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Eight unique hotels for your next visit to Seoul

Kateryna Topol — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:57:39 +0000

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis contrasting high-rise skyscrapers with Buddhist temples and traditional architecture. Between its many street markets and popular attractions is an equally vibrant range of hotels. Whether you’re exploring Seoul by neigbourhood or staying in one area for a special event, this list focuses on the most unique and beautiful hotels across the city. These hotels are worth visiting for restaurants and bars alone, even if you don’t stay there for the night.

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Cover image by Venancio Dionela.

Indoor pool at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, image courtesy of the property.

Note on rates: CAD prices are taken from aggregators like Expedia and TripAdvisor; South Korean won rates are taken from hotel websites.

Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul

Banyan Tree is a luxurious spa resort with a tropical feel set at the foot of Namsan Mountain, a ten-minute drive from Seoul. This is a full-service resort focused on health and wellness. Facilities include Banyan Tree Spa and Gallery, sauna, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis court, golf course, and an ice rink. Guests and visitors can dine at the Granum Dining Lounge (seasonal menu), Festa by Choonghy (contemporary European), and grab a beverage at the Moon Bar. Members also have access to the Members’ Lounge and Club Members’ Restaurant.

Ninety per cent of rooms have a personal pool, and some rooms are built specifically for business travellers. Rooms range from Bayan Room to Banyan Suits (equipped with a bathtub) and a range of Pool rooms and suites. The suites have separate sitting areas, while the Presidential Suite is divided into a living area with a dining room, living room and a relaxation pool, and a bedroom with two beds and an ensuite bath. Walk-in closets and wall-to-wall views are standard in all room types.

Above and below, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, image courtesy of the property.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

A luxury hotel located in the heart of Seoul, a short walk from major attractions. Guest amenities include three swimming pools, fitness facilities with group classes and weight training equipment, a sauna and a full-service spa, a barbershop and nail salon, and executive and kids’ lounges. Guests and visitors can dine at The Market Kitchen speciality restaurant, enjoy Italian food at Boccalino, Asian at Akira Back or MARU, or Chinese at Yu Yuan. The hotel also has a cocktail or two at the Charles H. secret bar and H. Bar, where you can indulge in a course-style cocktail experience. Make sure to check seasonal activities for special experiences.

Guest rooms feature a blend of modern and traditional decor, complete with top-of-the-line mattresses for a restful night’s sleep. Rooms range from Deluxe to Premier Family and speciality Suites. Standard Deluxe rooms are residential-style rooms, perfect for explorative city visits. Ambassador One-Bedroom Suite, on the other hand, accommodates three adults or two adults and two children, and has two bathrooms. All rooms have electronic lighting systems, have bedside controls for drapes, and can request a PlayStation/Xbox.

97 Saemunan-ro, Dangju-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea | Map link
Rooms starting at $616 CAD | ₩621,000 KRW
Book directly on fourseasons.com to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Above and below, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, images courtesy of the property.

L’Escape Hotel

The hotel is an attraction, an escape to Seoul and 19th-century Paris, inspired by the French architect Belle Époque. On-premises is a luxury spa, a stunning library, and a fitness facility. Dining options include contemporary, romantic restaurant L’AmantSecret, modern Chinese restaurant Palais de Chine, and a beautifully decorated Marqued’Amour bar.

The rooms are maximalist and romantic, decorated with canopy headboards, embroidered textiles, and clawfoot tubs. The rooms have voice-controlled curtains, lighting, and TV. Rooms range from Classic to Grand Deluxe and Suites. Guests who book suites gain access to the Le Escape Boutique Lounge, which includes breakfast and happy hour. The corner suite has a wrap-around window with a sitting room, while the Royal Suite and above have multiple rooms ideal for families and longer stays.

L’Escape Hotel, images courtesy of the property.

Mondrian Seoul Itaewon

Located in Itaewon, Mondrian is a modern hotel with high-tech comfort rooms. One can easily get lost at the hotel, exploring the lobby Fores Zone, swimming at the Altitude Pool and Lounge or at the breathtaking indoor pool. The hotel also has a great fitness club, sauna, pilates room, golf range, and an actual arcade. Rooftopbar, Privelege, serves single-malt whiskeys and fine wines while Cleo restaurant is focused on Mediterranean cuisine, adopting Hollywood glamour. Mondrian Hotel also houses Blind Spot, open all day, serving teas and cocktails, and Rumpus Room, which has live jazz music on the weekends.

The rooms have been designed by an award-winning, Singapore-based interior design company, Asylum. They are airy and comfortable, with great amenities, including water purifiers, Bluetooth speakers, and in-suite rain showers. Rooms range from Signature King/Twin to large Suites with private terraces and dining rooms.

Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, images courtesy of the property.

Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador

Positioned on the banks of the Hangang River, the hotel is inspired by the interplay of art and nature, taking cues from historical poets and painters. Naturally, art can be seen throughout the property and is monumental to the space. The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a large fitness centre, spa and sauna. The lobby is set on the 20th floor, offering a spectacular view of the river. There are X dining areas at the hotel, including the Restaurant Voisin (Korean), Bar Voisin (Korean), Lounge & Deck (sweet treats, tea, and coffee), and an artisanal bakery, Mapo Eight.

The guest rooms are airy, with high ceilings and oversized windows. Rooms range from Superior to Family and Suites. Superior rooms are standard-sized hotel rooms and have a city view, while some of the suites have dual vistas and a terrace.

Above and below, Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador, images courtesy of the property.

Signiel Seoul

Landmark hotel, holding 2 Michelin keys, located near Seokchon Lake and Lotte World. The hotel is set across floors 76 to 101 of the Lotte World Tower and includes multiple dining options, a wedding hall, and a convention centre. The property offers four types of rooms, from basic suites to grand deluxe and presidential suites. Each beautifully decorated room offers an unparalleled view of the city. All rooms are fully stocked with basic and premium amenities, including bathrobes and complimentary mineral water.

The main restaurant, STAY, is led by a 3-Michelin-starred chef, Yannick Alléno. Additionally, the hotel also houses Bicena, a Michelin 1-star restaurant for a fresh interpretation of Korean cuisine, Bar 81, a premium bar with the largest champagne selection in Korea, and of course, a comfortable lounge. Guests have access to the Signiel Spa, sauna and indoor swimming pool, top-of-the-line fitness centre, and luxurious business facilities.

Above and below, Signiel Seoul, images courtesy of the property.

The Shilla Seoul

Surrounded by greenery, The Shilla is set near Seoul Yeong Bin Gwan and Myeongdong Cathedral in the Myeong-dong neighbourhood. The hotel architecture is a mix of classic and contemporary architecture. The designer created guestrooms at the hotel range from standard to executive and suites, including the magnificent presidential room.

The property has luxurious meeting and event spaces, seven dining areas (five restaurants, two bars), and a bakery. Guests are also able to take advantage of the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools, spacious gym, indoor sauna, jogging course, walking trails, business amenities, and even an indoor golf range. The outdoor pool area includes private cabanas, available by request.

Above and below, The Shilla Seoul, images courtesy of the property.

Vista Walkerhill Seoul

The building feels like a blue glass sculpture nestled alongside the Hangang River, near Achasan Mountain in Gwangjin-gu. Vista Walkerhill is a wellness alternative to bustling city hotels. The hotel has a wellness club, sauna, indoor swimming pool, and a foot spa. On the 4th floor, guests will find the Skyard Botanic Garden, equipped with sunbeds, a yoga deck, and tea tables.

The rooms are bright and spacious, with modern facilities and a complimentary mini bar. Suite sizes range from Vista Deluxe to Studio and Presidential Suites. The most unique room, perhaps, is the Spa Suite, which has a large whirlpool facing a floor-to-ceiling riverview window. On site, guests can choose from a Buffet restaurant, Moegi serving traditional Japanese, Pizza Hill, or Myonwolgwan, serving Korean beef charcoal grill.

177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin District, Seoul, South Korea | Map link
Rooms starting at $323 CAD | ₩ 308,550 KRW
Book directly on walkerhill.com to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Above and below, Vista Walkerhill Seoul, images courtesy of the property.

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Local’s guide: My five favourite neighbourhoods in Seoul

Amy Hang — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:46:46 +0000

For five years, I lived in South Korea, where I explored many unique places across many neighbourhoods. The country has delicious Korean BBQ, addicting K-dramas, trending K-pop music, and historical landmarks. Living and travelling in Seoul is always fascinating because businesses come and go in the blink of an eye. In less than two weeks, the clothing store you shopped at once and passed by several times might now be a snack store. The city is always hustling and bustling. Every neigbourhood is unique, offering something different for all types of visitors.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.

Hongdae shopping street. Image courtesy of ©Korea Tourism Organization, Lee Bumsu.
Cover image: Seoul Songpa-gu Sincheon-dong ©Korea Tourism Organization, IR Studio.

Hongdae

Located in Mapo District, Hongdae is home to Hongik University. You can expect many students and a younger vibe in this area. Because it is a student neighbourhood, you can find a lot of cute coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants at an affordable price. There are also many shopping stores here, the best is all the little shops in the alleyways. There is a lot of entertainment in Hongdae so you will find dancers and singers busking on the street.

If this is your first time in Hongdae, don’t be afraid to walk around and explore. There’s a lot to see, do, and eat! It’s always very crowded, especially at night because of the rich nightlife. Hongdae was my favourite neighbourhood to frequent as an early to mid-twenty-year-old. I loved meeting my friends here for brunch and shopping. On the weekends, we would have dinner and stay out for drinks and noraebang (노래방, or karaoke).

Don’t get me wrong, though! Hongdae is fun for all ages and groups if you’re into cute coffee shops and boutiques. There are various things to do here, and it is great for family fun! The streets are colourful and full of creativity. The Seoul subway or bus is the most affordable and convenient way to get to this neighbourhood.

Hot tip: Take Exit 9 at Hongik University station to get to all the stores at a closer distance.

Recommendations in Hongdae:

Get an awesome value of all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ at Hongdae Korean BBQ All You Can Eat Pig Company
If you want to try a variety of meats, try Saemaeul Sikdang, this chain has locations in other areas.
Hongdae Shopping Street will grab your attention from left and right! Check out some local shops and stalls here.

Korean BBQ. Image courtesy of ©Korea Tourism Organization, Lee Bumsu

Itaewon

From my experience, I think Itaewon is one of the best neighbourhoods for authentic non-Korean food. While you can find many different types of international cuisine in other neighbourhoods, you can expect to see at least one restaurant that serves foreign cuisine in Itaewon. Itaewon is located in the Yongsan District, which is also a residential neighbourhood. From local handcrafted boutiques to American breakfast, Vietnamese lunch, and Middle Eastern desserts, you’ll find something delightful here!

Have you heard of the Korean Netflix drama Itaewon Class? This drama was actually set in the neighbourhood of Itaewon! You can watch the drama to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be in Itaewon on Netflix. The show follows an ex-con trying to open up a successful bar in Itaewon. You’ll follow him to see obstacles of rivalry and romance, as well as some of the places where the scenes were filmed.

Recommendations in Itaewon:

Take a walk at Noksapyeong Bridge to get the perfect view for a photo opportunity of the Namsan Seoul Tower
The best 100% vegan food in all of Seoul (dare I say…) is Plant Café. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Make sure to try their cakes!

Streets in Itaewon. Image courtesy of ©Korea Tourism Organization, Lee Bumsu

Sinsa

Remember in 2012 when PSY’s Korean song “Gangnam Style” became a viral sensation across the internet? Gangnam is a real place, and one of my favourite neighbourhoods is in it. This district he was raving about is full of style, luxury brands, and wealthy people. You will find celebrities living in Gangnam, definitely those who have influence.

Let’s zoom into Sinsa! I had frequented this neighbourhood so many times because of the countless excellent cafes and restaurants they had that were a must-try for me. If you’re into skincare, there are plenty of cosmetic clinics here.

Recommended places in Sinsa and the rest of Gangnam:

Garosu-gil is terrific for all the local boutiques and international high-end shops. It’s a nice, long street with blocks of clothes, accessories, shoes, and cute stationery items.
I remember my first time trying authentic, traditional Mexican food from El Pino323, owned by a Korean adoptee. The original location was in Itaewon, but it moved to Gangnam in 2022. It was always packed, but it always had happy vibes.
This Korean sunglasses store called Gentle Monster Flagship Store Sinsa not only sells one of the trendiest eyewear in the fashion industry globally, but it is an art exhibition in itself. The art installations they create are out of this world, so I highly recommend stopping by.

Myeongdong

If you heard of Myeongdong, you might have heard mixed reviews about it. Every neighbourhood has its pros and cons, but the pros outweigh the cons here. Myeongdong is an excellent area to shop in. You can get all of your shopping and souvenirs done here. While some might say things are overpriced and touristy compared to other places, it is still very convenient to shop and eat here. You get rows and corners of local and international brands here. There is street food with trending snacks that you see in your favourite Korean drama or foodie YouTuber.

Recommendations in Myeongdong:

Skincare products are a must-get! Whatever Korean brand your favourite Korean celebrity is using, you can find a store that sells it here. What’s great is that there will almost always be some kind of sale or freebie with a purchase.
Whenever I flew back to the US to visit my family, my parents always asked me to bring back Korean ginseng. I’d never heard of Korean ginseng, particularly the brand “Jung Kwan Jang” (정관장), nor knew how special they were. I have come to find that they have great health benefits and improve overall health. This would make a fantastic gift for older family members and friends. You can find this brand in Myeongdong and at the Namdaemun Market. You can try to haggle for cheaper, especially if you are paying in cash (Beware: I’ve heard that third-party sellers could be selling fake ginseng). Depending on the quantity, Asian ginseng can cost up to hundreds of dollars.

Hot tip: You can find Jung Kwan Jang Korean Ginseng at the duty-free shop at the Incheon International Airport and get a tax refund.

Insadong

Insadong is located in the Jongno district. This district is full of history dating back to the 14th century. In the neighbourhood of Insadong, you can expand your mind and witness traditional Korean art and history with your eyes. This area has a mix of modernism as the younger generation contributes to the art scene. On the rooftop, there is a quirky and fun cafe with toilet-shaped mugs that they use to serve your drink. It gives off a silly yet friendly atmosphere.

I love, love, love cultural art! Along with traditional crafts such as the Korean name stamp (dojang; 도장), which you can customize in select shops, and handheld fans (buchae; 부채), the younger generation is also selling handmade stationery items that match their own art style.

Insadong is a must-go whenever I have friends visiting from outside of Korea and want to explore the traditional and historic parts of South Korea in Seoul.

Recommendations in Insadong:

Insadong Culture Street is a street of stalls with local and handmade artisan products.
Imagine transporting back even more so by renting traditional Korean wear and walking around the Gyeongbokgung Palace,
Ensure you not only get a glimpse of the old Hanok buildings but also walk through them at Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. You will feel like you’ve been transported back to the Joseon dynasty in the 14th century!

You might also like: Eight unique hotels for your next visit to Seoul

Whether you’re exploring Seoul by neigbourhood or staying in one area for a special event, this list focuses on the most unique and beautiful hotels across the city.

Bonus: Ilsan, Goyang

Ilsan is a suburban area on the outskirts of Seoul. Don’t worry; it is so close to Seoul that it is on the Seoul subway system map. Depending on which neighbourhood you depart from the subway will take 30 to 45 minutes. That’s about the same time as travelling to other neighbourhoods within Seoul.

When I first moved to South Korea, Goyang City is where I lived, and it was perfect for me. It is similar to Seoul, except it is less crowded. There were just about the right noises and activities of a city and the space of the suburbs that I needed and enjoyed.

You can definitely take a day or two-day trip to Ilsan and experience what life is like there. The first place that immediately comes to mind in this neighbourhood is Ilsan Lake Park. It’s a must-visit. This lake park has a special place in my heart because it comforted me whenever I needed a breather from work and life. Evening walks here were my favourite.

Recommendations for Ilsan:

My favourite brunch spot, which brings back memories, is Peach Springs. It was difficult to make time to go there with friends because they were always so booked and busy. Then, finally, one rushed Sunday morning, I was able to get in. It also happened to be with my boyfriend at the time, who is now my husband. The American-style restaurant is in a quiet residential area. I highly recommend wandering around it as many cute coffee and dessert shops exist. This area is a hidden gem.

Guest author: Amy Hang
amyhangin.com | @amyhangin

Amy Hang is a Travel Blogger and Web Designer who finds peace and adventure in slow travel. While travelling around the world, she helps creatives and small businesses build goal-oriented websites with her intercultural perspectives.

You can read more about her travel stories at amyhangin.com and check out her web design services at amyhangin.studio. You can follow Amy as she hangs around the world on Instagram @amyhangin and check out her web design services

Goyang Flower Show. Image by Amy Hang

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