The Korea National Tourism Organization has recently announced an extension of the waiver of all hotel occupancy taxes at tourist hotels in Korea. Originally instated in December 2000, the KNTO had announced that the waiver of the 10% tax will now expire at the end of 2004. Generally visitors are required to pay a 10% hotel tax and then an additional 10% service charge, making their total accommodations tax nearly 21%. While still required to pay the service charge, the remaining charge will be waived until December 31, 2004.

The Korean government has classified its tourist hotels into five categories: Super Deluxe (SDL), Deluxe (DLX), first class, second class and third class, offering visitors a wide range of rates and amenities within the designation. Facilities in most tourist hotels include at least one restaurant, bar and/or cocktail lounge; on-site recreational facilities like tennis courts or swimming pools; as well as gift shops, game rooms, beauty salons, saunas and laundry facilities. For more information contact the KNTO at 800/868-7567.