Picolo recommends · Hotel in Seoul, South Korea
The Shilla Seoul
You arrive through a traditional Korean gate, and behind it the city noise gives way to a sculpture garden on the slopes of Namsan.
Namsan is the wooded mountain in the middle of Seoul, crowned by N Seoul Tower. The Shilla sits at its foot, entered through a traditional gate, with a large garden of sculptures stretching up the hillside.
The hotel has long been one of the grand addresses in the city. The outdoor pool and the spa are the reasons many guests return. For shopping and street food, Myeongdong is only a few minutes away by car.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose The Shilla Seoul
We chose The Shilla for travellers who want space and green around them without leaving central Seoul. The garden, the pool and the spa make it the calmest of our city picks.
You will not step straight out into street life here, and most outings start with a taxi. Some may find the style more traditional luxury than contemporary design.
What you get
- Sculpture garden on the hillside
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Traditional Korean gate at the entrance
- Restaurants in the hotel
A day at The Shilla Seoul
- Morning
- An early walk through the sculpture garden.
- Midday
- Up the forest path to N Seoul Tower for the view.
- Afternoon
- Lengths in the outdoor pool, then the spa.
- Evening
- A taxi to Myeongdong for street food after dark.
Location
Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Open in MapsQuestions about The Shilla Seoul
Is The Shilla Seoul close to Namsan?
Yes, it sits at the foot of Namsan, and you can walk up through the woods to N Seoul Tower from nearby.
Does The Shilla Seoul have an outdoor pool?
Yes. The outdoor pool is one of the hotel's main draws, along with the spa, and is best enjoyed in the warmer months.
How far is The Shilla Seoul from Myeongdong?
Myeongdong and the historic quarters are only minutes away by taxi, so it works as a central base even though it feels tucked away.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
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