
Seoul/Naewonsa Temple Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Tucked quietly within Seoul’s bustling heart, Naeui Temple is a sanctuary where time slows down—ancient eaves curve against the sky, and a thousand-year-old ginkgo guards the peace. Step through the gate, hear the gentle chime of a bell, and feel your spirit settle. This isn’t just a temple; it’s a haven for stillness, a rare refuge for souls seeking calm in the urban rush.

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!

This is the perfect getaway! Located in the heart of Insadong, surrounded by traditional culture, shopping, and dining options. The hotel offers top-notch facilities like a business center and meeting rooms for corporate travelers, while family-friendly amenities and a fitness center cater to families and health enthusiasts. With laundry services and a dryer, extended stays are a breeze. Rated 4.7/5 and a 2024上榜酒店, don’t miss out on this gem!













Everything you need to know about Naewonsa Temple
Stay at Lotus Hotel in Myeongdong, Seoul, just a 15-minute drive from Geumjeong Temple, offering excellent accessibility. The hotel blends modern luxury with traditional Korean design, featuring premium bedding and soundproof windows for a peaceful retreat. Guests can enjoy authentic Korean tea ceremonies in the hotel’s Zen-inspired courtyard lounge, embracing mindfulness and culture. Located near Bukchon Hanok Village, it’s an ideal base to explore historic architecture and serene temples like Geumjeong Temple.
Consider staying at Cheongsongak Hanok Guesthouse in Bukchon Hanok Village, a meticulously restored century-old Korean house with original wooden beams and stone courtyards, exuding a deep sense of serenity and tradition. The rooms feature hanok-style tatami mats, handwoven blankets, and natural aromatherapy for a tranquil stay. Just a 10-minute walk from Geumjeong Temple, guests can also join daily tea ceremony workshops and calligraphy classes, offering immersive cultural experiences while enjoying the rhythm of Seoul’s historic neighborhoods.
Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to "Hongik University Station," then transfer to a local bus or walk about 15 minutes to Geumjeong Temple. Use a T-money card or mobile payment apps like KakaoPay for seamless transit access. For convenience and comfort, consider shared e-scooters (Dooly, Lime) available nearby, ideal for short trips without traffic delays. Many hotels and guesthouses offer private shuttle services, making it easy to travel between Geumjeong Temple and major Seoul attractions.
Beyond temple worship and viewing ancient trees, join the daily morning bell ceremony at 6:30 AM at the Great Buddha Hall, where chanting and resonant bells create a profound spiritual atmosphere. During spring, participate in the annual Camellia Festival, showcasing traditional Korean flower arrangement and Zen aesthetics—guests can craft their own dried camellia displays as keepsakes. The temple also offers weekly meditation sessions every Saturday afternoon, led by experienced instructors in a dedicated quiet space, providing a perfect opportunity to cultivate inner peace and mindfulness.
Shilla Seoul Hotel is ideal for visitors seeking both comfort and cultural immersion near Nyeonje Temple. Located just 15 minutes away, it features traditional Korean garden-view rooms and offers immersive experiences like tea ceremony workshops and Hanbok rental services. The hotel’s design blends modern luxury with Korean architectural heritage, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for contemplation. Guests can easily reach Nyeonje Temple via Subway Line 2 to Dongdaemun Station, then transfer to a local bus. Additionally, the on-site boutique sells exclusive handwoven silk scarves from Nyeonje Temple, making a meaningful souvenir of your spiritual journey.
The most convenient route is taking Seoul Subway Line 2 to Dongdaemun Station, then transferring to Bus No. 8003 which stops directly at Nyeonje Temple's main gate. The journey takes about 25 minutes with frequent departures. For those driving, use GPS to navigate to "Nyeonje Temple" via City North Road; the temple offers a dedicated parking lot with ample space. On weekends and holidays, the Seoul Metropolitan Government operates free shuttle buses from Dongdaemun Square, stopping at major attractions including Nyeonje Temple. Check the official Seoul Transportation Portal in advance for updated schedules and service alerts.
Absolutely! The stone stairway behind Nyeonje Temple and the 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree are must-visit photo locations. During autumn, golden leaves blanket the path, creating a stunning contrast against the temple’s red tiles and white walls. The Zen Pond, reflecting sky and pagodas, is perfect for low-angle shots. For panoramic views, head to the Gwanseong Peak Observation Deck on the temple’s western side, offering sweeping vistas of the temple complex and Han River valley—especially breathtaking at sunset. Some areas have limited-time photography zones; pre-HopeGoo and respecting temple rules are recommended to preserve the sacred atmosphere.
Nyeonje Temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), closed every Monday (except public holidays). Admission fees are 6,000 KRW for adults, 3,000 KRW for students, and free for children. Holders of the Seoul Pass or Korean Heritage Pass receive discounted rates. It’s advisable to purchase tickets online or at the box office in advance to avoid queues during peak times. Visitors must remain quiet, refrain from touching Buddha statues or artifacts, and respect restricted photography zones within the temple grounds to preserve its sacred tranquility.
Try the temple vegetarian meal set at Nyeonje Temple’s Zen Dining Hall, featuring seasonal organic ingredients like steamed pumpkin, tofu soup, mountain vegetable salad, and brown rice—embodied by the Zen principle of "tastelessness as true taste." Another local favorite is Old Street Bean Sprout Noodles, served with rich sauce, crisp bean sprouts, and handmade noodles—unique and satisfying. For souvenirs, consider Nyeonje Temple incense candles and handmade Zen notebooks crafted with natural plant dyes, symbolizing peace and mindfulness. All items are available at the temple’s cultural shop, supporting heritage preservation and sustainable practices.
See what other travelers say about Naewonsa Temple

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.

This was my sixth trip to Korea, and without a doubt, this is the most impressive hotel I've stayed at here. While it's a bit of a walk from the subway station, the bus stop is right outside the door—making access to the city incredibly convenient. The room was immaculate, with modern design and thoughtful touches that made it feel luxurious. The staff were warm and attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. From the quiet ambiance to the excellent amenities, every detail felt intentional. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.

Staying at Arirang Hill Hotel Dongdaemun was a fantastic experience. Located right outside Exit 4 of Seoul Subway Line 4, the hotel offers unbeatable convenience for getting around the city—everything from shopping districts to local eateries is just a short walk away. The area is vibrant and full of options, whether you're looking for trendy boutiques or authentic Korean food. Inside the hotel, everything is well-maintained: the front desk staff are friendly and helpful, and the room itself was spacious, clean, and comfortable with excellent attention to detail. Housekeeping clearly takes pride in their work—every time I returned to my room, it felt freshly tidied up. With such a great location, reliable service, and a welcoming atmosphere, I’ll definitely be choosing this hotel again on my next trip to Seoul.

This was our first trip to Seoul, and we stayed at ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong with my son from July 30th to August 5th. We arrived late—after 2:30 a.m.—but check-in was quick and smooth thanks to the 24-hour front desk. Our room was on the 10th floor, compact but well-designed with two beds, a tea station, and all the essentials: soap, shower gel, shampoo, and fresh towels. The room was spotless, quiet, and cozy—the bedding felt brand new and super comfortable. The hotel itself is immaculate, peaceful, and very clean. Staff were friendly, helpful, and professional throughout our stay. What really stood out was the location—walking distance to major landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, plus tons of restaurants, food courts, and shops nearby. Even though we spent most of our days out exploring, coming back to this hotel felt like a relaxing retreat. It’s perfectly priced for the quality, and I’d definitely recommend it. If you're visiting Seoul, don’t hesitate—this is a great choice.

This was my first stay at Mayplace Hotel, and I was genuinely impressed. The room was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed—perfect for a relaxing getaway. The staff were welcoming and helpful, making the whole experience smooth and pleasant. While the nearest subway station is a bit of a walk away, it’s not a major issue considering how quiet and convenient the neighborhood is. Public transport access to major attractions is still good, and there are plenty of nearby dining and shopping options. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and I’d definitely come back. I’ve already recommended it to friends and family—this place truly stands out.

We stayed with a group of four, and the room was just right—perfectly sized for our needs. The amenities were excellent: two bathrooms, two queen beds, and two twin beds, so everyone had their own space. The kitchen was fully equipped with a fridge, washing machine, and even a vintage vinyl record player—such a fun touch! The rooftop view is unbeatable, offering stunning panoramic views of Seoul’s city lights at night. It's truly magical. The only downside is that the hotel is located on a hill, which makes getting around a bit tricky—taxis can be hard to catch—but the host was incredibly helpful and arranged one for us without any hassle. Plus, they speak fluent Chinese, which made communication super easy. Overall, this place offers an amazing experience with great value. Definitely worth staying again!

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.

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!
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