Best Luxury Hotels in Seoul
The South Korean capital and prior host of the Winter Olympics is a melting pot of ancient and modern culture. Here skyscrapers and ancient palaces stand side by side, as the Han River flows timelessly through the city’s heart. With K-culture (namely K-pop and K-food) very much in vogue, Seoul is an increasingly popular destination for curious millennial tourists — the Gangnam district is now a must-see spot, thanks to PSY’s dance hit. Visit in spring if you want to catch the picturesque cherry blossoms and see the flower markets at their finest, or come during the mild autumn months.
Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-Gu
Conrad Seoul
(5 stars)The International Finance Centre provides the home for this Conrad hotel, which has its own excellent business centre. Guests can pay a visit to its spa or the in-house Tony & Guy hair salon, work out at the gym 24 hours a day, swim in the pool and eat at the venue’s six restaurants (Italian, East Asian and international fare, fresh baking, snacks and more). Most of the facilities are accessible and rooms are spacious. Pets are welcome too — the hotel is a few blocks from the riverside Yeouido Hangang Park, perfect for a stroll and is within easy access to Yeouido subway station.
Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-Gu
Fairmont Ambassador Seoul
(5 stars)Situated on Seoul’s Yeouido Island, the Fairmont Ambassador has 316 bedrooms with expansive views of the Yeouido skyline and Han River. It was the brand’s first property to launch in Korea, having opened in the Parc.1 complex which was designed by the esteemed architect Sir Richard Rogers. A rooftop bar and restaurant are found atop the skyscraper, 29 floors high, with further eateries throughout the contemporary building. The hotel has a futuristic gym, a swimming pool and a large ESPA spa decorated in classic East Asian style. Upgrade to a top-level suite for butler service and access to an executive lounge.
Seoul, Gangnam-Gu
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam
(5 stars)This was Marriott’s first Luxury Collection Hotel in the country launched in 2021, but the building had a former life as the Chosun, opening back in 1914. The property features amenities including an in-house buffet restaurant (Constans), an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a convenience store, a turndown service, soundproofed bedrooms and valet parking. The Josun Palace is family friendly and places guests in the heart of the action, in the Gangnam district. Choose from queen rooms through to Grand Masters Suites.