Seoul Kyeongbokgung Hanok

Seoul Kyeongbokgung Hanok Overview

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first heard about staying at the Seoul Kyeongbokgung Hanok, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from a traditional Korean house experience. But honestly? It turned out to be one of those travel decisions that just clicks, you know what I mean.

The location alone is pretty incredible. You’re literally walking distance from Gyeongbokgung Palace (hence the name), and I mean actually walking distance – not that fake “walking distance” hotels love to claim. I’d step out in the morning and there’d be this amazing contrast between the traditional hanok architecture around me and the modern pulse of Seoul just humming in the background. The whole Bukchon area has this sort of living museum feel, where you’ll see elderly Korean ladies in hanboks heading to the market while tourists are snapping photos of the traditional rooflines. It’s touristy, sure, but in a way that still feels authentic.

What really got me about this place was the attention to the little details that matter when you’re actually living there for a few days. The ondol heating system – those heated floors – is honestly a game-changer, especially if you’re visiting during Seoul’s brutal winter months. I mean, you’re sleeping on a futon-style bed, which sounds uncomfortable until you realize you’re basically sleeping on a warm floor. It’s surprisingly cozy. The courtyard areas are peaceful too, though you’ll definitely hear some street noise during the day since this isn’t some isolated retreat – it’s right in the heart of things.

The bathrooms are updated enough that you won’t feel like you’re roughing it (thank goodness), but they’ve kept that traditional aesthetic that makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere special rather than just another generic hotel room. Check-in was pretty straightforward, though I’d recommend brushing up on basic Korean phrases or having translation apps ready – the staff’s English varies, but they’re incredibly helpful and patient.

Here’s the thing about hanok stays that nobody really warns you about – the walls aren’t exactly soundproof. You might hear your neighbors moving around, especially in the morning when everyone’s getting ready for their palace visits. But honestly, it adds to the communal feel of the experience. I actually ended up chatting with other travelers over breakfast recommendations because of it.

The 8.3 rating feels about right for what this is. It’s not luxury in the Western sense – you’re not getting room service or a concierge – but it’s an authentic slice of Korean culture that’s been thoughtfully adapted for modern travelers. The three-star rating probably undersells the uniqueness of the experience, though it’s accurate if you’re just looking at amenities on paper. For the price point and the cultural immersion you get, especially with Insadong and all those incredible Korean BBQ spots just a short subway ride away, it’s actually pretty solid value. Just don’t expect to lounge around the room all day – this is more of a base camp for exploring everything Seoul has to offer.

Seoul Kyeongbokgung Hanok Accommodations

Reviews of Seoul Kyeongbokgung Hanok

• Ema from South Korea (9/10)

  It was a lot prettier than the photos and had a nice space where we could all sit together and talk.

• Markéta from Czech Republic (9/10)

  The place was really pretty and spacious. The bathroom was new and the cleanest bathroom i've ever seen in Korea. The location was nice if you wanted to stay close to Gwanghwamun and palaces. It was a perfect place to chill at with friends!

• Karen from Australia (9/10)

  The apartment was a max 15 minute walk from the Gyeongbokgung Station. There are so many restaurants and cafes on he way to the apartment. It's located in a residential, quiet location, yet so close to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Everything you need is provided…except your own toothbrush.:) Easy to use the buses and subway (line 3). There is an airport limousine bus at Exit 2, Gyeongbokgung Station and it's so easy to use to get to the airport. We stayed 5 nights and everyone loved the place. It was great to go out in the morning, come back and have a break or rest from the heat and then go out again in the evening. There is a fantastic Jeju Black Pork BBQ restaurant close by. It was so good we went there twice and both times it was delicious. The apartmtnent is great value for money when sharing with 4 -5 people and a nicer experience than a hotel.

• Jacqueline from Singapore (3/10)

  House was clean and neat. This would have been a good place for 2-3pax that don't mind a smaller space.

• 김 from South Korea (8/10)

  깔끔한 실내 디자인

• Sunmi from South Korea (9/10)

  숙소가 깨끗하고 아기자기하게 예뻐요~ 경복궁역에서 숙소까지 오는 길이 딱 서촌 데이트코스라 진짜 좋았어요! 위치도 좋고 독채인 숙소라 편안하게 쉬다 갑니다👍🏽

Facilities