It’s one of the biggest trendsetting nations on the planet, with K-pop, K-fashion, K-drama and Korean BBQ making international cultural waves among the hippest crowds. The capital city of Seoul (once home to the winter Olympics) is a good place to start, not least for its Gangnam district immortalised in song by PSY. The natural attractions of the country’s cherry blossoms and russet autumn colours — along with milder temperatures and lower humidity — make spring and autumn the best months to visit South Korea. Read on to discover our favourite luxury hotels in South Korea.
Busan
Park Hyatt Busan
Occupying a seafront position in the Haeundae neighbourhood, the Park Hyatt takes in the Gwangan Bridge and Suyeong Man Yacht Marina. 269 bedrooms have beige and wood focussed interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows to take full advantage of these vistas, and an indoor pool area has been inspired by a natural garden, providing a peaceful oasis in the city. The Dining Room Steak & Seafood Grill is found on the 32nd floor with an open kitchen; a floor beneath this is the Living Room and adjoining bar for Italian meals and cocktails; and there’s a Lounge serving afternoon tea.
The Westin Josun Busan
This international hotel — the first of its kind to land in Busan — is located at the tip of Haeundae Beach, close to Nurimaru Park and a 20-minute walk from the subway. Well suited to business travellers (it’s a stroll to the commercial, political and financial hubs) and families, the trusted chain has 290 bedrooms in this property. Room service and a fitness centre are available 24 hours a day, there are several restaurants onsite and an Irish bar. There’s also a pool, a spa, a kids’ club and direct beach access.
Grand Josun Busan
Set across 16 storeys, this sleek five-star hotel blends classic vintage-inspired elegance, with contemporary design. Herringbone floored bedrooms have front-row views of the ocean (so much so, you may feel like you’ve set sail on a cruise ship). Guests can frolic on the adjacent beach, take a dip in the serene indoor pool, dine in the slick Chinese buffet restaurant and tuck into fresh seafood at the beachside grill. There’s a chic bar reminiscent of The Ivy and a deli for Korean sweet treats and handmade patisserie.
Daegu
Daegu Marriott Hotel
Just a couple of blocks from Dongdaegu metro station, the Marriott’s home in Daegu is a modern skyscraper. There are three restaurants on-site, including the Urban Kitchen, an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre and a business centre with five meeting rooms. 190 bedrooms range from doubles through to a Presidential Suite. Book a king-size Club Room or Executive Suite for access to the hotel’s Club Lounge. The interior design here is simple, modern and international with neutral colours and wood creating a warm feel.
Incheon
Grand Hyatt Incheon
With over 1000 bedrooms (including multi-bedroom residences and suites) spread across two towers, the Grand Hyatt lives up to its name in Incheon. Kids have their own playground and can take part in swimming classes in the pool. And there’s a choice of five places to eat and drink; Swell Lounge serves coffee, cocktails and light meals, the Pool House offers drinks and lunches on the terrace, Restaurant 8 brings eight dining concepts into one venue and there’s the Vy Bar for one of South Korea’s most famous past times — karaoke.
Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon
Stay in the foodie district of Songdo, in the city’s Central Park. The Gyeongwonjae Ambassador features Honok-style architecture with wooden beams, modern Korean decor and classic Korean artworks. A boutique property, it offers 30 bedrooms with silk textiles, soaking tubs and rainfall showers – larger rooms have traditionally appointed dining and sitting areas. It has a garden and terrace and a fitness centre as well as an onsite restaurant, Sura. This is a good option if you’d like to experience an authentic taste of the country’s culture and design, in luxe surroundings.
Seoul
Park Hyatt Seoul
Just across from the subway, the Park Hyatt is located in the financial district (Gangnam’s alter ego). The hotel’s glass walls immediately set the building apart as a luxury property. It was designed by a Japanese company, Super Potato, combining its chief material with oak, maple, stone and granite. The Park Hyatt welcomes guests 24 floors up and it’s here the pool, wellness centre and Citrus Bar are found too. Public areas are filled with local antiquities, and striking modern artworks, while 185 bedrooms have BOSE sound systems and Nespresso machines. Three restaurants serve fare tailored for both Western and Korean palates.
Banyan Tree Club and Spa
Rising from the base of the lush Namsan Mountain, the Banyan Tree Club and Spa maybe a mini skyscraper, but it provides a real sense of oasis. Its green neighbour provides the feel of being in the countryside, surrounded by flora and fauna. Indeed, this is definitely a place to unwind. 90% of the hotel’s rooms have their own relaxation pools, while the spa offers a range of treatments based on time-honoured traditions, with local ingredients (followed by a meditative 30-minute Calm Time including refreshments). Guests can also take part in a hydrotherapy programme and rainforest experience and drink/dine in seven onsite venues.
Grand Hyatt
The impressive facilities at this Grand Hyatt property include a swimming pool that transforms into an ice rink come the winter season, squash and tennis courts, a kids club, a family swimming zone, multiple boutiques and a large spa. The 18 acres of grounds are dotted with animal sculptures, with the creative theme continuing inside, where Korean artists’ pieces are displayed in the public areas. 615 rooms – with picture windows, minibars and free snacks – provide ample accommodation for every type of traveller and nine dining options offering steak, seafood, sushi, tasting menus, buffets, upmarket pub grub and a bbq.
Fairmont Ambassador
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.
Conrad Seoul
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.
Four Seasons Seoul
If you’re travelling with a larger party, the two-bedroom suites at the Four Seasons are ideal (bedrooms are also available). The hotel’s interior design has been influenced by the city’s heritage and local nature, fused with geometric modern shapes and feature lighting. The elegant food options comprise Italian, Cantonese and Japanese fusion restaurants, an international buffet, Korean snack food, Mexican alfresco dining, a confectionery and sophisticated bar bites, as well as a range of delicious cocktails. Club Seoul is spread across three floors and incorporates an urban spa, a Korean sauna with cold, warm and hot baths, as well as private dining spaces.
Signiel Seoul
Floors 87 to 101 of the landmark Lotte Tower (the tallest in Korea) belong to Signiel Seoul. As such, its 235 bedrooms and suites offer exceptional outlooks, as well as Italian Frette linens, minibars, pillow menus and Diptyque toiletries. The Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno heads up the hotel’s Stay restaurant, while the Korean dining room Bicena, has a Michelin star in its own right. There’s also a chic lounge and Bar 81 specialising in French champagne. Guests can swim indoors with superb views of the city, work out and take a sauna while staying at Signiel Seoul.
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam
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.
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