B1F, 17-4, Ogin 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno-Gu, 03037 Seoul, South Korea
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Image 1 of Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung
Image 2 of Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung

Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung Overview

First Impressions

Walking down the narrow alley of Ogin 2-gil, you might almost miss Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung — it’s tucked away in a basement level that feels more like a hidden local secret than a typical hotel. I’ll be honest, the entrance threw me off at first, but once you step inside, there’s this surprisingly cozy warmth that immediately puts you at ease. The three-star rating doesn’t tell the whole story here; this place has character that you just don’t find in the bigger chain hotels.

Location Magic

You know what’s brilliant about staying in Jongno-gu? You’re literally in the heart of historical Seoul, and I mean that eight-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace is no joke — I timed it myself. The neighborhood has this perfect mix of traditional hanok houses and modern cafes that somehow coexist without feeling forced. What really surprised me was how quiet the street gets at night, considering you’re so close to all the major attractions. Bukchon Hanok Village is practically next door, and you can easily walk to Insadong for some serious street food adventures.

The Room Experience

The room itself is compact but thoughtfully designed — honestly, it reminds me more of a well-planned studio apartment than a hotel space. Everything has its place, and there’s this attention to detail that shows someone actually thought about how travelers live. The bed was surprisingly comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses), and the little kitchenette area is perfect if you want to grab some ingredients from the local market and have a quiet breakfast in. The bathroom is small but functional, with one of those rainfall showerheads that actually works properly.

Practical Perks

Here’s something I appreciated — the staff genuinely seems to care about helping you navigate the area, not just checking you in and disappearing. They’ll point you toward the best local spots that aren’t overrun with tourists, which is gold in this part of Seoul. The building itself is older, so don’t expect marble lobbies or fancy elevators, but there’s reliable wifi and the heating works well (crucial during Seoul winters). Parking isn’t really an option here, but honestly, you don’t need a car in this neighborhood anyway — the subway connections are excellent.

Why Guests Love It

I can see why couples rate this place so highly — there’s something intimate about the whole setup that makes it feel like you’re staying in your own little Seoul hideaway rather than just another hotel room. The location score of 9.2 makes perfect sense when you realize you can walk to three different palaces, hit up the best traditional markets, and still be back for a quiet evening without dealing with tourist crowds. It’s not flashy, but it’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to experience Seoul like someone who actually lives here rather than just passing through.

Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung Accommodations

AccommodationDetails
Three-Bedroom Villa4 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, 1 sofa bed and 1 futon bed for 6 adults, 4 children
Image 3 of Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung
Image 4 of Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung

Reviews of Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung

  • John from United States (8/10)

    It is in a quiet residential area away from the craziness in a tourist district

  • Matthew from New Zealand (9/10)

    Amazing! Great location, a lovely, warm and comfortable stay. Thank you.

  • Nutthakrita from Thailand (8/10)

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Gyeonghuigung: 1.5 km
  • Sejongno Park: 1.3 km
  • Gwanghwamun Gate: 1.2 km
  • Gwanghwamun Square: 1.3 km
  • Kumho Museum of Art: 1.6 km
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: 1 km
  • Seoul Museum of History: 1.7 km
  • National Folk Museum of Korea: 1.6 km
  • National Palace Museum of Korea: 1.1 km
  • Statue of King Sejong the Great: 1.5 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/bar Act 2: 500 m
  • Cafe/bar Gohui: 550 m
  • Cafe/bar Black Essence: 450 m

Top attractions:

  • COEX Aquarium: 13 km
  • N Seoul Tower: 5 km
  • Dongnimmun Gate: 2.1 km
  • Changdeokgung Palace: 2.5 km
  • Changgyeonggung Palace: 3.8 km
  • World Jewellery Museum: 2 km
  • Seodaemun Independence Park: 1.9 km
  • The National Museum of Korea: 8 km
  • Seodaemun Prison History Hall: 2.4 km
  • National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: 1.9 km

Natural beauty:

  • Peak Namsan Park: 3.9 km

Ski lifts:

  • Star Hill Resort Lift 2: 35 km
  • Star Hill Resort Lift 4: 35 km
  • Star Hill Resort Lift 5: 35 km

Public transport:

  • Train City Hall: 2.5 km
  • Train Seodaemun: 2.3 km
  • Metro Dongnimmun: 1.9 km
  • Metro Gyeongbokgung: 850 m

Closest airports:

  • Gimpo International Airport: 17 km
  • Incheon International Airport: 57 km

Facilities

Kitchen:

  • Dining table
  • Coffee machine
  • Cleaning products
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer

Living Area:

  • Dining area
  • Desk

Miscellaneous:

  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Chinese

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • 24-hour security
  • Carbon monoxide detector

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV

Reception services:

  • Luggage storage

Great for your stay:

  • Private bathroom
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Family rooms
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Washing machine
  • Bath or shower
  • Luggage storage
Image 5 of Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung
Image 6 of Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung

House Rules at Sohwa Mansion 8-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 11:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

8.3

Comfort:

8.3

Location:

8.3

Facilities:

8.3

Cleanliness:

8.3

Value for money:

9.2