Even after many journeys, this wonderful, progressive metropolis by no means fails to shock me — from heritage boutiques to futuristic high-rises, these are my favourite motels I’ve personally stayed in and beloved for his or her distinctive model, vibe, and innovation…
1. L7 Hongdae by LOTTE
I found this super-cool life-style resort with a rooftop pool and bar overlooking Hongdae’s neon-lit streets, plus Instagram-worthy artwork at each flip. Its smooth, urban-chic design with daring pops of coloration and funky particulars completely captured the neighborhood’s artistic vibe and gave it a youthful, artsy power!
My visitor room had attractive white linens, floor-to-ceiling metropolis views, a wise TV, mini fridge, rainfall bathe, eco-friendly Malin+Goetz toiletries, and playful coloration accents. I couldn’t resist the hooded gown and slippers — a unusual, cozy nod to Hongdae’s streetwear tradition!
I swam within the rooftop pool, sipped sundown cocktails, dined at Floating, the informal Italian-style restaurant, and unwound within the Blue Roof Lounge flipping by means of artwork books and listening to vinyl (I opted for Love X Stereo – 37A!). Being simply two minutes from Hongik College Station additionally made it easy to discover the buzzing nightlife, quirky cafés, and nightly avenue performances.
My favourite spotlight…
- Sipping on a robust Neon Nights cocktail— a vivid purple gin-based cocktail with yuzu and tonic, impressed by Hongdae’s glowing avenue indicators whereas flicking by means of Seoul Avenue Artwork Quantity Three within the cozy lounge bar!
2. Moxy Insadong
I used to be very taken with this enjoyable spot! I discovered it was a design-forward resort with neon indicators, selfie-worthy murals, a 24/7 bar, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Seoul’s palaces and N Seoul Tower — all proper in Insadong’s artsy alleys and tea homes. Its industrial-chic decor blended uncovered concrete, neon accents, quirky murals, and playful furnishings which created a full of life, youthful vibe — it was an brisk, photo-ready base!
My room had a comfortable mattress, floor-to-ceiling home windows, a 49-inch good TV with Netflix, mini fridge, walk-in rain bathe, and cheeky wall artwork. The LED guide-lights beneath the mattress which created a mushy, cinematic glow at night time had been a spotlight for me although!
I frolicked on the 24/7 Moxy Bar with its cocktails and video games, labored out within the fashionable gymnasium, and watched the sundown from the rooftop terrace earlier than stepping straight into Insadong’s galleries, tea homes, and avenue meals stalls, with Jogyesa Temple only a quick stroll away.
My private highlights…
- Sipping on a ruby-red omija-cha with chewy honey-glazed yakgwa within the close by conventional Tteuran Tea Home’s peaceable hanok courtyard, surrounded by rustling bamboo!
3. Henn na Resort Myeongdong
I found this was a techie’s paradise! Multilingual robots dealt with check-in, my room unlocked with facial recognition, and high-tech touches! Its smooth, minimalist decor with clear traces, mushy impartial tones, and refined tech accents matched the futuristic, environment friendly but playful vibe – it was a gadget-filled keep!
My visitor room had a cute, playful design, good TV, mini fridge, a futuristic LG Styler closet, fashionable rest room with bidet bathroom, and a facial-recognition lock. My favourite quirk was having the ability to management lights, temperature, and TV by voice which a enjoyable, photo-worthy expertise!
I used to be checked in by robotic workers, used facial recognition to enter my room, and my garments had been even refreshed earlier than heading out! Being simply two minutes from Myeongdong Station additionally made late-night avenue meals, skincare buying, and Ok-pop buzz simple.
My highlights…
- Discovering a calming Bong Bong Grape Juice, cute Pepero Sticks and glazed Honey Butter Chips within the mini-fridge!
4. Andaz Gangnam
I stayed at this luxurious boutique resort in Gangnam and was immediately struck by its art-filled interiors impressed by colourful Korean bojagi patchwork and its beautiful infinity pool overlooking the town. The geometric patterns, heat wooden accents, and assertion lighting additionally gave it a sophisticated but welcoming really feel — the entire place felt very stylish and cosmopolitan!
My visitor room had floor-to-ceiling home windows with Gangnam views, a brilliant luxurious king mattress, Nespresso machine, minibar with native treats, and colourful bojagi-inspired décor. I particularly preferred the open-concept spa-like rest room with sliding glass panels, letting me soak whereas taking within the metropolis skyline!
I swam within the infinity pool overlooking Gangnam, sipped cocktails within the foyer bar, indulged in Korean-inspired therapies at AO Spa, and dined at Jogakbo with its three interactive zones — Bites & Wine, Seafood Grill, and Meat & Co. Additionally being situated proper in Gangnam meant stylish boutiques, Ok-pop spots, and connoisseur eating places had been simply steps away from me!
My favorite spotlight…
- Indulging in a Bojagi Stability Ritual of their upscale spa — I used to be wrapped in heat silk bojagi cloths and massaged with natural oils which left me smelling of mugwort and citrus!
5. L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE
I discovered this to be a classy, design-forward resort with a playful rooftop terrace, selfie-worthy artwork, and an superior location in Myeongdong. Its industrial-chic decor with uncovered concrete, neon accents, quirky murals, and playful furnishings gave it a youthful, artistic vibe. The ambiance felt splendidly full of life and social!
My visitor room had a comfortable mattress, quirky artwork wall, good TV, mini fridge, rain bathe, and floor-to-ceiling home windows framing Myeongdong’s neon streets, making it really feel like a mini picture studio!
I gazed out at rooftop terrace views of N Seoul Tower, grabbing late-night drinks on the 24/7 DJ bar, soaked my ft on the Twenty first-floor foot spa, and snapped Insta-worthy mural images. Being proper within the coronary heart of Myeongdong made avenue meals runs, Ok-beauty buying, and nightlife simply steps away!
My highlights…
- The daring Seoul Skyline mural in my room — a graphic, black-and-white cityscape with dotted with neon coloration that made the house really feel like a mini artwork gallery!
6. Vista Walkerhill
I found this was an elegant riverside retreat with floor-to-ceiling Han River views, a rooftop Sky Yard for yoga and cocktails, a glass-walled infinity pool, and immersive artwork that make it really feel like a luxurious wellness playground above the town. The foyer, anchored by an 800-year-old olive tree, had smooth wooden and stone finishes, assertion lighting, and curated artwork that created a serene, gallery-like ambiance.
My visitor room had mountain views, good pill management, a spa-like rest room with rainfall bathe and soaking tub, and minimalist décor. I particularly adored the in-room aromatherapy diffuser with customizable scents!
I floated within the infinity pool, participated in dawn yoga within the Sky Yard, sipped on rooftop cocktails, and explored the resort’s VISTART artwork program. Its peaceable hilltop location additionally felt like a peaceable oasis whereas nonetheless near downtown Seoul (though I’ve to confess I did want a taxi attain central Seoul rapidly).
My private highlights…
- Beginning my day with the uplifting citrus scent of yuzu within the diffuser, then switching to calming hinoki and mugwort at night time, turning my room right into a zen-like Korean spa retreat!
7. Gangnam Boutique Resort Sohsul
I discovered that each room at Gangnam Boutique Resort Sohsul was uniquely styled — some with non-public spa swimming pools or cinema setups — mixing boutique design with high-end tech. The smooth wooden paneling, mushy temper lighting, and mirrored accents made it really feel intimate, quirky, and just a bit indulgent!
My room had a big mattress with high-thread-count linens, 3D good TV, mini fridge, spa-style bathe, soundproof home windows, and heat lighting that made it really feel cozy and upscale. I actually loved soaking within the spa tub, watching a personal film on the projector, and stress-free within the intimate lounge areas that gave the entire keep a personal, unique vibe.
Staying in a quieter nook of Gangnam additionally meant peaceable nights however only a quick stroll to buying streets and subway stations, so I might attain the thrill of the district in minutes.
My highlights…
- Watching the gripping Korean movie Parasite on my in-room projector whereas sipping a crisp, ice-cold Cass Contemporary beer — it was the proper Seoul night time in!
8. SR Resort Sadang
SR Resort Sadang stood out to me for its handy spot by Sadang Station, smooth rooms with spa-style bogs, and a trendy rooftop lounge that felt like a hidden hangout in southern Seoul. Its funky, modern decor with darkish wooden accents and minimalist furnishings created a relaxed, stylish ambiance.
My room had a luxurious mattress, a flat-screen TV, a mini fridge, a trendy rest room with rainfall bathe, and huge, vibrant home windows that allow in lots of gentle. The glass-walled rest room with giant soaking tub added a spa-like, photogenic contact.
I unwound within the rooftop lounge whereas gazing at metropolis views and ended the day within the intimate Korean restaurant. Being steps from Sadang Station made it easy to hop on Strains 2 and 4 and attain all over the place from Gangnam’s buying streets to Seoul’s historic palaces.
My favourite highlights…
- Having fun with steaming vegetable mandu full of cabbage, zucchini, and mushrooms dipping them in spicy gochujang sauce and washing it down with a nutty corn silk tea on the onsite restaurant!
9. Resort Anteroom
This art-hotel in Garosugil/Sinsa felt to me like staying in a gallery, with minimalist white partitions, polished concrete flooring, customized wooden furnishings, and rotating exhibitions of native work and sculptures that turned the house right into a dwelling artwork set up. The vibe was artistic, fashionable, and quietly refined!
My room had a low platform mattress, minimalist wooden furnishings, a wise TV, a mini fridge, rain bathe, and curated artwork that made it really feel like a personal gallery.
I browsed the foyer exhibitions, sipped on robust espresso on the minimalist café, and chatting with workers who pointed me to hidden galleries close by. Eating at I PHO U, the resort’s Vietnamese café by two-Michelin-starred Chef Yim Jungsik, was additionally a standout! Being within the coronary heart of Garosugil meant boutiques, cafés, and galleries had been on my doorstep, with the remainder of Seoul only a quick subway journey away.
My private highlights…
- Eating on their hearty vegetarian pho — steaming broth scented with star anise, piled with tofu, bean sprouts, contemporary herbs, and a squeeze of zesty lime!
10. L’Escape Resort
This resort immediately transported me to Belle Époque Paris with its velvet-draped lounges, jewel-toned chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and antique-style furnishings that made the entire place really feel like a romantic Parisian salon. The rose-scented air and mushy background music set a glamorous, barely theatrical temper the second I walked in.
My room had a beautiful cover mattress with silky linens, a classic writing desk, and daring floral wallpaper that felt like an elegant Paris condominium. My favourite element was the freestanding clawfoot tub by the window.
I spent my afternoons sipping on pink champagne within the velvet lounge, looking the hidden library, and having fun with Parisian-style afternoon tea. Being within the coronary heart of Jung-gu made it simple to wander to Myeongdong’s outlets and hop on the subway to discover Seoul’s palaces and nightlife.
My highlights…
- Curling up of their velvet library with a replica of the introspective Magnificence of the Hedgehog and sipping on a fragile rose tea, its floral aroma completely matching the Parisian salon vibe!
11. The Conrad
I found this smooth, ultra-luxury resort with floor-to-ceiling river views, a hovering glass atrium foyer, award-winning eating, and certainly one of Seoul’s most spectacular spas — all set contained in the futuristic IFC advanced on Yeouido Island. Its modern design blended marble flooring, heat wooden, and placing artwork installations, creating a complicated but welcoming ambiance.
My room had panoramic Han River views, a luxurious king mattress adorned with Frette linens, an elegant marble rest room with a soaking tub proper by the window, a walk-in bathe, Nespresso machine, and a vibrant work station.
I spent my keep stress-free on the Conrad Spa, swimming within the smooth indoor pool with metropolis views, and savoring creative dishes at its acclaimed eating places. Being contained in the IFC advanced made it simple to buy, dine, and hop on the subway to discover Seoul’s high sights.
My private highlights…
- Going for a Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial of their fashionable spa — a cool mist of oxygen and hyaluronic serum left my pores and skin plump, glowing, and refreshed!
12. Imperial Palace Boutique Resort
This resort stood out for its daring, Insta-worthy pop-art décor — colourful murals, quirky sculptures, neon artwork, and playful furnishings that made it really feel like a contemporary artwork gallery within the coronary heart of Itaewon.
My room featured a comfortable mattress, pop-art accent wall, glass-walled rain bathe, and floor-to-ceiling home windows overlooking Itaewon’s full of life streets — the mural-lined rest room was a photogenic spotlight.
I explored the foyer’s artwork installations, relaxed within the cute café, and stepped proper out into Itaewon’s buzzing nightlife. Being in Itaewon meant worldwide eating, eclectic outlets, and bars had been proper exterior, with simple subway entry to the remainder of Seoul. I’ve to only point out within the coronary heart of Itaewon meant it was full of life at night time — as a lightweight sleeper I used to be glad I requested a better flooring!
My favourite highlights…
- Sipping on a velvety Terarosa Espresso every morning whereas gazing on the neon-lit streets of Itaewon at night time, with colourful indicators, boutique façades, and other people speeding round under!
13. RYSE, Autograph Assortment
I found this was a cool stick with an edgy, design-forward vibe, rotating artwork installations, a vinyl library, and inventive areas that felt half boutique resort, half hipster gallery within the coronary heart of Hongdae. The economic-chic design with uncovered concrete, floor-to-ceiling home windows, neon indicators, and daring artwork gave it a smooth, youthful power.
My visitor room had massive home windows, a big mattress, curated artwork, a cool Marshall speaker, and a spa-style rainfall bathe — however the vinyl turntable with its curated data was my favourite contact. I’ve to says although my room was trendy however not big, nevertheless it was effective for my quick keep.
I browsed the artwork, relaxed within the lounges, and ended nights with cocktails at Aspect Word Membership, the fashionable rooftop bar. Being in central Hongdae additionally meant prompt entry to avenue artwork, indie boutiques, dwell music bars, and the neighborhood’s buzzing nightlife.
My favourite highlights…
- Enjoying the dreamy Café del Mar – Desires Quantity 4 on vinyl on the matte black turntable!
14. Ambassador
I discovered that this resort was a Seoul basic, mixing mid-century heritage with distinctive fashionable luxurious, panoramic Namsan views, and a glass-roofed indoor pool.
Its marble flooring, heat wooden accents, and curated Korean artwork created a refined, gallery-like ambiance that felt very stylish and chic! My room had floor-to-ceiling Namsan views, an expensive mattress with high-thread-count linens, and a Korean artwork panel behind the mattress that made it really feel like a mini-gallery.
I dined on the effective The King’s dwell buffet which had seasonal dishes and an open kitchen, loved refined Korean delicacies at The Chef’s Desk, unwound with yoga and display golf, then swam beneath the glass roof earlier than stress-free within the spa. Being close to Namsan Mountain meant peaceable park walks whereas nonetheless simply being minutes from Myeongdong’s outlets and Seoul’s palaces.
My private highlights…
- Tackling a balancing Tree Pose throughout their welcoming morning Hatha Yoga class within the light-filled studio — it the proper strategy to begin the day!
15. La Casa Resort
I used to be wowed by this trendy boutique keep in stylish Sinsa, designed like a live-in Casa Dwelling showroom with Scandinavian-inspired interiors, curated designer furnishings, and a comfy, home-away-from-home vibe simply steps from Garosugil’s cafés and boutiques. The sunshine wood flooring, mushy wool throws, and minimalist décor made it really feel heat, laid-back, and effortlessly trendy.
My room had a beech-wood mattress with white linens, a wise TV, minibar, rain bathe, and a cool designer bookshelf crammed with artwork books that made it really feel like an elegant condominium.
I spent mornings biking round Garosugil, relaxed within the cozy library lounge, and gorged on a hearty Korean breakfast within the ethereal Casa Dwelling café. Staying right here meant I might additionally step straight out to the realm’s stylish cafés, boutiques, and galleries. I’ve to say although I discovered Garosugil was busy weekends, so I head out early to keep away from crowds.
My highlights…
- My breakfast of freshly made avocado toast topped with crisp radish and black sesame seeds and a dish of candy Korean persimmons and pears, within the ethereal Casa Dwelling café!
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