stdClass Object ( [ID] => 29746 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2013-05-09 08:23:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2013-05-09 08:23:08 [post_content] => SEOUL is a city with its sights set on the future. Step out of any standard hotel in the city and take a stroll down one of the main shopping streets and you’re likely to be more taken by the steel-and-concrete construction, flashing lights and trendy nightlife than you are by the city’s cultural heritage and links to the past. But despite its zeal for modern living, this 600-year-old capital hasn’t completely lost touch with its heritage. Palaces, gardens and traditional home stays (hanoks) are still thriving here. It’s just a matter of knowing which neighborhoods to frequent. Mama Hanok is one of the best-run and most affordable traditional home stays in Seoul, and it offers travelers respite from Seoul’s obsession with all things modern. After a day of sightseeing, guests can return to this cultural enclave and enjoy at least a hint of what life was like a few centuries ago. [caption id="attachment_29749" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Pic: Mama Hanok."][/caption] That being said, staying a few nights at Mama Hanok doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of modern convenience. The floors are heated, wireless Internet broadcasts throughout the complex and the art that fills the Hanok reflects owner Jin Sung’s personal tastes. Many of Mama Hanok’s biggest fans are travelers who originally booked a more modern hotel, were gravely disappointed and then had the good fortune to stumble on this hanok before their time in Seoul was up.

What makes it special?

The hanok experience is uniquely Korean, and some would insist that it’s a type of travelers’ rite of passage. There are several of these establishments located in Seoul, but Mama Hanok is certainly one of the top picks. The level of service is high, which is a major selling point for the return visitors. The hanok’s aesthetics are also a notch above those of others in the capital. Furthermore, Mama Hanok is also well located, within walking distance of Changdeokgung Palace and Insadong. [caption id="attachment_29751" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Pic: Mama Hanok."][/caption]

What to expect?

Expect to be transported back to a more traditional time in Korea’s history, long before block-style high-rise construction took over. Jin Sung and his wife are big on hospitality, and it won’t take more than a few hours for you to feel like you are part of the family. You’ll have no problem communicating in English, and the employees will be more than willing to help you plan your daily activities. However, the emphasis on traditional Korean accommodation means that you have to make certain concessions. Guests sleep on a mattress on the floor. This is part of the authenticity of a hanok, but it’s an important detail to be clear on before you sign up for the experience. The floors are heated in the winter, so walking around in slippers or bare feet is thing of beauty. The doors are also literally paper thin – as in rice paper – but Mama Hanok is tucked back far enough that noise isn’t really an issue. Things get pretty quiet here after dark.

What is there to do?

The hanok is centered around a courtyard, so you’ll have ample opportunity to get to know your hosts and other guests. However, most visitors spend daylight hours out exploring the region. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities in the vicinity. [caption id="attachment_29752" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Pic: Mama Hanok."][/caption] Changdeokgung is the closest major attraction. It’s in the neighborhood, so you’ll have no problem getting there and back. This palace was built in the early 15^th century and became the most important palace in the capital within a hundred years. It has since attained UNESCO World Heritage status. For most of the year, visitors can only gain access by joining a 90-minute guided tour, but doing so is well worth it. Jin Sung can fill you in on the details when you arrive. There are also shops, restaurants, cinemas and other attractions within walking distance of the hanok. The traditional Insadong street is a stroll away, and the area is well-served by the subway, so connecting anywhere in Seoul is relatively convenient.

What’s the damage?

There are five rooms available at Mama Hanok (the owners live in the sixth). Rates start at US$62 (single occupancy) to US$88 (double occupancy) for the ‘Mother’ Room. There are two ‘Daughter’ rooms – one without a bathroom that sleeps one (US$62), two (US$88) or three (US$114). There is also a ‘Son’ room without an en suite toilet and shower that sleeps one (US$106) or two (US$141). Meanwhile, both the ‘Son’ and ‘Daughter’ rooms with an en suite toilet and shower can accommodate one (US$123) or two (US$158) persons. Mama Hanok, 46, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea 110-360. Tel: +82 (0)10-8661-6787. [post_title] => Mama Hanok: A traditional home stay in Seoul [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => mama-hanok-a-traditional-homestay-in-seoul [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2013-05-13 05:11:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2013-05-13 05:11:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.travelwireasia.com/?p=29746 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )