Unique Accommodations

[Anchor Lead]

It’s not easy deciding where to stay on vacation. Holidaymakers find themselves torn between comfortable hotels, camping outdoors or a renting a condominium that includes a kitchen. More unique lodgings are gaining popularity these days where just a one-night-stay can offer plenty of memories.

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The blue sea leads us to a light house on Gadeokdo Island located southeast of port city Busan. It's the second tallest lighthouse in Korea at 40.5 meters. By making a reservation at least a week in advance, visitors can climb to the very top. The open sea view from the building is breathtaking

[Soundbite] "So beautiful, isn't it?"

What would it be like to finish your day with this kind of view? Since 2001, a lodging right beside the tower where the lighthouse keeper used to reside was opened to the public for free. Through a draw, two lucky families are chosen to stay at this place for one night on the weekend. Obviously, the competition is fierce.

[Soundbite] Yang Hee-yong(Gadeok-do Management Office) : "People can apply on the Busan Regional Office of Oceans & Fisheries' website during the first 8 days of each month. If you're chosen, you can use the lodging."

When darkness falls, the lighthouse beams out subtle rays of light toward the sea.

[Soundbite] Gang Sae-jun(Busan Resident) : "The lodge was just beside the lighthouse which was great. I want to come back again with my family."

Now let's change the scene and head to a thatched roof hut. This ancient residence of a family clan built in the Joseon dynasty era is more than 250 years old. Four of its 6 rooms have been open for accommodation from 7 years ago.

[Soundbite] Oh Seong-hyeon(Seoul Resident) : "I was looking for a special stay for a memorable experience. I heard of this place and came."

At a thatched house, you follow the old ways of life. People try making tofu in the traditional way. Rice is cooked not in an electric cooker but in a cauldron over fire from a furnace. Fresh vegetables are picked at a nearby garden.

[Soundbite] Kim Chang-in(Seoul Resident) : "I've been to many places. But here at a thatched-roof house, even the meat tastes better as well as self-made tofu. It's an unforgettable place."

Now we head to Tae-an in Chungcheongnam-do Province. It's supposedly a camp site but where are the tents? There are just rows of yellow buses. These real school buses that once ran in New York are here at this camp ground. Let's get on a bus,, and wow. The inside doesn't look anything like a bus. There's a kitchen, a toilet… as well as a large bed, an AC unit and even TV, all the necessities!

[Soundbite] Yoo Bo-yeong(Incheon Resident) : "The bed is large and there's also a bunk. It's great for families especially those with young children."

The driver's seat remains intact where children practice driving for when they get older.

[Soundbite] Joo Jeong-eun(Runs School Bus-lodge) : "I wanted to offer an exotic and special experience for travelers. Many visitors love it here."

Each bus is also equipped with barbecue gear for visitors to enjoy a fun grill party.

[Soundbite] Lee Gyeong-sang(Incheon Resident) : "I feel wonderful to stay a night with my family at a special location."

Instead of a run of a mill hotel room, what about trying out unique accommodations with your loved ones to create lasting memories?