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4.0-Rated Hotels Near Ilseonsa
Step into Ilseonsa Temple, a timeless sanctuary tucked into a quiet hillside, where eaves soar like eagle wings and incense curls tell stories older than words. The solemn Buddha statue watches with gentle eyes, while moss blankets the stone steps, whispering secrets of centuries. Whether you’re seeking peace or chasing that perfect shot, this sacred space delivers—one breath of incense, one moment of stillness, is worth more than a thousand words.
Five Hotel Jongno
Jongno Olive Hotel
Hotel Biz Jongno Seoul
Hotel YAJA Sungshin Women's University Station
Bulgwang 3S Hotel
K Hostel Dongdaemun
Mia Tomsey
Sophia Guesthouse
Hanok Residence Hotel Side
Xicun 168 B&B
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Ilseonsa
Stay at Gwangjang-dong Boutique Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from Ilseonsa Temple, blending traditional Korean architecture with modern minimalist design. Rooms feature zen-inspired courtyard views and include complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions. The hotel offers exclusive Korean tea ceremony experiences and morning meditation sessions, immersing guests in Seoul’s spiritual heritage. Nearby hidden hanok restaurants serve authentic dishes like Busan seafood stew and stone-bowl bibimbap, making it an ideal base for cultural exploration.
Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Gwangjang Market Station, then walk 8 minutes to Ilseonsa Temple—this route passes through Myeongdong and Namdaemun, offering excellent connectivity. Several bus lines (e.g., 101, 102) also stop directly outside the temple, featuring ramp access and audio guide systems for elderly and international visitors. For taxis, simply input "Ilseonsa Temple" into your GPS—ride time is about 15 minutes, costing roughly KRW 30,000.
Near Ilseonsa Temple, enjoy hands-on Korean calligraphy workshops, traditional hanbok photo sessions, and monk-led morning meditation—all offered within the temple grounds or affiliated studios. Don’t miss the Night Lantern Walk, held every Saturday evening, where visitors stroll along stone paths illuminated by century-old tree-lit art installations, creating a serene, poetic atmosphere. Nearby, Gwangjang Market opens daily at dawn, serving fresh Korean pancake and chicken soup noodles, offering a vibrant taste of local life.
Yes, Gwangjang-dong Boutique Hotel offers spacious family rooms with child-safe railings, cribs, and a dedicated kids’ activity lounge hosting interactive Korean folk song sessions and paper craft workshops. The hotel features wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour front desk support, ensuring comfort for seniors and young children. Nearby, a children’s museum and green park trails provide safe outdoor play areas. All rooms include soundproof windows and air purifiers for optimal sleep quality.
Absolutely! The millennium ginkgo avenue in front of Ilseonsa Temple is a must-photograph site—golden leaves in autumn create a stunning natural tunnel. The temple’s bell tower and wooden hall showcase perfect symmetry, complemented by traditional courtyards and moss-covered walls, ideal for cultural photography. Nearby, street art murals on Gwangjang Market’s exterior walls and lantern-lit alleyways attract photographers seeking unique backdrops. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture softer light. Some shops offer hanbok rental services, allowing you to pose as a historical figure amid authentic heritage settings.
Start with a Korean breakfast at Gwangjang Market—try rice cakes and tofu soup. Then visit Ilseonsa Temple for morning meditation and calligraphy class. Lunch at a nearby hanok restaurant with a Korean beef set meal. In the afternoon, explore the heritage craft market for handmade ceramics and incense pouches. End the day at the hotel’s courtyard teahouse, sipping green tea while watching the sunset silhouette of the ancient temple. All activities are walkable, with seamless transit options, offering a deep immersion in Seoul’s historical charm and mindful living.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Ilseonsa
Five Hotel Jongno
Staying at Five Hotel Jongno was an absolute pleasure. The location is perfect—just a short walk from major attractions and public transit, making exploring Seoul super convenient. The hotel environment is clean, quiet, and well-maintained, with a modern yet cozy vibe. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming—especially the guy at the counter, who had a great smile and made check-in feel personal. Daily room cleaning is a nice touch, keeping everything fresh and tidy throughout the stay. Two girls sharing a room felt just right—plenty of space, comfortable beds, and good lighting. Only thing to note: if you’re traveling with two large suitcases, it’s a bit tight to open both at once on the floor, but that’s a minor detail. Overall, this place offers excellent value and a memorable stay. Definitely coming back next time I visit Seoul.
Jongno Olive Hotel
Booked last minute and scored an amazing deal—couldn’t be happier! The hotel was spotless and the room was incredibly comfortable, making it a perfect retreat after a long day of exploring Seoul. I was pleasantly surprised by the thoughtful touches, like the hair styling products provided in the room—everything from mousse to spray, no need to pack my own. At under $50 AUD per night, this is one of the best values I’ve found in the city. Plus, it’s super well-connected—just steps away from the metro and bus stops, with easy access to every corner of Seoul. Whether you’re here for sightseeing, shopping, or just relaxing, this location is unbeatable. Would definitely stay again.
Hotel Biz Jongno Seoul
John is incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely warm-hearted. The hotel itself is cozy and well-maintained, with daily housekeeping that includes restocking water bottles, towels, and toilet paper—no details overlooked. John speaks fluent English and is always happy to assist with any questions or requests; communication is never an issue. My daughter absolutely adored him—he made her feel special with his kindness and playful personality. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at home. It’s clear how much care goes into every detail here. We’ll definitely be back, and I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Seoul.
Hotel YAJA Sungshin Women's University Station
The staff was incredibly friendly and the service exceeded expectations. I especially appreciated the complimentary toast, beverages, and coffee upon arrival—perfect for starting the day on a good note. The location is fantastic, just a short walk from the subway station, making it easy to explore Seoul’s attractions without hassle. It’s rare to find such a welcoming atmosphere combined with great value. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip to Seoul and recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Jongno (Daehakro) Hyehwa Inn
The inn was exceptionally clean and comfortable—truly a great stay! The staff were very helpful and friendly during check-in, making the whole process smooth and welcoming. The location is perfect—right in the heart of Jongno, just steps away from subway stations and major attractions. It’s so convenient for exploring Seoul. I’d absolutely come back again and highly recommend this place to anyone visiting. A real gem with excellent value!
Hanil Hostel
I had a fantastic stay at Hanil Hostel! The location was incredibly convenient—just a short walk to subway stations and major attractions. The staff were friendly and always willing to help with tips and recommendations. My room was clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly comfortable for a hostel setting. It’s clear they care about guest experience, and I truly appreciated the warm atmosphere and attention to detail. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a budget-friendly yet enjoyable stay in Seoul.
Sungshin University Station Pav
The first room had a strong smell of smoke, which was quite unpleasant, so I asked to be moved. The staff were very kind and promptly arranged a new room without any hassle. However, the second room wasn’t much better—the bathroom felt a bit dark and slightly unsettling, and the overall facilities were just average. That said, the price is definitely affordable, making it a solid choice if you're on a budget. It’s perfect for students or travelers looking for a no-frills stay with good value. While not luxurious, it gets the job done, especially considering the cost.
Mini Hotel Insa
I ended up booking this hotel by chance, mainly because of its great location. Turns out it was an excellent choice! Situated right in the heart of Insadong, just a short walk from Seoul's top attractions. The hotel is only 200 meters from the airport shuttle stop and literally steps away from the subway station—super convenient for getting around. The room was spotless and quiet, making it a peaceful retreat after a long day. The staff were incredibly welcoming and spoke fluent English with no trouble at all. For my next visit to Seoul, I’ll definitely choose this hotel again!
Bukchonae
Staying at Bukchonae was a delightful experience overall. The location is fantastic—right in the heart of Seoul’s traditional neighborhood, making it super convenient for exploring nearby cultural spots. The room is compact but well-organized and spotlessly clean, which really stands out. The bathroom has a slightly cramped shower area, so it’s not ideal for long stays or if you’re sensitive to tight spaces. However, the cleanliness and maintenance are excellent—everything feels fresh and well cared for. The owners are genuinely warm and welcoming, offering helpful tips on local eats and hidden gems around the area. It’s perfect for a short getaway or a night or two while soaking in the charm of old Seoul. While I wouldn’t recommend it for extended stays due to the size, for a quick visit, it’s a great value with a cozy, authentic vibe.
Jongno Hotel Wolha Inn
Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight! The place is immaculately clean, especially the bathrooms and plumbing—everything felt fresh and well-maintained. Its location is fantastic; it's just a short walk from major attractions, making sightseeing super convenient. I loved how close it was to local favorites like London Bagel—perfect for a quick bite without needing to travel far. The neighborhood vibe is lively yet peaceful, and everything you need is within walking distance. It’s rare to find such a clean, well-located, and comfortable stay at this price point. Highly recommend this gem for anyone visiting Seoul!
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.
Eungam Maple
My stay at Eungam Maple in Seoul was somewhat disappointing. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful, but the main issue was that only Korean was spoken throughout the property—there was no English support, which made communication difficult for non-Korean speakers. The room itself was quite small, and there wasn’t enough space to even open up a suitcase comfortably. While the team was kind and attentive, the lack of multilingual service and cramped layout made the experience less than ideal. Given these drawbacks, I wouldn’t choose this hotel again, especially when there are other more traveler-friendly options available in the city.
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