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Hotels with Shuttle Service to Station Near Gwanghwamun Square
Step into Gwanghwamun Square and feel like you've time-traveled to the glory days of the Joseon Dynasty! This grand plaza isn't just history—it transforms into a living art stage every evening with dazzling light shows, where the golden rooftops of Gyeongbokgung Palace meet the majestic statue of King Sejong, creating a breathtaking blend of heritage and wonder. Come here at dawn for a peaceful walk through Seoul’s beating heart—this is the soul of Korea, not to be missed!
Ashley House
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Gwanghwamun Square
Shilla Stay Seoul is ideal for its direct view of Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace, located just a 3-minute walk away. The hotel blends modern luxury with traditional Korean design, featuring rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of historical landmarks. It also provides complimentary shuttle buses to major shopping districts like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.
Another top pick is Hotel Aria Seoul, situated near Namdaemun Market, perfect for travelers seeking vibrant street food and local culture. Its direct subway access to Line 4 connects you instantly to Gangnam and Hongdae. Many guests appreciate its multilingual front desk and free luggage storage, making it a convenient base for exploring Seoul's heart.
Walking from Gwanghwamun Square to Gyeongbokgung Palace takes only about 8 minutes along Gwanghwamun-ro, passing iconic sights like the Statue of King Sejong and the National Museum of Korea. For a faster option, take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Gyeongbokgung Station—just a 5-minute ride with direct access to the palace entrance.
Some hotels, including Shilla Stay Seoul, offer free guided shuttle services to the palace daily, complete with audio commentary and entry tickets. This is especially convenient for first-time visitors who want an immersive cultural experience without navigating public transit alone.
Don’t miss the daily Gwanghwamun Light Show at 7 PM, a stunning multimedia display that brings Korean history to life through light projections on palace walls, focusing on the Joseon Dynasty’s grandeur. Nearby, the traditional ceremony performance at Gyeongbokgung Palace (noon daily) features authentic Royal Welcome Rituals and Taegeuk Dance, showcasing ancient customs in full regalia.
For deeper immersion, join a Hanbok rental tour offered by the Seoul Cultural Heritage Foundation—about KRW 20,000 includes professional photos and guided walking tours through Gwanghwamun Square and King Sejong’s Statue. Some hotels even provide complimentary Hanbok vouchers, elevating your cultural journey.
Extremely convenient. Direct access via Line 1 Gwanghwamun Station connects to key areas like Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Hongdae, and Gangnam. Multiple city buses (e.g., 1001, 1012) serve the area, linking to Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
From Incheon Airport, take the Incheon Airport Express to Seoul Station, then transfer to Line 1—total trip time around 50 minutes. Major hotels like Shilla Stay Seoul and Hotel Aria Seoul offer complimentary airport transfers and multilingual concierge services. All stations feature ramps, elevators, and tactile paths, ensuring accessibility for all travelers.
Nearby Namdaemun Market offers lively street food—try freshly fried Korean-style chicken wings and spicy pork stir-fry, paired with cold Hite beer for an authentic urban vibe.
For fine dining, visit Shilla Stay Seoul’s Hanbok Dining Hall, which serves royal court cuisine like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), kimchi jjigae, and grilled beef, prepared using ancestral recipes in a traditional hanok-style setting with live Korean folk music performances.
Also, don’t miss the Korean dessert shop beside Gwanghwamun Square, famous for red bean rice cakes and sweet potato mochi—affordable, photogenic treats perfect for afternoon breaks.
Yes! Gwanghwamun Square itself features a kid-friendly fountain zone and playground area, with seasonal events like family concerts and traditional games (e.g., dalgona toss, spinning tops).
Just a 5-minute walk away, the National Museum of Korea has a dedicated Children’s Archaeology Zone where kids can dig for replica artifacts and learn history through play. Its 3D theater screens engaging short films on ancient Korean civilization.
Additionally, the National Folk Museum Garden within Gyeongbokgung offers free admission, with hands-on workshops like hanji paper-making and Hanbok dressing, ideal for family bonding. Many hotels also provide free children’s stay and baby cots, making it easy to travel with little ones.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Gwanghwamun Square
Ashley House
Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Seoul with seamless access to public transit, making it super easy to explore the city without hassle. I was on the 12th floor, and the view was stunning—especially during sunset when the skyline lit up beautifully. The bathroom was spacious and well-designed, with a generous shower area that made for a relaxing experience. The hot and cold water dispenser worked perfectly, delivering consistent temperature control—no sudden surprises! Everything felt thoughtfully curated, from the clean, modern design to the attentive service. It’s rare to find such a high-quality stay at this price point. I’d definitely book again and recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.
Ddp Stn Avenue
The hotel is excellent overall—great location, super convenient for getting around Seoul, and the staff are very friendly. My only confusion was that I booked a two-night stay, but I had to check out on the second day and couldn’t recheck in until after 6 PM. That timing restriction felt a bit odd and wasn’t clearly explained upfront. Still, the team handled it well, and even though I had to move my luggage, it didn’t ruin the experience. The room was clean, comfortable, and the value for money was strong. Definitely would stay here again.
Nouvelle Seoul Hotel Itaewon by Aank
Staying at Nouvelle Seoul Hotel Itaewon was a fantastic experience. The hotel is perfectly located in the middle of Seoul's vibrant nightlife, yet the rooms are well-insulated, making it easy to relax and sleep soundly despite the lively surroundings. The rooms themselves are spacious with large TVs that make for great entertainment. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and spoke fluent English, which made check-in and any inquiries super smooth. I appreciated the 24-hour check-in option—very convenient for late arrivals. Plus, everything you need is within walking distance: restaurants, cafes, shopping, and the metro station. This place truly offers the best of both worlds—urban energy and peaceful comfort. Highly recommend for travelers who want convenience without compromise.
Hertz Hotel
The location of Hertz Hotel in Jongno was absolutely perfect! I arrived earlier than check-in time, but they kindly offered free luggage storage—so convenient. There were tons of restaurants, small shops, and cozy cafes nearby, making it easy to pass the time without any stress. The room itself was spotlessly clean, and having a bathtub was definitely one of the main reasons I chose this hotel—it made for a relaxing soak after a long day. Bathroom amenities included shampoo, conditioner, and a bathrobe, though I did need to bring my own toothbrush. For multi-night stays, water bottles were conveniently restocked. One standout feature was the sliding mirror that doubles as a blackout panel—just slide it across the window, and you’ve got complete darkness, ideal for sleeping in late. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a straightening iron available in the room—such a thoughtful touch. I’d definitely stay here again. Excellent value and a truly comfortable experience.
Fairmont Ambassador Seoul
The hotel is immaculate and beautifully designed, with an unbeatable location just steps away from LFC. What truly stood out was the front desk staff member who happened to be from Hong Kong—when they noticed we didn’t speak Korean, they went above and beyond to assist with check-in, patiently guiding us through the process. It’s rare to feel such genuine care while traveling far from home. I really wanted to thank them in person, but unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them again. Finding a familiar face in a foreign city made all the difference—it felt like a small but meaningful connection. A heartfelt thanks to that kind soul for making our stay so much more personal and welcoming.
Glocaloca
We stayed here as a family of three adults, including first-time visitors to Korea, and the experience was absolutely fantastic. What stood out most was the in-room laundry facilities—detergents were freely available, and I brought my own small packet of fabric softener from Japan, which worked perfectly. A large tote bag is highly recommended for moving laundry between rooms. The bathroom amenities were exceptional: the shampoo and conditioner had a luxurious scent and texture, leaving a subtle, pleasant fragrance throughout the room after showering. It’s rare to find a full set of toothbrushes included in a Korean hotel, and the lightweight hairdryer delivered strong airflow without strain. In the dining area, they offer four levels of spicy ramen—while I haven’t tried level 3, level 2 was similar to a moderately spicy kimchi ramen, not too overwhelming. Everything you’d expect at home, like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and containers, was readily available. Even our homemade kimchi from a local market didn’t come with packaging—we were able to wrap it up neatly with the provided wrap and take it back easily. The staff were incredibly friendly, with several speaking Japanese, which made us feel safe and welcome. We especially enjoyed meeting Star-chan, who’s originally from Iran—such a memorable encounter! Thanks again, see you soon! One minor downside: the coffee machine was a bit sweet, and there was no option to adjust sugar levels—so every latte came out overly sugary. The chocolate drink also wasn’t to my taste. Also, the power outlets were tricky—my C-type adapter (bought from a 100-yen store) would plug in but kept falling out, making it unusable. Even though another universal adapter worked, it wobbled and sometimes fell over, causing power loss. And unfortunately, the silk-pressed straightening iron showed an error message and wouldn’t turn on. But overall? This place felt more like home than a hotel. Late-night ramen or toast lovers were cooking quietly nearby, yet we heard absolutely nothing—perfectly peaceful. It totally redefined what a hotel stay could be. We’re already planning to return next time we visit Korea!
Moxy Seoul Insadong
My daughter came to Seoul for a ZB1 concert, and we chose this hotel—perfectly located right next to the subway station, making travel super convenient. I absolutely loved the ground-floor and rooftop check-in areas; they have such a cool, modern vibe, and the complimentary welcome drink was a nice touch. The room was spotless, with a well-designed wet/dry separation that made everything so practical. Security is also top-notch—after 6 PM, only guests can access the lobby, which gives peace of mind, especially for solo female travelers. And the neighborhood? Absolutely packed with great dining options. Street food stalls start setting up around 4 PM and stay open until 2 AM, buzzing with young locals and full of authentic Seoul energy. It’s lively, fun, and full of character. I’d definitely come back here on any future trip to Seoul.
Starhills Hotel
I stayed for three consecutive nights, and on the first evening I noticed the air conditioning wasn’t cooling effectively. I immediately mentioned it to the front desk, and within minutes, a fan was brought up to my room—super prompt service! The staff were incredibly attentive and resolved the issue right away. For the next two nights, the room temperature was perfect, and I didn’t have to worry again. What stood out most was how quickly and efficiently the team responded—no delays, no excuses. Their proactive approach made a big difference in my overall experience. The hotel’s location is also very convenient, just a short subway ride from major attractions. Excellent value for money and top-notch hospitality. I’ll definitely be back!
Hotel President
Staying at Hotel President was an absolutely outstanding experience from start to finish. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, friendly service—every interaction felt genuine and welcoming. The room was spacious, impeccably clean, and incredibly comfortable, making it a perfect home base during our trip. I had arranged for my suitcase to be delivered directly from the airport, and the front desk took great care of it—securely holding onto my luggage even after checkout. This allowed me to explore Seoul freely without any burden, enjoying every moment up until the very last minute. The convenience and thoughtfulness were truly remarkable. I can't recommend this hotel enough—definitely planning to return!
Hotel Rawa
Staying at Hotel Rawa was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the vibrant street food alley, making it perfect for late-night snacks or evening strolls. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and feels cozy and welcoming. I especially appreciated that the front desk offered free bread and instant ramen—such a thoughtful touch for travelers. The owner was incredibly kind and spoke some Japanese, which made communication smooth and pleasant. Even if you're out exploring late into the night, getting back to your room is just a quick walk away. It's rare to find such a convenient, friendly, and comfortable stay in Seoul. If you're looking for a great base to explore the city, this one’s a must-try.
Hill House Myeongdong
Stayed at Hill House Myeongdong and couldn’t be happier! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from Myeongdong shopping streets and a quick trip to Namsan Tower. Right outside the door, there’s a variety of restaurants and shops, making it super convenient for dining and exploring. The front desk staff was incredibly helpful—our host even stepped in when we couldn’t order food due to not having a phone number. He personally arranged our meal and had it delivered straight to our room. That kind of attention to detail really stood out. The rooms are clean, well-maintained, and the facilities are complete. With such a great location, excellent service, and fantastic value, this hotel is a top pick in Seoul. I’ll definitely come back and recommend it to everyone.
Ssh Icon Hostel
I've stayed at this hotel for the second time, and it continues to exceed my expectations. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from two subway stations, making it easy to explore Seoul without hassle. The room was clean, well-maintained, and had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. What really stands out is the ground-floor kitchen area: spacious, fully equipped, and always available for cooking your own meals or working remotely. It's a great space to relax, grab a bite, or even get some work done. The vibe is friendly and welcoming, and the value for money is outstanding. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a home-like feel in the heart of Seoul.
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