Hotel choices can be difficult, but hotels that allow you to experience the destination’s cultural nuances, whether through the restaurants, spas, design or architectural style, enhance a trip and ensure that even while resting, you’re experiencing another side to the destination. South Korean properties are blending the old and new, highlighting both global influence and traditional Korean culture that create a variety of island, mountain and inner-city properties that cater to the budget conscious and those wanting to splurge.
Gurume Resort in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do – Historic Korean Guest Houses Rescued and Refurbished
Gurume Resort set amongst serene, leafy hills at the foot of a mountain is now the location of seven early traditional Korean guest houses (hanoks) that were rescued and relocated after a flood. Built in the 17th century, ‘Baksanjeong’ is the oldest while ‘Cheongongjeong’, Gamdongjaesa’, and Palhoejaesa were built in the 18th century, and the final three houses – ‘Seounjeong’, ‘Gyenam Old House’ and ‘Chilgok Old House’ were built in the 19th century. The houses all look slightly different due the varying ages however they have all been renovated and equipped with comfortable modern facilities such as bathrooms, air conditioning and hi-tech security systems. Most of the features of a traditional Korean house have been preserved, showing how traditional and modern design can co-exist. It’s an ideal place to take a step back in time and relax amongst nature.
Ryse Autograph Collection in Mapo-gu, Seoul – For Design-Led Artists, Musicians and Foodies
The RYSE hotel based in Hongdae (a suburb known for its urban arts, indie music, cool shops and clubs near the university), was based on an idea of building a hotel – and from that a community around it. The rooms are sleek and have a contemporary modern influence, designed for a range of creative styles from editors, musicians and artists. The aim was to create a hub for travellers and locals to ‘inspire and be inspired’. The rooms blend touches of luxury with customised design pieces made specifically for the property and is designed to attract passionate, like-minded people. Don’t miss Tokki Bar, an ode to the Brooklyn neighbourhood cocktail bar. Five members of team Tokki met while living in NYC and wanted to incorporate their roots into this venue. The bar is an estate bar, in that all spirits are made in-house from the gin to the liqueur, and the soju. Tartine Coffee Bar, a globally acclaimed bakery provides the perfect sustenance after a night out with house made coffees, cakes and breads. Charr restaurant balances Korean flavours with Western classic dishes and you can finish the night at Side Note Club where Seoul’s hottest bartenders bring their world championship skills to the executive lounge.
Hotel Cappuccino in Gangnam, Seoul – Feel Good Giving Back
Located in Gangnam, the dynamic southern heart of Seoul, Hotel Cappuccino is the perfect home away from home for international travellers and Seoulites seeking a new, friendly, fun, yet cause-driven hotel. The rooms have a minimal style and industrial influence, and the attractive public spaces are filled with thoughtful detail. Dog lovers can relax as it is welcoming of guests’ prized pooches as well. It’s located in a great spot for shopping, dining, and exploring the city’s cultural attractions. Those who want to ‘do good’ while staying, can participate in the earn and giveaway program designed to reduce unnecessary consumption while giving back to local communities. In the hotel, there is a box to collect clothes you may no longer want after a stint of shopping, water credits given for not having linen changed and money is donated when buying from the ‘Angel Menu’.
L’Escape Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul – A Parisian Escape
Described as a Parisian escape in the heart of Seoul, L’Escape Hotel is a visually enticing boutique hotel with rich wallpapers and curtains, providing moody rooms, cosy bars and exotic restaurants. L’Escape Hotel Seoul boasts a prime setting not far from the rebuilt Namdaemun City Gate and a couple of minutes’ drive from the National Museum Gyeongbokgung Palace. The Jogyesa Temple is close by while the Myeong-dong Nanta Theatre is also just a short walk away.
Gyeong Won Jae Ambassador’s in Songdo, Incheon – A Traditional Hanok Hotel
Located in Songdo, known as Korea’s most advanced international city, in Incheon, Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon, is described as being located ‘amidst a grand forest of ultra-modern skyscrapers’. It is also noteworthy for being the country’s finest hanok (traditional Korean house) hotel. Experience the true Korean way of living at Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon featuring historic Korean architecture practices. The hotel allows easy exploration of nearby Central Park (modelled on the park in NYC) and water activities such as kayaking, taking a water taxi or simply shopping at NC Cube mall. Sura restaurant in the hotel offers regional specialities on its menu.
Kensington Flora Hotel in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do – Largest Topiary Gardens in Korea
Kensington Hotel Pyeongchang is decorated with a European theme within Korea’s mountains, featuring an ornate French garden and glamping service. The hotel’s garden was inspired by the Garden of Love at Chateau de Villandry in France and is the largest topiary garden in Korea, decorated with Korean box trees and seasonal flowers. In the evening, the garden lights up with over 100,000 LED lights to resemble the Milky Way. Rooms are well appointed with mountain views. There are indoor and outdoor pools, and the hotel is well located for access to the ski slopes in winter.
Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residence – Newly Opened – September 2021
Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Service Residence is found in the neighbourhood of Jamsil on the shores of Seokchon Lake, providing easy access to high-end shopping as well as a variety of entertainment. A sanctuary defined by its chic Parisian decor panoramic skyline views, stylish rooms and innovative dining this new hotel is an exciting landmark in the centre of Seoul.
Mangsang Auto Camping Resort in Donghae, Gangwon-do – Camping and Hanoks On The Beach
Mangsang Beach has beautiful white sand and shallow waters, boasts thick pine forests and offers water sports including wind surfing and sailing. Here you’ll find the ideal campground. It is a year-round, nature-friendly, leisure space right on the beach. This first-of-its-kind-resort on Mangsang Beach has a variety of accommodation from cabins and cottages to campervans and tents with all the environmentally friendly facilities you need. The resort also features the Hanok Village – a condo resort located directly at Mangsang Beach.
The Shilla Jeju in Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do – Beach Resort on UNESCO World Heritage Listed Island
A premier hotel with a classic European design, The Shilla Jeju is a full-scale lodging resort on the southern coast of UNESCO World Heritage Listed Jeju Island, facing the Pacific Ocean. It offers various activities such as moonlight swimming, winery tours and glamping as well as exploring the island by bike, foot or boat! Jeju Island is naturally beautiful with a lush volcanic landscape of craters and cave-like lava tubes as well as pristine beaches, waterfalls and mountain hikes.
Other South Korean properties of note and popular with Australians are the Seoul Dragon City in the centre of Seoul – it’s the largest hotel in Asia; the JW Marriott Seoul ideally located in the Gangnam District offering 5-star luxury in some of South Korea’s most celebrated attractions; Nest Hotel Incheon – designed with cosy nuances to feel like a home away from home – and for some R&R, you can’t go past the Lotte Resorts in Sokcho, Buyeo and Jeju where you can enjoy various leisure facilities in the resort. Don’t miss staying in Korea’s tallest landmark and hotel, the Signiel Seoul, a luxury hotel also operated by Lotte Hotels and Resorts.
For more information on a range of places to stay as well as information on where BTS spend their time, best city photo spots, and therapeutic travel in South Korea, to name a few – go to the newly released 2021 travel guidebook, free here https://english1.visitkorea.or.kr/e_book/ecatalog5.jsp?Dir=802&catimage=
For more information on South Korea go to www.visitkorea.org.au.
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