Hotel
The Shilla Seoul
A Samsung-owned luxury hotel on the slopes of Namsan, with acclaimed restaurants including La Yeon and the seasonal Urban Island outdoor pool.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The first Four Seasons in South Korea, a luxury hotel near Gwanghwamun with palace and Namsan views, a year-round pool and the Michelin-starred Yu Yuan.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury hotel
- Area
- Gwanghwamun, Seoul, South Korea
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- fourseasons.com
Good to know
- Year-round pool
- Spa
- Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant
- Charles H. bar
- Palace views from some rooms
Why we recommend it
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul brought the brand to South Korea for the first time when it opened in 2015, and it quickly became one of the city's leading luxury addresses. It stands on Saemunan-ro, close to Gwanghwamun Square and the government quarter, which puts the main palaces, the old city and the business district all within easy reach. For visitors who want to stay in the historic heart of Seoul rather than in Gangnam, it is one of the strongest choices.
Rooms and suites are modern and generously sized, with some looking towards Gyeongbokgung Palace and the mountains behind it and others facing N Seoul Tower on Namsan. Service is polished and attentive in the way the brand is known for, and the concierge team can arrange guided walks of Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Insadong, as well as day trips out of the city.
Dining is a real strength. Yu Yuan, the Cantonese restaurant, holds a Michelin star in the 2026 guide, and the hotel has several other restaurants and bars. Charles H., hidden on the lower level, is one of Seoul's best-known cocktail bars and has appeared on Asia's and the world's best bar lists, while H. Bar offers a lighter, contemporary setting for drinks. The spa combines traditional healing techniques with modern treatments, and the indoor pool is open all year, which is welcome in Seoul's cold winters.
The hotel suits couples, business travellers and families who want comfort and convenience in the centre. It is particularly good for first-time visitors who plan to spend their days around the palaces, Insadong and Myeongdong. Rates are at the top end of the Seoul market, so look out for packages that include breakfast or spa credits, and book the palace-view rooms ahead if the view matters to you.
Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5 is a few minutes' walk away, and taxis and the airport limousine buses make transfers straightforward. Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and the Cheonggyecheon stream can all be reached on foot, as can the cafés and restaurants of Seochon. Myeongdong and Dongdaemun are a short taxi or subway ride away for shopping.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul FAQs
When did the hotel open?
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul opened in 2015, the brand's first hotel in South Korea.
Where is it?
At 97 Saemunan-ro near Gwanghwamun, a few minutes' walk from Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5.
Does it have a pool?
Yes. The indoor pool is open all year, and there is also a spa.
What are the restaurants like?
Yu Yuan, the Cantonese restaurant, holds a Michelin star in the 2026 guide, and the hotel has several other restaurants and bars.
Is Charles H. in the hotel?
Yes. The cocktail bar is on the lower level and is open nightly.
Do rooms have views?
Some rooms look towards Gyeongbokgung Palace and others towards N Seoul Tower.
Which sights are within walking distance?
Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seochon.
Can the hotel arrange tours?
Yes. The concierge can arrange guided walks of the palaces, Bukchon and Insadong, and day trips.