Though there’s no shortage of places to stay in South Korea’s capital, few hotels top the grandeur and convenience of the Park Hyatt Seoul.
Located in the upscale Gangnam district, known for being one of the city’s main financial and shopping hubs (and a pop hit you may have heard of), the hotel is perfectly situated for business and leisure travelers. It’s hard to miss this gleaming tower that stands out among the many skyscrapers. Inside, the hotel’s timeless design hardly gives away its age as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, Park Hyatt Seoul has organized a range of events and unique guest experiences throughout April. The hotel’s restaurants will welcome renowned chefs from Park Hyatt locations around the world, including pastry chefs from Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo, and Italian and Japanese master chefs.
The lobby is on the 24th floor, where you’re met with the sweeping city views, and friendly and welcoming service. Whether new to the city or not, the staff are always ready to offer advice for navigating this sprawling city.
Stay
Park Hyatt Seoul has 185 guest rooms and suites ranging from 452 to 1,722 sq ft. In a busy city where you’ll often find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, the space the hotel provides is very welcome. As is typical in any big-city hotel, each room has large windows offering views of the district’s famous towers. Unlike other big cities, however, Seoul feels much more low-key. Enjoying the cityscape from the bathtub was a particularly soothing experience.
Guest rooms are decked out with all sorts of amenities, including heavenly Le Labo toiletries. Guest rooms are elegant and uncluttered, with warm wood tones, while the suites feature darker wood and feel a touch above the rest. The slightly stiff and creaky cupboards are the only sign that these rooms are due for renovation soon, though there’s little doubt that the result will be superb when this happens.
The hotel’s 38 suites were recently upgraded, and the largest and most impressive is the Presidential Suite. Renovated in 2024, the 1,722-sq-ft space features a king bedroom, walk-in closet, and expansive bathroom. The living space is even more stunning, thanks to the natural elements — think a wooden eight-seat dining table and marble counter — and Korean-inspired furnishing and decor.
Dine
Park Hyatt Seoul’s signature restaurant is Cornerstone, where guests can enjoy comforting Italian dishes. This is also where breakfast is served each morning, which exceeded our expectations — the Western and Korean options were equally delectable. At The Lounge on the top floor, guests can relax in an open, light-filled space and enjoy classic Korean favorites or seasonal afternoon tea, featuring local delicacies such as bingsu, a popular shaved ice dessert.
A highlight of our stay was spending the evening at The Timber House, the hotel’s underground bar. Sophisticated yet unpretentious, guests can sample premium whiskies and Japanese-inspired small bites, with live music performances most nights.
Relax
The hotel is a relaxing space in itself, but for those in need of a little more TLC, there’s an in-house spa where you can book treatments and massages. The indoor infinity pool by the fitness center is also a nice touch, but it feels a little exposed as diners can see right through the glass walls from The Lounge.
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Explore
Seoul is huge, rivalling other cities in East Asia in terms of places to visit, shop and dine. For those interested in discovering Korean culture, the nearby Bongeun Temple is a must-visit. Bukchon Hanok Village offers a glimpse into the city’s past, dotted with restored traditional houses and chic cafes. It would be a crime to travel to South Korea without shopping; thankfully, there are plenty of upscale and local brands nearby. COEX Mall is just steps away from the hotel — here you’ll also spot the Instagram-famous Starfield Library.
Presidential Suite available upon request. Click here to book the hotel now. Elite Traveler may earn commission if you book through the link.