The Seoul Metropolitan Government said some 50 hotels in Seoul have decided to lower their rates by 40-60 percent from July 19 till Aug. 31.

The city said that discount would be offered for some 2,000 rooms at 51 top- and mid-level hotels, which are members of the Korea Hotel Association.

During the 44-day discount period, the rates for five-star hotels will range from 110,000 (about $100) to some 140,000 won and those for mid-level and budget hotels, it will be between 60,000 and 80,000 won.

For one, the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, one of the best hotels in Seoul, will lower its rate for a standard room from the current 280,000 won to 110,000 won, while Lotte Hotel in Jamsil and Millennium Seoul Hilton will set their basic room prices at 132,000 won from the current 310,000 won, and COEX InterContinental, at 130,000 won.

City officials say that the measure is designed to compete with discount events in such countries as Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia and ultimately lure foreign visitors to stop by on their way to or from China during the Olympics.

Meanwhile, the Korea Hotel Association will improve the hotel reservation and pickup services at Incheon International Airport's hotel information center.

This article appeared on www.korea.net

June 18, 2008