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 is the perfect choice for both families and business travelers! Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, just a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun, the location couldn’t be better. The hotel offers a fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool, and even a kids’ club with childcare services, making it great for families. The spacious rooms come with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for whipping up a meal. Unwind at the bar or treat yourself to a spa massage after a long day. Whether for leisure or business, this place has everything you need!

Looking for a private pool and garden retreat in Seoul? This is the perfect pick! Enjoy free WiFi, AC, and a terrace, plus BBQ facilities and airport transfer services for ultimate convenience. Just a few kilometers from Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace, you’ll have plenty to explore. With 6 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and 3 bathrooms stocked with free toiletries, it’s ideal for families or groups. 24-hour luggage storage and ironing services add the finishing touches—highly recommended!













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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

The Somerset Palace Seoul completely exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from the subway, making it easy to explore Seoul’s top attractions. The rooftop pool is a real highlight—perfect for relaxing with panoramic views of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Our room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped, offering a comfortable and home-like atmosphere. It’s rare to find such a high-quality stay with such a great value. I’d highly recommend this property to any traveler 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 incredibly quiet and cozy, making it a perfect retreat after a long day. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, filling the space with warmth and a serene atmosphere. Everything was spotlessly clean—right from the first step inside, the impression was excellent. The bed was wonderfully comfortable, soft yet supportive, ensuring a deep and restful night’s sleep. What truly stood out was the staff—always smiling, attentive, and genuinely helpful. Whether I needed extra towels or local recommendations, they responded promptly and with care. Their hospitality made me feel valued throughout my stay. Overall, this was an outstanding experience. If you're looking for a peaceful, well-maintained hotel with exceptional service in Seoul, I highly recommend giving this place a try—it’s definitely on my list for future visits.

Staying at Dada Hotel Ihwa-dong was a great experience, especially thanks to its unbeatable location. Just a 6-minute walk from Exit 5 of Jongno 3-ga Subway Station, it’s only one stop away from major attractions like Myeongdong, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung Palace—perfect for exploring the heart of Seoul. The self-check-in and check-out process was smooth and hassle-free. The room itself is compact but spotlessly clean, and considering the price point, it’s a fair trade-off. One minor downside is the sound insulation—occasionally you can hear luggage wheels rolling in the hallway, but it’s not disruptive. Conveniently, there are two convenience stores (GS25 and 7-Eleven) right nearby, making late-night snacks or essentials easy to grab. Overall, this hotel offers excellent value and a comfortable stay in a prime area.

Staying at Hans House was an absolute delight! The room was immaculately clean, with a fresh and cozy vibe from the moment I walked in. The bed was comfortable, perfect for a good night's sleep after exploring the city. The host was incredibly kind and welcoming—offering helpful tips about nearby food spots and transit options without being pushy. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable: just a 3-minute walk to a lively street food alley packed with local favorites like grilled meats and crispy fried chicken. Only 5 minutes to the subway entrance, making it super easy to reach major attractions like Gwanghwamun Square within 10 minutes. For the price, this place offers incredible value and convenience. I’d definitely book again if I return to Seoul—highly recommend for travelers who want comfort, cleanliness, and a great central spot.

Staying at Haemil Hanok Guesthouse was a mixed experience. On the plus side, it’s perfect if you’re looking for an authentic local homestay vibe. The location is excellent—just a short walk from Changdeokgung Palace and nearby Hanbok rental shops, with several traditional hanok villages within easy reach. The food offered on-site is surprisingly good and much more affordable than expected. Our host, an elderly lady, prepared a simple but comforting Korean breakfast both mornings—warm and homey, which added a nice touch. The ensuite bathroom was a practical bonus. However, there were some notable drawbacks. No one was around to greet us upon arrival—we had to rely on our driver to contact the host, who eventually showed up after some delay. The neighborhood is very local, so English signage is minimal, and even locals can struggle to find the place. Taxis are often unwilling to enter the narrow alleyways, so we ended up dropping off at the main road and walking in while dragging our luggage. This made getting to the guesthouse quite inconvenient. Also, room insulation isn’t great—conversation from the adjacent room came through clearly. While I’ve stayed in other hanoks before and appreciated their charm, this one doesn’t quite offer the best value compared to alternatives. If you’re seeking a quiet, immersive cultural stay and don’t mind navigating a bit of a maze, it could work. But if you prioritize ease of access, clear communication, and better service, there are definitely better options out there.

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.

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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