Where to stay in South Korea?

A hostel in a lane in Insadong, in Jongno, the old centre of Seoul. For small budgets who want the Cheonggyecheon stream a few streets away and Gwangjang Market on foot.

A hotel in the Jamsil tower, in the east of the city, more than twelve kilometres from the historic centre. For those who want Seoul seen from above and accept the metro for the palaces and Gwangjang.

It occupies floors 76 to 101 of the Lotte World Tower, 555 metres, the tallest tower in the country; the Seoul Sky observatory is in the building.

A luxury hotel on the slopes of Namsan, in Jangchung-dong, less than three kilometres from the centre, in the calm of a large park. For a stay where you walk up to N Seoul Tower from the hotel.

On the slopes of Namsan, next to Jangchung Park; the large Shilla duty free store is within the hotel grounds.

A hostel on Hwarang-ro, in central Gyeongju. For a tight budget with the tombs and the national museum within walking or cycling distance.

A hotel on the shore of Bomun Lake, nearly six kilometres from the centre of Gyeongju, in the purpose-built tourist zone. For those who want the calm of the lake and a car for the tumuli and the temple.

A large hotel on the shore of Bomun Lake, on Bomun-ro, less than five kilometres from the centre of Gyeongju. For a comfortable stay by car, between royal tombs, Bulguksa and lakeside walks.

A hostel in Bujeon-dong, near Seomyeon, the big metro interchange, less than four kilometres from the centre. For heading out to Jagalchi and Haeundae without changing too often.

A simple hotel in Jungang-dong, in the Busan station area. For arriving or leaving by KTX, with Jagalchi and Nampo two stops away.

A no-surprises Japanese chain opposite Busan station: handy for catching an early-morning KTX.

A grand hotel in Marine City, in U-dong, between the marina and Gwangan Bridge, six and a half kilometres from the centre. For those who want the illuminated bay in the evening and Haeundae a short distance away.

In Marine City, next to Suyeong marina; Gwangan Bridge lights up directly opposite at nightfall.

A luxury hotel on Dalmaji-gil, the hill at the end of Haeundae beach, nearly nine kilometres from the centre. For an upmarket seaside stay, with the city by metro.

A large hotel on Haeundae beach, in Jung-dong. For stepping straight onto the sand in the morning and reaching Yonggungsa by bus from the district.

Right on Haeundae beach; the hotel houses one of Korea's casinos reserved for foreigners.