Korean Shamanism in KPop Demon Hunters: History, Beliefs & Activities
I watched KPop Demon Hunters a few weeks back. Most of it was great, just the ending left me confused, like many online. Later, I learned the movie’s shaman-inspired demon-fighting elements actually came from real Korean Shamanism.
I decided to check it out on a trip to Korea last week. This was just what I found: the link between the movie and shamanism, what shamanism actually is, and which experiences are worth your time.👀
AI Summary
This summary is AI-generated by Trip.com. For the complete guide, please refer to the article below.
Korean Shamanism features animistic rituals to balance spiritual energy. Travelers can experience saju fortune-telling sessions costing 100,000 to 150,000 won for 45-minute consultations at specialized cafes in Seoul.
What Is Korean Shamanism? (Definition, History & Core Beliefs)
Korean shamanism Archives - Korean Quarterly
Korean Shamanism Definition
Korean Shamanism—known as “Muism” (무교) or “Sinism” (신교)—is Korea’s indigenous, animistic belief system. It centers on the idea that all things (mountains, rivers, trees, ancestors) have spirits (“sin” or “shin”), and that humans can communicate with these spirits through trained practitioners (mudangs). It’s not a rigid religion with a holy book or centralized church—more a living, adaptive tradition of healing, ritual, and cultural identity.
Korean Shamanism History
- Origins (3000 BCE–500 CE): Shamanism predates recorded Korean history. Archaeological finds (stone tools, cave paintings) suggest early Koreans practiced spirit worship and ritual healing. It was the dominant belief system until Buddhism and Confucianism arrived.
- Influence of Buddhism & Confucianism (500 CE–1900s): Buddhism (introduced 4th century) and Confucianism (adopted as state ideology in the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910) marginalized shamanism. Confucianism, which valued social hierarchy, labeled mudangs “low class” for their unconventional roles (women often led rituals, and they didn’t fit Confucian gender norms). Buddhism absorbed some shamanic elements (e.g., ancestor veneration), but shamanism persisted in rural areas.
- Colonial Era & Suppression (1910–1945): Japan’s colonial rule brought further suppression—shamanic rituals were banned, and mudangs were arrested. Despite this, the tradition survived underground, passed down through families.
- Modern Revival (1980s–Present): After democratization in the 1980s, shamanism reemerged. Young Koreans and foreigners have rediscovered it as a cultural heritage, not just a “superstition.” Today, it’s a mix of tradition and modernity—you’ll find mudangs using social media to book clients, alongside traditional shrine rituals.
Korean Shamanism Core Beliefs
- Animism & Spirituality: All natural elements (mountains, rivers, wind) and ancestors have “sin” (spirits). These spirits aren’t good or evil—they’re powerful forces that require respect to maintain balance.
- Balance (Harmony Between Worlds): The goal of shamanism is “ganjang” (간장)—balance between the human world (“in-gan”) and the spiritual world (“cheon-ji”). Imbalance causes suffering (illness, bad luck, anxiety).
- Mudangs as Mediators: Only mudangs can communicate with spirits. They’re “called” to their role through a spiritual awakening (“sin-nae-rim”)—often a period of illness or distress that ends when they accept their calling and undergo training (including rituals to “connect” with their guiding spirit).
- Rituals for Healing & Transition: Gut ceremonies are held for major life events (birth, marriage, death) or to resolve imbalance (e.g., a gut for someone grieving a loss, or for a community hit by natural disaster). Smaller rituals (like saju fortune-telling) are for personal guidance.
Types of Shamanic Practice
- Shrine-Based Mudangs: Work out of “gutdang” (굿당)—small shrines decorated with spirit symbols, drums, and offerings. They perform full gut ceremonies and one-on-one consultations.
- Mobile Mudangs: Travel to clients’ homes or communities to perform rituals (common in rural areas).
- Fortune-Tellers (Saju Masters): Specialize in “saju” (four pillars of destiny)—a fortune-telling system based on the year, month, day, and hour of birth. Many work in cafes or markets (the ones popular with foreigners).
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Is KPop Demon Hunters based on Korean Shamanism?
KPop Demon Hunters' Review: As Catchy as the Korean Music Phenom
Yes, its core elements (shaman-like warriors, talismans, rituals, and the idea of “demons” as emotional pain) draw directly from Korean Shamanism. They are arranged as follows:
(⚠️Spoiler alert! If you haven't watch the film, please skip this part)
- Shamanic practitioners (mudangs) as “hunters”: The girl group in the film acts as shaman-like fighters. In real Korean Shamanism, a “mudang” is a shaman, like someone who communicates with spirits. They don’t hunt demons, but they help people work through spiritual distress.
- Rituals (gut) and tools: The movie’s over-the-top rituals draw loose inspiration from “gut” (굿), which means real shamanic ceremonies with chants, music and dances to connect with spirits. The talismans the hunters use? Real mudangs give out similar items for protection.
- Demons as “spiritual imbalance”: Online, fans debate whether the demons in the movie are real or metaphors of shame and trauma. South Korean Shamans hold a similar view, spiritual struggles are often related to real-life problems such as anxiety or sadness. These matters need to be addressed, not ignored.
- Whistling as spirit communication: Hunters use quiet signals to call allies. In the true Shamanism, the Mudang people whistle to summon souls. I asked Mudan about this during my trip; she said it was like sending a message to the spiritual world.
Top 3 Korean Shamanism Experiences for Foreigners
How K-dramas are making shamanism cool for Gen Z and millennials ...
I tried this experience more than 3 times last week. These three are the most important-skip the others; they are just for tourists:
English-Speaking Fortune-Telling Cafes (사주 카페)
These are small cafes where mudang does saju (birthday reading) in English. They are not as scary as traditional shrines. I went to a hotel near Shindang Station in Seoul. Ms. Mudang Li speaks fluent English. She did not use confusing terms. She asked me about my work stress, linked it to my Saju chart, and gave simple advice-not something like "you'll get rich", just advice to stop overworking. Booking online (via Klook or Naver) helps; reservations are accepted in most places. If you want, mention that you like KPop Demon Hunter-Ms. Li has the same thoughts on the ending as I do. It costs about 100,000 to 150,000 won in 45 minutes. Talking about culture alone is worth it.
Night Palace Spiritual Tours
These tours take you through palaces such as Gyeongfu Palace or Changdeokgung after dark. The guide explained the shaman symbols in the building-which was more interesting than sightseeing during the day. I joined it with an English-speaking guide. They point to dragon statues (designed to drive away evil spirits) and garden designs (designed to balance energy). We stopped at a small shrine where Mudang sometimes held brief ceremonies. The palace I went to in winter was brightly lit and the snow was very special. Book a week in advance; during the busy season, they will fill up quickly. The tour lasted two hours and cost between 80,000 and 120,000 won.
Name-Giving Services (작명소)
These stores provide you with custom Korean names based on your saju. It's a cheap, meaningful carry on-better than a keychain. My name is "Seo-yun", which means "happy cloud". The staff explained what this meant, how to write it in Korean, and gave me a small certificate. There are many such shops in Myeongdong, and most of them have English menus. It cost 30,000 to 50,000 won.
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Korean Shamanism Tips for Travelers Visiting Korea
Korean Shamanism — NOTES FROM THE EDGE. On Art, Culture, Korea ...
- Respect customs: Take off your shoes at the shrine. Do not take photos during the ceremony without asking. Even if you are skeptical, don't make fun of this practice.
- Budget-wise: Enjoy two to three experiences for just 200,000 won. This is much cheaper than big purchases.
- Timing helps: Go to the cafe in the afternoon-there are not many people there. Book a night tour for a better atmosphere.
- Avoid over-hyped tourism: "K-pop shaman tourism" is just too expensive. I suggest you stick to the basic experiences; they feel more real.
That's it. Just honest info from someone who checked. If you like KPop demon hunters, or if you want to skip common travel content in South Korea, these Shaman experiences are a great way to connect with real Korean culture. I hope everything goes well for your trip.
[10% OFF] Find Best Hotels in Seoul
Seoul Hotels
5 star
Amazing608 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.3km from city center
Each room comes with a KRW 50,000 gift card: I forgot how to use this one.
Located in Myeongdong, it's an older five-star hotel. Because it's an older five-star, the building is a bit low-rise and not very prominent in Myeongdong (as a person bad with directions, I had to use navigation every time to get back to the hotel).
The Airport Limousine Bus 6701 goes directly there, which is super convenient!
Across from the hotel: There's a 7-Eleven and GS25 if you use the underground passage.
Next door, there's an emart24.
Facilities: Well-equipped.
Cleanliness: Good.
Ambiance: Stylish, but the corridor outside the room had a slightly unpleasant smell.
It's very close to Lotte Department Store, and Shinsegae Department Store isn't far either; Shinsegae is a bit better for shopping.
Service: Polite and enthusiastic.
The room key card is made of wood and is quite beautiful.FromUS$365
Amazing347 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.21km from city center
If you're staying in Myeongdong, I highly recommend this established hotel. The subway entrance is right downstairs, and there's a bus stop just across the street. Lotte Department Store is also right next door. The location is absolutely unbeatable! The cleanliness and service are excellent, and the staff are not only good-looking but also very gentle. The breakfast is quite delicious. The only downside is that the room is a bit small, but that's to be expected given the location.FromUS$257
Great263 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.51km from city center
Huge thanks to Penny Wu, Chad, and Johan for their amazing hospitality! Despite the language barrier, Penny helped translate and coordinate our room details, making us feel right at home, just as if we were in our own country. Chad's translation skills were incredibly professional and detailed, and he was very charming too! He and Johan even helped us buy souvenirs. The hotel itself was clean, tidy, comfortable, and spacious. The staff were all warm, patient, and attentive. I'll definitely be booking this hotel again next time!Great670 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.73km from city center
This is a decent hotel, right next to Shinsegae Department Store, and directly outside Exit 7 of Hoehyeon Subway Station. There's a large ramp leading up to the lobby on the first floor, but you have to go to the seventh floor to check in. It seems like there's a police station building nearby with an escalator that takes you right to the lobby entrance.
The hotel gave me a room on a higher floor, the 25th floor, which I believe is the top floor for guest rooms, but it was a corner room. The room layout was a bit odd; the room itself wasn't very big, with not much space beyond the bed, but the bathroom was exceptionally large, almost the same size as the room. There was a connecting door to the adjacent room, which was a suite. From the layout, this room seemed designed as a maid's room for the adjoining suite. When I complained about the corner room to the front desk, I was told that all rooms of this type are corner rooms, likely due to the design. Those who dislike corner rooms should consider this carefully.
The mattress in the room was exceptionally high. Before arriving, I had requested a baby crib, but the hotel didn't reserve one for me that day and instead provided a rail. This rail was hard to describe – it made little difference from having nothing at all. There's a tablet by the bed that controls the mattress and air conditioning. You can directly order bath towels, water, ice, etc., and even send text requests to the front desk.
The hotel appears to be a recommended hotel by LV. Upon check-in, I received an invitation to the LV exhibition, where you could get an LV canvas bag at the Shinsegae LV exhibition across the street. Overall, the hotel is quite good, with medium value for money.FromUS$258
Great494 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.44km from city center
I always used to do my 'hotelcation' at Lotte, but this time I stayed at the Grand Hyatt, and it was an excellent choice! 🫶👍 I regret not coming to the Hyatt sooner, honestly. Haha.
True Wellness Point 1: The location and views are perfect for a quiet hotelcation and refreshing stay. 🫶 Even if it costs more, absolutely make sure to book a Namsan view or Han River view room! There's no need to wait in line at crowded cafes or rooftop cafes in the heat; you can relax in your room and fully enjoy a cafe-like atmosphere. If you convert time into money, this is much more reasonable. 🍀 Cafes in the central Hannam-dong area typically charge 5,500 to 7,500 KRW for an iced Americano. Hotel guests can buy an iced Americano from the 1st-floor deli for 6,500 KRW. ❤️
Wellness Point 2: There's a walking path connected to Namsan, so you can take a stroll after breakfast or even walk to Namsan Tower along the trail. ⭐ Truly the best! 🤗 Another great tip 👉 If you exit through the side path in the parking lot to the left of the hotel's main entrance (instead of the main entrance itself), you'll find Korean restaurants, convenience stores, and rooftop cafes. If the breakfast feels a bit too rich, you can easily balance it with some Korean food. ✨ The central commercial area of Hannam-dong, Itaewon, and Haebangchon are all within basic taxi fare distance, which is very convenient. 🫶
Wellness Point 3: If outdoor activities are too difficult in the heat, you can visit the Leeum Museum of Art right in front of the hotel to enjoy an exhibition and find some mental relaxation.
Downsides: If I had to find any, the gym gets crowded. You need to be quick for breakfast. And if you go to the deli shop late in the afternoon, the salads are often sold out.FromUS$368
Business travel
Very Good923 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.17km from city center
The hotel's location is super convenient, just a few minutes' walk to the subway station, Lotte Duty Free, and Cheonggyecheon Stream, with plenty of cafes and bakeries nearby. The staff were very helpful and communication was quick. The main entrance has stairs, and there's a small slope leading to the back entrance, but the signs aren't very clear, which can be a bit inconvenient if you're lugging suitcases. There was a used cotton swab on the carpet that hadn't been cleaned, but otherwise, the cleanliness was quite good.FromUS$85
Very Good1463 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.9km from city center
I stayed at the VOCA Hotel Seoul Myeongdong (part of IHG) throughout my entire shopping trip to Seoul. It's hands down the most stress-free accommodation choice for exploring Myeongdong, Shinsegae Department Store, and getting to the airport. Traveling with luggage was completely hassle-free, so I absolutely have to recommend it!
**Location & Transportation** are absolutely top-notch. The hotel is right next to Exit 3 of Hoehyeon Station on Subway Line 4, just a 1-minute walk after exiting. Myeongdong main street, Shinsegae/Lotte Duty-Free are only an 8-10 minute walk away, and Namdaemun Market is a mere 2 minutes from the hotel. This means you can drop off your shopping bags and clothes at any time without having to carry heavy loads around. The biggest bonus is that Airport Limousine Bus 6001 stops directly in front of the hotel. For your return journey to Incheon Terminal 1, you can catch the airport bus right across the street, no need for detours or subway transfers. This is incredibly convenient for those with large luggage, or traveling with multiple people, and perfectly suited for catching your flight on the last day.
**🛏️ IHG Brand Quality & Exquisite Details**
1. The overall design is modern light luxury with warm tones. The lobby's blue and white marble color scheme is sophisticated and photogenic. The public areas, with their book and coffee corner, are great for relaxing and taking photos. Although the guest rooms are typical for a city hotel in Korea – a bit on the smaller side – the layout is very efficient. You can fully open and store two 28-inch suitcases without feeling cramped or crowded.
2. The double-glazed windows provide amazing soundproofing! Even though you're in the bustling Myeongdong area, once the windows are closed, you can barely hear the street traffic or people. With blackout curtains and a mattress that's just right – not too soft, not too firm – you can truly get a good night's sleep after a full day of walking around.
3. The amenities are incredibly thoughtful: a complimentary minibar replenished daily, a smart toilet, and a bathtub are all provided. The toiletries are from the British organic brand Bamford, with a premium scent and excellent quality. The high-floor 'tower view' rooms offer direct views of Namsan Seoul Tower at night, and once the lights come on in the evening, it feels just like a Korean drama!
4. The hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour gym, perfect for relaxing after a long journey. The executive lounge on the 18th floor offers panoramic city skyline views, making it an excellent spot for an afternoon tea break and enjoying the scenery. There's also a 24-hour convenience store on the first floor, so you can easily grab snacks or water late at night.
**✅ Service & Breakfast Highlights:**
The front desk has Chinese-speaking staff, ensuring seamless communication. Luggage storage and route inquiries were handled promptly. Housekeeping was meticulous and thoughtful, even folding clothes that were left casually. The buffet breakfast offers a good mix of Korean dishes like noodle soup and simple kimchi sides, as well as Western options like bacon and bread. While the variety isn't extravagant, the taste is authentic and the ingredients are fresh, ensuring a satisfying meal even when you're rushing for your itinerary.FromUS$243
Very Good1601 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.61km from city center
First off, the hotel's location is fantastic. It's really close to both the number 2 and 3 subway stations Ⓜ️, and the 6015 airport bus goes directly to the hotel, which is a huge plus! I understand that hotels in Korea don't provide toothpaste and toothbrushes for environmental reasons, and that's fine. However, we stayed for three days, and they didn't even bother to replace our slippers, which were as thin as paper. After three days, the slippers were literally falling apart – that's a bit much, don't you think? As for cleanliness, there was a layer of dust on the bathroom shelf that we had to clean ourselves. All in all, it's an okay place to stay, but definitely nothing to write home about.FromUS$158
Very Good1522 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.05km from city center
Close to airport bus drop off point bus 6015 just alight at hotel L and walk 3 min . Close to myeongdong shopping area walk 5min . 1 min to myeongdong station exit 10. Free luggage storage at locker room. Lightings in room a bit dim but got used to it after a while. There is a bathrobe, fridge, electric flask and safe in room. Feel safe, convenient, clean and not too expensive.FromUS$90
Very Good2328 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.14km from city center
Sky Garden Dongdaemun 1 is in a fantastic location. It's just a few minutes' walk to the Dongdaemun shopping area, and there's an airport shuttle stop right across the street, making transfers to and from the airport super convenient. The room was clean and tidy, and the bedding was comfortable. The 24-hour front desk had staff who spoke Chinese, which made communication very smooth. There are plenty of convenience stores and restaurants nearby. It's definitely my top choice for shopping and getting around – I'll stay here again next time I'm in Seoul.FromUS$121
Family friendly
Very Good1441 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.22km from city center
This hotel is incredibly convenient! You can take a direct airport shuttle right to the front door. For your return trip, you can even buy your bus tickets directly at the hotel's front desk. Most major attractions are less than a 10-minute stroll away, including an Olive Young store nearby, all easily accessible on foot. There are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity, and if you head in the other direction, you'll reach the city hall – everything is so handy. I found that the service staff in this area generally have good English. The hotel front desk staff's English communication was excellent; they even helped me check that a particular attraction was closed and could only be viewed from a distance. I'm so glad they did, otherwise I would have wasted a taxi ride. Not far from the hotel, there's also a hop-on hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus. I didn't get to ride it as I had plans to meet local friends for dinner, but I asked the ticket vendor, and apparently, it's the kind where you can explore all the sights at your leisure throughout the day.
Overall, I think it offers great value for money and is super convenient for getting around. Plus, there are some passionate and lovely patriotic Korean aunties and uncles right outside the hotel, which was quite charming.
Everything was excellent, except for the hotel being a bit old.FromUS$129
Very Good2022 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.67km from city center
The Hotel location was absolutely amazing. Located in the center of MyeongDong which is close to everything.
Staff was helpful. Rooms are spacious. Everything was fine except one thing which really bothers me.
The facilities are a bit dated, and the hotel has a very strong plumbing odor—specifically, the smell of old pipes.
The bathroom in our room constantly had this sewage/pipe smell, and no amount of flushing could get rid of it.
Later on, we noticed the same smell in the hotel lobby, so we believe it's simply because the facilities are too old.
But overall, this hotel was above average for it's price.FromUS$161
Great2903 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.61km from city center
Very convenient location between two subway stations. Quite a few shopping malls within walking distance, including one right below the hotel. Lots of eateries within the building and just across the street, kbbq, Korean food, eggdrop, shake shack etc. Hotel room was very clean, with daily housekeeping. Would recommend it!FromUS$128
Very Good861 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.34km from city center
The room was really tiny. Whatever you do, don't buy any package deals, like the one for Petite France – it's incredibly far, like an hour and a half to two hours away, and you can't even get a refund. It doesn't really feel like a five-star hotel; more like a four-star. You can walk to Myeongdong in about 20 minutes from the hotel by taking the underground passage straight from Dongdaemun. But I found Korea to be quite run down, with power lines everywhere. Unless you're a big K-pop fan or love concerts, a trip to Korea can be pretty disappointing.
The photo is of a cafe in a shopping area near Dongdaemun. This hotel isn't far from Dongdaemun.FromUS$302
Great581 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.6km from city center
Stayed here for 2 nights from May 28th. The location is great, close to City Hall Station, with many famous restaurants nearby! The front desk staff were also lovely and always smiling. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, allowing for a relaxing stay. Having the WowPass available in the lobby was incredibly convenient and helpful. I'm definitely coming back again! It was so good that I've already booked another 2-night stay for December 3rd, 4th, and 5th! Looking forward to it again!FromUS$158
Hot spring
Very Good1842 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.5km from city center
Excellent, very clean. This is my second time booking here, and I'll definitely stay again when I visit Korea in the future. It's super convenient – just a short downhill walk with your luggage from the hotel entrance to the airport bus stop. Plus, it's very close to Shinsegae and Lotte Duty-Free shops, as well as Myeongdong shopping street. It's also near the subway station. Highly recommended!FromUS$135
Very Good3126 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.57km from city center
I booked a triple room, and it was really good. The hotel is very clean, and the front desk staff speaks Chinese. It's a five-minute walk from the hotel to the subway. There are breakfast places in the alleys on both sides of the hotel. The earliest ones to open are in the alley directly opposite the hotel's main entrance; two of them open quite early, with customers already finishing up and leaving by 7:30 AM. They mainly serve soup dishes. If you walk straight out of the hotel's main entrance, cross the main road, and turn right, you'll find BHC fried chicken. On the left side, facing the hotel's main entrance, if you walk into the alley, there's Twotwo fried chicken, but it's closed on Sundays. Both of these fried chicken places are good. Take the hotel elevator to the first floor, exit, and turn left for a CU convenience store. Across the road, there's a GS25 convenience store.FromUS$151
Very Good1052 Reviews
Insadong / Bukchon Seoul|1.15km from city center
This hotel is very close to Myeongdong, within walking distance. It's also conveniently located near Lotte Duty Free and Shinsegae, and there are convenience stores nearby, so the location is quite good. However, for the triple room I booked, the pillowcases and sheets hadn't been changed, and they felt incredibly dirty. After arriving late at night, I spoke to the front desk, and they brought three new sheets that were noticeably cleaner. We spread them out and slept for the night. The staff's attitude was decent, especially the person who brought the new sheets, who was very polite.FromUS$108
Great2897 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.16km from city center
The rooms are clean and tidy, the service is warm and attentive, and the location is convenient with excellent value for money. The bedding is comfortable and soundproof, and the staff are friendly. The location is superb, within walking distance to the subway station and shopping areas, with plenty of food options nearby. Some rooms offer views of N Seoul Tower, and it's close to Euljiro 3-ga subway station. It's relatively quiet, about an 8-minute walk to Myeongdong. The hotel is in the city center, making travel incredibly convenient. Highly recommended!FromUS$158
Great1015 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.72km from city center
Location: The hotel is perfectly situated right in Myeongdong's shopping district, making it incredibly convenient for dining and shopping. There's even an Olive Young right next door.
Cleanliness: The cleanliness was also excellent. The room was tidy, spotless, and odorless. Housekeeping was quite frequent.
The room wasn't too small; it was perfectly adequate for two people, and the air conditioning worked really well.
Breakfast is on the 21st floor. While the variety isn't extensive, the food isn't amazing, but it's not bad either – just average.
The front desk staff were also quite friendly, and there was even a receptionist who spoke Chinese.FromUS$324
Gym
Very Good2581 Reviews
Seoul|3.88km from city center
Recommended place: The location is excellent, with two subway lines nearby. However, Gaode Maps doesn't show the exits clearly, and it's particularly tricky to find the right exit when coming from the airport line. It's actually more convenient and closer to take the subway one more stop to Mapo Station on Line 5. It's very easy to get to places like Hongdae and Gwangjang Market by subway. Walking to the nearby Gongdeok market takes about ten minutes. Most restaurants open quite late.
The area is bustling, with many restaurants and 24-hour convenience stores nearby, including quite a few trendy spots.
There's a front desk staff member who speaks Chinese. I noticed many Chinese guests staying here. The service is average; perhaps they don't encourage eating in the rooms as they don't provide cutlery. If you buy food, remember to ask the store for disposable utensils.
The bed is quite large. The cleanliness and quality of the bedding are average. Nowadays, all Korean hotels don't provide toothbrushes and toothpaste, so remember to bring your own or buy them at a convenience store.
If you're out exploring all day and just need a place to sleep and eat at night, it's a decent option.FromUS$137
Good261 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.2km from city center
⚠️ This hotel is mainly for Chinese guests, but avoid it at all costs!⚠️
First, the good points: The location is great, convenient for the subway, airport bus, and shopping. The room was also tidy and slightly larger than typical Japanese hotels.
Now, the bad: The staff's attitude was terrible 👎🏾. They overcharged for early check-in/late check-out.
I arrived at the hotel at 9 AM local time today. Since I hadn't slept all night on a red-eye flight, I asked the front desk if I could pay for an early check-in. The receptionist immediately told me: ”You can check in at 10 AM, but it will cost 66,000 KRW.” (There was absolutely no miscommunication! The receptionist showed me the number on a calculator!) I felt that paying almost a full night's rate for just a few hours early was clearly unreasonable, so I gave up on checking in and went out to work, despite my exhaustion. (At the time, I even tried to negotiate a discount, but the receptionist told me that was the fixed price.) Later, when I checked in normally at 6:30 PM, the hotel provided an ”Check-in Guide” which clearly stated in black and white: Early check-in / Late check-out will incur an additional charge of 11,000 KRW per hour.
This means: They inflated the price in the morning and deliberately didn't mention the hourly rate until guests saw the clear pricing standard for the first time during evening check-in.
What's even more ironic is that when I asked about late check-out in the evening, the staff still just mechanically repeated: ”11,000 KRW per hour,” showing no awareness that there was any issue with the information provided in the morning.
It's not that they can't charge, it's that they shouldn't charge *like this*. Because I complained to Trip.com and reported the issue to the hotel manager that same night, the next day at check-out, the staff member who quoted me the price had a 180-degree change in attitude compared to yesterday. Their face showed their displeasure directly – this is South Korean service for you.
I strongly advise against this hotel for travelers who are sensitive about rules, have tight schedules, or need flexible check-in times. Be cautious and avoid this place.FromUS$125
Great3541 Reviews
Seoul|3.79km from city center
The location is fantastic, right next to the airport shuttle, subway, and bus stops. For a hotel in Japan or Korea, the bathroom is quite spacious. The service is great, and the room is clean and tidy. It's a bit on the smaller side though; we could barely open two 28-inch suitcases flat on the floor, and they did block the way a bit. There's also a famous 40-year-old ginseng chicken soup restaurant right across from the hotel.FromUS$172
Great719 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.58km from city center
The location is fantastic! Subway Lines 2 and 4 are right nearby, making it super convenient for getting around. Myeongdong Lotte, Myeongdong Shinsegae, and the Myeongdong shopping street are all within easy reach. Plus, the airport shuttle bus stop is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel staff are really friendly and helpful. There's a Korean lady at the front desk who speaks excellent Chinese, and another Chinese lady, so communication was a breeze. The lobby has a free coffee machine and popcorn, and the doorman works quite late. You need to use your key card to access the guest floors, which made me feel very secure. While the room isn't huge, I could easily open up two 28-inch suitcases. I was very satisfied with my stay this time.FromUS$266
Very Good634 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.39km from city center
My business trip to Korea was made much more pleasant by my stay at this hotel. The front desk staff spoke both Chinese and English, were incredibly polite and helpful, and made the check-in and check-out process smooth and efficient, with no communication issues whatsoever. My room was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped – perfect for my stay. Just a heads-up: make sure to book in advance as rooms tend to fill up quickly, and you might have trouble finding a suitable room if you just walk in. As a solo business traveler, my overall experience was excellent in every aspect. This hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travel, offers great value for money, and comes highly recommended. If you're planning a trip, I suggest booking early.FromUS$170
Swimming pool
Very Good409 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|4.43km from city center
The room itself isn't very big, but the location is great; it's convenient to get anywhere by taxi. The service was decent. There's a coffee shop right next to the lobby on the first floor, but the music there is quite loud. The air conditioning in the room was also a bit noisy. Overall, it's a good budget-friendly option.FromUS$271
Great488 Reviews
Yeouido Seoul|6.44km from city center
The hotel's location is decent, offering river views and direct access to IFC downstairs, though IFC itself isn't particularly exciting. The Hyundai department store across the street, however, is quite good. Now, about the hotel itself: first, it's dated, and the amenities are starting to show their age. They don't even provide complimentary water in the rooms; instead, there's a water dispenser, but whether it's regularly cleaned is anyone's guess – I just bought my own bottled water. For such a large hotel, I had to queue for breakfast for 15-30 minutes every single day for three days straight. Checking out was also a long wait. They say Seoul is a hotel value desert, and they're absolutely right. For the same price, it doesn't even compare to Tokyo.FromUS$367
Amazing1067 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.68km from city center
My stay perfectly matched my expectations for The Shilla Seoul; if you're looking for an old-money vibe, this is a great fit.
Hardware-wise, for a hotel with some history, it felt newer than I anticipated, and the crystal chandelier in the lobby is absolutely stunning.
The room size was just right, with a wet and dry bathroom featuring a separate shower and bathtub.
The windows and the view from the room are a major highlight. Even though my room this time didn't face Namsan Tower, it was still excellent.
You'll need to bring your own toothpaste and toothbrush, but cotton swabs and shower caps are provided.
The mini-fridge, snacks, and minibar are all chargeable.
In terms of service, from getting out of the car to reaching my room, it met the high standards of a five-star hotel. The front desk staff spoke excellent English, and one even spoke Chinese to me during checkout (though I don't expect all of them to).
This time, I also made sure to try the Room Service. The menu is in the desk drawer, and you can order using the in-room phone. The fried chicken and fries were very good; the portion was easily enough for two people or more.
Regarding amenities, the bakery on the first floor of the hotel was bustling, mostly with local Koreans. I thought the taste was good, and the salt bread was particularly nice.
The hotel lobby was almost always full, and there were constant business meetings and events happening on the left side, so you see a continuous stream of locals.
The hotel offers a free shuttle bus, but you need to check the schedule carefully. Since I didn't use it, I can't offer advice.
On either side of the hotel are Aesop and Moynat stores, and Shilla Duty Free is just a five-minute walk away.
If your itinerary is well-planned and not rushed, staying at The Shilla is a great choice. It's not far to get to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seochon, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Seongsu-dong, and Hannam-dong by taxi from here. However, if you're trying to pack a lot into your schedule and rely mainly on the subway, it might not be as suitable. Seoul traffic can be quite bad.
Personally, I would consider staying at The Shilla again. The service experience was very satisfying.FromUS$475
Great934 Reviews
Seoul|4.07km from city center
I really liked the hotel, its location, and the fact that there was a lot of delicious food and local branded clothing nearby.
There was one downside: my iPhone charger went missing. I reported it to the front desk, and the next day, while I was out, they supposedly found the charger under the sofa, even though I hadn't unplugged it from the wall. So, I recommend putting all small items in the safe. Even though it's a minor thing, it left a bad taste in my mouth. 😕FromUS$181
Amazing677 Reviews
Seoul|12.73km from city center
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The room was exceptionally spacious, clean, and comfortable, with a beautiful view that made the stay even more enjoyable. The staff provided excellent service throughout, always being friendly, attentive, and helpful.
One of the highlights was the smart home system in the room, which made controlling the lights and other features very convenient. The in-room water dispenser was a great touch, allowing easy access to filtered drinking water without the need for bottled water. Having a washer and dryer in the room was also incredibly useful, especially for longer stays.FromUS$296
Breakfast
Great1115 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.48km from city center
We had a spacious comfortable room for family of 4 including 2 kids. The location is perfect at the doorstep of Myeongdong and entrance to subway green line just a few steps away. Our only gripe was the mould/dirt that was stuck on the top part of the toilet door which we had repeatedly asked the reception to have it cleaned/removed twice, but no action was taken so we just gave up telling them further.FromUS$119
Great1671 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.2km from city center
Great location and very attentive, friendly service. The room was clean and tidy. My only minor complaint is that the table and chairs were a bit awkwardly placed and tight. The cleaning staff came to tidy up every day, which was excellent. There's a bus stop right outside, and it felt safe and convenient even coming back late at night.FromUS$141
Very Good1091 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.02km from city center
I would give 10 stars if that option is available. We were a bit worried when we read reviews about the cleanliness of the rooms and did a thorough check upon check in (bed bugs? Dust? Suspicious stains?) and found none. Also, I booked the rooms to be near Myeongdong Station but it was a bit of a walk with our luggages and I thought “that was it… how is this near any station?” And then we found Euljiro (3) station at our doorstep! The rest of the day and the rest of our journey became a breeze!
It is actually a short walk to Myeongdong station once we figured out the location, hotel is opposite plenty of restaurants.
We left our luggages at the counter before and after check in and both times our luggages were well taken care of.
If I have to nitpick, the lift took a longer time than usual to arrive at our level esp during check in check out because lobby is at level 4. People are pressing to go up and down level 4 and 1 so waiting time increased.
That’s actually ok though, just leave the room earlier. We’re travelling, just leave earlier and everything is good anywhere.
To summarise, if we travel back to Seoul, we will come back to Four Points by Sheraton Josun Myeongdong Seoul. Get every word right because there is another Four Points by Sheraton Josun and we have no experience with that one.FromUS$214
Very Good1008 Reviews
Seoul|7.39km from city center
Upon entering to check-in, there was no proactive greeting. The attitude during check-in was also just so-so. I chose this hotel specifically because it was advertised as a 'Chinese selection,' but I felt their attitude towards Chinese guests was indifferent. Other explanations were general, mainly emphasizing the 11 AM check-out time, warning of a penalty otherwise. Personally, I think the hot water issue, which I'll mention next, is more important than that.
Aside from these points, the hygiene was acceptable. The facilities are a bit old. There's a convenience store nearby, and the bus stop downstairs is also very convenient.FromUS$55
Very Good621 Reviews
Samseong-dong Seoul|9.79km from city center
My stay at the Shilla Stay Samsung COEX Center was excellent from start to finish. The location is perfect, especially for business trips and shopping, with easy access to COEX Mall, restaurants, cafés, and the subway. The rooms were modern, spotless, and very comfortable, with great city views and all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay.
What truly stood out was the professionalism and kindness of the staff. Check-in was smooth, and everyone was always helpful and welcoming. The breakfast selection was also very good, with a nice mix of Korean and international options.
The hotel offers great value for money considering the quality, cleanliness, and prime location in Gangnam. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul for business or leisure.FromUS$145
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