As international travelers increasingly trade standardized hotel districts for immersive neighborhood experiences, Seoul city officials are leveraging the capital’s residential neighborhoods to anchor the next era of urban tourism. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization unveiled Friday 18 properties selected as 2026 Outstanding Seoul Stay accommodations. The municipal initiative grants official endorsement and financial subsidies to premier urban guesthouses and traditional Korean homes, known as "hanok," giving foreign visitors a vetted gateway to experience the capital like local residents. The strategy highlights a broader shift in destination management, as municipal leaders seek to distribute tourism dollars directly into local communities while catering to travelers who prioritize authentic, daily-life experiences over traditional sightseeing. Out of 48 applicants, municipal evaluators selected 10 urban homestays and eight traditional hanok lodgings after a rigorous screening process. Inspectors evaluated property sanitation, customer service and co