Seoul Hotels

A forward-thinking, highly-wired metropolis with one foot rooted in the past, Seoul fuses high tech with the mystique of the ancient world. This bustling, ever-evolving city is also growing in popularity with tourist visitors, and there's a good supply of excellent hotels in Seoul to cater to them.

Where the Ancient Meets the Modern

With over 10 million residents living across 25 sprawling districts, Seoul is a vast, varied and densely populated 21st-century capital. Shaped by tradition and moulded by the 'Miracle on the Han' economic revolution, the busy centre soars up from the riverbanks into the sky.

Look beyond the dramatic skyscape – dominated by the supertall Lotte World Tower – and you'll find a city rich in historical landmarks and traditional Korean culture.

The fascinating UNESCO-recognised Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Gyeongbokgung palaces, along with the Confucian shrine at Jongmyo, have survived conflict on the Korean peninsula to become major visitor attractions. Large sections of the Fortress Wall of Seoul, which dates from the 14th century, still stand in the mountains above the capital; you can walk along several parts and visit the Sungnyemun and Heunginjimun gates for a fascinating insight into the city's long past.

South Korea's Capital of Style

Seoul is a city of style, where both the buildings and its people take pride in looking good. The capital has smoothed over its rugged, industrial exterior with postmodern buildings and landscaped urban parks, placing artistic creativity at the heart of its rebranding.

The locals get in on the act too, with their chic, trendy streetwear making Seoul Fashion Week an upstart rival to Paris, Milan and New York. With its powerful youth movement, driven by the idiosyncratic, genre-bending K-pop, Seoul is frenetic, flamboyant and fashionable.

When it comes to shopping, trendsetters make their way to Myeong-dong, home to international brands and luxury department stores, and Apgujeong, where high-end fashion and designer boutiques can be found. Close to the Great South Gate you'll find Namdaemun, Seoul's largest street market, which presents a wide variety of stalls, open around the clock. This area is also a good place to look for a hotel in Seoul, with a broad selection from cheap three-stars to four-star hotels like Fraser Place Namdaemun.

What to Do in Seoul from Dusk 'til Dawn

Modern-day Seoul is very much the 24-hour city – a hive of activity throughout the day and an illuminated playground at night. Rise early to climb Namsan Mountain and view the capital from high up or pay a more relaxing visit to a Buddhist temple. After visiting Jongmyo shrine or one of the well-preserved palaces, you can explore the labyrinthine Bukchon Hanok village, look around a gallery in Samcheong-dong, discover Seoul's industrial underbelly in Euljiro, or wander around the expansive Boramae Park.

As the sun sets, head to cosmopolitan Itaewon or Apgujeong for dinner and drinks or seek out a street bar for a potent shot of soju – South Korea's leading alcoholic export. From here, you can pay a trip to the lively Dongdaemun or Namdaemun night markets, before seeking out a jjimjilbang bathhouse for sauna and spa treatments.

If you want to dance, make your way to artsy, indie-influenced Hongdae or give yourself a short walk home from one of Seoul's nightlife centres with a hotel in Gangnam. Or if you prefer to put your feet up and look forward to tomorrow, head back to your hotel to enjoy your luxury accommodation in Seoul.

Where to Find a Hotel in Seoul

There's a wide range of hotels in Seoul, with plenty of options in the bustling Myeongdong neighbourhood – jam-packed with shops, bars and restaurants – and the lively Dongdaemun.

Cheap accommodation in Seoul can be found in the university districts of Sinchon and Hongdae, where hotels are priced to suit the more budget-focused visitor. You'll find a broad range of hotels in Itaewon and culture-rich Insadong, while boutique spas and luxury hotels in Seoul can be found in upmarket Gangnam.

Does Seoul have Business Hotels?

As one of the emerging international trade centres, Seoul caters well for its business travellers. If you're visiting for work, you can enjoy a stay in a comfortable hotel well set-up for business travellers, such as the Millennium Seoul Hilton or the Grand Ambassador Seoul, among other upmarket accommodation. Expect any business hotel in Seoul to have super-fast fibre broadband, meeting rooms and a range of premium facilities for working guests to use.

Planning a big trip to South Korean? Check out our deals on hotels in Busan if you're visiting South Korea's second city. Or if you're planning to hop over to Japan, have a look at our huge range of Tokyo hotels.