Walk through the ruins of Cheonchujeon Palace, a silent witness to Korea’s royal past. Though only stone foundations remain, the air hums with history—the echoes of court ceremonies, the whispers of kings long gone. Standing here, you don’t just see old walls; you feel time itself.

















Everything you need to know about Hamwonjeon
Shilla Seoul is a premier choice, located just 1.8 km from Gyeongbokgung Palace. This luxury hotel blends traditional Korean architecture with modern elegance, offering royal-style rooms and serene views of a Hanok-inspired courtyard. Guests enjoy exclusive services like morning tea ceremonies and cultural wellness programs. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service to major landmarks, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic immersion in Seoul’s royal heritage.
Near Gyeongbokgung Palace, join a traditional Korean court ceremony tour, led by expert historians who explain the rituals and governance of the Joseon Dynasty. Participate in a calligraphy workshop in a classical garden setting, where you’ll write the characters "Gyeongbok" using ink and brush. Weekly hanbok photo walks allow visitors to dress in authentic traditional attire and stroll through palace ruins, capturing memorable photos that blend history and beauty.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is within walking distance of Gwanghwamun Station on Seoul Subway Line 5, accessible in under 5 minutes. From there, transfer seamlessly to Line 1 or 3 to reach Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Dongdaemun History Museum—each within 20 minutes. Additionally, the Seoul City Tour Bus (Route 301) stops nearby, offering multilingual commentary and guided sightseeing. Use a T-money card or KakaoPay for contactless travel, ensuring smooth and efficient exploration across the city’s historic core.
The Gyeongbokgung Park adjacent to the palace offers a perfect family retreat. With dedicated children’s play zones, shaded walking paths, and quiet pavilions, it’s ideal for relaxation. Regularly hosted interactive traditional games—like archery and spinning tops—engage kids while teaching cultural values. Some venues feature mini-museums with hands-on exhibits about daily life in the Joseon era, making it both educational and enjoyable for all ages.
Don’t miss Old Capital Street Food Alley near Gyeongbokgung, home to century-old eateries serving grilled beef tripe and kimchi rice bowls made with ancestral recipes. Try homemade barley liquor at a traditional distillery nearby, perfectly paired with fried noodles. Several restaurants offer palace-style dining rooms with celadon tableware and hanok decor, creating a multisensory experience where every bite reflects Korea’s rich culinary legacy.
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM for ideal lighting and minimal crowds. The soft morning light enhances architectural details, while the tranquil ambiance—enhanced by birdsong and distant temple bells—creates a deeply immersive historical mood. Early arrivals may witness locals practicing traditional morning rituals in hanbok, adding authenticity to your visit. Many guided tours start at this time, offering expert insights into the palace’s imperial past.
Grand Hyatt Seoul, located adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace, is an excellent choice offering a deep immersion in Korean royal heritage. The hotel’s architecture integrates traditional Joseon-era design elements, and guests can walk directly to Hyeonjeong Hall within minutes. Complimentary shuttle services connect to major tourist sites, enhancing convenience.
Opt for the Hanok-style suite to experience authentic cultural ambiance, complete with handcrafted furnishings and on-site performances of traditional Korean music like gayageum. The hotel also offers curated cultural tours that delve into the history of the palace complex and its significance during the Joseon Dynasty. More than just accommodation, it’s a journey through Korea’s imperial past.
Ramada Plaza Seoul Gyeongbokgung is the most accessible hotel near Hyeonjeong Hall, located directly outside the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s just a 3-minute walk to the site and features direct access to Line 4 Subway Station (Gyeongbokgung Station), enabling quick transfers to Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Namsan Tower.
The hotel provides 24-hour multilingual support, including Chinese, and has a free luggage storage and travel information desk. The Landmark Room offers a panoramic view of the southern gate of Gyeongbokgung, perfect for capturing sunrise shots with the Taeguk flag fluttering in the wind. On-site Korean restaurant serves authentic royal cuisine, allowing guests to savor imperial flavors throughout their stay.
Near Hyeonjeong Hall, visitors can participate in the Royal Court Ceremony Simulation hosted by the Gyeongbokgung Cultural Experience Center. This immersive activity includes learning traditional Joseon-era court etiquette, donning replica hanbok, and performing a simplified ceremonial ritual in front of the hall.
Additionally, every Saturday afternoon features a Buddhist Manuscript Copying Workshop, where guests use traditional ink and paper to transcribe passages from the Korean Tripitaka Koreana. Led by expert historians, the session offers insight into Korea’s rich Buddhist heritage. All experiences come with bilingual (English/Korean) guides and include a commemorative Cultural Participation Certificate. These programs provide both educational value and unforgettable cultural engagement.
See what other travelers say about Hamwonjeon

I stayed at Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong and had a very positive experience overall. The front desk staff only speak Japanese and Korean, but since they provided written translations, communication wasn’t an issue. A deposit of 100,000 KRW was required upon check-in, which was fully refunded at checkout—simple and hassle-free. I booked a triple room on the 17th floor, and it was spacious with a great view of Namsan Tower, especially nice during sunset. On the third floor near reception, there’s a small 24-hour convenience store, luggage lockers for storage, and a coin-operated laundry service that works around the clock—super convenient for long stays or last-minute laundry needs. My friend stayed in a double room, which was slightly smaller, but still clean and well-maintained. What really stood out was the location: just steps away from the bustling Myeongdong district. Everything you’d want—restaurants, shopping, street food, and subway access—is right outside the door. This hotel offers excellent value, great comfort, and unbeatable positioning. I’d definitely recommend it and plan to stay here again.

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.

I stayed at Rian Hotel for eight nights and was thoroughly impressed. Despite having only 57 rooms, the hotel feels well-maintained and offers a surprisingly warm, personal touch. Special shoutout to Manager Mr. Park, and staff members Mr. Jeong and Mr. Ku—every interaction was friendly, helpful, and genuinely went beyond expectations. Whether it was giving directions or assisting with travel logistics, they made every guest feel supported. The hotel features a self-service kiosk for cashless check-in and currency exchange, plus a luggage scale if you're heading to the airport. The 24-hour lounge on floor 10 is cozy and perfect for relaxing with a coffee or a quick cup of noodles. Located in a vibrant area, dining options are abundant—grilling spots, authentic Korean food, convenience stores like CU nearby, ramen shops, Paik Coffee, Ediya, ARTBOX, and even pop-up street food stalls within a 100-meter radius. Just a 3-minute walk from Jongno 3-ga Subway Station (Exit 14), you can easily reach Gwangjang Market (just one stop away) and other key areas like Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, Namdaemun, and Itaewon. The airport bus stops right outside the hotel, making departures stress-free. Spot Kworld nearby? Just walk toward it and you’ll find the hotel. Plus, fresh towels and mineral water are provided daily—small but thoughtful touches that make a big difference. A standout stay with excellent value and service.

The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the room was spotlessly clean and neatly arranged—perfect for a relaxing stay. I felt completely at ease from the moment I walked in. Its central location near Dongdaemun makes it super convenient for shopping and exploring the city, especially with easy subway access. The comfort and value here are outstanding. I’ll definitely be coming back if I ever visit Seoul again!

This was my second visit to Korea, and I’m still head over heels for this hotel. It’s incredibly convenient—just a short walk from Dongdaemun, making it easy to explore the city by subway or on foot. The room was much larger than expected, offering great space and comfort. One small note: don’t forget to bring your own toothbrush, as it’s not provided. But everything else was top-notch. The fish cake soup downstairs is hands down one of the best I’ve had in Korea—warm, flavorful, and authentic. Right across the street is a dumpling shop run by a Northeast Chinese couple, and their dumplings are absolutely delicious—plump, juicy, and perfectly steamed. I highly recommend both! If I ever return to Seoul, this will be my go-to hotel again. A fantastic stay with excellent value and charm.

Everything about our stay was absolutely perfect. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, attentive, and incredibly helpful—always with a smile. Our room was clean, spacious, and well-appointed, with fresh linens and excellent comfort. We requested extra water and housekeeping assistance, and both were promptly provided without any hassle. The breakfast was outstanding—fresh, abundant, and delicious, giving us a great start to each day. The location is ideal for exploring Seoul, just a short walk from subway stations and surrounded by great dining options. It’s rare to find such a seamless blend of comfort, service, and value. I’d definitely return and highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the city.

I've stayed at this hotel a few times before the pandemic and always found it clean and convenient—especially with water dispensers on every floor, so no need for bottled water. But my recent 10-day stay was a major disappointment. First off, I found small insects in the fridge—whether it had been unused for too long or not, I’m not sure, but it’s concerning. I cleaned it myself, but it still left a bad impression. The worst part? The bathroom. The door is so tight that you can’t close it without awkwardly stepping sideways—basically impossible to shut properly. And during my entire 10-day stay, the bathroom wasn’t cleaned once. I ended up cleaning it myself every day. I understand eco-friendly policies, but the cleaning schedule is way too infrequent—only every two or three days. You have to request it each time, and even then, there’s no guarantee when they’ll show up. If the price were really low and you’re okay with irregular housekeeping, maybe it’d be tolerable. But given the current standard, it’s hard to justify a 5-star rating. Management really needs to address these issues—don’t rely solely on platform reviews to cover up problems.

Staying at Hongdae the Gray Hotel was an absolute delight. Located just steps from the main road, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring Hongdae and nearby areas—especially if you’re relying on public transit. The room itself was well-equipped and surprisingly quiet, which was a pleasant surprise given the bustling location. I was able to sleep soundly without any noise disturbance, even during peak hours. The overall atmosphere is modern and cozy, making it feel like a true home away from home. For such a central spot with excellent value, this hotel truly stands out. I’ll definitely be back next time I visit Seoul.

I ended up booking this place last minute when I needed a quick stay in Sinchon. Even though it feels like it's been around for a while, the room was surprisingly spacious and very comfortable—definitely more than expected for the price. The bathroom was also quite large, which made it easy to move around and get ready without feeling cramped. It’s well located near subway access, and there are plenty of dining options nearby. Great value for money, and I’d definitely consider staying here again if I’m back in Seoul.

Staying at Slow Stay DA was an absolute delight. The hotel is perfectly located near Sungkyunkwan University and the Blue House, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing—just a short walk or quick subway ride away. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, offering everything from authentic Korean street food to international cuisine. The room was spotless, the staff were warm and helpful, and the overall atmosphere felt calm and welcoming. It's rare to find such a peaceful yet central location with excellent value. I’d definitely book here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.

I absolutely loved staying at Hotel 8 Hours — it’s a fantastic choice for travelers looking for convenience and comfort. The location is excellent, just a short walk from the subway station and airport bus stop, making transfers super easy. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and even an Olive Young right nearby, so grabbing a bite or picking up essentials is never a hassle. The room itself is small but incredibly well-designed — clean, tidy, and thoughtfully laid out with smart use of space. I really appreciated the modern interior style; it felt fresh and inviting. One standout feature? The separate toilet and shower area in the room — a huge plus for anyone who dislikes wet floors. It adds a nice touch of privacy and practicality. Overall, this hotel delivers great value and a comfortable stay, especially if you're on a tight schedule or just want a no-fuss, reliable base in Seoul.

I stayed at World Stay Hotel Sungshin Univ. for one night and was thoroughly impressed. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming from check-in to check-out—always ready to help with any questions or requests. The room was clean, well-maintained, and had all the essentials I needed. Located just steps from Sungshin University Station, it’s super convenient for getting around Seoul via subway. The location is quiet yet central, making it a great base for exploring the city. Excellent value for money and a comfortable stay overall. I’d definitely choose this hotel again on my next visit to Seoul.
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