It is sometimes nicknamed “the city that never sleeps”.
Dynamic and elusive, Seoul fascinates as much as it disconcerts.
To accommodate ever-increasing numbers of tourists wanting to visit the capital of South Korea, a host of accommodation is now available, from large chain hotels – Western or Asian – to popular boutique hotels, including guest houses in charm, housed in traditional houses.
Here are five establishments offering excellent value for money, all located in areas easily accessible by public transport.
Bukchonae, for a night in a
hanok
Bukchonae, for a night in a
hanok.
Press photo
Between a boutique hotel and a homestay, this pocket-sized establishment offers the opportunity to stay in a
hanok,
these attractive traditional Korean wooden houses.
Located in the Bukchon district – which contains many buildings of this type – it has only a handful of rooms, spread around a tiny garden courtyard.
Comfort is simple: the furniture is reduced to its simplest expression and you sleep on futons that are unfolded in the evening.
The air conditioning is very useful in summer, when temperatures rise in Seoul.
The welcome from the owners (and their staff) is both warm and attentive.
A unique experience, which is not only reserved for tourists.
We like:
the Zen atmosphere of the place and the architectural richness of the neighborhood.
The price:
around €92 per night for two.
Bukchonae
, 7, Gyedong 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno-gu, 03057 Seoul.
Moxy Seoul Insadong, for XXL views of the city
Moxy Seoul Insadong, for XXL views of the city.
Press photo
Located south of Insa-dong, one of the most convenient locations for exploring Seoul, this hotel is located in a modern tower topped with a pleasant rooftop
.
Functional and very comfortable with their plump mattresses, the Standard rooms already reach 20 m2, which is significant in a city where space is lacking.
Our favorite, however, is the
City Views
on the upper floors, which are barely more expensive and offer spectacular views of the city, for a very urban atmosphere.
The automation of check-in will displease some but it has the merit of limiting language or comprehension problems.
The hotel also offers a bistro for those who are hungry.
We like:
the dizzying views of the city, especially from the
rooftop.
The price:
from €105 per night in a double room, breakfast included.
Moxy Seoul Insadong
, 37, Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-Gu, Jongno-gu, 110-320 Seoul.
Boutique Hotel Loft, for a comfortable urban experience
Boutique Hotel Loft, for a comfortable urban experience.
Press photo
South of the Han River, in an area of little interest but located just two metro stops from bustling Hongdae, this contemporary-looking hotel is a real good deal.
Displaying generous dimensions, the rooms have been decorated in a loft style, in a fairly successful neo-industrial style.
Thus, clever lighting fixtures compensate for the relative lack of light while an interior glass roof cleverly separates the sleeping area from the bathroom, where there is both a shower and a bathtub.
No restaurant on site but the possibility of having a meal brought to your room.
Finally, urban jogging enthusiasts will be able to easily reach the banks of the Han River, which have been completely redeveloped.
We like:
the layout of the rooms and the quality of the equipment.
The price:
from €70 per night in a double room.
Boutique Hotel Loft
, 72, Seonyudong 2-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeongdeungpo-Gu, 07213 Seoul.
Amid Hotel Seoul, for a quiet stay in the heart of the Korean capital
Amid Hotel Seoul, for a quiet stay in the heart of the Korean capital.
Press photo
This large 4-star hotel which offers nearly 250 keys is certainly not intimate, but it offers comfortable rooms, with pleasant and sober decor, for extremely competitive rates.
With their gently retro look, the common areas are not left out.
We like the large wooden panels that adorn the hallways, the pop paintings that brighten up the walls or the cozy living room, where you can peacefully plan your day.
But the real plus of this address is its optimal location.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is just a few minutes' walk away, as is the pretty Ewha Buddhist Temple.
Ideal for those allergic to the metro!
We like:
the perfect location of the establishment and its very attractive prices.
The price:
double rooms from €80.
Amid Hotel Seoul
, 38, Insa-dong 5gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno-gu, 03149 Seoul.
Hotel 28 Myeongdong, to enjoy your cinema
Hotel 28 Myeongdong, to enjoy your cinema.
Press photo
In the heart of the Myeong-dong district, famous for its
street food market,
this luxurious establishment belongs to the distinguished club of
Small Luxury Hotels.
Its owner is none other than the famous Korean actor Shin Yeong-gyun, who notably filmed with the filmmaker Kim Ki Duk, Golden Lion in Venice in 2012 for
Pieta
.
Very pleasant, the common areas set the tone of an establishment which intends to convey the cinematographic metaphor, between filming photos and light bulbs in the style of an artist's dressing room.
And the rooms?
Vast, very pleasant and with a design as sharp as it is warm, where wood predominates.
Good point also for the rooftop surrounded by buildings, nicely lit in the evening.
Also a wine bar or a bistro for snacking on site.
Finally, the private screening room allows you to deepen your knowledge of Korean cinema.
We like:
the neat look of the hotel and its organic link with the 7th art.
The price:
from €180 per double room.
Hotel 28 Myeongdong
, 13 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.