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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.

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, 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.

Picolo picks

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul at dusk, with a traditional Korean roof in the foreground.

Seoul

1. 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.

Check availability and prices at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The indoor pool high up in Lotte World Tower at Signiel Seoul.

Seoul

2. 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.

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The indoor pool beneath the chandeliers at Josun Palace in Gangnam.

Seoul

3. 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.

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The outdoor pool at The Shilla Seoul at dusk.

Seoul

4. 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.

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The heated pool with a sea view at Paradise Hotel Busan.

Busan

5. 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.

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The infinity pool facing the sea at Signiel Busan at dusk.

Busan

6. 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.

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Park Hyatt Busan by the yacht marina in Marine City at night.

Busan

7. 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.

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The Shilla Jeju with its gardens and pools in Jungmun, seen from the air.

Jeju

8. 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.

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The rooftop terrace with a pool at Grand Hyatt Jeju.

Jeju

9. 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.

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How Picolo chooses

Our editors pick every hotel and experience themselves, and most of them we have tried. Nobody can pay to be included or ranked higher. When you book through our links, Picolo earns a small commission. It never changes the price you pay, and it never decides what we write.

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.

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 areas

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

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