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.👀
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.
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Seoul Hotels
5 star
Amazing592 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.3km from city center
The hotel service is excellent, especially the staff at the front desk. They are very friendly to Chinese guests, and some even speak Chinese. Check-in was super fast, and they also helped us book restaurants and arranged a taxi. They even made sure our luggage was loaded and gave instructions to the driver – truly thoughtful and attentive! Definitely a huge thumbs up! The hotel is clean and tidy, and the location is great, making it convenient to get anywhere. Highly recommend this well-established hotel! (^O^)FromAU$519
Amazing311 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.FromAU$375
Great259 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.51km from city center
This Four Seasons has a pretty good location, but the property itself feels a bit dated. Breakfast is served in the basement, and the dim lighting there didn't create a great ambiance. When I ordered coffee, the server simply brought me a whole pot to pour myself. I was like, 'Are you kidding me?!' The beds in the room were a bit small and couldn't be pushed together, but since we were determined not to stay in the Jiangnan area, we just had to make do. The hairdryer in the room was absolutely terrible – you'd think a five-star hotel would have Dyson as standard by now, wouldn't you? And for four of us, they consistently only provided two hand towels 🙄. The only silver lining was the transfer driver, Jadon. Big thumbs up to him! 👍🏻 Oh, and the window writing service and the resident dog were also nice touches, which is why I still gave it 4 stars.SOLD OUT
Very Good394 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.44km from city center
Grand Hyatt Seoul: Classic Luxury with Breathtaking Views
A classic luxury hotel offering spectacular city views and extensive facilities, but with some considerations regarding its location and age.
🏨 Location & Ambiance
Situated atop Namsan Mountain, the hotel provides stunning panoramic views of Seoul. While offering a peaceful, retreat-like atmosphere, it’s on a hillside, which means walking to nearby areas like Itaewon involves slopes, and reaching downtown areas typically requires a short taxi or subway ride.
🛌 Rooms & Service
Rooms are comfortable, often with impressive city or mountain views. However, guest reviews note that some rooms and bathrooms feel compact, and the decor (despite a 2019 renovation) can show its age compared to newer hotels. The staff are generally praised for being professional and helpful.
🌟 Amenities & Dining
It features an extensive range of facilities, including multiple pools, a well-regarded spa, a fitness center, tennis courts, and even a seasonal ice rink. There are several dining options on-site, from a steakhouse to Japanese restaurants. A common critique is that the breakfast buffet, while good, can get crowded and may require waiting.
⚖️ Balanced Verdict
Ideal for travelers seeking a full-resort experience with fantastic views and comprehensive facilities within Seoul. It is less ideal for those who prioritize walking directly into a bustling urban neighborhood or prefer ultra-modern room interiors.
希望这份基于真实情况的客观总结能帮助你。如果你对酒店的餐饮选择、水疗中心，或是前往首尔塔等景点的交通方式有更具体的问题，我可以提供更详细的信息。FromAU$850
Very Good390 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|4.43km from city center
a very pleasant stay at this hotel. The location is excellent, making it easy to get around and access nearby attractions, shopping, and food options. The room was clean, well-maintained, and comfortable, with all the basic amenities needed for a good stay.
The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, from check-in to check-out, and were responsive whenever assistance was needed. Housekeeping did a good job keeping the room tidy, and the overall environment felt safe and welcoming.
Facilities were well-kept, and the hotel offered good value for money compared to similar options in the area. Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable experience, and I would consider staying here again on my next visit.FromAU$256
Business travel
Very Good819 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.17km from city center
The hotel's location is super convenient, right around the corner from City Hall subway station, and the airport shuttle bus stop is only about 100 meters away. Picture 6071 shows the travel time from the hotel to the airport for reference; it costs 18,000 KRW. The last bus from the airport departs at 10:30 PM. The hotel's condition is pretty standard; slippers are provided, but they're not disposable. There's no toothbrush or toothpaste, but shampoo and soap are available. The air conditioning works great, so it's not cold at all. There's also a coffee shop on the ground floor.FromAU$117
Great1231 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.9km from city center
The hotel is very close to the subway station, and there's a convenience store and coffee shop right in the building. The room was a bit small, but the morning fruit was excellent. On the downside, the room's air conditioning didn't provide heat, so it was quite cold, and they had to bring us an electric heater. It's nice that there are charging ports by the bed, but you have to leave a reading light on for them to work. The breakfast area felt a bit crowded.FromAU$245
Good2396 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.84km from city center
My first trip to Korea, and I chose a hotel right above Myeongdong subway station in a bustling commercial area. Downstairs, there's a food street and numerous shops, making it super convenient for getting around.
**Facilities:** The hardware is decent, but they don't provide disposable toiletries or slippers. There's no drinking water either, so I bought a large bottle from a nearby convenience store and boiled it myself.
**Hygiene:** Pretty clean.
**Environment:** It's a bit old-fashioned, but it's okay. My main priority was the convenience for getting around and shopping.
**Service:** It was alright. There are handsome guys and pretty ladies at the front desk, which was pleasant to see! 😺 Haha.FromAU$107
Very Good1426 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.61km from city center
The hotel entrance is right by a bus stop, and there's a smoking area to the left of the main entrance. There's also a convenience store on the first floor that closes at 11:50 PM (they don't accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, but they do sell T-Money cards, so you'll need cash). A pharmacy is also available. The hotel lobby is on the second floor. Two subway stations, Euljiro 3-ga and Euljiro 4-ga, are nearby. Myeongdong is also within walking distance, about 10 minutes away. The front desk staff are very friendly and can communicate in English.
The room size is decent, not too small. The king bed in the family room is good, and the 1.1-meter small bed is suitable for women. The shower has plenty of hot water, but there's no overhead shower, and the hot water from the sink faucet is very low pressure. The bathroom mirror is quite large, but the full-length mirror by the window gives a clearer view for makeup.
Shower gel and shampoo are provided, but you'll need to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste. Since it was a family room for three, towels and slippers were already prepared. The hotel provided a magnetic portable charger by the bed with Type-C and Lightning cables, allowing you to charge three devices simultaneously. There aren't many dining options right around the hotel; most people go to Myeongdong for food. There's another convenience store like CU a street away that accepts Alipay and WeChat Pay. Overall, the value for money is good, and it's convenient for getting to Myeongdong – just walk straight out of the hotel and turn right for about 3-4 blocks.FromAU$155
Very Good1418 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.05km from city center
After a lot of research, I finally chose the Sejong Hotel.
1. **Excellent Location**: It's right outside Myeongdong subway exit 10. It's super close to Myeongdong shopping district, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae, and Bukchon Hanok Village, all within about 2 kilometers.
2. **Comfortable and Clean Rooms**: This is an older, established hotel, previously 4-star, now seemingly 3-star. The rooms are very spacious, around 30 square meters (compared to similarly priced hotels). The decor has a millennial vibe with a reddish-brown color scheme. It has a bathtub for showering, a vanity, and a small round table.
3. **Well-Equipped Rooms**: The rooms are very well-equipped, featuring a smart toilet, a mini-fridge (hidden in the cabinet), a safe, and power outlets suitable for all countries! No need to buy an extra adapter (this was a huge plus).
4. **Great Service**: The front desk staff speak Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and English, so communication was completely seamless. Housekeeping kept the room very clean.
5. **Important Notes**: They don't provide disposable toothbrushes, toothpaste, or single-use slippers. The front desk does not require a deposit.FromAU$113
Family friendly
Great1284 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.22km from city center
This is my second time staying at Koreana Hotel. We book the apartment style room. The room is spacious and very clean. The location is at Gwanhamun which is very convenient. it is easy to get a taxi outside the hotel. From the airport we just get on a bus (6701) and the bus stop right in front of the hotel. We arrived quite early and inquire if we can check in early and the staff are very helpful. We manage to check in early with a small fee which is not a big problem since we are travelling from the night before and really need to freshen up and take a bit of rest. We did not try the food as we are muslim and need Halal food but there are room service menu that we can order for food from the room. I hope the the hotel will be more upgraded after their refurbishment. Will look forward to the new renovated room. Will definitely come back againFromAU$103
Very Good1891 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.5km from city center
I've stayed here many times, and the facilities are definitely showing their age. The sink in my renovated room still drains poorly, and the water temperature on the faucet is incredibly difficult to adjust. To cross the street, you have to take a detour to avoid the underpass. It's close to Seoul Station, and the airport shuttle right outside is convenient for getting back. It was a bit of a walk when I first arrived, though.FromAU$131
Very Good1778 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.67km from city center
I had a wonderful stay at Skypark Hotel Central Myeongdong. The location is excellent right in the heart of everything, making it super convenient for shopping and exploring the area.
Although our first room didn’t have a view, the staff were incredibly accommodating and allowed us to change rooms without any hassle, which we really appreciated. The service overall was outstanding.
A special thank you to Haneuo Lee, who was extremely helpful and made our stay even more pleasant with their kindness and professionalism.
Highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Seoul. Great service, great location, and a very comfortable stay!FromAU$127
Great2646 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.61km from city center
First off, the location is absolutely fantastic. There's an outlet mall right downstairs, and the hotel is super close to the subway exit. Plus, a new APM mall just opened nearby and stays open late, which makes shopping incredibly convenient. One evening, I couldn't get a ride-hailing service to pinpoint my location correctly, and the front desk luggage staff were incredibly patient and thorough in helping me contact a taxi. A huge thank you to those two gentlemen for their help, even though I don't know their names. It's easy to get anywhere from here, and there are plenty of dining options too. All in all, it was excellent!FromAU$123
Great705 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.58km from city center
For my recent Seoul trip, I stayed at the Aloft Myeongdong, and to my surprise, it was the building I always used to walk past! The location is absolutely fantastic – right in the Myeongdong shopping district, with Lotte and Shinsegae department stores just across the street, directly accessible via an underground pass. Plus, the Line 2 subway station is only a 5-minute walk away, making it incredibly convenient for both shopping and getting around.
What truly impressed me was the thoughtful touch: every time I came back from the cold outdoors, the lobby had hot coffee and popcorn ready, which was an instant pick-me-up. This first-time stay at a new hotel was a huge success, and I highly recommend it to anyone planning a shopping spree in Myeongdong.
Oh, and a tip: the airport bus stops at Ibis Hotel, and it’s just a few minutes' walk back from there!FromAU$302
Hot spring
Very Good35 Reviews
University Road area Seoul|4.59km from city center
The hotel's design is quite unique and seems well-suited for Korean travelers or solo adventurers.
Communication was a bit challenging as the hotel staff didn't speak English, so we relied on Google Translate. However, they were very helpful and had a great attitude.
Regarding the room, we booked a city view, but it wasn't quite what we expected. Instead of a clear glass window, you had to open one window, then another, to see the view. The frame of the first window also had to remain open to enjoy the scenery.
Also, the window was quite high up; you essentially had to stand on the bed to get a glimpse of the view.
The bathroom had a bathtub that could be used for a stone-style hot spring. If you prefer showering, it's not ideal as there's no shower curtain, meaning the entire bathroom gets wet.
The room offered Netflix, but the remote control was a bit finicky and sometimes unresponsive.
On a positive note, there was a speaker system in the room to play music.
Overall, the soundproofing needs improvement as we could hear conversations from the adjacent room.
The hotel's location is convenient, close to the subway and bus stations. There's a small night market and a snack discount store right behind the hotel, and it's also near tourist attractions.
This hotel is more suitable for backpackers looking for a local experience. I wouldn't recommend it if you have a lot of luggage.FromAU$124
Very Good2110 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.14km from city center
This hotel is super conveniently located, very close to the subway station, making getting around incredibly easy. It's not in the noisy city center, so the environment is quiet and peaceful, perfect for a good rest. The breakfast offers a great variety and tastes delicious. Both the restaurant and front desk staff are incredibly warm and friendly, providing attentive and thoughtful service. Overall, the stay was comfortable and reassuring, making me feel very relaxed. It's an excellent choice for accommodation when traveling.FromAU$98
Very Good2941 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.57km from city center
When we arrived downstairs, the doorman was incredibly friendly, greeting us every time we left and returned. The front desk staff who checked us in were also very welcoming and friendly, making an effort to communicate with us. The room was cleaned daily and kept quite tidy, with the sheets and bedding refreshed. The mini-fridge was stocked daily with complimentary snacks, drinks, and beer, though we only had one bottle. The hallway had an ice machine, microwave, and hot water dispenser, which was very convenient and a thoughtful touch. The chairs on the balcony were comfortable, but it was too cold to use them much; we only sat out for a few minutes on the first day. Downstairs, there's a good-sized CU convenience store and a GS25, both very handy, located just to the left of the hotel's main entrance. Getting to the subway station was also easy; we didn't realize it at first and ended up taking a taxi from Myeongdong. Of course, it's about a 15-minute walk to Myeongdong, so it's not right in the heart of it, but aside from that, everything else was perfect.FromAU$125
Very Good931 Reviews
Insadong / Bukchon Seoul|1.15km from city center
The lobby is very grand and check out time is 12pm which is later than most hotel around the area. There is no place to hang cloths in the toliet and shower water pressure is low. The hot water from the tap does not seem to work as we need to turn to max for the water to feel warm. The is pretty spacious and bed is comfy.FromAU$91
Great2523 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.16km from city center
Seriously, avoid this place if you can. First off, the room is tiny. You can barely open one suitcase, and if you're used to a place over 100 square meters, you'll feel like you have to turn sideways just for two people to pass each other. For 2500 during the Qingming Festival for a family room? In Ginza, Japan, you could get a 45-sqm family room with salmon breakfast for that price. The value for money here is incredibly low.
Secondly, the front desk staff's English is just so-so, and they're arrogant, humorless, and completely lacking in basic courtesy. Seeing that, us Chinese people certainly aren't going to kiss up, so I didn't bother smiling back either. I just got straight to the point. No 'thank yous' or 'have a nice day' from me either; I just rolled my eyes to show my displeasure, grabbed my card, and left. They also require a credit card for a pre-authorization, though one card can secure multiple rooms.
At checkout, around 9:00 AM, the front desk gave me a slip telling me to store my luggage in B3. There were six of us with five suitcases, and the luggage storage area next to the front desk was completely empty that morning. I strongly insisted on leaving our bags by the front desk because we were only going to be an hour, just grabbing a bite to eat before leaving. They only agreed after a lot of pushing, otherwise, taking the elevator down to B3 and using the self-service storage would have wasted half an hour. Plus, during our two or three-day stay here, the front desk area always had hundreds of suitcases. The fact that it was empty now and they still made us go to B3 was definitely a way of bullying us Chinese guests.
Thirdly, the towels and bathrobes were yellowish, the coat rack was dusty, and there was a hair essence capsule from the previous guest left in a corner. The bed linen was rough.
Apparently, if you speak fluent English to them, their attitude improves. Some non-English speaking compatriots were treated with impatience. We only booked this place because we booked too late and had no other options. Otherwise, I would have gladly paid more for a 5-star hotel, at least for a more pleasant experience. Coming here was just a torment.FromAU$126
Gym
Great914 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.72km from city center
Facilities: There are plenty of power outlets, including USB charging ports. The shower is in the bathtub, so you need to pull the shower curtain (no separate wet and dry areas, but it wasn't a big issue).
Cleanliness: The room was very tidy, and I didn't have to sort trash (which can be a bit of a headache at B&Bs).
Service: The service was excellent, with friendly, smiling staff that made me feel very comfortable.
Environment: The location is fantastic! OY (presumably a store or landmark) is right next to the hotel. There are also many convenience stores and shops nearby (perfume stores, Adidas, etc.). At night, there's a street food market. The subway (with elevators, very friendly for luggage) and buses are all easily accessible, making transportation very convenient.
Overall, my stay was great! My sister and I were both very satisfied. 🥰FromAU$202
Very Good2533 Reviews
Seoul|3.88km from city center
This hotel offers excellent value for money at its price point, no wonder it's a top choice for K-pop fans.
Location: It's close to Mapo Station (Line 5) and Gongdeok Station. If you're flying in/out of Gimpo Airport, the direct subway connection is very convenient. Taking a taxi also saves a lot of time compared to getting to Gangnam. It's also very close to Yeouido and Hongdae, making it an ideal place for younger travelers to stay.
Hotel Facilities: The room was a little larger than those I've stayed in at Mapo Grand and Gangnam L7. The downside is that it's a bit old, so the style and facilities feel a bit dated. The upside is that the soundproofing on the windows facing the street is excellent. When I checked in, I requested a room away from the elevator and more secluded, and they accommodated my request, so there wasn't much noise from the hotel corridor, which I was very happy with.
Staff: The male front desk staff who checked me in spoke Chinese and was very friendly. He fulfilled all my requests for a non-smoking, high-floor room away from the elevator for quietness. When returning by taxi, the hotel security guard would also proactively help open the door. For a hotel at this price point, they really do a great job.
Summary: I'll definitely be back. For such an affordable hotel, what more could you ask for?FromAU$141
Good228 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.FromAU$128
Great3383 Reviews
Seoul|3.79km from city center
I think the Gongdeok area is my favorite tourist area in Seoul and the Roynet is very comfortable. Behind the big facades on the main street is the old style Seoul and the walk along the long narrow eclectic park is near by. The Roynet has the most unusual breakfast plan with a Korean breakfast . Rooms are spacious and corridors are quite too. Toilet was with a warm seat, and the toilet is a separate room. Very civilized.FromAU$121
Great692 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.73km from city center
I rarely write hotel reviews, but I just had to for this one! Today, I decided to explore a different area and moved to a hotel in Hongdae. The contrast was shocking – both are in popular Seoul areas, but the difference was huge! On that note, I'm going to call out 9 Bricks Hotel Hongdae as one to avoid. I'll be reviewing them when I check out tomorrow…
Now, let me praise L'escape – the location is absolutely fantastic! It's right by Hoehyeon Station on Subway Line 4, Exit 7. From the escalator at the exit, there are signs directing you to the hotel! Honestly, you don't even need the signs because you can see the hotel as soon as you step out onto the street. There's a slight uphill walk, and as I was halfway up with my luggage, a hotel staff member came running out to help! The service was incredible! 👍
If you don't go above ground from Exit 7, the other direction leads directly into Shinsegae Department Store. It’s a multi-story department store with food, a duty-free shop, luxury goods, and affordable items – great for browsing! Outside on the ground level of Shinsegae, there's a 3D mega-screen, similar to the one at Taikoo Li in Chengdu, but much more visually appealing and with fewer advertisements.
The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Myeongdong. As a proper tourist, Myeongdong is a must-visit! Especially after exploring Hongdae today… I really want to go back to Myeongdong! 😢
Now, about the hotel itself (my picture arrangement is a bit messy, can't adjust it yet…)
The hotel itself has a distinctive style. It might feel a little old-fashioned and perhaps not ideal for families with young children, but it's clean, tidy, and still very refined! Even the elevators are decorated, somewhat reminiscent of The Ritz in London. The toiletries are BYREDO, just like at Six Senses. The mini-bar is completely free, and the Nespresso capsules and chocolates are excellent. The hotel's restaurant is Michelin-starred year after year – not cheap, but certainly fantastic. The Tea Lounge was closed by the time I arrived, but I'm sure it's also wonderful. The bar on the 26th floor is very chill, and you can get great photos with ease!
The postcards provided in the room are beautiful, and they even offer free mailing! I also love the design of the notepads and the toiletry packaging – the hand-drawn illustration style is gorgeous!
The hotel service is also excellent. Most of the staff speak English and are always ready to help with luggage, calling taxis, and opening car doors.
In summary, it's a high-end hotel service experience through and through! But I only paid just over 800 RMB for my stay – it far exceeded my expectations! Next time I come to Seoul, I will 100% rebook this hotel.FromAU$340
Swimming pool
Very Good357 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.79km from city center
The location is fantastic, especially if you love nightlife. There are tons of bars and clubs nearby, and it's super close to Hannam-dong too. Just a heads-up, you can definitely hear the music from the neighboring bars at night, but it didn't bother me much. I'd definitely stay here again.FromAU$111
Very Good444 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.14km from city center
We really enjoyed our stay! The hotel is in a fantastic location, within walking distance to shopping, food, and public transport. The room was cozy, clean, and comfortable. It had all the basic amenities we needed.
The service was good and the staff were polite and accommodating. Overall, it was a comfortable and convenient stay in Seoul. Highly recommended!FromAU$150
Great434 Reviews
Yeouido Seoul|6.44km from city center
This hotel is absolutely fantastic! I loved the Han River views and the hotel design. The housekeeping staff even tidied up my cosmetics every day, arranging them so neatly, it almost made me not want to use them, haha! The front desk and concierge staff were also incredibly warm, professional, and helpful. In fact, when the doorman learned that I was running late for a photoshoot appointment, he proactively called the studio to try and arrange a delay for me, while another staff member was simultaneously helping me find a taxi. They seemed more stressed than I was, haha! Such dedication, really commendable! 😍FromAU$612
Amazing1028 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.68km from city center
The room was neat and clean. Even though the hotel has been open for a long time, it's very well-maintained and doesn't feel old at all. The hygiene and service are what you'd expect from a normal 5-star hotel; it's not like many online reviewers claim the service is exceptionally superior to other hotels. However, the fried chicken from room service is truly delicious! I highly recommend ordering it for a late-night snack if you get the chance!FromAU$661
Great831 Reviews
Seoul|4.07km from city center
We celebrated New Year's Day here with our kids and parents, and the hotel was perfect. The rooms were spacious, the location was great, and the service was excellent. There's a skybridge connecting to the subway station and the iPartment mall, so dining and getting around were a breeze. The location is truly convenient; Seoul isn't that big, so you can get pretty much anywhere by subway within half an hour.FromAU$248
Breakfast
Great958 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.48km from city center
The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic!
**Transportation:** If you're heading to Incheon, you can catch the Airport Limousine Bus 6015 directly from the Ibis side. For other destinations, the subway station is just a short walk away.
**Shopping:** Downstairs, you'll find stores like Apple and Lululemon, and Lotte Department Store is right across the street.
**Dining:** There's an incredible variety of delicious food options, from hotpot and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to Korean BBQ, steak, and various noodle dishes – it couldn't be more convenient.
We booked the 'Supreme Twin' room because it offered two 1.6-meter beds, which was perfect for us traveling with two kids. I had checked several other hotels in the area, and none could accommodate this requirement. The room isn't huge, but if you utilize the space efficiently, you can fit two carry-on suitcases, two 26-inch large suitcases, and a foldable stroller.
The room came with an air purifier, but no humidifier. Seoul has been a bit dry these past few days, and I woke up with a sore throat every morning. It would be great if they could provide humidifiers.
Breakfast ends at 9:30 AM. It's sufficient, but the offerings don't change much day-to-day, so it's not particularly exciting. After a few days, the kids even skipped breakfast, preferring to sleep in and go straight to lunch.
Overall, if they had humidifiers, I would have slept incredibly comfortably here. I'd definitely consider this hotel again on my next visit to Seoul.FromAU$181
Great1533 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.2km from city center
This hotel is near Dongdaemun subway station, about a 10-minute walk away. However, it's right by a subway entrance, which is great because rain or wind won't be an issue. The room was also very clean. Highly recommend! Plus, there's a ramen shop nearby and the 6001 airport bus stops right in front, making it super convenient to get to and from the airport.FromAU$116
Great2168 Reviews
Sinchon/Hongdae Seoul|5.05km from city center
Great location and very clean hotel. The staff were friendly and helpful, and they even kept my wallet safe after I left it in the lobby. Check-in and check-out were smooth and efficient.FromAU$204
Very Good1020 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.02km from city center
The guy who checked me in was really polite and thoughtful. The hotel is super close to the subway station, and there are tons of food options and convenience stores right downstairs. Plus, there's a fantastic aged Hanwoo Korean BBQ place, Sukseongdo, on the second floor – absolutely amazing! Although my room didn't have a view of N Seoul Tower, you can catch a glimpse of it from the elevator waiting area. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Seoul!FromAU$197
Very Good944 Reviews
Seoul|7.39km from city center
The service at this Korean hotel was truly impressive; the staff were always smiling and eager to help. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, making for a very relaxing stay. Its convenient location, with excellent transport links and diverse dining options nearby, really added to the ease and enjoyment of our trip. Overall, we had a very satisfying experience and would highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Korea.FromAU$65
FAQs about Korean Shamanism
Is KPop Demon Hunters based on shamanism?
Yes—its core elements (shaman-like warriors, talismans, rituals, and the idea of “demons” as emotional pain) draw directly from Korean Shamanism. The movie amplifies these concepts into a K-pop-fueled action narrative, but the spiritual foundation is authentic.Is shamanism still practised in Korea?
Yes—there are ~150,000 practicing mudangs, and millions of Koreans engage with shamanic practices (saju, talismans, gut ceremonies) during their lives. It’s no longer marginalized—young Koreans and foreigners view it as a cultural heritage and form of healing.Why do Korean shamans whistle?
Whistling is a traditional way to communicate with spirits. Short, soft whistles summon benevolent spirits (ancestors, mountain spirits), while longer whistles ward off restless or negative spirits. It’s a “gentle signal” that respects the spirit world—loud noises are seen as disrespectful.How is Korean Shamanism different from Buddhism/Confucianism?
Buddhism focuses on enlightenment and reincarnation; Confucianism on social hierarchy and ethics. Korean Shamanism is animistic—centered on spirit communication and balance. It’s not mutually exclusive: many Koreans blend shamanic practices (e.g., ancestor rituals) with Buddhism or Confucianism.Where are the best shamanic shrines to visit in Korea?
Top spots: Inwangsan Shrine (Seoul), Geomun Island Shrine (Jeollanam-do), and Bukhansan Mountain Shrines (Seoul). These are authentic, not tourist-focused—you may see locals participating in rituals.Can foreigners participate in a full gut ceremony?
Yes—some rural mudangs welcome foreigners to full gut ceremonies (for life events or community healing). Contact a local tour company (like Korea Cultural Travel) to arrange—advance notice (2–3 weeks) is required, and you’ll need to follow etiquette (dress modestly, remove shoes, no photos during rituals).How much does a shamanic consultation cost in Korea?
Prices vary: Saju readings cost ~100,000–150,000 won (45 mins), gut ceremony observations ~80,000–120,000 won, and one-on-one healing rituals ~300,000–500,000 won (1 hour). Avoid overpriced “VIP tours”—stick to local shops or trusted platforms like Trip.com.
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