Hotels in Seoul offer pristine accommodations in a destination with past names to include Wiryeseong, Hanyang, Hanseong and Keijō. Known for its pop music, television dramas, kimchi-based cuisine, cosmetics industry and expansive area, Seoul is located in Northwest South Korea, just 30 miles from the DMZ. When traveling to Seoul, its best to accept things using both hands, call taxis using your palm and learn at least a few basic words such as annyeonghasibnikka (hello), annyeong (goodbye), gamsahabnida (thank you) and dangsin-eun yeong-eoleulhasibnikka (do you speak English?). Keep in mind that English is not widely spoken, cars travel on the right-hand side, currency is the South Korean Won and the drinking age is 19 years old. A Tmoney card can be used as a transportation card as well as a form of payment at affiliated stores. Seoul festivals include Seoul Jazz Festival, Ultra Korea, ETP Fest, Dream Concert, Seoul World DJ Festival, Zandari Festa, Ssamzi Sound Festival, DMZ Peace Train Music Festival, Seoul Fringe Festival, Lotus Lantern Festival, Seongbuk World Beer Festival, Tea World Festival, Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Royal Culture Festival, Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival, Seoul Rose Festival, Seoul Gugak Festival, Chuseok and Boryeong Mud Festival. The city’s professional football club is FC Seoul, which plays its games at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Hotels in Seoul are some of the best in Eastern Asia. Before we get you to hotels in Seoul, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Founded in 18 BCE, Seoul is located along the Han River. Surrounded by mountains and hills, the city traces its modern roots to the 14th century. Gyeongbok Palace, built in 1395, served as a royal residence until 1592. Early-on, the city was enclosed by a massive stone wall, which warded off attacks, thieves and wild animals. After being isolated for hundreds of years behind its wall, Seoul opened its gates to foreigners and began to modernize circa the late 19th century. Under Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the area was known as Keijō. Following liberation after World War II, the city officially became known as Seoul. During the Korean War, control of the city went back and forth several times between Soviet/Chinese-backed North Korea and American-backed South Korea, resulting in heavy damage. Post-Korean War Seoul continued modernization. By 1972, the city had expanded rapidly. The cultural, economic and political capital of South Korea, Seoul hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics, as well as the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
South Korea’s capital and largest metropolis, Seoul today has a population of around 10 million people. Seoul’s five UNESCO Heritage sites include Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. With a GDP of $636 billion, the city accounts for the world’s 4th largest metropolitan economy, trailing only Tokyo, New York City and Los Angeles. The city’s high temperatures range from around 85 degrees Fahrenheit in August to around 35 degrees in January. Seoul’s major international airport is Incheon International Airport, ranked as the world’s best airport for nearly 15 years, while its high-speed train system is the KTX. Major points of interest include Gangnam, Yeouido, Lotte World Tower, Sungnyemun, Deoksugung, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, National Museum of Korea, National Palace Museum of Korea, Gyeongbokgung, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsangol Hanok Village, War Memorial, Seodaemun Prison, Seoul Museum of Art, Ilmin Museum of Art, Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, Myeongdong Cathedral, Namsan Park, Hangang Park, Lotte World, Seoul Olympic Stadium, and Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Popular foods include bibimbap (a Korean rice dish), bulgogi (also known as “fire meat”), samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes). Kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish consisting of salted and fermented vegetables, is a South Korean staple. Drinks are soju (a sweet spirit), bokbunja ju (a fruit wine), banana milk and various teas. Lager is the most popular type of beer. Now that we have some more background information on the city, it’s time for hotels in Seoul that are sure to inspire.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
97, Saemunan-ro
Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul features city views, 5 dining options, a fitness center, saunas, modern and stylish rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen LCD TVs, remote-contolled drapes, 24-hour in-room dining, indoor 3-D golf, free WiFi and free parking. Angelinus (cafe), Hollys (cafe), Starbucks and Rosebud (cafe) are in the area.
Within feet:
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- Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin
- Homeplus Express Gwanghwamun
- Jogyesa Temple
- Namdaemun Market
- Myeongdong Cathedral
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Seoul Station
- Changdeokgung Palace
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Within 3.2 miles:
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- National Museum of Korea
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Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is 10 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $470
Signiel Seoul
300, Olympic-ro
Lotte World Tower Mall
Signiel Seoul offers panoramic city views, a champagne bar, a Michelin-starred restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, banquet facilities, free WiFi, mini-bars, coffee machines, safety deposit boxes, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, slippers, electronic bidets, a spa, sauna facilities, luggage storage, valet parking, concierge services and dry cleaning, laundry and ironing services. Nearby you’ll find Lotte Mart, Paris Baguette, Red Mango (restaurant), Lotteria (restaurant), Haagen-Dazs (ice cream shop) and more.
Within feet:
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- Seoul Sky
- Lotte World Tower Mall
- Seokchon Lake
- Lotte World Aquarium
- Hard Rock Cafe Seoul
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Olympic Park
- Han River
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Garak Market
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Signiel Seoul is 17 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (presidential suite): $5,039
The Shilla Seoul
249, Dongho-ro
Dongguk University Seoul
With 6 dining options, a full-service spa, free shuttle service, warm colors, air conditioning, TVs, safety deposit boxes, tea and coffee machines, mini-bars, free WiFi, a gym, an indoor golf range, a walking path through a sculpture garden, yoga and aerobics classes, The Shilla Seoul is located in the Jung-gu Central Business District.
Within feet:
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- Dongguk University Seoul
- Jangchungdan Park
- Supyogyo Bridge
- Jangchung Arena
- Bangsan Market
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Within 1 mile:
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- Dongdaemun Market
- Gwangjang Market
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Within 1.8 miles:
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- Changgyeonggung Palace
- Jogyesa Temple
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The Shilla Seoul is 11 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $390
RYSE, Autograph Collection Marriott
130, Yanghwa-ro
Trickeye Museum
Featuring free WiFi, valet parking, room service, flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth speakers, safety deposit boxes, walk-in rain showers, bathrobes, an on-site fitness center, a business center, a library and meeting rooms, RYSE, Autograph Collection Marriott is found in Hongdae district.
Within feet:
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- Trickeye Museum
- Love Museum
- Hongdae Shopping Street
- E-Land
- Hongik University
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Han River
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Within 2.9 miles:
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- I’Park Mall
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RYSE, Autograph Collection Marriott is 7 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (director room): $277
Cost per person (four people): $70
Studio41
32, Seongmisan-ro 22-gil, Mapo-gu
Modern Design Museum Seoul
Studio41 has self check-in service, a rooftop garden, free WiFi, air conditioning, small kitchens, washing machines and hairdryers. Hello India (Indian restaurant), Sweet Sour Salt (brunch restaurant), Cafe Urp (coffee shop), Sarukame (ramen restaurant), 1988 (restaurant), Perlen (cafe) and more are in the area.
Within feet:
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- Modern Design Museum Seoul
- Gyeongui Line Forest Park
- War and Women’s Human Rights Museum
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Within 1.7 miles:
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- Seoul Energy Dream Center
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Within 3.3 miles:
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- Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Studio41 is 7 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $89
Cost per person (four people): $22
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
521, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu
COEX Aquarium
With an indoor pool, free WiFi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee making facilities and multiple dining options, Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas can be found near Grand Kitchen (buffet restaurant), lululemon, Hyundai Department Store, My Art Museum, Four Stones Coffee Roasters (coffee shop), Knotted (cafe), Restaurant RIPE (Korean beef restaurant), COEX (convention center), Gourmet Lamb (Korean barbecue restaurant) and more.
Within feet:
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- COEX Aquarium
- ASEM Tower
- Seolleung & Jeongneung Royal Tomb
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Gangnam Finance Center
- Ttukseom Hangang Park
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Within 1.9 miles:
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- Coreana Art & Culture Complex
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Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas is 15 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (corner king suite): $849
Cost per person (three people): $283
Seoul Mansion Guesthouse
4-21, Yanghwa-ro 23-gil, Mapo-gu
Kakao Friends Concept Museum
Providing free laundry service, free WiFi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and hairdryers, Seoul Mansion Guesthouse is near Blanc Noir (wine bar), Wanpo Tea (cafe), PAS TOBACCO (tobacco shop), Iner Coffee (cafe), Pie Republic Korea (South African restaurant), g.l.t gelato (ice cream shop) and more.
Within feet:
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- Gyeongui Line Forest Park
- Kakao Friends Concept Museum
- Modern Design Museum
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Within 1.4 miles:
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- Seodaemun Museum of Natural History
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Within 3.5 miles:
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- N Seoul Tower
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Seoul Mansion Guesthouse is 7 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (duplex family guesthouse): $94
Cost per person (six people): $15
Hide and Seek Guesthouse
14, Jahamun-ro 6-gil
National Palace Museum of Korea
Hide and Seek Guest House provides air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, a restaurant, a shared kitchen, a shared lounge, free WiFi, a bar, electric tea pots, hairdryers, kitchenettes, a terrace, laundry service and business facilities.
Within feet:
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- National Palace Museum of Korea
- A Bomb Shell
- Michael Catholic Cathedral
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Sejong Catholic Cathedral
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Changdeokgung Palace
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Gwangjang Market
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Hide and Seek Guest House is 10 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (family suite): $185
Cost per person (six people): $30
GLAD Mapo
92, Mapo-daero
Gongdeok Station
Providing high ceilings, mini-bars, desks, flat-screen TVs, a fitness center, an in-house restaurant and bar, free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk, GLAD Mapo can be found in front of Gongdeok Subway Station.
Within feet:
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- Gongdeok Station
- Hyosung Harrington Square
- S-OIL Head Office
- Hyosung Corporation
- Kim Koo Museum
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- I’Park Mall
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Hongik University
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GLAD Mapo is 8 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $85
Marriott Executive Apartment
8, Yeoui-daero, Yeoungdeungpo-gu
Singil Station
Featuring an indoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, a cafe, free parking, lounge areas, flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, a mini golf course and a kids room, Marriott Executive Apartment is found close to Ssangdaepo (Korean restaurant), Bath Burger, Lamousine Yeouido (mutton barbecue restaurant), Tenuto (cocktail bar), Bar Glenwood, Republique (bar), MarkT (cocktail bar), Jubean Coffee and more.
Within feet:
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- Singil Station
- KBS On Broadcasting Museum
- Yeouido Park
- Memorial Museum National Assembly of South Korea
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Within 2.2 miles:
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- Love Museum
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Within 2.8 miles:
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- The Korean Christian Museum at Soongsil University
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Marriott Executive Apartment is 7 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (two-bedroom executive suite): $405
Cost per person (four people): $102
Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel
95, Cheongpa-ro 20-gil
Yongsan Electronics Market
With yoga and Pilates studios, a fitness center, an indoor golf range, fully-equipped kitchens, a breakfast buffet and various entertainment venues, Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel is in the vicinity of Soothe (Chinese restaurant), Boombox Beer (bar), Neat Bar, Paik’s Coffee (cafe), The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Roji Coffee, Oats Coffee, Fritz Coffee, Ediya Coffee Mapo and more.
Within feet:
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- Yongsan Electronics Market
- Kim Koo Museum
- The War Memorial of Korea
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Within 2 miles:
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- N Seoul Tower
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Within 2.3 miles:
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- Seoul Museum of Art
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Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel is 9 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (deluxe two-bedroom suite): $425
Cost per person (four people): $107
Oakwood Premier Coex Center
46, Teheran-ro 87-gil
COEX Convention Exhibition Center
Oakwood Premier Coax Center has 5-star accommodations with an indoor pool, indoor screen golf, a golf center, fully-equipped kitchens, open bar counters, washing machines, a lounge, dry cleaning services, a business center, a 24-hour front desk, free parking and free WiFi. Nearby are Table 34 (French restaurant), Hakone (Japanese restaurant), Grand Kitchen (buffet restaurant), The Brasserie (restaurant), Louis Bar, Tiger Lair (cocktail bar), Tokyo Jazz Club (live music bar), The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, The Korean Traditional Crafts School, Megabox (movie theater), SM Town Theatre and more.
Within feet:
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- COEX Convention Exhibition Center
- COEX Aquarium
- ASEM Tower
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Hall
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Within 6 miles:
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- Changgyeonggung Palace
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Oakwood Premier Coax Center is 15 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (two-bedroom superior apartment): $357
Cost per person (four people): $90
Boutique Hotel Loft
72, Seonyudong 2-ro
Dangsan Station
Boutique Hotel Loft has a private restaurant, free WiFi, air conditioning, hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs, seating areas, complimentary beverages, a 24-hour front desk, a tour desk, luggage storage, dry-cleaning services, free laundry service and airport shuttle services. Close you’ll see Tamna Fish Market (restaurant), Souppure (restaurant), Dan San Salon (bar), Longtime No Sea (bar), El Cafe Coffee Roasters and more.
Within feet:
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- Dangsan Station
- Yanghwa Hangang Park
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Memorial Museum National Assembly of South Korea
- KBS On Broadcasting Museum
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Within 2 miles:
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- Seoul Energy Dream Center
- Kakao Friends Concept Museum
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Boutique Hotel Loft is 6 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (penthouse suite): $382
Cost per person (six people): $64
Orakai Insadong Suites
18, Insadong 4-gil
Tapgol Park Seoul
Offering fully-equipped kitchens, satellite TVs, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, sauna facilities, spacious apartments, wooden flooring, washing machines and central air conditioning and heating, Orakai Insadong Suites is located near Osegye Hyang (vegan restaurant), Hangwachae (vegan restaurant), Indoro Restaurant (Indian restaurant), Brew 3.14 (bar), Goose Island Brewhouse, Peulaenjeu (bar), Nest of Goose (bar), JJOCCO COFFEE and more.
Within feet:
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- Tapgol Park Seoul
- Beautiful Tea Museum
- Kyungin Museum of Fine Art
- Arario Museum in Space
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Within 1.4 miles:
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- Seoullo 7017
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- N Seoul Tower
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Orakai Insadong Suites is 11 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (three-bedroom deluxe apartment): $207
Cost per person (four people): $52
IRIRU Boutique Guesthouse
11-44, Yeonseo-ro 50-gil
Kim Chong Yung Museum
IRIRU Boutique Guesthouse has free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden, a terrace and kitchenettes.
Within 1.9:
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- Memory of Hillstate
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Within 2.8 miles:
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- Kim Chong Yung Museum
- Gana Art Center
- Total Museum of Contemporary Art
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Within 4.7 miles:
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- Gyeongbokgung Palace
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IRIRU Boutique Guesthouse is 10 miles from Gimpo International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $604
Cost per person (six people): $100
Book in advance
So there they are, hotels in Seoul that will help make for a great trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in South Korea!
Almost half of my Facebook friends are Filipina who loves traveling to South Korea. Maybe it can be attributed to their fondness of Korean TV novelas, they want to see those places they’re seeing on TV. And they do not travel alone but by the group so these penthouses in Seoul you’ve shared maybe the exact penthouses they need. I will be sharing this article on Facebook and let’s see how they’ll like the choices.
One of these days, I also want to visit Seoul not for telenovelas but for the reason that I want to seek business partners there. I’m planning to start a new pharmaceutical marketing company and one of my choices for sourcing are Korean companies. So, maybe one of these days, I will be checking-in in one of these hotels you’ve shared.
Gomer thank you so much for your consideration! Good luck with your pharmaceutical marketing company start-up and happy travels out there 🙂
Thank you so much for the post! I was literally telling my wife last night that we should visit Seoul next year! Super odd that I come across this site,so it’s probably a sign we should go! Do you know if either of the hotels listed here are pet friendly? We have a cat that goes with us everywhere, and I would like to bring her with us on our trip there.
You’re welcome, Jessie, and thank you for the comments. Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel is a 5-star, pet friendly hotel.
Woah! From the pictures you provided, these hotels look more of a luxurious apartment than an actual hotel. I am actually really impressed. Not to mention, the price ranges that they offer, they’re actually really affordable compared to some EU and PR prices. I’m bookmarking this article just in case for future references.
Stephanie glad you liked the hotels and thank you so much for bookmarking. Stop back anytime 🙂
The first thing I look at when looking for a hotel is if it has WI-FI. This is one thing I can’t seem to live without.
I have not been to Seoul yet, and it certainly looks like an interesting place if I am judging by your article. I see that it is difficult to find good hotels there, so I will keep this article bookmarked just in case.
Most of these hotels look really great and the prices are just right. I think I will definitely take a trip to Korea in the future and make a point of visiting Seoul.
Michel WiFi is so important indeed and thankfully almost all of our accommodations include free WiFi. Seoul is an awesome place that most people aren’t aware of or forget about, so you’re not alone there!
Wow most of these hotels are super nice and beautiful to look at. There are some I would consider going if I get the chance one day to go but this article was really helpful in trying to find a hotel that might fit my budget of traveling. I will share this and I will check out more articles on your site in the future. Bye
Barbara thank you for the comments and stop back anytime 🙂
Hey there!
Seoul… this capital city is quite amazing. I did not know it was the fourth metropolitan economy in the world (outstripping Beijing by example). And the panoramas we can see in your pictures from the hotels are such a beauty… being able to watch the city from the heights and also observing the mountains towards the horizon! The inside looks and the facilities that those high-starred hotels offer will surely help tourists live some unforgettable holidays around there. The South Korean capital is a true example of a city!
Best regards! Peter
Peter it really is! Thanks for stopping by and happy travels out there 🙂
Hi there. Looking for the best hotels in a city one is not familiar with and so many hotels in the place can be something tiring, something discouraging, something stressing. Thank you for taking out your time to look for the best Hotels in Seoul.
You have eyes for good things. All the hotels listed are so beautiful, just that they’re expensive too, but I think will be worth…
Shifts thank you for the comments and glad to see you have found value in the information!