Four Seasons Hotel Seoul review

Editor’s note: Flying Frugal received a complimentary two-night stay from Four Seasons to provide an in-depth review of the hotel and its amenities. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and have not been reviewed by the hotel or any external organization.

Four Seasons hotels are typically exceptional, with their Asia locations often standing out even more. My travels across the continent—from Hong Kong to Osaka and Vietnam to Beijing—have resulted in memorable experiences with the brand. Therefore, during a recent visit to Seoul, I was thrilled to stay at Four Seasons’ impressive property in this dynamic South Korean capital.

Perched above Gyeongbokgung Palace, the hotel features a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, as well as a stunning traditional Korean sauna for guests. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul truly captivated me. Here are my highlights—and reasons why you should consider a stay if you’re visiting buzzing Seoul.

Related: The 16 best Four Seasons in the world, as recommended by travel experts

Overview of the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is an extensive property with 29 floors situated in the Gwanghwamun area. Offering 285 rooms and 32 suites, the hotel also boasts multiple restaurants and bars, an executive club, an in-house floral designer, a spa, a traditional sauna, a golf simulator, and an indoor pool. It serves as a membership club, appealing to locals with its gym, sauna, and diverse dining options, including a remarkable buffet.

The hotel’s design merges modern luxury with traditional Korean aesthetics, making it an ideal choice for both business travelers and tourists exploring the city’s attractions.

Booking the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

While Four Seasons does not yet have its own loyalty program (which many hope for), cash rates for this property start in the mid-$400 range, generally hovering around $600 and upward.

Booking through programs like American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts (available to Platinum Card® holders) or The Edit by Chase Travel℠ (for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders) can provide valuable perks like room upgrades, property credits, complimentary breakfasts, and guaranteed late checkout.

Related: Best ways to travel to South Korea using points and miles

Accommodation at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

During my two-night stay, I enjoyed a Corner Premier room, boasting over 600 square feet of space. The airy room featured large windows offering breathtaking city views and was decorated with a blend of elegant woods, crisp white linens, a patterned blue carpet, and modern accents.

A writing desk and office chair, along with a cozy lounge chair and side table for reading, added to the comfort. Across from the bed, a small couch faced a large TV on a swivel mount, allowing easy viewing from both the living area and the sumptuous bed.

In the bathroom, a separate wash closet contained the toilet and sink, while the main area featured a deep soaking tub with city views, double vanities, a hidden TV in the mirror, and Four Seasons’ signature luxurious towels. The hotel also provides upscale Diptyque toiletries—an elegant touch to an already spectacular bathroom.

Additional amenities included ample closet space, a minibar stocked with drinks, a coffee maker, an electric kettle, and a safe. As a fan of vibrant cityscapes, having such stunning views from my own room was a true highlight.

Dining Experiences at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

When visiting Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, prepare to indulge your taste buds, as the hotel hosts an impressive array of dining options, including an extensive buffet, Italian, Japanese, and Cantonese restaurants, a speakeasy, and a lounge offering Korean snacks and cocktails.

Here’s a breakdown of my culinary experiences:

Oul

Oul, a cocktail bar that pays homage to Seoul’s dynamic nightlife, serves elevated Korean bar snacks. I appreciated the Oul set menu (around $107), which included three cocktails and delectable dishes like Korean fried chicken, lobster tteokboki, and beef tartare wrapped in quinoa popcorn. Additionally, the kimchi mule was a standout at $22, showcasing a grilled piece of Jongga kimchi.

Yu Yuan

With a Michelin star, Yu Yuan specializes in Cantonese cuisine, featuring everything from dim sum to Peking duck. I sampled the Brunch in the Rock Garden set menu ($124) on a weekend and relished pork and shrimp siu mai dumplings alongside roasted pork belly and new flavors like abalone. It felt like a great value for a Michelin-starred experience.

Charles H.

For a chic cocktail spot, Charles H., a basement speakeasy, offers a glamorous atmosphere paired with delicious dishes. I enjoyed a special offer of a signature cocktail and food item for $37, trying a Manhattan flight, before opting for the Riviera Martini ($24). Reservations are recommended as the venue fills up quickly.

Maru

Located just off the lobby, Maru provides a casual atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I enjoyed a comforting breakfast soup with rice and traditional banchan—delectable Korean side dishes.

The Market Kitchen

Don’t miss the expansive international breakfast buffet at The Market Kitchen, featuring options ranging from Asian noodle dishes and dim sum to pastries and made-to-order selections. The buffet is also available for lunch and dinner during weekdays, with prices starting around $57 for breakfast, $124 for lunch, and $136 for dinner.

Amenities and Activities

There’s so much to explore at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul that it’s hard to cover everything, but here are the key highlights:

• Four Seasons Club Seoul: This multifaceted club includes a gym and Korean-style sauna, open to both guests and non-members. The gym is extensive, while the sauna features pools with various temperatures and a steam room. I enjoyed starting my morning with a workout followed by a relaxing sauna experience.
• Three pools, including a dedicated children’s plunge pool.
• Seoul Spa provides a range of treatments including massages and signature experiences; I particularly enjoyed a trendy color analysis.
• There’s a classic barbershop for haircuts and shaves, complete with whiskey while you wait.
• Celebrity florist Nicolai Bergmann has a boutique on the hotel’s ground floor.
• Kids can partake in organized paid activities at the Kids for All Seasons Lounge.
• The hotel’s press reader service supplies guests with access to over 7,000 newspapers and magazines.
• Four Seasons Seoul is pet-friendly, with a $184 fee including special amenities.
• A house car service is available for international guests on a first-come, first-served basis for local trips.
• Google Chromecast is available for streaming to your room’s television.

Insider Tips for Staying at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

• The hotel features special bookable experiences for couples, including city tours, spa treatments, and romantic dinners.
• The concierge can assist in arranging various tours, from palace visits to DMZ excursions.
• Public transportation is generally quicker than driving in Seoul; consider downloading KakaoMap for reliable navigation info.

Accessibility Information

While specific accessibility details are minimal online, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul does offer accessible rooms, including several larger Accessible Deluxe options. For more information, travelers are encouraged to call +81 (2) 6388-5000.

Final Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. The stunning property holds delightful surprises around every corner, from the Charles H. speakeasy to Nicolai Bergmann’s exquisite floral displays. Embracing the local sauna culture contributed to my relaxation, leaving me wishing I could replicate that experience at home.

Despite its size, the personal attention from the staff made my stay feel intimate. Even amid the busy lobby, they consistently recognized and greeted me.

The real highlight, however, was the incredible culinary journey within the hotel, offering tastes from around the globe, including Michelin-starred dishes. Best of all, after indulging, you can simply take the elevator straight to your room.

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