Seoul is a city that never sleeps, a dazzling metropolis where ancient palaces stand in the shadow of soaring skyscrapers and the scent of sizzling street food mingles with the buzz of K-pop. As the pulsating heart of South Korea, it offers an unforgettable adventure, but let’s be honest: choosing where to stay can make or break your trip.
Picking the right hotel in Seoul goes far beyond just finding a comfy bed. It’s about the experience. It’s about the locale that puts you right in the middle of the action you crave—be it the neon-lit shopping jungles of Myeongdong, the trendy, artistic energy of Hongdae, or the polished glamour of Gangnam. It’s about the vibe you want to soak up, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a luxury seeker.
The best hotels in Seoul understand this. They are destinations in themselves, where exceptional hospitality meets avant-garde design, offering little corners of heaven amidst the exhilarating hustle and bustle. To help you navigate the incredible options, we’ve curated a list of standout hotels that cater to every taste and budget. From sky-high luxury to charming traditional stays, these spots aren’t just places to rest your head—they’re your gateway to everything Seoul has to offer!
Let’s look at some of the best hotels in Seoul to suit your price range!
Prepare for a stay that literally and figuratively peaks in luxury. Signiel Seoul isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s an aerial sanctuary occupying the upper floors (76 to 101) of the iconic Lotte World Tower. As the tallest hotel in South Korea, it promises an experience defined by breathtaking, panoramic views of the sprawling Seoul metropolis, Michelin-starred dining, and service so attentive it redefines the meaning of five-star. From the moment you ascend to the 79th-floor lobby, you enter a world of serene elegance high above the city bustle.
Highlights:
- The View is Everything: Every single room and suite features floor-to-ceiling windows offering a mesmerizing, bird’s-eye perspective of the city. Whether it’s the urban lights twinkling at night or the distant mountains by day, the vista is the star of the show, making every moment of your stay unforgettable.
- Culinary Heights: The hotel is home to Bicena, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Korean cuisine with innovative flair. For a truly unforgettable experience, afternoon tea in the sky-high lobby lounge is a must-do, combining exquisite pastries with unparalleled scenery.
- Elite Amenaries: Indulge in the world’s highest swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center with a view, and a luxurious spa designed for ultimate rejuvenation high above the city. The sense of exclusivity and tranquility is palpable throughout the hotel.
Why It Stands Out:
Signiel Seoul is the ultimate choice for honeymooners, luxury travellers celebrating a milestone, and anyone for whom the view is a non-negotiable part of the experience. It stands in a class of its own, offering a iconic, sky-high retreat that is arguably one of the most unique hotel experiences not just in Seoul, but in the world.
A beacon of refined luxury in the heart of the bustling Gwanghwamun business district, the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offers a perfect synthesis of timeless elegance and modern convenience. It serves as a serene sanctuary amidst the urban energy, providing impeccable service and world-class amenities right at your doorstep. The hotel’s design subtly incorporates Korean motifs, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that feels both international and respectfully local.
Highlights:
- Prime Cultural & Business Hub: Its unparalleled location is a major advantage, placing you within easy walking distance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the traditional streets of Insadong, and major corporate headquarters, making it ideal for blending leisure and business seamlessly.
- Award-Winning Dining & Relaxation: The hotel boasts an impressive collection of restaurants and bars, including a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. A standout feature is the sprawling, state-of-the-art spa and indoor pool, an oasis of calm that offers a true urban retreat after a day of exploration or meetings.
- Impeccable Service: True to the Four Seasons reputation, the service is discreet, anticipatory, and consistently ranked among the best in the city, ensuring every need is met with professionalism and grace.
Why It Stands Out:
The Four Seasons is the top choice for discerning travelers and business executives who expect nothing less than perfection. It stands out for its unbeatable central location, flawless execution of luxury, and its unique ability to function as both a powerful business address and a peaceful cultural getaway without compromise.
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam
Average Price: From ~USD 500/night (Subject to season and availability)
Step into a world of contemporary grandeur in the heart of stylish Gangnam. Josun Palace makes a bold statement with its striking architecture and opulent, art-filled interiors. This hotel is a modern landmark designed for those who appreciate dramatic design and the pulsating energy of Seoul’s most fashionable district. The ambiance is one of curated luxury, appealing to a cosmopolitan clientele.
Highlights:
- Epicenter of Gangnam Glamour: Situated in the prestigious Gangnam-gu, you are immediately surrounded by high-end shopping from brands like Galleria Department Store, vibrant nightlife, and gourmet dining, offering a distinctly modern and energetic Seoul experience.
- Architectural Masterpiece: From the majestic, high-ceilinged lobby to the meticulously designed rooms featuring luxurious finishes, the hotel feels more like a contemporary art gallery, boasting an extensive collection of Korean artworks and stunning architectural details at every turn.
- Exquisite Culinary Journeys: The hotel features a diverse range of sophisticated dining venues, including a celebrated patisserie and a signature grill restaurant, ensuring every meal is an event. The attention to detail in the culinary offerings matches the overall lavish aesthetic.
Why It Stands Out:
Josun Palace captures the spirit of new-generation luxury and is perfect for luxury seekers drawn to contemporary art, design, and the upscale, dynamic vibe of Gangnam. It stands apart with its bold, artistic identity, its status as a new icon, and its position at the center of Seoul’s chic and fast-paced culture.
Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences
Average Price: From ~USD 350/night (Subject to season and availability)
Nestled adjacent to the serene Dosan Park, the Sofitel Ambassador offers a unique blend of French art de vivre and Korean charm. With direct access to the luxury boutiques of Apgujeong Rodeo Drive, it provides a fashionable and relaxed retreat away from the main tourist crowds. The hotel’s design elegantly marries classic French elegance with subtle local influences, creating a distinctive and welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Dosan Park & Rodeo Drive Access: The hotel’s location is a key asset, offering peaceful park views on one side for morning walks and immediate proximity to Seoul’s most exclusive shopping street on the other, catering to both relaxation and indulgence.
- French-Korean Fusion: The hotel’s design and dining options elegantly blend Parisian sophistication with local elements. The outdoor pool, set amidst landscaped gardens, is a rare and coveted amenity in the city, offering a resort-like feel.
- Serviced Residences: Ideal for longer stays, the hotel offers spacious serviced residences with full kitchenettes and separate living areas, combining the comfort and practicality of an apartment with the premium amenities and service of a luxury hotel.
Why It Stands Out:
This hotel is ideal for shopping enthusiasts, families, or anyone seeking a more residential feel in an upscale, leafy neighborhood. It stands out for its unique hybrid model, its peaceful yet ultra-fashionable location, and its distinctive Franco-Korean character that provides a different pace from the downtown core.
A legendary name in Korean hospitality, The Shilla Seoul is an institution that seamlessly blends traditional Korean aesthetics with modern luxury. Set within a private, lushly landscaped 23-acre estate, it offers a secluded, resort-like atmosphere while still being conveniently located in the city center. The hotel has long been a favorite for visiting dignitaries and celebrities, prized for its discretion and deep-rooted sense of place.
Highlights:
- An Iconic Legacy: The hotel carries a reputation built over decades for discretion, excellence, and deep-rooted Korean hospitality. Staying here is to experience a piece of Seoul’s modern history and a standard of service that has defined luxury for generations.
- Tranquil Urban Resort: The expansive grounds, featuring beautiful gardens, walking paths, and an acclaimed outdoor pool, create a sense of peaceful seclusion that is unique for a central Seoul hotel, allowing guests to truly escape the urban frenzy.
- World-Class Shopping & Dining: The hotel is home to a flagship Duty-Free shop and multiple award-winning restaurants, including dining venues by celebrated chefs, making it a destination in itself for gourmands and shoppers.
Why It Stands Out:
The Shilla is the definitive choice for travelers who value heritage, privacy, and a tranquil oasis above all else. It stands out for its unparalleled history, sprawling green grounds that feel a world away from the city, and its enduring status as a beloved icon of traditional Korean luxury.
Marriott Executive Apartment Seoul
Average Price: From ~USD 340/night (Subject to season and availability)
Ideal for extended stays and travelers seeking a home-like environment, Marriott Executive Apartment Seoul combines the trusted service of the Marriott brand with the practical comforts of a fully-equipped residence. Located in the vibrant Gangnam business district, this property offers a perfect balance of residential comfort and hotel luxury, making it especially suitable for long-term visitors, relocating families, or business travelers on extended assignments.
Highlights:
- Spacious apartment-style living: Each unit features a fully-equipped kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and practical amenities like in-unit laundry facilities, providing all the comforts of home while maintaining hotel-level service and cleanliness.
- Prime Gangnam location: Situated in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, the residence puts guests within easy reach of corporate offices, trendy cafes, upscale shopping at COEX Mall, and efficient subway connections for exploring the wider city.
- Comprehensive hotel amenities: While offering apartment independence, guests enjoy access to Marriott-level facilities including a well-equipped fitness center, inviting swimming pool, and convenient on-site dining options that provide flexibility for every meal.
Why It Stands Out:
Marriott Executive Apartment Seoul stands out as the optimal choice for extended-stay travelers, relocating families, and business professionals seeking both space and premium amenities. It successfully bridges the gap between hotel convenience and residential comfort, offering more space and practical living facilities than traditional hotels while maintaining the service standards and amenities that make extended stays both comfortable and convenient.
Affordable & Mid-Range Stays
Hanok Hotel DAAM Seoul
Average Price: From ~USD 110/night (Subject to season and availability)
Experience a slice of traditional Korean life at Hanok Hotel DAAM. This charming property offers an authentic hanok (traditional Korean house) stay with modern comforts, located in the historic and artistic Bukchon Hanok Village. It’s a cultural immersion right in the heart of old Seoul, where you can sleep on heated ondol floors and wake up to the sight of a tiled roof and a quiet courtyard.
Highlights:
- Authentic Hanok Experience: Guests sleep in beautifully restored rooms with traditional ondol(underfloor heating) heated floors and serene courtyard views, providing a genuine and intimate sense of Korean heritage and architectural beauty.
- Immersion in Bukchon: The hotel is situated within the picturesque alleys of Bukchon, placing you steps away from tiny galleries, traditional tea houses, and stunning vistas where the modern city skyline juxtaposes with ancient tiled roofs.
- Personalized Hospitality: The service is warm and personal, often including a homemade Korean breakfast, making you feel like a welcomed guest in a private home rather than a customer in a hotel.
Why It Stands Out:
DAAM is perfect for culture-loving travelers, couples, and anyone seeking a unique, authentic experience far removed from a standard hotel. It stands out as one of the best and most immersive ways to intimately connect with Seoul’s history and traditions, offering peace and charm in a central location.
GOYOO INN & homes offers a fresh, design-forward take on affordable accommodation. With a focus on minimalist aesthetics, smart technology, and social spaces, it caters to a new generation of travelers looking for style, community, and value in the vibrant Hongdae university district, known as the epicenter of Seoul’s youth culture.
Highlights:
- Modern, Tech-Savvy Design: The rooms and common areas are designed with a clean, contemporary aesthetic and are equipped with smart features for a comfortable, efficient, and Instagram-worthy stay.
- Vibrant Hongdae Location: Situated in the heart of Hongdae, known for its indie music scene, street art, trendy cafes, and youthful energy that lasts all night, it’s the perfect base for explorers wanting to be in the city’s creative pulse.
- Social Atmosphere: The hotel fosters a community vibe with stylish common areas, including co-working spaces and lounges, making it easy to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.
Why It Stands Out:
GOYOO INN stands out for young travelers, solo explorers, and design enthusiasts who prioritize a cool, social atmosphere and a prime location in Seoul’s artistic hub. It offers a modern hostel-hotel hybrid experience with a strong emphasis on style and connectivity, perfectly capturing the spirit of modern Hongdae.
Fraser Place delivers exceptional value for travelers seeking space and convenience. This serviced residence provides the comforts of a fully-equipped apartment—including kitchens and living areas—at a price point that is often comparable to a standard hotel room, making it an ideal choice for longer stays, families, or those who simply appreciate extra room.
Highlights:
- Apartment-Style Living: The spacious studios and suites come with full kitchens, separate living/dining areas, and laundry facilities, offering a true “home away from home” experience that provides both comfort and cost savings on meals.
- Excellent Jung-gu Location: It’s strategically located in Jung-gu, providing easy access to the shopping mecca of Myeongdong, the historic Namdaemun Market, and multiple subway lines for effortlessly exploring the entire city.
- Great Value: You get significantly more space and practical amenities for your money compared to a traditional hotel, especially for extended visits, making it one of the most sensible choices in its category.
Why It Stands Out:
Fraser Place is the top choice for families, long-term visitors, and budget-conscious travelers who need extra space and the convenience of in-room cooking facilities. It stands out for its practical, value-driven approach to accommodation, prioritizing livability and location over unnecessary luxuries.
The Prima Hotel Jongno offers reliable, comfortable, and well-priced accommodation in one of Seoul’s most historically and culturally significant districts. It’s a solid, no-fuss option for travelers whose primary goal is to explore, providing a comfortable base within easy walking distance of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Highlights:
- Superb Cultural Access: Located in Jongno-gu, the hotel is a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, the craft shops of Insadong, and the charming alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, putting the heart of ancient Seoul right on your doorstep.
- Practical Comfort: The rooms are functional, clean, and well-maintained, offering all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay after a long day of sightseeing, without unnecessary frills that inflate the price.
- Transportation Hub: The area is a major public transportation nexus, with multiple subway lines intersecting, making it incredibly easy and cheap to get to any other part of the city you wish to explore.
Why It Stands Out:
This hotel is ideal for sightseeing-focused travelers and budget-minded visitors who plan to spend most of their time exploring and want a clean, convenient, and centrally-located base. It stands out for its unbeatable proximity to royal palaces and traditional culture, offering straightforward value.
For shoppers and night owls, Extay Dongdaemun is a dream come true. This modern, efficient hotel is situated right in the heart of the legendary Dongdaemun Market district, famous for its 24-hour shopping malls, street food, and vibrant energy that lasts well into the night. It is designed for those who see shopping as a primary activity.
Highlights:
- 24/7 Shopping Paradise: The hotel’s location is its biggest draw, allowing you to shop until you drop and easily return to your room to rest and unload purchases before heading out again into the neon-lit streets.
- Modern & Efficient: The rooms are compact but smartly designed with contemporary furnishings and mood lighting, ensuring a comfortable, stylish, and functional rest after a long day (and night) of exploration and retail therapy.
- Design & History Proximity: It’s also within walking distance of the iconic, Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), blending access to cutting-edge architecture and exhibitions with the vibrant chaos of traditional market culture.
Why It Stands Out:
Extay Dongdaemun is perfect for dedicated shoppers, fashion enthusiasts, and travelers who thrive on late-night energy. It stands out for its ultra-convenient location at the epicenter of one of Seoul’s most dynamic and round-the-clock districts, catering specifically to the needs of the avid shopper.
Union Hotel offers straightforward, comfortable accommodation in the commercial hub of Yeongdeungpo-gu. It provides excellent value and easy access to the large Times Square Mall and major transportation links, making it a practical and unpretentious choice for both business and leisure travelers on a budget.
Highlights:
- Commercial Convenience: The Yeongdeungpo area is a major business and shopping district, home to the massive Times Square mall complex, cinemas, and department stores, offering plenty of amenities without the tourist markup.
- Strong Transport Links: The location offers great subway and bus connections to other parts of Seoul, including the airport railroad, making arrivals, departures, and day trips highly convenient.
- Simple Value: The hotel focuses on providing clean, comfortable, no-frills rooms and essential services at a very competitive price point, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep without breaking the bank.
Why It Stands Out:
Union Hotel is a great option for business travelers with appointments in the area or budget-conscious tourists looking for a practical, well-connected base without the tourist crowds of Myeongdong or Hongdae. It stands out for its no-nonsense approach and excellent value in a major commercial center.
Your hotel is your first step to an amazing Seoul trip, but the real fun begins when you use it as your adventure headquarters! Think of it as more than just a room—it’s part of the experience. Be sure to enjoy those special amenities, like a morning swim with a city view, sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar, or getting insider tips from the concierge for those must-try restaurants.
A little planning goes a long way. Seoul’s fantastic public transport makes it easy to hop from ancient palaces to trendy neighborhoods. And after a day of exploring, what could be better than relaxing with a traditional treatment at your hotel’s spa?
Don’t forget the little things that make a trip smoother—like asking about early check-in or late check-out to suit your schedule. Many hotels also offer handy shuttles or tours that can add extra ease to your journey.
No matter if you’re staying in a sky-high luxury suite or a cozy traditional hanok, the right hotel turns a great trip into an unforgettable story. So go ahead—book your stay, pack your bags, and get ready to fall in love with Seoul. Your adventure is just around the corner!
Let us know your Korea travel plans below!
After exploring Seoul’s vibrant city hotels, why not plan a contrasting mountain retreat? Discover our guide to the Japan’s best ski-in/ski-out hotels in Niseko for an unforgettable winter escape.
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One of my favourite countries in the world. Amazing how in virtually one life span (post the Korean war) they have managed to become a powerhouse on so many levels. Have actually stayed at The Shilla a couple of times as well. Great choice – love the place.
I think you’ve summed it up perfectly Amir! The transformation of South Korea is truly one of the most remarkable stories of the modern era, and it’s incredible to experience that energy firsthand. And a fellow Shilla guest! It’s a special place, isn’t it? That perfect blend of timeless elegance and impeccable service really captures the spirit of Seoul. So glad you love the country as much as I do—thanks for sharing your experience!
Wow. The architecture looks amazing. I understand Seoul is a very expensive city to visit. Thanks for showing us some of the more affordable places to stay. It is a city on my bucket list! Charlotte
Hi Charlotte, thank you so much for your lovely comment! You’re absolutely right—the architecture in Seoul is a fascinating mix of ultra-modern and traditional, which makes exploring the city so visually exciting.
And I’m really glad the affordable options are helpful! While Seoul can be expensive, it’s definitely possible to enjoy it without breaking the bank, especially when you find the right base. I hope this guide helps you tick it off your bucket list very soon—you’re going to love it!
The article effectively highlights the atmosphere and location of each hotel, which I believe is crucial when selecting a place to stay in a dynamic city like Seoul. I appreciated the variety of options, ranging from luxury accommodations like the Signiel Seoul to charming traditional stays, such as the Hanok Hotel DAAM. It’s evident that the experience encompasses more than just the room; it’s about immersing oneself in the culture and energy of the neighbourhood.
Personally, I think the Four Seasons would be ideal for balancing business and leisure. However, for a more authentic cultural experience, the hanok-style accommodations really stand out. Has anyone tried both types of stays in Seoul? I would love to hear how they compare!
Hey Will, thanks for your thoughtful comment! You’re absolutely right, the neighborhood atmosphere is such a key part of the experience. While I haven’t personally stayed at both (it’s on my wishlist!), I completely agree with your take. I think the contrast between luxury high-rises and traditional hanoks is what makes Seoul so special.
Would love to hear from other readers who have tried both types of stays—please share your experiences!