Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital, is home to some of the most architecturally impressive and aesthetically pleasing hotels in Asia. From traditional Korean elements blended with modern design to ultra-contemporary spaces, these design hotels offer unique experiences that go beyond mere accommodation. Here’s our curated list of Seoul’s top 10 design hotels that perfectly balance luxury, style, and Korean hospitality.
1. Signiel Seoul
Occupying the upper floors of Lotte World Tower, Seoul’s tallest building, Signiel Seoul represents the pinnacle of luxury hotel design. The hotel’s interior seamlessly merges contemporary elegance with traditional Korean motifs, featuring soaring ceiling heights and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking city views.
Each room showcases custom-made furniture and artwork specifically designed to complement the hotel’s elevated position and sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurants feature stunning interior designs that rival their culinary offerings. Perhaps most impressive is the 86th-floor champagne bar, which offers one of the most dramatic dining settings in Asia.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul stands as a masterpiece of contemporary luxury design, incorporating elements of Korean tradition with modern sophistication. The hotel’s interior design, crafted by LTW Designworks, features a stunning collection of contemporary Korean art and custom-made furniture that reflects local craftsmanship.
Natural materials like wood, stone, and traditional Korean textiles are used throughout the space to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s seven restaurants each boast distinct design concepts, from contemporary Japanese minimalism to European classical elegance. The spa area particularly stands out with its serene design inspired by traditional Korean bathhouses.
3. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
Recently renovated, the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas showcases a bold architectural vision that combines contemporary design with functional luxury. The hotel’s striking lobby features a dramatic curved staircase and an impressive art installation that changes colors throughout the day.
The rooms employ a sophisticated neutral palette accented with subtle metallic touches and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city views. Designer furniture pieces and custom lighting fixtures create an atmosphere of understated elegance throughout the property. The hotel’s innovative use of space and light makes it a standout example of modern hotel design.
4. Marriott Executive Apartment Seoul
The Marriott Executive Apartment Seoul represents a perfect blend of residential comfort and hotel luxury in its design approach. The property features contemporary interiors with clean lines and a warm color palette that creates a home-like atmosphere.
Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with modern artwork and custom furniture that maximizes space efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The building’s architectural design incorporates extensive use of glass and steel, creating bright, airy spaces throughout. The rooftop garden and lounge area showcase exceptional landscape design with panoramic city views.
5. Lotte Hotel World
Lotte Hotel World stands out for its imaginative design that caters to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel’s interior design theme revolves around “Modern Korean Luxury,” with contemporary interpretations of traditional Korean patterns and materials. The property features dramatic public spaces with soaring ceilings and impressive chandeliers that create a grand first impression.
Guest rooms showcase a sophisticated design with custom-made furniture and artwork that reflects Korean culture in a modern context. The hotel’s recreational facilities, including the indoor pool area, feature particularly innovative design elements that create an resort-like atmosphere.
6. Josun Palace, Seoul Gangnam
As part of the Luxury Collection, Josun Palace represents the height of modern Korean luxury design. The hotel’s interior design draws inspiration from the Korean royal courts, featuring traditional patterns and materials reimagined in a contemporary context. The lobby makes a striking first impression with its double-height ceilings and dramatic lighting installations.
Each room is meticulously designed with custom furnishings that blend Korean aesthetics with modern comfort. The rooftop bar and restaurant spaces showcase particularly innovative design approaches, with panoramic views complementing the sophisticated interiors.
7. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul
Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul stands out for its nature-inspired design approach that creates an urban oasis. The property’s architecture harmoniously blends with its location on Namsan Mountain, featuring extensive use of natural materials and organic forms. Guest rooms showcase a minimalist Asian design aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outside in. The spa facilities are particularly noteworthy, with design elements that create a serene, meditative atmosphere. The outdoor areas feature thoughtfully designed landscapes that provide a peaceful retreat from the city.
8. Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel
The Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel emphasizes contemporary design with a distinctly Korean touch. The hotel’s modern facade features an innovative use of glass and steel that creates a striking presence in the Yongsan district. Interior spaces showcase a sophisticated color palette with subtle references to traditional Korean design elements.
The rooms feature custom-designed furniture and carefully chosen artwork that creates a refined atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurants and public spaces demonstrate particular attention to lighting design, creating different moods throughout the day.
9. Westin Josun Seoul Hotel
The Westin Josun Seoul Hotel combines historical significance with contemporary design excellence. The property’s recent renovation masterfully preserves elements of its heritage while introducing modern luxury design elements.
The lobby features an impressive art collection and custom-designed furniture that pays homage to Korean craftsmanship. Guest rooms showcase a sophisticated neutral palette with thoughtful touches of traditional Korean design elements. The hotel’s restaurants and bars feature particularly innovative design approaches that create distinct atmospheres for different dining experiences.
10. Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel
The Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel represents a perfect marriage of French elegance and Korean design sensibilities. The hotel’s interior design features dramatic public spaces with custom art installations and lighting fixtures that create a sophisticated atmosphere. Each room showcases a careful balance of comfort and style, with custom-designed furniture and carefully chosen artwork.
The property’s restaurants and bars feature particularly innovative design approaches that blend French and Korean aesthetic elements. The spa and wellness areas demonstrate exceptional attention to detail in creating a serene, luxurious environment.
Seoul’s design hotels represent the perfect fusion of Korean traditional elements with contemporary luxury and innovation. Each property offers a unique interpretation of modern hotel design while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and service. Whether you’re seeking ultra-modern luxury or traditional Korean elegance, these hotels provide extraordinary environments that enhance the Seoul travel experience. Their thoughtful design approaches not only create memorable stays but also showcase the evolution of Korean hospitality design on the global stage.