Seoul City is to help foreign tourists stay in Seoul at moderate prices.
The city said Tuesday that it will give subsidies for visitors at certified accommodations.
City Hall certifies lodgings with more than 10 rooms when they meet certain standards, awarding Innostel recognition that gives users such benefits as a reduction in water fees.
The room rates for these Innostels range from 35,000 to 100,000 won.
Currently there are 95 Innostels with 3,611 rooms and the municipal government plans to expand the certification to 150, making 5,000 rooms available by next year. It will also give incentives to travel agencies that help foreign tourists find accommodation in Innostels located in Seoul.
Seoul City will also offer "U-Tour," a customized tour guide service using smart phones, next year. The city will rent out the devices at tourist bureaus and Incheon International Airport. A translation service will be available in Korean, English and Japanese.
"It is essential to secure enough accommodation to draw more visitors," a city official said. "We will provide administrative and financial support to high-quality lodgings."