public holidays
Unique hotels in Seoul for your next stay
From Hongdae across the river to Gangnam, we've rounded up the 10 best hotels in Seoul by neighborhood. Here's where to stay on your next trip to South Korea's capital
By Cynthia Rosenfeld / February 24, 2020
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Seoul
The world's most connected city - more than 95 percent of residents have broadband internet - Seoul is a stimulating combination of futuristic technology and lovingly restored heritage. The South Korean capital was named a UNESCO City of Design in 2010 for its "rich cultural heritage and creative potential" and has lived up to this distinction with modern cultural addresses such as:Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, designed by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas, andSeoullo 7017. The latter is a 16-meter-tall, kilometer-long, leafy-lined pedestrian walkway that connects many of the city's hotels with key visitors like Seoul Station and the more than 10,000 vendors at Namdaemun Market.
The shopping enclave of Gangnam will be known to many by name, while the vibrant indie music scene is centered around the Hongdae district on Seoul's northwest flank. These are just two of the many surprisingly diverse neighborhoods in this dynamic city on the Han River - read on to find out the great hotel options in each.
North of the river
Jongno
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
A business hotel with all the amenities of a resort
The Canadian luxury group entered the Korean market with 29 floorsFour Seasons Hotel Seoulis located between the government offices and corporate headquarters in the central district of Jongno-gu. While Seoul's shopping is less accessible here, proximity to the hundreds of historical structures that make up the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace is a plus. Ask to stay in a north-facing room for an unobstructed view of the palace, which is designed according to feng shui principles. Floor-to-ceiling windows in all 317 rooms and suites allow natural light to fill interiors of blond woods and cream-colored fabrics, while sunlight fills the two-story atrium lobby, which is filled daily with striking floral displays. Slightly more sinister is underground speakeasy Charles H, where bartenders are just as good at making cocktails as they are at Four Seasons service.
97 Saemunan-ro, Sinmunno 1(il)-ga, Jongno-gu; +82 2 6388 5000
Lotte Hotel Seoul
An old-fashioned address with excellent restaurants
Inlaid marble floors, gilded ceilings, and ornate chandeliers welcome a mostly business clienteleLotte Hotel Seoul. This isn't a boutique experience, with 1,015 understated but spacious rooms and 94 luxurious suites, all recently refreshed in soothing neutrals and polished woods. High-speed Internet is free, but put away your electronics to admire the panorama: Mount Namsan to the south and South Korea's presidential building known as the Blue House, visible from the north-facing apartment buildings. Five gourmet offerings will please every palate, notably Parisian cuisine at Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul and exclusive Korean fusion dishes at Mugunghwa. Sulwhasoo Spa, a natural skincare brand, is a welcome place to unwind after a long day. Lotte Hotel Seoul's location in the Myeongdong Central Business District, known for its shopping, also makes it easy to treat yourself between meetings.
30 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu; +82 2 771 1000
Rakkojae Seoul
A carefully restored historic home with enduring amenities
The northern edge of Seoul features palaces, shrines, and rakkojae Seoul, aThe historical scholar's house has been converted into a hotel. The neat cluster of wing-tipped wooden gazebos is among the hundredsHanok –traditional Korean courtyards from the Joseon Dynasty–at Bukchon Hanok Village, a real neighborhood that now serves as a center for Korean culture immersion. The stylish time capsule was renovated by Chung Young-jin in 2003 and has been hailed locally as a "living national treasure". A lotus pond and scattered bamboo and pine trees add to the pleasant retro vibe. Indoors, vintage architectural features and antique carved screens lead to four rooms that are reminiscent of the past in their simplicity, yet boast cloud-soft linens on natural jadeondol(heated) floors. Bathrooms with cedar tubs and a wood-heated yellow mud sauna add to this tranquil, authentic experience.
49-23, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu; +82 2 742 3410
Kredit: ARTYOORAN/Shutterstock
Shilla Seoul
Grande Dame in Seoul's unique, rustic oasis
Samsung's own Shilla Seoul is one of themlegendary city resorttucked away behind medieval walls amidst private forests in a surprisingly central Financial District location. Earth silk textiles and rice paper screens fill the 464 Western and Korean-style rooms and suites, along with Hungarian goose-down bedding and marble bathrooms. A counterbalance to the quiet spaces is Urban Island, a third-floor tropical beach club that the wealthiest Seoulites throw like a summer pool party with moonlit swims in the elongated pool. Other hotel perks include landscaped jogging trails, a driving range and putting green, and Asia's firstGuerlain Spa. The Korean haute cuisine at La Yeon deserves three Michelin stars. Then there is Yeong Bin Gwan, a traditional Korean-style building that has been the favorite wedding venue of famous people such as singer Moon Hee-Jun, actress Ko So-young and actress Jeon Do-yeon.
249 Dongho-ro, Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu; +82 2 2233 3131
Hongdae
Schauer
For creative people looking for an inspiring work base
Schauerpays homage to the creative industries, starting with the accommodations: room categories have nicknames like Creator, Editor, and Director, while suites are named Producer, Artist, and Executive Producer. They're simple in an ultra-hip way: art prints, retro Bluetooth speakers, and free minibars and face masks (this is Korea, after all). While it might not sound like a business hotel, Ryse attracts a working crowd and looks more like a massive co-working space. On the ground floor, Café Tartine buzzes with meetings and freelancers typing away on computers, while The Print Culture lounge is a relaxed workspace and library. The hotel is conveniently located in Hongdae, an area known as the center of the South Korean capital for all things artificial.
130 Yanghwa-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu; +82 2-330-7700
Walkerhill
Vista Walkerhill Seoul
A playground in a hotel where timelessness meets trends
This hipster hilltop hotel was an international sensation when it opened in 2004 as Asia's first W HotelVista Walkerhill Seoulreinvented itself in 2017 with a sustainable locavore vibe, taking inspiration from its high if somewhat remote location on Mount Achasan. Thanks to the all-glass facade, many of the 252 gleaming white rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Han River, which bisects the South Korean capital. All apartments are equipped with small luxuries such as Fragonard bath products and technical toysNUGU,SK Telecom's voice-activated AI assistant.Common spaces include the Skyard, the fourth-floor botanical garden with a foot bath, acupressure walking trail, outdoor bar, and yoga platform. There's even a virtual reality play area for all ages and a quiet library of more than 3,000 titles. Woo Bar at W Seoul-Walkerhill has been replaced by the more understated but still cool Re:Bar, which sits above the river and features an inviting 18-meter communal table.
177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu; +82 2 455 5000
Gangnam
Hotel-Cappuccino
A portion of high-quality design for a small budget
Gangnam style at a reasonable price, the18-stöckiges Hotel Cappuccinohas 141 rooms, many of them for one person, but still equipped with a king-size bed and numerous facilities. There are also 4 bedrooms with surprisingly relaxing bunk beds and an entire floor exclusively for female travellers. The design details here defie the cliché — brushed steel, exposed pipes, and a concrete pallet. Far more innovative is the hotel's "Share Value" program, which donates unused room amenities to local charities, while the "Angel" lift tracks the number of trips you make upon check-in with a voluntary donation to a clean water charity can balance out. Even your pet can prepay it; Stay at the pet-friendly Bark Room and donate your money to support Seoul's stray dogs. The photogenic crowd at Caffe Cappuccino on the ground floor confirms the credibility of this year-round indoor-outdoor hangout. Socialize even more with Korean fusion cuisine at the top-floor Hot Eatsue restaurant and gin cocktails at the rooftop bar.
155, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu; +82 2-2038-9500
Park Hyatt Seoul
Monk-inspired minimalism in a natural yet totally urban retreat
Only the smallest sign at eye level announces the luxury quarters designed by Super PotatoPark Hyatt Seoul, located in an elegant 24-story glass tower in the heart of Gangnam. The "less is more" approach continues indoors, where locally sourced natural stone and light oak provide a calming antidote to the metropolis, which in turn floods light through floor-to-ceiling windows into the 185 rooms, some of Seoul's largest. Pillow-top mattresses, Korean antiques, and spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and heated toilet seats are additional amenities. The spa, which occupies the top two floors, is well-equipped with Korean deep tissue massage therapists, and a heated infinity pool offers unobstructed skyline views. Below ground, the Timber House is a macho record bar and lounge with a Japanese izakaya menu.
606 Tehran-ro, Daechi-dong; +82 2-2016-1234
Jamsil
Signal Seoul
Soaring havens for those who appreciate small luxuries
The Lotte World Tower is currently the sixth tallest building in the world.Signal SeoulLocated on the 76th to 101st floors, they offer incredible views, especially of the sunset over the Han River. Touted as a vertical city, the tower has redefined the Jamsil area and includes the hotel, offices, residential and residential buildingsLotte World Mall, the largest shopping complex in South Korea. The aesthetic is simple yet gentle, and rooms are decorated in neutral blue tones and rounded corners. No expense has been spared for the free amenities -- Nespresso machines, Evian water, Diptyque toiletries -- and the desks have a panel for all types of outlets. A spa, gym, two restaurants, and several bars ensure relaxation.
300 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Songpa-gu; +82 2 3213 1000
Sheer inspiration
Seoul rejseinformation
Land/Region
South Korea
Language
Korean
airport code
ICN
means of payment
KRW
time zone
GMT +09:00
Climate
Humid continental climate
Land/Region
South Korea
time zone
GMT +09:00
means of payment
KRW
airport code
ICN
Language
Korean
Climate
Humid continental climate
Find the best prices for
Seoul
Asia/South Korea/Seoul/public holidays/hotels and resorts
FAQs
Unique hotels in Seoul for your next stay | Cathay? ›
Myeongdong is one of the best places to stay in Seoul, and the neighborhood is extremely popular with tourists thanks to its extensive shopping, cute cafes, and abundant street food.
Where do most foreigners stay in Seoul? ›Myeongdong is one of the best places to stay in Seoul, and the neighborhood is extremely popular with tourists thanks to its extensive shopping, cute cafes, and abundant street food.
Do love hotels exist in Korea? ›Love motels can be found all over Korea, especially (특히) in Seoul (서울) but they might not be so obvious to the eyes of a foreign traveler. They are often hidden among other buildings (건물) and alleyways (골목) and generally won't have signs in English that explicitly say “Love Motel.”
Is it better to stay in Myeongdong or Hongdae? ›We recommend Myeongdong over Hongdae for most tourists because it's close to important attractions, good street food and has excellent connections to the rest of the city. Hongdae is great for museums, nightlife, and shopping.
Which part of Seoul is best to stay? ›- Hongdae – where to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors.
- Myeongdong – best area to stay in Seoul for shopping.
- Gangnam – best area to stay in Seoul for luxury.
- Itaewon – where to stay in Seoul for foodies.
- Insadong – top area to stay in Seoul for a traditional vibe.
- Seocho – where to stay in Seoul on a budget.
Gangnam-gu
It's the third biggest district in Seoul and the most expensive. It's also where a lot of entertainment companies are located, including SM, JYP, and Cube Entertainment.
The Hannam-dong neighbourhood is host to a trio of the city's most famous and notable apartment buildings: the UN Village, where celebrities such as Blackpink's Jennie and actress Song Hye-kyo reside in; Nine One Hannam, where Big Bang's G-Dragon purchased a US$7.3 million luxury penthouse apartment; as well as Hannam ...
What happens in love hotels? ›As the name suggests, the main purpose of love hotels is to provide couples with a room to spend some undisturbed time together. The rooms are equipped according to their purpose with large double beds, a television offering erotic programs, a nice bathroom, etc.
Can you stay at a love hotel alone? ›Love hotels tend to be a pretty good value and typically have better amenities than standard business hotels. So even though they're technically lovers' dens, staying in one alone can be an enjoyable experience. I decided to try it for myself.
Are love hotels legal? ›In 1984, the Businesses Affecting Public Morals Regulation Law placed love hotels under the jurisdiction of the police. For that reason, new hotels were built to avoid being classified as "love hotels"; the garish, over-the-top, bizarre designs and features of the past were significantly downplayed.
How many days is enough in Seoul? ›
3-5 days is a great start. That gives you enough time to explore the highlights of the city, plus a day or two to get out and explore the surrounding areas. It's a city of endless surprises, so you'll only be scratching the surface, but it's enough time to get a feel for Seoul.
What is the most luxurious neighborhood in Seoul? ›The Gangnam area, which includes Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Songpa-gu, is one of the richest neighborhoods in South Korea. What is Gangnam Style? Gangnam has developed greatly since the 1960s with intensive government investment.
What is the posh area of Seoul? ›Seocho is considered a part of the Gangnam region, along with the Gangnam and Songpa districts of Seoul. Seocho District ranks as one of the richest neighborhoods in South Korea and among the most expensive areas in Seoul with an average sales price of 47.75 million South Korean won per 3.3 square meters.
Where do rich people stay in Seoul? ›Where do rich people live Seoul? The Gangnam area, which includes Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Songpa-gu, is one of the richest neighborhoods in South Korea.
What time of year is best for Seoul? ›The best time of year to visit South Korea is generally considered to be the spring months of April, May & June, and the autumn months of September, October & November. During these two seasons days are typically sunny and dry with comfortable average temperatures.
Is Uber available in Seoul? ›Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Seoul
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Seoul. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
The house is located in PyeongChang, South Korea, and features world-class amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, an in-house gym, a spacious kitchen, and several bedrooms.
Is Gangnam worth going? ›Gangnam, the trendy area in Seoul, is well-known and loved for many different reasons. From the countless exclusive designer stores to the viral “Gangnam Style” dance, stepping into the streets of the district is quite a surreal experience.
Who is the richest person in Korea? ›The top 10 richest in South Korea are: Michael Kim; US$9.7 billion. Jay Y. Lee; $8 billion.
Does love hotel provide girls? ›Love hotels are frequented by the most diverse people: couples of young boys and girls, couples of married adults looking for a bit of intimacy, couples of lovers, prostitutes and gigolos with their customers.
Do love hotels provide condoms? ›
Do love hotels provide condoms? Love hotels usually provide a few free condoms; look for them in a box by the bed. They may not be great condoms though, so we advise you bring your own.
Do they have cameras in love hotels? ›Of course, there are cameras at some places within the hotel itself. But they're placed in common areas like the parking lot, the entrance, and the elevators. They're used for security, to keep track of how many people have been coming into the building, and other similar business purposes.
Do hotels have intimacy kits? ›Through the many iterations of W Hotels' minibars—they change almost annually—an intimacy kit has prevailed as one of the standard offerings. Regular inclusions in the kit are lube, condoms, and breath mints.
Are Japanese love hotels soundproof? ›All rooms are soundproofed, of course, and come with a spa bath. What's not to love about Tokyo's love hotels?
Is there no age limit for entering a love hotel? ›And love hotels, which are officially love hotels, are not for use by those under 18, and even those over 18, but not for high school students. This is true even for young children accompanied by their parents. This is due to entertainment regulations in Japan.
Can you ask a hotel to make room romantic? ›If you want to take the stress out of planning, you can definitely call ahead and ask the hotel to decorate your room romantically for you. Just be aware that this will most likely come at an extra cost to your stay.
Do love hotels in Japan provide girls? ›You may also be able to stay in a love hotel without a girl, but dolls are also not provided.
Which month is best to visit South Korea? ›The best time to visit South Korea is between March and May if you want to see the vibrant pink of the cherry blossoms in bloom. If you want to see the landscapes come alive as the leaves change in the cooler weathers, then we'd recommend visiting between September and November.
How much money do you need to take to Korea for 10 days? ›This depends on your style of travel, but a mid-range budget for a solo traveler spending 10 days in South Korea would be about $65USD per day. If you're willing to stay in cheap hostels, stick to more free activities in Seoul, and eat local foods, then you could get it down to maybe $40USD per day.
How much money do I need for 1 week in Korea? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to South Korea is $1,452 for a solo traveler, $2,504 for a couple, and $1,084 for a family of 4. South Korea hotels range from $45 to $202 per night with an average of $67, while most vacation rentals will cost $110 to $440 per night for the entire home.
What is the most beautiful street in Seoul? ›
Bukchon Hanok Street
Probably one of the most beautiful areas in Seoul.
Meanwhile, Samseongdong (a neighborhood in the Gangnam district) is the residence of top stars such as Jung Woo Sung, Lee Jung Jae, Lee Seung Gi, Kim Woo Bin, Song Hye Kyo, Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung, and Kim Seung Woo and Kim Nam Joo.
Where do BTS live in Seoul? ›The last BTS house was Hannam, the Hill. It was located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The BTS members have come a long way from a tiny apartment to a suite in the most expensive neighbourhood in the country. The house of BTS at Hannam, The Hill, is a part of the complex, which has 32 buildings with 600 units.
Where is Jungkook's house? ›For those of you who may not be aware, Jungkook was known to have purchased a 5.83 million dollar house in Itaewon Hill back in 2020. The two-storied building was a red-brick detached house built in 1976, and located in one of the most luxurious locations in Seoul.
What is the most popular area in South Korea? ›Stay out all night in Seoul
Home to half of South Korea's population, Seoul is also the most-popular city for tourists to visit. The capital hums with a thrum that's all its own — at any hour of the day or night.
The priciest and hence the most clickbait-worthy type is the Super-Pent, which is a double-storey “super penthouse” that reportedly costs KRW30 billion (~$31 million). The ultra-luxurious penthouse takes up the 19th and 20th floors, and it measures 488.18 sqm in total. Natural landscaping at Eterno Cheongdam.
Where do most foreigners live in South Korea? ›Busan. Busan is a great city in South Korea for English-speaking travelers and expats. It has one of the largest expat communities in South Korea, so you may run into people who can give you guidance and pointers for adapting to your new home. Busan has milder winters and warmer weather than Seoul, Korea's capital.
Where do chaebols live? ›Those among the second generation of chaebol families include Suh Min-jung, the eldest daughter of the aforementioned AmorePacific chairman. Superrich wishing to reside out of Seoul mostly prefer Bundang in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and Haeundae in Busan.
Who lives at Hannam the Hill? ›As reported by Koreaboo, several top actors such as So Ji Sub, Han Hyo Joo, Lee Jong Suk, and singer Lee Seung Chul are residents of Hannam the Hill. In addition, Sunny Girls' Generation, EXO, and BTS also live there. G-Dragon is also has a penthouse there.
What months are cheapest to Korea? ›January is the cheapest month for airfare to South Korea, and it's a prime time for avoiding the crowds and partaking in winter sports activities. But if below-freezing temperatures are not your thing, the next most affordable (non-winter) months to fly are November, October and March.
What are the cheapest months to go to Korea? ›
The winter months (December to March) are considered to be the cheapest time to visit South Korea. The cold weather keeps most tourists away, so accommodations and flight tickets are more affordable.
What is the hottest month in Seoul? ›July is the hottest month in Seoul with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F) and the coldest is January at -4°C (25°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 7 in October. The wettest month is July with an average of 395mm of rain..
Do you tip in Korea? ›Tipping is not required nor expected in Korea. But most major hotels add a compulsory 10% service charge to bills. This is on top of the 10% VAT (which is usually included in prices at most stores in Korea, but not in some high-end restaurants).
Can we drink Korea tap water? ›While tap water in Korea is 100 percent safe to drink, most Koreans don't drink it unless they boil or filter it, first. When visiting or living in South Korea, you don't have to doctor the water before drinking it. But if you fill up a glass straight from the tap in front of a Korean, be ready for some side-eye.
Is Seoul a walkable city? ›Seoul, South Korea
There are numerous markets, historic sights, Buddhist temples, and palaces that you can see by simply walking through the city.
Most foreigners in Korea live in the greater Seoul area, which accounts for around 50% of the whole population of Korea and includes Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province.
What is the foreigner town in Seoul? ›Essentially, it is known as the "International District" or sometimes as "Western Town," reminiscent of many Chinatowns in Western nations. Itaewon, along with neighborhoods and attractions like Hongdae, Insadong and Seoul Tower, is one of the most popular places in Seoul for tourists.
Where is the most central area to stay in Seoul? ›Best area to stay in Seoul for the first time-Myeongdong
Myeongdong, in the middle of Seoul's city center, is a great place to stay if you love shopping and want to be close to plenty of restaurants. This district also borders Mt. Namsan with the iconic N Seoul Tower in the South.
Seocho is considered a part of the Gangnam region, along with the Gangnam and Songpa districts of Seoul. Seocho District ranks as one of the richest neighborhoods in South Korea and among the most expensive areas in Seoul with an average sales price of 47.75 million South Korean won per 3.3 square meters.
Where do most Korean live in USA? ›Southern California and the New York City metropolitan area have the largest populations of Koreans outside of the Korean Peninsula.
How many Americans are in Korea? ›
Following the division of Korea in the aftermath of the Korean War, in 2022 the percent of foreigners in South Korea has risen to 4.37%, or 2 245 912 people. Half of this population was Chinese (849 804), followed by Vietnamese (235 007), Thais (201 681) and Americans (156 562).
Is it hard to live in Korea as a foreigner? ›In general, moving to South Korea is easy as long as you are prepared before your arrival. Although the country has a long history of not preferring foreign migration, those sentiments have changed as Korea has started to welcome more and more international companies through its borders.
Where is the most beautiful city in Korea? ›Busan. Busan is a popular destination for visitors as it boasts a mix of stunning beaches, city life and historic buildings. Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea, located on the southeastern corner of the mainland.
Can you live in Seoul without speaking Korean? ›yes. Of course, there's a lot more to it than that. Living in Korea as an expat and not knowing the language is definitely possible, but there are times when you'll be left speechless and struggling.
Where do US expats live in Seoul? ›- Gangnam-gu. ...
- Apgujeong-dong. ...
- Itaewon-dong. ...
- Haebangchon-dong. ...
- Ichon-dong. ...
- Hannam-dong. ...
- Seodaemun-gu. ...
- Bangbae-dong.
3-5 days is a great start. That gives you enough time to explore the highlights of the city, plus a day or two to get out and explore the surrounding areas. It's a city of endless surprises, so you'll only be scratching the surface, but it's enough time to get a feel for Seoul.
What is the most luxurious area in Seoul? ›- Cheongdam-dong. Celebrities in Korea often choose for themselves luxury apartments, with modern and impressive designs for, in high-class districts, because it ensures both security and high confidentiality. ...
- Apgujeong-dong. Photo Credit: jungkichi. ...
- Pyeongchang-dong. ...
- Hannam-dong.