Art and Culture Hotels in Seoul, South Korea

A short walk away from the must-see Deoksugung Palace, the Lotte Hotel puts historic Seoul on your doorstep. But with its grand chandeliers, columned lobby and elegant array of restaurants, you might find it difficult to leave this palatial pad. Over a thousand rooms are dressed in neutral, classically elegant styles, and populated by leisure and well-heeled business travellers. Book into the 35th-floor Pierre Gagnaire restaurant for sweeping city views and indulgent elegant French bites.

Sprawling Namsan Park is Seoul’s main green space, and its vast mountainous landscape, dotted with cherry trees, is a hub for local cultural life. And this resort-style hotel puts you right on the edge of it. But you’re not only here to explore the great outdoors; Banyan Tree does indoor pampering to a tee. Book a ‘Tropical Rainmist’ treatment in its spa, and follow up with a light lunch in the serene Sauna Lounge.

Spending a night at boutiquey HOTEL April almost feels like staying inside a piece of art – its Gallery Room is decorated with giant green polkadots on the walls and a minimalist staircase, along with mirror TV and jacuzzi. If you’re more into the location – right by Namsan Park – than the quirkiness, there are lower-key rooms too; the Spa Room, with its exposed brick wall and kitchenette, or the terraced Standard Room.

If culture to you means nightlife, this stay is a great pick for you – it’s in the heart of Itaewon, a district packed with restaurants, bars, karaoke and shopping. And this contemporary hotel brings all the vibrancy of the area inside, with lobby walls splashed in rainbow hues and unusual frescoes (such as a giant Rubik’s Cube) in rooms. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, take note: there’s a Godiva shop right on site.

On the banks of Seoul’s winding Han River, at the foot of hikers’ favourite Mount Achasan, this hotel is a winner with outdoorsy types. The views – as the name might suggest – are a big draw, and you can take in the waters or greenery right from bed, through your floor-to-ceiling windows. Meanwhile, the décor is light, bright and contemporary, from the Italian-inflected Del Vino restaurant, serving Tuscan t-bone steak and truffle-topped pasta, to the glassy indoor pool.

With Changdeokgung Palace a short walk to the east and Gyeongbokgung a stroll to the west – you’re spoiled for choice with cultural sights when you book into Rak Ko Jae. But you don’t have to leave to get a culture fix. The hanok-style hotel lets you sleep in traditional Korean accommodation, with tiled roofs, wooden detailing and rollaway >yo< mattresses. Another highlight is the chance to sample a traditional Korean feast, complete with fiery kimchi and grilled beef.

People come to Itaewon to have fun, and the Mondrian reflects this – its own swanky rooftop bar turns out elegant cocktails (plus ace city views) while its Cleo restaurant dishes up Mediterranean sharing dishes perfect for banqueting with buddies. The swanky but not OTT rooms are perfectly on-point for the younger crowd, with herringbone floors, rounded-edge mirrors and super speedy wifi. If you stumble in late after enjoying the area’s party scene, there’s 24/7 room service for snacks, too.

Culture doesn’t just mean old palaces and temples. South Korea does a booming trade in modern culture, including the cute cartoon-like characters known as LINE FRIENDS. If you’re a fan of the brand, this hotel is for you; with a number of themed rooms on site, dressed in red and blue, let you get up close and personal with Brown, Cony and Sally. Never heard of them? There are regular, unthemed rooms too, in simple but stylish monochrome.

With its ultra-minimalist stylings – white boxy spaces with the occasional statement piece of furniture – Small House Big Door feels like a museum space. And actually, it is; it showcases exhibitions from artists and designers in its dedicated gallery spaces, alongside hosting guests in its 25 bedrooms and bistro-cum-café. When you want to head out exploring, Myeongdong – with its bargain shopping and DIY Korean barbecue restaurants – is only a short walk away.

It’s easy access to the serene Achasan mountain and Seoul’s snaking river, but it’s not the only reason to book into Walkerhill Douglas House. The focus on lush local nature extends to its rooms, which feature nude wood boarding, framed leaf artworks and forest hues. The highlight? The Traditional Suite, which combines the hotel’s signature cool modern stylings with traditional Korean design. Don’t miss a swim in the lovely indoor pool, either.