Although there are no upscale hotels or resorts in Gongju, there are some midpriced and economical sleeping options. A cute place to stay just outside of Magoksa is Awoollim Pension, 452-3 Gugye-li, Ugu-eup, Gongju-si (tel. 041/841-9963; www.awoollimpension.com [Korean only]). A wooden cabinlike building with mountain views, the Awoollim has a decor that is a bit girly, but done with care. Pensions are like a combination of a bed-and-breakfast (minus the breakfast, but including a kitchenette) and Korean-style condos. The Awoollim Pension has only six rooms, so it's best to reserve in advance. Their site is only in Korean (and the staff's English isn't great), but e-mail them for information at awlks@naver.com. Doubles start at W70,000 to W100,000 on weekdays off season, going up to between W110,000 and W130,000 on popular summer weekends.

Also near Magoksa is the Ddangwooae Taeyang, 480 Gugye-2-geoli, Ugu-eup, Gongju-si (tel. 041/841-5902). The rooms are more basic than at the Awoollim Pension, but you get a kitchen, TV, and the like, and prices are about W10,000 less.

One of the better places in town is the Geumgang Hotel, 595-8, Singwan-dong, Gongju-si (tel. 041/852-1071). Rooms go for about W50,000 to W70,000. Although not fancy by any means, the rooms are comfortable and good-sized.

Pensions -- Pensions are often an excellent budget option when you're looking for a place to stay. In Korea, pensions are like a cross between a condo and a bed-and-breakfast (though instead of the breakfast, you have your own kitchenette). Unlike with minbak, you'll have your own space. And unlike love motels, that other great budget option, they don't have any sleazy connotations. The only problem with pensions is that they rarely have English-speaking owners or staff. When you're making reservations, it's best to call the Korea Travel Phone, tel. 1330, or stop in at one of KTO's information booths and ask them to make a reservation for you.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.