Severance Hospital is Korea's first modern Western medicine hospital, founded in 1885, and remains one of the country's most respected academic medical centres, affiliated with Yonsei University College of Medicine. The hospital is nationally recognised for oncology, cardiovascular medicine, and robotic surgery, and its Yonsei Cancer Center is among the most advanced in Asia. Hotels in Sinchon and Mapo district near Yonsei University offer families a lively, university-town atmosphere in the heart of Seoul.
Our Picks — Seoul
Jangchung
The Shilla Seoul is the Korean luxury institution — a grand resort hotel set in lush parkland near Namsan Mountain, renowned for its La Yeon restaurant (three Michelin stars), sublime spa, and a standard of personal service that remains unmatched in Korea.
Gangnam
Occupying the top floors of the COEX Tower in Gangnam, Park Hyatt Seoul is defined by its vast windows framing city panoramas, minimalist interiors by Super Potato, and an infinity pool that hovers at cloud level. A perennial design hotel benchmark.
Jamsil
Perched on floors 76–101 of the Lotte World Tower — South Korea's tallest building — Signiel Seoul offers literally cloud-piercing views of the Han River and city below. Its Signatures restaurant and butler service are as elevated as the address suggests.
Gwanghwamun
Opened in 2015 in a dramatic skyscraper steps from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Four Seasons Seoul houses eight restaurants including Yun Tong — one of Korea's finest Cantonese establishments — plus a stunning spa inspired by traditional Korean jjimjilbang bathhouse culture.
Gangnam
The crown jewel of Korea's Josun Hotel Group, this 254-room Gangnam flagship opened in 2021 to immediate acclaim — its Louis Vuitton flagship on premises, palatial lobby, Michelin-starred Bar & Grill, and genuinely rare warm service in a neighbourhood that usually skews corporate.
Hongdae
Ryse is Seoul's best design hotel for creatives — its contemporary art collection spans thousands of works, the rooftop bar Uppercut has arguably the finest views in Hongdae, and the MashiMaro Bakery in the lobby has become a neighbourhood institution.
Looking for more options? See all Seoul hotels