The best boutique hotels in Seoul, South Korea featuring show-stopping art, design, and architecture
Discover why we've fallen head-over-heels for these hotties.
From the best design hotels in Hua Hin to heritage hotels in Singapore and palace hotels in India, there’s no denying that we love to explore Asia. With its blend of rich history with modern pop culture, and the fact that the city has four very distinct seasons, Seoul is undoubtedly one of our favourite places to travel. So if you’re making your way to the South Korean capital, be sure to book in at one of the best boutique hotels in Seoul.
The best boutique hotels in Seoul, South Korea
1. Ryse | Hongdae (홍대)
Ryse (main image) embodies the vibrant, art-laden streets of the area where it is situated: Hongdae. Made for creatives, lovers of all things cultural, and global nomads, each of the room types offers carefully designed spaces filled with contemporary fittings and edgy art pieces.
Side Note Club on the 15th floor is a haven for hip hop fans and the Print Culture Lounge offers an extensive selection of unique books, magazines, and vinyl. There’s also a pop-up store and a curated lifestyle shop to busy yourself at while you’re not exploring the city.
Found out more about Ryse or Book through Booking.com
2. Hotel28 Myeong-dong | Myeong-dong (명동)
Blending art with traditional Korean culture, Hotel28 Myeong-dong is the place to stay if you’re looking for a central base in Seoul. Located in the heart of a colourful shopping district that is steeped in history, you’ll be in the middle of all the action when you stay here.
Each guestroom is tastefully decorated in a modern minimalist style with added luxuries such as BAF certified premium goose down duvets. There’s a popular restaurant on-site, a rooftop garden to enjoy, plus The Library is filled with a diverse range of books to fuel the imagination.
Discover more about Hotel28 Myeong-dong or Book through Booking.com
3. L7 | Various locations
The L7 brand has hotels in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeong-dong, each of which are curated for lovers of travel and the arts. Trendy design is the order of the day at each property, with each hotel having its own distinct look and feel.
We love the Hongdae space which includes a beautiful rooftop swimming pool and sun-filled lounge that acts as communal space for travellers to share stories or relax with a book from the library.
Learn more about L7 Hotels
4. Rakkojae Hanok Hotel | Jongno (종로)
Arguably one of the most distinct boutique hotels in Seoul, Rakkojae is innovative in its concept yet traditionally embedded in Korean ethos. The hotel consists of classic Korean houses assembled as a village, renovated in 2003 by Master Carpenter Young Jin Chung. Thus, guests enjoy a natural living experience with bamboo and pine trees, ponds, rustic alleys, and old-world courtyards while staying in the country’s largest city.
The charm of Rakkojae lies in its authentic character. Guests sleep on mattresses on the floor, and the rooms feature bare minimum furniture. The bathrooms are current and have showers, aromatherapy, and even tubs in some cases. Other trendy additions comprise air conditioning, capsule coffee machines, minibars, and hanbok for guests to wear around the complex. During your stay, do indulge in the Korean breakfast, natural mud sauna, and Gayageum performance for total immersion into the local culture.
Find out more about Rakkojae Hanok Hotel
5. Hotel Crescendo | Gangnam (강남)
Designed with urban nomads in mind, at Hotel Crescendo you can expect sophisticated aesthetics and modern comforts. Minimal black and white interiors are punctuated with pops of blue alongside gold and brass finishings for that perfect blend of vintage contemporary.
428 Restaurant serves traditional Korean dishes created with European techniques for a totally unique dining experience that will make your stay even more memorable, and don’t miss a drink at the rooftop bar. We recommend booking one of the Signature Terrace rooms as they come with a lush bath tub (perfect for post-Seoul explorations) and views of Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Park.
Learn more about Hotel Crescendo or Book through Booking.com
6. Bongeunsa Temple | Gangnam (강남)
If you have a few days in Seoul, you won’t regret spending part of your stay at the absolutely gorgeous Bongeunsa Temple. Centrally located, the temple has been around for over 1200 years, and a stay here will give you insight into the history of the temple and its importance in the revitalisation of Korean Buddhism.
Guests can take part in Yaebul chanting sessions, and learn more about Seon meditation, specific to this lineage. The experience is unlike any other, and a wonderful way to dive into the culture of the country.
Find out more about staying at Bongeunsa Temple
7. Glad Gangnam COEX Center | Gangnam (강남)
Sleek vibes with lots of monotones are on show at Glad Gangnam COEX Center, with interior design by Hanseok Kim and Kukhyun Yoon. Lovers of art and design will enjoy the exhibitions that take place throughout the hotel, bringing an ever changing look to the property.
Choose from a range of stylish guestrooms where minimalism is the name of the game. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants, sweat it out at the gym, or imbibe really good wine from the wine shop.
Learn more about Glad Gangnam COEX Center or Book through Booking.com
8. Metro Hotel | Myeong-dong (명동)
In the heart of the action in Myeong-dong, Metro Hotel is a wonderful option for those looking for a stylish hotel in Seoul. Scandi minimalism is the order of the day when it comes to the interiors here plus you can expect uber comfy beds.
We think this is the ideal spot for long-term guests too as there’s an on-site coin-operated laundry, a PC corner with printers, a fitness room, and even a relax room equipped with free massage chairs. Enjoy a meal on the terrace or explore the copious amounts of dining hot spots just outside your door.
Discover more about Metro Hotel or Book through Booking.com
9. Douglas House | Gwangjin (광진)
Nestled amid a forest on the Hangang River, Douglas House is where you want to go to escape the hustle of the city. Designed by acclaimed architect Kim Swoo Geun in 1963, the property brings nature inside with woods and natural materials used throughout.
Enjoy breakfast at Douglas Lounge which includes a fully kitted kitchen or escape to the Library for quiet moments of contemplation. Don’t forget to pencil some time in to explore the garden and enjoy cocktails and snacks at Douglas Hour between 7-9pm everyday.
Learn more about Douglas House
10. Hotel Cappuccino | Gangnam (강남)
This trendy lifestyle hotel in Gangnam is a great option for stylish travellers looking to explore all that Seoul has to offer. Room configurations include everything from King bed options to bunk beds that are perfect for friends or family travelling together.
Take in the views of the city from the terrace as you enjoy the seasonal dishes on the menu along with a long-list of wines from around the globe. Local Seoul-ites with pooches will love the dog-friendly offers available too.
Find out more about Hotel Cappuccino or Book through Booking.com
11. Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel | Itaewon (이태원)
If you’re looking to stay in buzzing Itaewon, then Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel is a great option. Decorated in a contemporary style with murals and art pieces by local artists, guests will enjoy the design-led interiors here.
Foodies will love the fact that there’s an Egg Slut on the first floor, perfect for after a big night out at the neighbouring bars. There’s also a fitness centre and a selection of meeting rooms onsite in case you need to do work things.
Learn more about Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel or Book through Booking.com
12. L’Escape Hotel | Jung-gu (중구)
Designed by Jacques Garcia, L’Escape is a Parisian getaway in the heart of Seoul unlike any other. The hotel channels the very best of the Belle Époque period, with rich colours, patterns, symmetry, and luxe finishes the order of the day. Antique-look furniture was inspired by eighteenth-century French châteaux, and world-renowned parfumier Alienor Massenet has created the romantic signature scent of the property.
What we love about this boutique hotel in Seoul is the attention to detail that permeates every space. Spectacular floral displays by London-based flower and art director Tony Marklew can be enjoyed throughout the year, making for the perfect Instagram moment. Sip on specialty cocktails at the bar (we love the peacocks!) or enjoy a meal at the French or Chinese restaurant during your stay.
Find our more about L’Escape or Book through Booking.com
13. Amanti Hotel Seoul | Hongdae (홍대)
Contemporary convenience takes precedence at Amanti Hotel Seoul, idyllically located in vibrant Hongdae close to the Dongjin Flea Market, Trickeye Museum, and Gyeongui Line Forest Park. Boasting modern interiors with an elegant touch, the property offers an assortment of standard and deluxe rooms, as well as slightly more extravagant and spacious suites. The decor is clean, with shades of beige and brown, giving the rooms a sleek look. Features you can expect range from LED TVs and en-suites with bathtubs to coffee/tea makers, personalised voice messaging service, and luxury amenities.
Popular among business and family travellers, Amanti has a couple of dining options, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack anytime during the day. Moreover, the hotel’s swimming pool, open only during summer, is extremely popular. As are the rooftop running track and fitness centre.
Find out more about Amanti Hotel Seoul or Book through Booking.com
14. Josun Palace | Gangnam (강남)
The award-winning Josun Palace is a century-old legacy that has not only stood the test of time but has maintained its splendour and appeal over decades. A truly magnificent accommodation, the hotel comprises 254 rooms across various categories, with many promising exclusive views of the city. Most notable about the interiors, conceptualised by Monaco-based firm Humbert & Poyet, is the use of geometric lines, in addition to splashes of colour that give the otherwise lighter-coloured abodes a vintage appearance with a new-age stylish disposition.
Walk around the Palace, and you’ll come across stunning design elements such as large sculptures, black marble walls, high glass ceilings, and a free-flowing mix of French interiors. Equally eye-catching are the five dining options at the hotel. While Constans serves a more international menu, you’ll discover the joys of Cantonese preparations at The Great Hong Yuan, and fascinating renditions of classic Korean recipes at Eatanic Garden. Not to miss is the hotel’s indoor heated pool, the perfect place for a swim, offering memorable panoramas of Seoul.
Learn more about Josun Palace or Book through Booking.com
15. Owall Hotel | Gangnam (강남)
Zen-like and minimalist, the Owall Hotel in the Gangnam-Gu district is a beautiful nature-inspired respite and a bona fide hidden gem when it comes to the best boutique hotels in Seoul. The property, developed by Hyon-Sook Park but designed by friend and acclaimed designer Paik-Sun Kim, uses wood, granite, and marble to create a sanctuary that is both nirvanic and comfortable as per present-day requirements.
The 32 rooms feature an eye-catching array of creative fixtures, TVs with streaming channels, tea and coffee makers, sound systems, en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs, organic toiletries, and free WiFi. We recommend choosing one of the rooms with a private terrace for that extra bit of space. The gallery on the first floor of the building enhances the hotel’s artistic component by hosting various events throughout the year.
Find out more about Owall Hotel
16. Signiel Seoul | Jamsil (잠실)
Boutique hotels in Seoul come in all shapes and sizes. While some embrace their petite character, creating cosy abodes, hotels like Signiel showcase the city’s futuristic architectural expression. Situated between the 87th and 101st floors of Lotte World Tower, the hotel enjoys a sky-high location inside Korea’s tallest landmark. As expected, all 235 rooms and suites guarantee exquisite vistas. A sight in particular that remains embedded in the mind is that of the city, twinkling under the night sky.
The rooms have a distinctly Korean outlook, with pastel shades and accent walls vying for attention against the panoramas that extend beyond the large windows. Amenities in your private space include couches, desks, marble en-suites with bathtubs, toiletries, TVs, and other standard creature comforts. Step outside your room, and two unmissable epicurean destinations await. Stay plates French cuisine under the tutelage of three-star Michelin chef Yannick Alleno. At the same time, you can relish fine-dining Korean preparations at Bicena, located on the 81st floor.
Learn more about Signiel Seoul or Book through Booking.com
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