Seoul is a city full of dynamism. Visitors will see ancient palaces standing alongside modern skyscrapers, all providing a glimpse into the city’s rich history and a preview of its exciting future. From the peaceful Bongeun-sa Buddhist temple to the bustling Namdaemun Market, South Korea’s capital captivates travelers with its historical sites, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. Choosing the right hotel in this expansive city with so much to offer is crucial for having an unforgettable experience.
Whether you seek sleek, design-forward towers or havens of traditional Korean elegance, you can trust Forbes Travel Guide’s exclusive list. Since 1958, we have rated hotels using an objective data-driven process designed to help luxury travelers. In 1960, we created the world’s first independent Five-Star rating for hospitality.
To find the best hotels in Seoul, our incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property. The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating. The remaining 30% comes from the quality and condition of the facilities. FTG does not require a business relationship from the properties it rates, and it does not earn a commission if you book one of the following hotels.
Five-Star Hotels
The 29-story, glass-and-steel Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, designed by Su Sin Tao of Singapore, is meant to look like an ancient Korean palace, but stylized and brought into the 21st century with a comprehensive three-story spa (it even offers color analysis) and eight dining and drinking options. Read more.
For 1,000 years, “Shilla” referred to an ancient kingdom that dominated the southeast of the Korean peninsula, but now The Shilla Seoul is harnessing the power of its namesake to dominate the luxury hotel market with world-class amenities (like the Executive Lounge) and impeccable service. Read more.
Four-Star Hotels
Classic European elegance meets vibrant South Korean style at Incheon’s Instagram-worthy Art Paradiso. Gallery-inspired interiors come via bright bursts of color from contemporary pop art. Elegant design details pair with fashion photography to create a distinctive style in the 58 suites. Read more.
Yeouido is often called “the Manhattan of Seoul.” The island in the Han River hosts the city’s financial district, the tallest building in the country, the National Assembly and Conrad Seoul, one of the city’s finest hotels. The property spans 37 floors and 434 rooms, most overlooking the water. Read more.
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam
With its regal entrance and Korean-modernism-meets-midcentury-modern interior, Josun Palace seems like it’s been a sumptuous retreat for decades. But this striking hotel is a relatively new addition to South Korea’s vibrant capital and the Luxury Collection’s first foray into Seoul. Read more.
Paradise City is a work of art. This South Korean integrated resort puts a design-focused lens throughout its vast grounds, which include an indoor amusement park, a shopping center and the luxurious Paradise Hotel & Resort. The property offers 711 contemporary accommodations and 3,000 pieces from top global artists. Read more.
Among the glistening skyscrapers of the Gangnam district, Park Hyatt Seoul is a discreet resident — its presence so subtle, it’s easy to miss. The porte cochère, tucked away from the street, creates an entrance free of fanfare. Once inside, you’ll be blown away by the clean lines, the standout cuisine and the accommodations’ incredible views. Read more.
One of Seoul’s first luxury hotels, The Westin Josun Seoul has been setting the standard for exclusive travel in the Korean peninsula since 1914. The original premises were built by the Japanese to host royal dignitaries from Asia and Europe; today’s property follows this example by aiming to attract high-profile guests who appreciate the past while relishing the present. Read more.
Recommended Hotels
Surrounded by the stunning nature of Namsan Park, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is an urban oasis. With its location on the slopes of Mt. Namsan (not to mention a tantalizing outdoor pool at the heart of the property), it is easy to forget that you are still in one of the world’s largest cities. Read more.
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
Set in the middle of Gangnam, Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas guarantees a glamorous backdrop to any stay in Seoul. While the hotel’s location makes it a go-to address for those on business, anyone with an eye for sophisticated design and world-class dining will want to stay here. Read more.
Editor’s note: InterContinental Seoul Coex is closed for renovations and will reopen in September.
If you seek a glitzy location for your upcoming Seoul trip, look no further than InterContinental Seoul Coex. In the heart of the city’s exclusive Gangnam neighborhood, this hotel is a short distance from upscale eateries, exquisite boutique shopping and tourist attractions. Read more.
There’s beauty in simplicity, and JW Marriott Hotel Seoul embodies that with its spacious, tranquil feel. Once you step through its front door, the pulsing energy of Seoul’s street melts away into a soothing cocoon of dark-paneled wood, low lighting and a sprinkle of interesting art that blends in with the chic, minimalist aesthetic. Read more.
It seems only fitting that a Parisian-inspired boutique hotel from one of Korea’s largest retailers (Shinsegae) would be perched right in the heart of the capital’s busiest retail district. With its lavish 19th-century-influenced décor and moody lighting, L’Escape Hotel Seoul is the fashionable hideaway you’ve been shopping for. Read more.
From the moment you leave the busy streets and step inside the lobby of Lotte Hotel Seoul, you are greeted with elegance. Impressive chandeliers, marble flooring and golden fixtures are prevalent throughout this posh property, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a palatial home. Read more.
In one of Seoul’s most elite districts, Songpa-Gu, Signiel Seoul delivers an elevated experience. The high-end hotel literally towers above the rest from its location within the 123-story Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea and the sixth tallest in the world. Suffice it to say, the property affords the best views of the capital. Read more.
Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences
Seoul is known for its sleek, stylish stays, most of which are situated in the city’s most bustling areas. In contrast, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences embraces sophistication and seclusion in the more relaxed Jamsil area. Read more.
