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.

This hotel is the perfect blend of business and leisure! Luxury facilities include a conference center and business center, ideal for all kinds of events. The location is super convenient, just 5 minutes by car to Yonsei University and the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, and a few kilometers to Hongik University and Seoul City Hall. Continental breakfast, restaurants, and cafes will satisfy your taste buds, and the bar is perfect for unwinding. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with LED TVs and refrigerators, and the bathrooms are fully equipped. Plus, there's free parking and charging stations, so road trips are hassle-free. Whether for business or travel, this is your ideal choice!



















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.
See what other travelers say about Ilseonsa

Staying at Swiss Grand Hotel Seoul was a delightful surprise, especially for travelers who appreciate a touch of Western elegance in a vibrant city setting. While the hotel’s hillside location is definitely unique—coming straight from the airport shuttle made me and my mom gasp at the steep, long climb up the slope with our luggage (we stopped several times, it felt like a real workout!)—the effort is worth it once you’re inside. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere away from the downtown bustle is refreshing. Staff are all fluent in English, incredibly helpful, and genuinely warm—especially the front desk attendant who quickly arranged a taxi for us on departure. The rooms are spacious and well-designed, the service attentive, and overall the experience feels premium without being overly expensive. If you're willing to walk a bit uphill (or take a quick ride), this hotel offers a standout blend of comfort, convenience, and charm in Seoul.

This place is definitely a hostel, not a hotel—despite being listed as a hotel on the platform. The building signage and Korean apps clearly mark it as a hostel, so it’s misleading to present it as a hotel. That said, if you go in with the right expectations, it’s actually a solid hostel. The location is unbeatable: literally seconds from a vibrant food alley, just a few minutes from great shopping, within 10 minutes of palaces and temples, and a 15–20-minute walk to Gwangjang Market and the Han River trail. We stayed in the basement room, which was the only one large enough for our family of four with two kids. While it was modernized and had a private bathroom, it had a strong musty sewage smell that lingered despite airing out and running a dehumidifier nonstop. They’d placed several oil-based air fresheners in the hallway and room—something I couldn’t tolerate due to allergies, so I removed them, but that only made the unpleasant odor worse. The dehumidifier helped circulate air, but since it required regular drainage, we weren’t sure how effective it really was. All control buttons were in Korean, and even with translation apps, the functions didn’t make much sense. The AC worked well, and the beds were comfortable. Storage consisted of pull-out drawers under the bed—cleaning them revealed thick layers of dust. There was a couch and TV, which added comfort. The bathroom is a wet-style design with floor heating, so everything dried instantly—even though the heat was extreme. When we complained about dampness, they turned on the floor heating while we were out, likely to dry things up—but with temperatures exceeding 40°C, it wasn’t safe or practical to stay inside. The window was frosted glass facing a narrow alley, so privacy was an issue. Trash was collected at the bottom of the stairs near the landing, which wasn’t ideal. On the plus side, free laundry was available nearby—perfect for monitoring progress—and the shared kitchen across the hall was handy for morning tea. Staff were incredibly helpful, and communication through the booking app was smooth. In short, if you’re clear this is a hostel (not a hotel), and you don’t mind the basement, minor quirks, and scent sensitivity, it’s a good choice. But if you’re expecting a hotel experience—especially in the basement—this isn’t recommended. As a hotel? 2/5. As a hostel? 4/5.

The location is absolutely perfect—just a two-minute walk from the subway station, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center on foot. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. The apartment was spotless, with every corner meticulously cleaned—truly impressive attention to detail. The mattress was comfortable without being too soft, and the room was so quiet that we slept like babies. There are plenty of shops and cafes nearby, so grabbing a bite or picking up essentials was super convenient. What really stood out? Three palaces within walking distance—perfect for exploring Seoul’s rich history. This place offers great value for money and delivers exactly what it promises. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.

The rooms are spacious and really comfortable, making it a great option if other hotels are fully booked. I appreciated how well-located it was—just a short walk from subway stations and major attractions, which made exploring Seoul easy and convenient. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall cleanliness of the property stood out. It’s definitely a solid choice for travelers looking for value without compromising on comfort. I’d happily stay here again during my next trip to Seoul, especially if I’m traveling with family or friends who appreciate extra space.

Stayed in a double room with a door latch—felt secure and cozy, no signs of any wheels or noisy vibes at all. The host was incredibly kind and welcoming, making the whole experience feel warm and personal. The atmosphere was peaceful and authentic, just what I was looking for. Highly recommend this hidden gem for anyone seeking comfort and charm in Seoul.

My one-night stay at Bulgwang Forestar Hotel was absolutely delightful! From the moment I walked in, the warm and friendly staff made me feel right at home. Check-in was quick and smooth, and they provided clear, helpful information that made settling into my room effortless. The room itself exceeded all expectations—spotlessly clean, cozy, and incredibly comfortable. The bedding was outstanding; I slept deeply and woke up feeling refreshed. The quiet, intimate atmosphere made it perfect for unwinding after a busy day. All amenities were thoughtfully provided, and the in-room facilities worked perfectly. Plus, the hotel's location is fantastic—just a short walk from Bulgwang Station, making public transit access easy and convenient. Around the area, there are plenty of shops, cafes, and convenience stores, so everything I needed was within reach. Even though it was just a brief stay, every detail contributed to an unforgettable experience. I’d definitely choose this hotel again on my next visit to the Bulgwang area. A huge thank you to the entire team for your exceptional service and attention to detail—it truly made my trip special.

I absolutely loved my stay at La Villa Hotel! The location is perfect—right between two subway stations, making it super easy to get into the city center or head out without needing transfers. I especially appreciated being able to access Line 3 directly from one station, avoiding the hassle of switching from Line 6. It only takes about 30 minutes to reach Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the ride itself is scenic and comfortable. There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby—no need to worry about finding a bite to eat. The hotel itself felt warm and inviting, with spacious rooms that feel unusually generous for Asia. The views from the windows were stunning, offering a great perspective of Seoul’s skyline. What really stood out was the daily housekeeping—cleaning supplies like soap, shampoo, and more were restocked every day, even though I don’t usually watch TV, I still noticed how large and modern the screen was. Room temperature was just right, and the linens were spotless and crisp. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming—once I even had a brief conversation with the owner himself, who radiated positivity and clearly takes pride in his business. He genuinely lifted my mood for the entire day. After checking out, I was left with nothing but happy memories. This place truly exceeded expectations. Wishing La Villa Hotel continued success and growth!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.
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