards of hygiene and safety in the selection process, with increased weightage given to these critical aspects during evaluation. Additionally, recognizing the importance of sustainable tourism, the evaluation will also consider efforts made by accommodations to minimize any potential inconvenience to local residents, fostering a harmonious coexistence between tourists and the community.

To encourage the discovery of diverse and novel lodging options, certain restrictions will be in place. Accommodations that have been selected as ‘Excellent Seoul Stays’ three or more times previously will not be eligible to apply this year. Additionally, the proportion of accommodations selected for two consecutive years will be capped at a maximum of 70% of the total selections.

For more detailed information regarding the application process, selection criteria, and any related inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to contact the operating secretariat at ☎ 070-5220-0325 or via email at seoulstay2025@gmail.com.

This initiative underscores Seoul's dedication to providing high-quality accommodation options for international tourists, enriching their travel experience and further solidifying Seoul's position as a leading global tourism destination. By supporting these local gems, the city aims to not only attract more visitors but also to ensure they enjoy a comfortable, safe, and culturally immersive stay.

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