Hotels
The best hotels in South Korea: nine places to stay in Seoul, Busan and on Jeju
From the top floors of Lotte World Tower, the whole of Seoul lies spread out below, with mountains all around and the Han River cutting through the city. The next morning you are on the KTX train to Busan, eating lunch by the beach. South Korea is easy to travel in, and its hotels are among the best in Asia.
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South Korea is a small country with one of the best rail networks in the world. Seoul is the capital, with palaces, markets and modern districts such as Gangnam. The KTX high-speed train takes under three hours to Busan on the south coast, and the volcanic island of Jeju is an hour's flight south of the mainland.
We have chosen nine hotels in three areas and say who each one suits. Every hotel has a guest rating of at least 8.8 out of 10 and more than 50 reviews on Expedia. The links go there, and we always pick the hotel before we look for a link. The Korean hotel groups Lotte, Shilla and Josun are well represented, and their standards are high.
In short: where should you stay in South Korea?
In Seoul, stay north of the river to see the palaces and the old city, and in Gangnam or Jamsil for the modern side. In Busan, stay by the beach at Haeundae, and on Jeju in the Jungmun resort area or in Jeju City.
Best for the palaces: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Best for views: Signiel Seoul
Best in Gangnam: Josun Palace
Best on the beach: Paradise Hotel Busan
Best for families: The Shilla Jeju
How to choose the right hotel in South Korea
North or south of the river: the palaces, Insadong and Myeongdong are north of the Han River. Gangnam and Jamsil are south, with shopping centres and business districts.
Metro: Seoul's metro is excellent. Choose a hotel near a station and you can get everywhere.
Season: spring cherry blossom and autumn leaves are high season. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold.
Busan: Haeundae is the beach resort, while the centre and the fish market lie further west.
Jeju: you need a hire car to explore the island. Jungmun has the resorts, and Jeju City is by the airport.
The hotel at dusk
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul at dusk, with a traditional Korean roof in the foreground.
Seoul
Seoul is a city of almost ten million people, five royal palaces and a river that splits it in two. Hotels are spread out, so location matters. The city is safe, clean and easy to navigate, with signs in English too.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul: by Gwanghwamun
The Four Seasons is at Gwanghwamun, a few minutes' walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace and the old city. It has large rooms, an indoor pool and a well-known bar hidden behind a door in the basement.
This is our pick if you want to see the palaces and traditional Seoul. It is in the business district, so evenings are quiet, but the restaurants of Jongno and Ikseon-dong are a short taxi ride away. Visit the tea houses of Bukchon and Insadong in the morning, before the tour buses.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The pool
The indoor pool high up in Lotte World Tower at Signiel Seoul.
Signiel Seoul: high up in Lotte World Tower
Signiel occupies the top floors of Lotte World Tower, Korea's tallest building, in Jamsil. Every room has a city view, and the pool sits high up in the tower.
This is our pick for views, for a special occasion. It is a long way south-east of the old city, so take the metro. The shopping centre and the Lotte World theme park are in the same complex, and the Seoul Sky observation deck is a few floors above.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Signiel Seoul
The pool
The indoor pool beneath the chandeliers at Josun Palace in Gangnam.
Josun Palace: elegance in Gangnam
Josun Palace opened in Gangnam in 2021 and carries the name of one of Korea's oldest hotels. The style is elegant, with art, marble and an indoor pool beneath chandeliers.
This is our Gangnam pick, if you want to stay somewhere modern near the shops of Apgujeong and Cheongdam. The palaces are about half an hour away by metro. Explore Garosu-gil and Cheongdam for cafes, galleries and Korean design.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Josun Palace
The outdoor pool
The outdoor pool at The Shilla Seoul at dusk.
The Shilla Seoul: the garden below Namsan
The Shilla sits at the foot of Namsan mountain, with a large sculpture garden and an outdoor pool. The entrance is a traditional Korean gate, and the hotel is one of the city's classics.
It suits you if you want a green, calm stay that is still central, and the spa and pool are among the best in the city. Myeongdong and the old city are a short taxi ride away. Walk up Namsan to N Seoul Tower for the view.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Shilla Seoul
The sea-view pool
The heated pool with a sea view at Paradise Hotel Busan.
Busan
Busan is Korea's second city and a port on the south coast, with beaches, fish markets and seaside temples. Haeundae is the best-known beach, about half an hour by metro from the KTX station.
Paradise Hotel Busan: right on Haeundae beach
Paradise sits right on Haeundae beach, with a heated outdoor pool overlooking the sea and a hot spring spa. Many rooms have balconies facing the water.
This is our beach pick, for families and couples who want to walk straight onto the sand. The beach is packed in summer. Walk the promenade to Dongbaekseom island at sunset, then eat fresh fish at Haeundae market.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Paradise Hotel Busan
The pool facing the sea
The infinity pool facing the sea at Signiel Busan at dusk.
Signiel Busan: the pool facing the sea
Signiel Busan is in a tall tower at the eastern end of Haeundae, with rooms that look straight out to sea and a pool on the edge facing the beach.
It suits you if you want serious luxury and a view in Busan. It is pricier than the Paradise, but newer and quieter. Ride the Sky Capsule along the coast from Mipo, right next to the hotel.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Signiel Busan
By the marina
Park Hyatt Busan by the yacht marina in Marine City at night.
Park Hyatt Busan: views over the marina
Park Hyatt sits in Marine City by the yacht marina, with big windows facing the Gwangan Bridge and the sea. The style is modern and calm, with plenty of wood and glass.
It suits you if you want peace and the famous view of the bridge, which is lit up at night. Haeundae beach is a short taxi ride away. Walk the Marine City promenade in the evening, when the towers and bridge are reflected in the water.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Park Hyatt Busan
The gardens and pools
The Shilla Jeju with its gardens and pools in Jungmun, seen from the air.
Jeju
Jeju is a volcanic island south of the mainland, known for Hallasan mountain, lava tubes, beaches and the haenyeo, its women free divers. It is Korea's favourite holiday island, with several flights an hour from Seoul.
The Shilla Jeju: gardens and pools in Jungmun
The Shilla Jeju is in the Jungmun resort area on the south coast, with large gardens, several pools and a path down to the beach. It has plenty for children and is popular with Korean families.
This is our family pick, for pools, gardens and a beach in one place. It is big and busy in the school holidays, so book early for summer and Korean holidays such as Chuseok. Drive to Cheonjiyeon waterfall and the Jusangjeolli cliffs nearby.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Shilla Jeju
The rooftop terrace
The rooftop terrace with a pool at Grand Hyatt Jeju.
Grand Hyatt Jeju: the tower in Jeju City
Grand Hyatt occupies Jeju Dream Tower, the island's tallest building, in Jeju City near the airport. It has a large rooftop terrace with a pool, many restaurants and views over the city and the sea.
It suits you if you want to stay near the airport and the city's restaurants, and explore by hire car during the day. There is no beach at the hotel, but Iho Tewoo beach is a short drive away. Try Jeju's famous grilled black pork in the neighbourhood.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Grand Hyatt Jeju
When should you book?
April: cherry blossom and high season. Book early.
October and November: autumn colours and pleasant weather, also high season.
July and August: hot, humid and rainy, but peak season for the beaches in Busan and on Jeju.
Frequently asked questions about hotels in South Korea
How many nights do I need in South Korea?
With a week, spend four nights in Seoul and three in Busan. With ten days, add three nights on Jeju. The trains are fast, so moving around is easy and you do not need a car in the cities.
Where should I stay in Seoul on a first visit?
North of the river, around Gwanghwamun, Myeongdong or Insadong. That is where the palaces, markets and old city are. Gangnam suits shopping and nightlife better on a later visit.
Do I need a visa for South Korea?
British citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Check whether you need a K-ETA, an electronic travel authorisation, before departure.
Is it easy to travel between cities?
Yes. The KTX train runs from Seoul to Busan in under three hours. Jeju is about an hour's flight from Seoul or Busan, with many flights every day.
Are hotels in South Korea expensive?
Luxury hotels in Seoul are cheaper than in Tokyo or Singapore. Prices rise in cherry blossom season, in autumn and around big concerts and events.