6 Best Hotels in Jongno-gu, Seoul

The finest of all of Seoul's traditional hanok lodgings, everything at Rakkojae—from the master bedroom's heated jade floors to the elegant Korean-course meals—is orchestrated to help guests better experience and understand Korean tradition. Built entirely with the same traditional techniques used in temples, and renovated by a craftsman who is also a national treasure, staying at Rakkojae gives the impression of visiting the home of a Joseon-era aristocrat. The quiet, traditional hanok residences of Bukchon add to the feeling of being transported back in time. Rakkojae also offers guests the opportunity to experience a tea ceremony, Korean earthen sauna, or (for an extra fee) a traditional Korean performance.

Open since 2018, this stylish accommodation in the Jongno 3-ga neighborhood has \"petit\" yet clean rooms, plus facilities like an airy rooftop lounge and café. While the rooms are relatively small at approximately 10 square meters (108 square feet, the twin room), the facilities are well-maintained, and the simple, white design of the rooms gives the illusion of spaciousness. To make up for the lack of sunlight within the rooms themselves, the shared facilities include a rooftop lounge and a cafe, also open to the public. The hotel’s attention to detail can be observed in the small things, such as sockets and soft lighting conveniently located near the bed and free coffee available to guests at all times.

A recently renovated hotel near Insa-dong, the Amid Hotel is a safe choice for families, guests in town for business, and larger groups. There is a breakfast buffet called the Bansang, a fitness center with all the essentials, and a coin laundry. The rooms range from a Standard Single, sleeping one person, to the Executive Suite with a king bed and a Jacuzzi-style bathtub. All the rooms come with goose-down bedding and blackout curtains to keep the otherwise sunny rooms dark when you'd like to sleep in.

One of the most luxurious accommodations in Seoul, this location of the Four Seasons boasts several well-reputed restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa in addition to spotless, sunny guest rooms that have panoramic city views. Located in the heart of the city only a few steps away from Gwanghwamun Station, the hotel is both easy to access and quiet at night (since many nearby attractions close early on in the evening). Spend an afternoon at the Korean sauna within the spa and grab a bite at The Market Kitchen, an international buffet and marketplace where items can be bought a la carte. Yu Yuan, a high-end Cantonese restaurant, serves one of the best Peking ducks in the country and drinks at Charles H., the world-class speakeasy in the basement, is also a must.

Conveniently located in the Insa-dong neighborhood, Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse is a four-bedroom accommodation in a traditional Korean setting. While each room comes with a Western-style toilet in the bathroom, there are Korean-style futons instead of conventional mattress-type beds, which should be noted for those unaccustomed to sleeping on the floor. The facilities are run by a friendly older couple and welcomes families, including children of all ages. However, for those looking for a bit more quiet, there is little insulation to block out noise among other guests. The main attraction is the sunny courtyard in the center where an American-style breakfast is served in the morning. The prices are very reasonable for a hanok stay of this stature.

Marriott's trendy boutique hotel brings value for money with small but thoughtfully designed rooms and a central location in Insa-dong. Make sure to take in the panoramic views from the bar, Seoul at Moxy, sip cocktails at the rooftop, or enjoy free coffee and tea in the Grab and Go Lounge, which is open 24 hours a day. Rooms are clean and simple, with TVs and fluffy bedding.