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4.4-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.
Mangrove Sinseol
Hostel Korea - Changdeokgung
Ssh Icon Hostel
Ara Hotel
Suyu J-Bay Hotel
MJ HOTEL JONGNO
Smile, full options
Hotel RU136
Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse
Beewon Guesthouse
Coups Hotel
Hotel Yaja Sungshin Women's University Station
W Mini Hotel - Hostel
Yeon Stay
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
Mangrove Sinseol
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.
Hostel Korea - Changdeokgung
The triple room we stayed in had four beds, and the space was actually larger than I expected—definitely more roomy than most hostels I've been to. The front desk staff speaks a bit of Chinese and can manage basic English conversations, and they were very responsive and helpful. We only received one key card initially, which made splitting up a bit inconvenient, but after mentioning it, they quickly provided two extra ones—really thoughtful! The nearby 7-Eleven is super convenient; just exit subway line 7, walk straight across the street, and you're there. It's a short walk if you're not carrying heavy luggage. Waste sorting isn't strictly enforced, but there’s a large trash bin right at the bottom of the stairs on the first floor, so you can easily bring your trash down without hassle. Overall, this place offers great value, excellent location, and a comfortable stay—definitely a top pick for travelers 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.
Ara Hotel
Staying at Ara Hotel was a fantastic experience overall. The room was exceptionally clean—right from the moment I walked in, everything felt fresh and well-maintained. The bed was comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep. Located just steps away from subway access, getting around Seoul was super convenient. There are plenty of dining options nearby, and the value for money really stands out. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay, and check-in was smooth and hassle-free. I’d definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Seoul—it’s a great choice for both comfort and convenience.
Hotel RU136
The staff here are incredibly welcoming and helpful—always with a smile and ready to assist. The location is perfect: just a short walk from two subway stations, making it easy to explore Seoul’s highlights. There’s no shortage of great dining options nearby—cozy cafes, local markets, and authentic eateries line the streets. If you’re into running, you’ll love that Bukhansan National Park is only about 7km away. I went for a morning run there and the views were breathtaking. This hotel offers comfort, convenience, and a true sense of place. I’d definitely stay here again—and highly recommend it to fellow travelers looking for a quiet yet well-connected base in Seoul.
Beewon Guesthouse
Everything about this place was spot on. It's a fantastic budget-friendly option in a prime location—perfect for exploring Seoul without breaking the bank. The rooms aren’t brand new, but they’re clean, well-maintained, and come with essential comforts: working air conditioning, reliable hot water, and surprisingly quiet neighbors. No bugs at all—big win! The mattress is a bit firm, but honestly, after a full day of sightseeing, it actually helped me sleep deeply. There’s a water cooler on each floor, and there’s a small kitchenette on the ground floor (though we didn’t use it). Check-in and check-out were smooth, quick, and mostly contactless—very convenient. Even though the photos are just screenshots from videos, they accurately reflect what’s in the room. Overall, this little gem delivers far more than its price tag suggests. If you're looking for a no-frills, reliable stay in central Seoul with great value, this is absolutely worth considering.
Coups Hotel
The hotel is perfectly located—ideal for walking around and easily accessible by public transport. There's a small convenience store and laundry right nearby, which is super convenient. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful, but just steps away from the street, you'll find a lively area filled with cozy cafés perfect for relaxing with a coffee. The room was spotless, spacious enough to comfortably fit all our luggage, and overall, it felt very welcoming. I highly recommend staying here—it’s a great value and makes for a comfortable, stress-free trip.
Hotel Yaja Sungshin Women's University Station
Staying at Hotel Yaja Sungshin Women's University Station was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and incredibly quiet—perfect for a good night’s sleep. What really stood out was the unbeatable convenience of the location. Just steps away from the subway, I could easily reach all the major areas of Seoul in minutes. The neighborhood is packed with great dining options and shopping spots, and there are two Olive Young stores nearby—ideal for picking up skincare or travel essentials. Everything you need is within walking distance, making this hotel a fantastic choice for both business and leisure travelers. Highly recommend! It’s not just convenient—it’s a perfect balance of comfort, value, and location.
W Mini Hotel - Hostel
This is my second time staying at this hotel, and I’m even more impressed than the first time! The value for money is outstanding—free bottled water, instant coffee, and hot water are all included, which makes early mornings so much easier. Check-in is super convenient with a self-service system: just find your name at the front desk and grab your key. Even though it says check-in starts at 5 PM, we were able to check in earlier without any issues. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout. Located just steps from the subway station, getting around Seoul is a breeze. Clean rooms, great amenities, and a fantastic location—it’s definitely one of my top picks for budget-friendly stays in the city. Highly recommended!
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.
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