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4.1-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.
H Avenue Hotel Dongdaemun Sungshin
Hotel Boutique 9
Slow Stay DA
World Stay Hotel Sungshin Univ.
Rose Inn
Bricks Hotel
Samcheongdong Korea Guesthouse
Suyu Hightel
Suyu O2
Hangul House
Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse
Insadong Hostel
Woo Guesthouse Insadong
Ivy Motel
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
H Avenue Hotel Dongdaemun Sungshin
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!
Hotel Boutique 9
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.
Slow Stay DA
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.
World Stay Hotel Sungshin Univ.
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.
Rose Inn
The room is a bit compact and the bathroom is slightly tight, but the location more than makes up for it. Just a short walk to Hongdae and Ihwaw Station, making it incredibly convenient for catching musicals or exploring the vibrant neighborhood. I loved how easy it was to get around without worrying about transportation—perfect for travelers who prioritize proximity to entertainment spots. Despite minor space limitations, the value for money is outstanding, and I’d definitely stay here again.
Bricks Hotel
Staying at Bricks Hotel was an absolute delight! The room was spacious, clean, and very comfortable—perfect for a relaxing night's sleep. What really stood out was the location: right across from Emart, making grocery shopping and grabbing snacks super convenient. I could easily walk to nearby attractions or hop on the subway with minimal hassle. It’s an ideal choice whether you're here for business or leisure. The value for money is excellent, and I’ll definitely be returning.
Samcheongdong Korea Guesthouse
Absolutely thrilled with the complimentary room upgrade—such a wonderful surprise! The guesthouse is perfectly located just a short walk from the subway station and major attractions, making exploration effortless. The space was clean, cozy, and thoughtfully designed, with a warm and welcoming vibe. Staff were attentive and friendly, adding to the overall great experience. It’s rare to find such value in central Seoul—definitely my top pick for future visits.
Insadong Hostel
This hostel was an absolute gem during my week-long stay in Seoul. Located right in the heart of Insadong, it’s incredibly walkable to all major tourist attractions—perfect for exploring on foot. The host was incredibly friendly and welcoming, offering a delicious complimentary breakfast every morning with eggs, fresh bread, fruit, and juice. While the room is on the smaller side and has a slightly dated feel, it’s completely in line with what you’d expect for the price. I felt safe throughout my stay, and honestly, I’d book again without hesitation.
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!
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