Four Seasons Seoul
Seoul

Directly opposite the storied Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul rises elegantly over the capital, a 29-storey haven where contemporary luxury meets the soul of traditional Korea. Its shimmering glass-and-steel façade subtly echoes the geometry of a royal palace, and this dialogue between past and present continues inside, where serene modern spaces are enriched with hand-crafted Korean details and striking works by the country’s leading contemporary artists. Vast floor-to-ceiling windows frame the hotel’s remarkable dual outlook - the tiled rooftops and tranquil courtyards of the palace to one side, and the glittering skyscrapers of Seoul’s modern business district to the other.

The 317 guestrooms, including 43 suites, are generous, light-filled sanctuaries designed with understated elegance. Standard rooms range from 41-48m², while the showpiece Sejong Corner Suites extend to 206m², each blending minimalist lines with subtle Korean motifs in silk, celadon and warm natural woods. White Italian-marble bathrooms feel wonderfully indulgent, complete with deep soaking tubs, separate rainforest showers, double vanities and Lorenzo Villoresi amenities. Thoughtful technology, such as personalised iPad Minis for service, customisable Four Seasons beds, well-stocked refrigerated bars and plentiful charging points, ensures an effortless stay.

Wellness is a defining feature of the hotel. Guests have access to a superb fitness centre, bright indoor pools and an entire floor dedicated to Korean sauna culture, all benefitting from abundant natural light. For something distinctive, the 10th-floor Golf Experience lets you perfect your swing using advanced 3D simulation of the world’s most iconic courses. The spa, one of Seoul’s finest, blends modern therapies with time-honoured Asian healing traditions.

Dining is a true highlight, with eight exceptional restaurants and bars that draw both international guests and discerning Seoulites. From Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine to breezy alfresco dining on the 15th-floor terrace, the hotel’s culinary offering is endlessly enticing. And tucked beneath the hotel is one of Seoul’s most atmospheric secrets - an intimate speakeasy-style bar, where mixologists craft inventive cocktails in a moody, art-deco–inspired setting, the perfect end to a day of exploring the city.

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I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson