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.

This 2024 award-winning hotel is your perfect choice in Seoul! Located in the heart of Dongdaemun, just steps away from Hyundai Outlet and Doota Duty-Free, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Enjoy the free shuttle bus to Myeongdong, Sinchon, and Yeouido, exploring the city with ease. The stylish rooms, including Deluxe and Princess Rooms, are bedbug-free certified for your peace of mind. Stay active at the fitness center or handle business at the modern meeting facilities. Whether for travel or work, this hotel offers top-notch service and a true Korean experience. Don’t miss out!



















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

Located just steps away from Dongdaemun and Myeongdong, this hotel offers unbeatable convenience for exploring Seoul. The lobby is on the 14th floor—not ground level—so make sure to double-check your floor when you arrive; it’s clearly marked, so no worries. The elevators are spacious and move quickly, making transport between floors effortless, even with luggage. Rooms are spotless, well-maintained, and surprisingly comfortable, with a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a good night’s sleep. Staff members are friendly, helpful, and always smiling—truly a highlight of the stay. One of the best features? A small CU convenience store right on the 14th floor, stocked with snacks, drinks, toiletries, and essentials. This is incredibly convenient for international travelers who want to grab something without leaving the building. Overall, the experience was excellent—great location, clean rooms, superb service, and thoughtful amenities. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Seoul.

Staying at this traditional Korean house was an absolute delight! The breakfast was simple yet homely—warm, comforting, and just right to start the day. The room was spotlessly clean, with authentic Korean architectural details that truly captured the essence of old Korea—wooden beams, hanok-style layouts, and a peaceful ambiance. The host was incredibly welcoming and always ready to help, offering thoughtful tips on local transport and nearby attractions. It felt less like a hotel and more like staying in a cherished family home. For anyone looking to experience real Korean culture in Seoul, this is a must-try. Highly recommend for its charm, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality.

The room was spacious and immaculately clean, with authentic hanok architecture that truly captured the charm of traditional Korean design. Location is unbeatable—just a short subway ride from major attractions like Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market. The staff were welcoming and attentive, and the overall atmosphere was peaceful yet luxurious. It's rare to find such a perfect balance of comfort, culture, and convenience at this price point. I’ll definitely book here again on my next trip to Seoul—highly recommend!

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.

Absolutely exceeded my expectations! I went in with low expectations since the room photos made it look quite small, but upon check-in, the front desk surprised me with a complimentary upgrade—what a lucky break! The room was spacious enough that two 28-inch suitcases could be laid flat on the floor without any crowding. While some amenities do show their age—especially an old leather chair with peeling upholstery, which would’ve looked better if replaced with a wooden one—the overall cleanliness was impressive. It’s clear the housekeeping team takes pride in maintaining the space. Location-wise, it’s incredibly secure and central—right next to the National Assembly, with police cars often parked nearby for reassurance. Within walking distance are convenience stores, cozy cafes, and great Korean BBQ spots. Plus, the airport bus route 6007 starts and ends just steps away, and you’re literally a stone’s throw from the National Assembly Station on Line 9. Getting to places like Yeouido Mall, Hongdae, or Mapo is super easy—ideal for travelers who value both convenience and accessibility.

I absolutely loved my stay here and will definitely return on my next trip to Seoul. This place has become my go-to base whenever I visit Korea—conveniently located just a short walk from Hongik University, with plenty of great cafes, restaurants, and local shops nearby. The room was clean, stylish, and full of character, making it feel like home. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, going the extra mile to assist with travel tips and recommendations. It’s such a great value for the quality and location. Whether you're here for sightseeing, exploring the city vibe, or even a quick work trip, this is the perfect spot. I’m already planning my next visit!

Staying at Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo was an absolute surprise and one of the highlights of our trip to Seoul. The location is incredibly convenient—just a 2-minute walk to a 7-Eleven, 8 minutes to a 24-hour café, 10 minutes to the subway (Green Line), 15 minutes to Hongdae, and just 20 minutes to Sinchon on foot. The room itself is compact but well-designed with excellent water pressure and smooth drainage. The bathtub was surprisingly spacious and comfortable. Towels, tissues, and bottled water are available for free at the lounge—great for refills. The lounge area is huge and packed with amenities: self-service washing machines, dryers, even a dry cleaner! Every seating area has plenty of power outlets—so thoughtful. There’s also a large gym perfect for fitness lovers, and two spacious kitchens where you can cook or heat up meals. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and spoke fluent English, making check-in and any requests super easy. This place offers such great value and comfort—it truly exceeded expectations. I took some photos during my stay, though I forgot that uploads are only allowed through the platform. Still, I’d highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting Seoul.

I stayed at Mangrove Sinseol Hotel for a few days and was really impressed. The location is perfect—right next to the subway station, just a 15-minute ride to Seongsu and about 30 minutes to Hongdae. The airport bus 6002 stops right outside, making travel super convenient. There are plenty of nearby convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU, OY, Mega, and Mammoth—no long lines even during peak hours. The building has a secure entry with a password lock, and the elevator requires your room keycard, which adds peace of mind. The shared kitchen is clean and well-maintained, and the rooftop terrace offers a great view—perfect for relaxing in the evening. Check-in and check-out are fully self-service, and the machine supports Simplified Chinese, which is a big plus for introverted travelers. The bathroom is on the smaller side, and housekeeping comes every six days, but that’s not an issue if you’re staying just a few days. Overall, it’s a quiet, safe, and well-designed place with excellent value. Highly recommend for solo travelers.

The room was a bit compact, but I managed to lay out two suitcases without any issues—definitely sufficient for my needs. One of the little touches I really appreciated was having slippers provided in the room, plus there was a weight scale on the floor level, which made carrying luggage up and down the stairs so much easier. The front desk staff were all incredibly helpful and spoke excellent Japanese, making communication smooth and stress-free. Their friendly and attentive service really stood out. Overall, the hotel offers a clean, comfortable stay with great value. I’d definitely book here again when I visit Seoul.

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.

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.

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.
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