55 Best Hotels in Seoul, South Korea

Launched in 2022, this hotel from the Marriott side brand brings classic, modern European design to the heart of Gangnam. Born as a collaboration with renowned Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalan in 2011, the AC brand focuses on customized guest rooms, open spaces, and no unwanted extras. The AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam keeps this spirit alive, with a spacious, airy lobby that emphasizes clean lines and a modern sensibility. The rooms are sleek and spacious while not skimping on comfort, and the hotel also offers an exclusive lounge, rooftop bar, and supervised play area for kids, as well as standards such as a health center, three restaurants, sauna, and valet parking. 

A 10-minute walk from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, this simple yet serviceable hotel is a good option for the price tag, and while on-site amenities are fairly limited, there is a rooftop terrace and a cafe with a charming sidewalk patio. From the minimalist lobby to keyless room access via smartphone, it’s all about fuss-free service.

Tucked along a side street, this perky hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Cheonggyecheon Stream, Dongdaemun Square, and Gwangjang Market Food Alley; in other words, the location is fabulous. All the rooms are private and most have en suite bathrooms. Typical hostel amenities like Wi-Fi and lockers are offered, but the real gem here is the colorful rooftop terrace that features a barbecue and views of the skyline.

Another Marriott property, this chic boutique hotel features clean, colorful rooms and a river-adjacent location that makes it quick and easy to get into central Seoul. Aloft Seoul Gangnam is a great choice for travelers who are looking for comfort and convenience while also keeping an eye on value.

With a prime location for shopping in Apgujeong, this stylish Hyatt is a comfortable base in one of Gangnam's wealthiest corners. The hotel incorporates locally inspired elements, such as traditional Korean patchwork weavings called bojagi into their aesthetic. The Jogakbo Restaurant has three concepts: Bites and Wine, Seafood Grill, and Meat & Co. Rooms are clean, bright, and feel quite spacious for Seoul.

Technically a serviced apartment, Artnoveau City makes a comfortable and useful base for those visiting for longer periods of time. As the name implies, the relatively spacious rooms have a consistent art nouveau design theme. While not as elegant as the top-level luxury hotels, Artnouveau feels like a classy city apartment. Even the standard rooms have a kitchenette and separate living and bedroom areas, making it a good choice for visitors who want to entertain guests. The difficult part is getting guests to stop by after dinner since Artnouveau is at best a short cab ride from even the nearest nightlife area.

A no-frills hotel near Insa-dong, the Centermark Hotel Seoul is a safe choice for families, guests in town for business, and larger groups. Although the hotel offers little in terms of design and doesn’t have many facilities, it’s become an institution in the neighborhood for its reliable staff and prime location. Each room is wheelchair accessible, has a flat-screen television, and a bathroom with a bathtub. There is a simple fitness center and a free hotel shuttle that runs from 7 am to 7 pm.

Set within the International Finance Center complex in the Yeouido Business District, this sleek 38-story hotel has all the plush amenities you’d expect from an international business hotel chain, such as an indoor pool, a spa, a gym, an executive lounge, and seven restaurants and bars, but the river and skyline views visible from nearly every guestroom and public space of the hotel are what really stand out.

Opened as part of the dynamic new Parc 1 complex, this luxury hotel features bold, sophisticated decor and striking red columns meant to be a modern tribute to traditional Korean architecture. The central location features direct access to the newly minted Hyundai Seoul (the country’s largest department store) and it also has a luxe spa, an indoor pool, and four restaurants and bars—including the ultra-chic Mariposa restaurant.

One of the most luxurious accommodations in Seoul, this location of the Four Seasons boasts several well-reputed restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa in addition to spotless, sunny guest rooms that have panoramic city views. Located in the heart of the city only a few steps away from Gwanghwamun Station, the hotel is both easy to access and quiet at night (since many nearby attractions close early on in the evening). Spend an afternoon at the Korean sauna within the spa and grab a bite at The Market Kitchen, an international buffet and marketplace where items can be bought a la carte. Yu Yuan, a high-end Cantonese restaurant, serves one of the best Peking ducks in the country and drinks at Charles H., the world-class speakeasy in the basement, is also a must.

While many of the hotels in Yeouido exude a serious, business traveler vibe, this one has a youthful, trendy air about it. The rooms are snug but serviceable; there’s a prohibition-style whisky bar, a buffet eatery, and a Japanese kappo restaurant; and it’s only a few steps away from the subway station, making it easily accessible to many areas of the city. For the price point, it ticks all the boxes and maybe a few more.

A 5-star hotel with an established reputation, Grand Hyatt Seoul is on the Itaewon side of Namsan mountain and has spectacular views of either N Seoul Tower or the Han River. With rooms starting at 322 square feet, even the smallest rooms are larger than most in the city. The facilities include an outdoor swimming pool which transforms to an ice skating rink in the winter, several notable restaurants, and a well-reputed spa. While the hotel is far from most means of public transportation, it’s an easy walk to beginner hiking trails on Namsan mountain as well as several bars and cafes in the neighborhood.

If it's luxury you're after, look no further, because this upscale hotel near the COEX Mall in the heart of Gangnam delivers it in spades. The hotel has ultra-modern rooms done up in tasteful colors, which also feature some of the best views in the city. This gleaming high rise also has a Japanese restaurant (Hakone) and its Chinese counterpart (Wei Lou), as well as all day dining at the elegant Grand Kitchen buffet. You can also find European cheeses, sandwiches, and charcuterie at the Grand Deli, whose wine shop boasts a collection of 1,400 varieties. For drinks and other culinary options, the cavernous Lobby and Lounge offers coffee, tea, and cocktails in a classic setting that blends the best of East and West. 

Located near Yongsan Station, the Grand Mercure is the luxury option of the hotels at Seoul Dragon City, an accommodations complex (or hotelplex) made up of three hotel brands at four different price points. Although it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which elevator to use to access which facility, some may find it convenient to have so many different options in one place. Of these, the Grand Mercure is notable in that all of their rooms are pet-friendly and offer a small kitchenette. The hotel has a spa, sauna and indoor swimming pool. Unlike many pools in the city, the indoor swimming pool is free for hotel guests.

This reliable hotel in front of Itaewon Station is perfect for visitors looking for easy access to Western comforts and for those who prefer to be close to Itaewon nightlife. While the general hotel decor is lacking and the rooms are modest, the hotel has been neatly-kept and well-maintained since its renovation in 2017. The facilities include a sauna and an outdoor pool. During the summers, the pool is a popular spot for day-drinking and parties. Note that the rooms are soundproof but the large crowds of partygoers nearby do make noise that's hard to muffle out entirely, especially if you’re visiting during nice weather and want to keep your windows open. Catching a cab between midnight and 5 am in this area is extremely difficult, so the hotel's location near nightlife options makes it ideal.

Conveniently located at Hongik University Station Exit 4, this no-frills, clean but basic accommodation has quick and easy access to the airport railroad and subway line 2. The hotel's 294 rooms offer not much more than a bed, flat-screen television, and a mini-fridge but like many Holiday Inns, breakfast is included in the price, complimentary coffee is available in the lobby, and a 24-hour concierge can speak Mandarin, English, and Japanese in addition to Korean. The hotel is also connected to AK Plaza, a small, five-story department store with several clothing boutiques, stationery shops, and restaurants. The standard design and general mood have not been localized to reflect the neighborhood, meaning the hotel lacks a Hongdae flavor overall, but it may be an attractive option for families and short-term tourists.

Just a stone's throw from Garosu-gil, this hip hotel appeals to social, creative types with an art gallery, plus a Vietnamese cafe, airy rooms with natural woods, and a rooftop bar with unparalleled views all the way to N Seoul Tower.

Trendy industrial vibes permeate this urban hotel known for its rooftop restaurant with city views, a popular choice with the young set and travelers who place value on socializing and functionality rather than luxury. Quad rooms with two sets of bunks, private rooms, and "bark" rooms that have dog beds are available.

This quirky little hotel feels like you’ve stepped into a dollhouse—everything seems petite and whimsical—and while it’s clear that the brightly colored walls, faux flowers, and kitschy baubles are meant to attract a young, budget-conscious Instagram crowd, it’s also got all the necessary room amenities like kettles and strong Wi-Fi for a comfortable, albeit snug, stay.

The straightforward lobby, useful room amenities, and convenient location make this hotel a smart economical choice. A compact gym, a laundry room, and cafe/bar round out the practical amenities, and for a bit of fun, there’s a rooftop driving range with free use of golf balls and clubs.

This business boutique hotel is conveniently located near the COEX complex and the World Trade Center Seoul. The rooms are squeaky clean and well organized, and there's a convenience store in the lobby where you can stock up on essentials without breaking the bank. Hotel Peyto is, without a doubt, one of the best values in the neighborhood. 

For those who would rather spend their money on sightseeing, shopping, and meals, this is centrally located, affordable choice. The accommodations—while small—are spotless; perfect for visitors who expect to be out and about most of the day. Rooms are arranged by color theme: guests can choose from white, red, blue, or yellow accented rooms. There are computers in the lobby for guest use and a restaurant that serves an ok breakfast buffet.

The geometric black-and-gold facade and sophisticated lobby belie the affordability at this hip high-rise hotel. As the property name suggests, each room is individually designed with colorful artwork, fanciful lighting, or quirky architectural details. Despite the stylish rooms, amenity-wise this hotel is strictly no-frills—there’s barely even a sitting area in the lobby.

An excellent value for both business and sightseeing, the Ibis Ambassador is a reliable hotel choice in this location. While the rooms won't win any design awards, they are pleasant and comfortable, and the staff is quite warm and helpful. The hotel's real selling point, however, is its location in the center of Seoul's downtown shopping area, also a short taxi or subway ride from museums and Seoul's historic neighborhoods. For guests who just want a place to sleep, the standard rooms are fine, but if you want to spend some time relaxing in the hotel it is worth upgrading to a slightly larger room. It follows the Ibis formula to the letter, so if you've stayed at one before there are no surprises.

For a decidedly Korean take on a lavish European hotel, look no further than the Imperial Palace. The lobby looks a little like an extravagant version of a Venetian palace, but it comes across as nostalgic and charming (albeit with a touch of unintended kitsch). The rooms feel a bit dated, but are often adorned with furnishings and art that the manager found on overseas travels. There isn't much of interest in the immediate vicinity, but the main shopping and nightlife of Gangnam is a short taxi away. On the plus side, the service is excellent. While not for everyone, the Imperial Palace can make for a very interesting stay.

Located between Olympic Park and Jamsil Station, this boutique hotel checks all the main boxes: it has comfort, convenience, and value, along with an English-speaking front desk. It's just a stone's throw from Bangi Matgol food street, which should keep your stomach very happy. 

Like a higher-end and more restrained version of Korea's motels (with their over the top designs), the IP's eye-catching decor makes for a fun and unique stay. While the colorful exterior and lobby—with its oversized plush couch and chairs designed like playground swings—reminds one of a cartoon, the rooms are more restrained, even if the decor has become a bit worn over the years. Located near the nightlife area of Itaewon, with its mishmash of bars and restaurants, the IP feels like a hotel aimed at people who are more interested in a good night out than a morning of touring the palaces.

Seoul's most famous upper-end love motel, Jelly's lavish (if a bit silly) themed rooms appeal to visitors as much young Korean couples. While the words love motel may conjure images of illicit trysts, Jelly has led the pack by turning them into hip accommodation catering not just to couples, but groups of friends and solo travelers as well. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, such as the Persian Room, Princess Room, and, yes, even Bvlgari and Versace Rooms. The downside is that, like most of Seoul's love motels, check in is quite late: at 7 pm on weeknights and 11 pm on weekends. Located south of the river in Gangnam, the location is better suited for nightlife and shopping than sightseeing.

The name "palace" is your first inkling that this luxury hotel from Marriott has crisp, stylish rooms with beautiful city views and plenty of cushy amenities.

The prime location across from Heunginjimun Gate along with luxurious amenities make the neighborhood’s only 5-star hotel worth the splurge. Serene, minimalist rooms and suites contrast with the bustling scenes of Dongdaemun Square out the floor-to-ceiling windows. A highlight is the marble-clad indoor pool area that has a fireplace and three sparkly chandeliers making it feel positively palatial.