Plan your 2026 Korea trip with our guide to Korea public holidays, including dates, traditions, and practical tips for Seollal, Chuseok, Buddha's Birthday, and other national observances.
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South Korea Public Holidays 2026 Calendar
2026 has 16 official public holidays in South Korea, with most clustered around traditional festivals. The year begins with New Year's Day and culminates with Christmas, with major breaks at Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) creating extended family gatherings. Note that dates for lunar-based holidays (Seollal, Buddha's Birthday, Chuseok) vary annually.
List of 2026 South Korea Public Holidays
This guide covers all the key holidays in South Korea for 2026 and how they might affect your trip.
Date (2026) | Weekday | Public Holiday | Key Details (Celebrations, Crowds, Openings) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan 1 | Thu | New Year's Day (신정) | Celebrations: Fireworks, temple bell-ringing at midnight. Crowds: Heavy at city centers and temples. Openings: Banks/government offices closed; major malls and tourist attractions open. |
Feb 16-18 | Mon-Wed | Seollal (Lunar New Year) (설날) | Celebrations: Ancestor rites, rice cake soup (tteokguk), traditional games (yutnori). Crowds: Extreme - nationwide travel to hometowns. Openings: Most shops closed; convenience stores open limited hours. |
Mar 1 | Sun | Independence Movement Day (삼일절) | Celebrations: Parades, memorial services. Crowds: Moderate at independence-related sites. Openings: Banks/government offices closed; malls open. |
Mar 2 | Mon | Substitute Holiday for Independence Movement Day | Note: Observed because March 1 falls on Sunday. Same as above. |
May 5 | Tue | Children's Day (어린이날) | Celebrations: Family outings to parks, amusement parks. Crowds: Heavy at family attractions. Openings: All attractions open; special discounts for children. |
May 23-25 | Sat-Mon | Buddha's Birthday (부처님의 탄생일) & Substitute | Celebrations: Lantern festivals (Yeon Deung Hoe), temple visits. Crowds: Heavy at temples; festive atmosphere in streets. Openings: Most businesses open; temples bustling. |
Jun 6 | Sat | Memorial Day (현충일) | Celebrations: Tributes at war memorials. Crowds: Moderate at national cemeteries. Openings: Banks closed; tourist sites open. |
Jun 7 | Sun | Substitute Holiday for Memorial Day | Note: Observed because June 6 falls on Sunday. Same as above. |
Aug 15 | Tue | Liberation Day (광복절) | Celebrations: Flag-raising ceremonies, national concerts. Crowds: Heavy at government buildings and national plazas. Openings: Banks/government offices closed; malls open. |
Aug 16 | Wed | Substitute Holiday for Liberation Day | Note: Observed to create three-day weekend. Same as above. |
Sep 24-27 | Thu-Sun | Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) (추석) | Celebrations: Ancestor rites, rice cake (songpyeon) making, family reunions. Crowds: Extreme - worst traffic of year. Openings: Most shops closed; traditional markets open for holiday foods. |
Oct 3 | Fri | National Foundation Day (개천절) | Celebrations: Parades, cultural performances. Crowds: Moderate at historical sites. Openings: Banks/government offices closed; malls open. |
Oct 9 | Thu | Hangeul Day (한글날) | Celebrations: Exhibitions on Korean alphabet, cultural events. Crowds: Light to moderate. Openings: All businesses open; special educational events. |
Dec 25 | Fri | Christmas Day (크리스마스) | Celebrations: Church services, holiday markets, decorations. Crowds: Moderate in Christian areas; festive in shopping districts. Openings: Banks closed; department stores open with holiday sales. |
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1766 booked
South Korea Holiday Types
South Korean holidays fall into three main categories:
1. National Celebration Days (국경일):
- Highest-level holidays commemorating significant national events
- Include New Year's Day, Independence Movement Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day
- Key: All government offices, banks, and most businesses closed
2. Traditional Festival Holidays:
- Based on lunar calendar, celebrating agricultural cycles and ancestral traditions
- Include Seollal (Lunar New Year), Buddha's Birthday, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
- Key: Nationwide observance with varying business closures; family-centered
3. Special Purpose Holidays:
- Memorial Day (honoring war dead), Children's Day, Hangeul Day (celebrating Korean alphabet)
- Key: Government offices closed; businesses may remain open
Note: When a holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute holiday is typically observed on the following Monday (except for Chuseok, which may have different rules).
Major Holidays and Cultural Highlights in South Korea
🧧 Seollal (Lunar New Year) — February
Families honor their ancestors and share meals like tteokguk (rice cake soup). You’ll see people in hanbok, folk games, and traditional performances.
🌕 Chuseok (Harvest Festival) — Late September
Families reunite, cook special foods like songpyeon (rice cakes), and celebrate the harvest. Streets fill with festive spirit and folk dances.
🎆 Liberation Day — August 15
Koreans celebrate freedom from Japanese rule in 1945. Expect concerts, parades, and national flags everywhere.
🎑 Buddha’s Birthday — May
Temples glow with thousands of lanterns. Join local parades and watch peaceful Buddhist rituals.
South Korea Holiday Openings & Crowd
General Opening Rules:
- Always Open: Airports, train stations, major hospitals, 24-hour convenience stores (CU, GS25, Ministop)
- Usually Closed: Government offices, banks, post offices (on all national holidays)
- Variable Hours:
- Shopping malls: Open 11am-8pm on most holidays (closed on Chuseok Day)
- Restaurants: Many close on Seollal and Chuseok; others offer special holiday menus
- Tourist attractions: Almost all remain open with regular or extended hours
Crowd Intensity by Holiday:
- Extreme Crowds: Seollal (Feb 16-18), Chuseok (Sep 24-27) - nationwide travel chaos, book everything early
- Heavy Crowds: Buddha's Birthday (May 23-25) - temples and lantern festivals packed
- Moderate Crowds: Children's Day (May 5), Liberation Day (Aug 15) - popular with families and tourists
- Light Crowds: Memorial Day (Jun 6), Hangeul Day (Oct 9) - fewer tourists, good for sightseeing
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Tips to Visit South Korea During 2026 Holidays
- Plan Ahead for Major Holidays:
- For Seollal and Chuseok: Book flights/hotels 4-6 months in advance
- For Buddha's Birthday: Reserve temple visits early
- National holidays (Independence Day, Liberation Day): Book attractions a month ahead
- Transportation Strategies:
- During peak holidays (Seollal, Chuseok):
- Use KTX high-speed trains (book 30 days early) instead of buses
- Avoid driving - highways gridlocked for hours
- Consider flying to secondary cities (like Busan, Daegu) to avoid Seoul congestion
- Dining & Shopping:
- Research restaurants open during holidays (many close, especially for Seollal and Chuseok)
- Visit traditional markets for holiday-specific foods (songpyeon at Chuseok, tteokguk at Seollal)
- Department stores like Lotte and Hyundai typically remain open on most holidays (except Chuseok)
- Cultural Etiquette:
- Dress modestly when visiting temples or attending ancestral ceremonies
- Bow slightly when greeting elders during Seollal and Chuseok
- Ask permission before taking photos of people participating in traditional ceremonies
- Money Matters:
- ATMs may run out of cash during holidays - withdraw money in advance
- Credit cards accepted at major establishments but carry $50-100 in cash for small vendors
[8% OFF] Find Best Hotels in Seoul
Seoul Hotels
5 star
Great490 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.3km from city center
The location is excellent, making it incredibly convenient for getting around. You can take the elevator down to the LL floor, turn left out the door, and you're directly at Lotte Duty Free. Myeongdong shopping street is just across the road, and subway access is very easy with multiple exits nearby. There's even a 7-Eleven conveniently located right by the entrance.
However, considering the service, facilities, and overall amenities, the price is genuinely expensive and frankly, not worth it. A Westin in a major Chinese city, offering better and newer facilities in every aspect, would only cost a little over 1000 RMB. For this price point, back home (in China), you could easily stay at a Ritz-Carlton. It's definitely not good value! It really highlights how high the cost of living is in Korea!FromTWD 8,044
Amazing251 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.21km from city center
This hotel was great in every aspect. The lighting, air conditioning, and other features in the room were all controlled by a smart pad next to the bed, which was pretty cool. The hotel's location is excellent; it's right next to Lotte Department Store, and Myeongdong shopping street is also nearby. Deoksugung Palace is across the street, so you can walk there, and Gyeongbokgung Palace isn't too far either, about 1km away, also within walking distance. A heads-up: Korean hotels typically don't provide complimentary toothbrushes. They're usually found in the paid minibar area and cost an additional 1100 won, which is quite different from what you'd find in China.FromTWD 5,590
Great248 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.51km from city center
Stayed for three nights. The room was excellent and very clean. Breakfast was very good. Restaurant service was superb, and room service was also very good.
The only truly appalling experience was at the nail bar on the 10th floor. I went there at 5 PM to book a manicure and facial, but the receptionist didn't even bother to glance at the screen. Before I had even finished speaking, she immediately told me they were fully booked for the day. When I asked about tomorrow's availability, she again didn't consult the screen or any appointment book, and instantly replied that nothing was available until after 12:50 PM the next day. If she had simply taken a moment to check a computer or an appointment schedule, I would have found her response more credible. An establishment like this has no place in a Four Seasons hotel; it genuinely tarnishes the hotel's brand and reputation. It was utterly disgusting.FromTWD 17,887
Very Good334 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.44km from city center
This city view is a must see when in Seoul!
We skipped climbing the Seoul Tower coz with this view we have seen it all.
The recently renovated rooms and suites invoke a new standard of luxury coupled with the unparalleled convenience of being just minutes from downtown Seoul, Myeongdong and Itaewon.
Our room was located on the third floor but because of the hotel's high location we were able to enjoy the wonderful view from there.FromTWD 4,939
Great385 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|4.43km from city center
Beautiful hotel well appointed rooms and delicious breakfast options. Friendly helpful staff on site convenience store in basement and spa need a swimming cap to swim. But easy to buy and a nominal cost. Providing gym clothing was an added bonus and nice touch. Nespresso machine and lovely smelling toiletries in room. Not near a metro station but bus stop five minute walk. Lovely rooftop bar and outdoor pool area but quite busy over weekendsFromTWD 4,819
Business travel
Very Good744 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.15km from city center
My stay at the New Seoul Hotel was excellent. The gentlemen on reception helped me order a taxi and explained how to use the metro. The room was very comfortable and had everything I needed. The location was perfect, right by city hall. There are 3 metro stations within a 3 minute walk away. It’s easy to walk around the area too. I ended up coming back to Seoul and stayed at the New Seoul Hotel again. Thank you.FromTWD 1,914
Great882 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.9km from city center
If you’re looking for a hotel that combines comfort, modern design, and an unbeatable location in Seoul, voco Seoul Myeongdong is a fantastic choice.
📍 Location:
Perfectly situated just across Namdaemun Market and within walking distance to Seoul Station, this hotel makes exploring central Seoul incredibly convenient. You can easily reach popular spots like Myeongdong Shopping Street, Namsan Seoul Tower, and the traditional markets in just a few minutes on foot.
🛏️ Rooms:
The rooms are bright, clean, and thoughtfully designed with a cozy modern vibe. I loved the stunning view of Namsan Tower right from the window—especially during sunrise and sunset. The beds are plush and comfortable, perfect after a long day of sightseeing.
🚿 Bathroom:
Spacious and elegant, featuring a full bathtub, rainfall shower, and high-quality amenities. Everything feels fresh and well-maintained.
☕ Amenities:
Each room includes a Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary water bottles—small touches that make mornings extra pleasant.
🍽️ Dining:
The breakfast area is stylish and relaxing, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The buffet includes a variety of pastries, fresh juices, and beautifully presented Korean treats that add a local touch.
🏊 Facilities:
There’s a clean indoor pool, fitness area, and locker room—all kept in excellent condition. Perfect for unwinding or getting in a light workout.
🌄 View & Ambience:
One of the highlights is definitely the panoramic view of Namsan Tower and the city skyline—whether from your room, the dining area, or the lounge, it’s picture-perfect at any time of day.
💬 Overall:
voco Seoul Myeongdong offers a luxurious yet warm atmosphere, ideal for both leisure and business travelers. With its strategic location, elegant interiors, and superb amenities, it’s an easy 5/5 stay.
✅ Highly recommended for travelers who want to stay near Myeongdong but in a calmer, more refined area.FromTWD 7,433
Good1955 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.84km from city center
For the price I paid and its central location to Myeongdong shopping center, I would say it was very affordable compared to other locations. I was more interested in a location was able to accommodate my big family of 11 and 3 rental cars and this was the only affordable location that offered a 5 room package. I wished it had more amenities such as a fridge in the room but it only came with a hot water pot. With the hotel also being used as a mall parking lot the elevators were very busy which was big hassle and a long wait everytime we had to use it. But the view to Seoul Tower was a plus.FromTWD 2,069
Very Good1181 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.61km from city center
Although my stay was limited to just one night, I had a truly excellent experience. The hotel's location is its major asset, situated right in the energetic heart of Myeongdong, which made immediate exploration and access to dining and shopping incredibly convenient. Everything about the stay was great, from the efficient check-in to the clean and comfortable room. It was a perfect, seamless stopover, and I would highly recommend it for both short and long trips.FromTWD 2,658
Very Good1297 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.05km from city center
Environment: The location is excellent. It's just 20 meters straight ahead from Myeongdong Subway Exit 10. The airport bus stop is only 50 meters away, Myeongdong is right behind the hotel, and the North Face building and Daiso are across the street.
Service: It was just average, I didn't really experience any special service. The hotel requires check-in at 3 PM, and they stored my luggage for me. There's a self-check-in machine at the front desk, which was quite convenient and available in Chinese.
Facilities: It's definitely an older hotel. You absolutely need to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste, as the hotel doesn't provide them. They cost ₩1000 if you need to buy them.FromTWD 2,755
Family friendly
Very Good1113 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.22km from city center
This hotel comes with very distinct pros and cons.
As a family traveling with two adults and one child, considering our specific needs and budget, Korenahotel was our best option.
Since we were traveling in summer and had visited Korea multiple times, our main purpose this trip was to relax and dip our feet in Cheonggyecheon Stream. From our hotel window, we could see a large conch sculpture, which marks one of the stream's starting points. Unfortunately, it rained on our first day in Seoul, and Cheonggyecheon was temporarily closed, though it reopened the next day. There was also the Newseoul Hotel as an alternative in this location, but its price had shot up to 2k a night during our stay.
Pros:
1. Excellent location. Turning left out of the hotel, it's a ten-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace and fifteen minutes to Insadong, from where you can easily walk to Myeongdong. (A slight drawback related to this superb location is that roads can be closed for weekend protests/parades. We departed at 8:30 AM on Sunday to avoid these closures and reached the airport in forty minutes, which left us ample time for shopping and dining.)
2. We booked a deluxe twin room, which came with two 1.5-meter wide beds, a sofa area, and a bathroom with a bathtub. You'd be hard-pressed to find another hotel online offering this combination of price and location. Even for a family of four (two adults, two children), it was spacious enough. While the kids couldn't exactly run laps indoors, we spent most of our time outdoors exploring Korea, so the room size was perfectly adequate.
Cons:
The facilities are quite dated. Even for non-germaphobes, the noticeable dust on the surfaces might be off-putting. The TV in my room wouldn't turn on, and one of the bedside lamps couldn't be switched off. However, we promptly reported these issues to the hotel, and the maintenance was quite timely.FromTWD 2,100
Very Good1816 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.5km from city center
The hotel is located at very quiet location (private street) but easy access to Myeongdong or City hall train station. There are a lot of restaurants surrounding and convenient stores (emart & 7-11). There is twosome and ediya nearby too.
The hotel room size is comfortable and spacious. The room has bathtubs, shower area and toilet all partition properly. The only downside is the pillows are too soft and I have to stack 3 together. The room comes with air purify and aircon is cold enough for the summer weather.
Overall satisfy with the stay and will consider coming back again.FromTWD 2,795
Very Good1511 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.67km from city center
The hotel boasts a fantastic location in Myeongdong, putting shopping right at your doorstep and making it easy to reach attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namdaemun Market.
However, the prime location comes with a drawback: noise. The lack of noise-proof windows is noticeable.
In terms of convenience, Smokers will appreciate the smoking area lobby on every floor. The 7-Eleven at the entrance is perfect for late-night snacks. An underground parking garage is available but is paid separately through the parking lot information attendant and not the hotel staff (which was a hassle) and a standout feature is the on-site Dermatology clinic that offers special discounts for hotel guests.FromTWD 2,330
Great2336 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.61km from city center
Facilities: Well-equipped.
Cleanliness: Spotless.
Location: Incredibly convenient. It's right next to a wholesale market selling men's, women's, and children's clothing, as well as shoes. Across the street, there's a bustling food street, making it super easy to find any kind of food you're craving. I particularly recommend a fantastic BBQ restaurant there that even serves live octopus 🐙, along with delicious fried chicken and beer.
Service: Great.FromTWD 2,321
Very Good724 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.34km from city center
My partner and I stayed at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun for 5 nights and had a truly wonderful experience. From the moment we checked in, we were warmly welcomed by Dennis, who went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. He provided us with a lot of helpful information about the hotel and surrounding area, and his service throughout our stay was exceptional – truly 5-star!
The location is fantastic – just a short walk to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park subway station, which made getting around the city incredibly easy. There are also plenty of convenience stores and cafes nearby, which was super handy. We also appreciated that the airport limousine bus to Incheon Airport stops just a few minutes from the hotel – very convenient for our return trip.
The hotel itself is modern, clean, and well-maintained, with great amenities and comfortable rooms. It definitely lives up to its 5-star rating.
We highly recommend this hotel to couples, families, or anyone looking for a quality stay in Seoul. We would definitely return in the future!FromTWD 7,260
Hot spring
Very Good1856 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.14km from city center
Overall good experience. The staff were friendly and polite and will help if you ask. The location isn't too bad, if you want to go late night shopping at Dongdaemun, then you will have to walk around 15 mins. An alright walk when the temperature is in the 20s but unbearable in the summer heat. Room wise, the beds are comfortable and the room is clean but small. There were a few mosquitos and flies in the bathroom that I assume came up from the drain because we did not leave the door open or open the window. I like how the lift and room door uses a key pad to enter instead of a card, so as long as you have a picture or memorise the password you will be fine :)FromTWD 1,745
Very Good2763 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.57km from city center
This hotel in Myeongdong is a true gem, making our stay incredibly hassle-free!
The location is fantastic, just a 10-minute walk to the Myeongdong Night Market. It's also worth noting that you can reach the famous unmanned ramen restaurant in about 10 minutes on foot – I highly recommend checking it out! For coffee lovers, Myeongdong is a coffee paradise. All in all, it's super convenient for shopping, eating, and drinking. The hotel room was spacious and very new, with several free beverages and a capsule coffee machine provided daily. The front desk staff can speak simplified Chinese, making check-in a breeze. I'll definitely choose this place again on my next trip to Myeongdong!
However, the付费 buffet breakfast was pretty mediocre and not recommended.FromTWD 2,653
Very Good870 Reviews
Insadong / Bukchon Seoul|1.15km from city center
The location of this hotel is perfect. It is directly on Chyeonggyecheon Stream and close to many subway and bus lines, including one bus stop (173) that is right in front of the hotel. The hotel is centrally located, but the area immediately around the hotel is not chaotic; I found it rather peaceful because of the stream.
The room was comfortable and cozy and the wifi was decent. The only thing that I didn’t like was that there are no outlets close to the beds, but I suppose that’s healthier. I would definitely stay here again.FromTWD 1,812
Very Good2153 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.16km from city center
The front desk staffs are polite and helpful each time we approached them for assistance. On our arrival day, we reached hotel 5 hours earlier than the check-in time, but the front desk staff offered allowing us to have early check-in if our room is ready.
Room service was attended promptly upon request. They provides choices of pillows type.
The best is their shampoo and conditioner, my daughter loves its quality so much, unfortunately these are customized products by the hotel.FromTWD 2,950
Great813 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.72km from city center
The biggest pros:
Strategically located in the heart of Myeongdong, you step right out into a bustling shopping street and night market. The Olive Young flagship store is downstairs, and there's a Starbucks right at the entrance. The subway station is a convenient 7-minute walk away, making it easy to get around.
The cons:
The room size is surprisingly small, making it a bit cramped when opening luggage. Soundproofing is also just average. Plus, showering inside the bathtub is quite inconvenient.
They don't provide complimentary disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste; they cost about 6,000 KRW each. However, they do offer shampoo, hand soap, shower gel, and body lotion, which all smell pretty good.
Overall, this is a typical hotel that excels in location. If your main focus is shopping and food, and you plan to spend most of your time outside the hotel, then it's quite suitable.FromTWD 4,297
Gym
Very Good2394 Reviews
Seoul|3.88km from city center
The hotel is located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, not far from the city center. It's just a 200-300 meter walk to several subway stations, and the airport limousine bus stops directly near the hotel, making its location superb. Behind the hotel, there's a food street and a supermarket, with many establishments open 24/7, which makes dining and shopping very convenient.
The hotel offers a good range of facilities, including a gym, restaurant, and laundry room. While the rooms are on the smaller side, they are well-equipped. The room was very quiet, and the bed was comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep.
Service at the hotel was excellent. The front desk staff were patient, polite, and always greeted guests with a smile. I noticed many Chinese guests staying here. Overall, it's a great place and I highly recommend it.FromTWD 2,746
Very Good166 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.2km from city center
The room is small but adequate for solo or couple travellers, especially if you are using it mainly for sleeping. It provides only the basic amenities, so do note that toothpaste and toothbrush are not included – you’ll need to bring your own or purchase them from a nearby convenience store.
The hotel’s location is very convenient, particularly as it is close to the airport limousine bus stop. There are several convenience stores in the area, though it requires a bit of walking to reach Myeongdong street. The nearest MRT station is Chungmuro Station, which makes getting around the city easy.
Overall, if you are looking for a simple place to rest at night with good accessibility, this hotel serves its purpose wellFromTWD 2,343
Great2935 Reviews
Seoul|3.79km from city center
Soundproofing: I stayed on the 20th floor, facing away from the road, so the room was quite quiet. There was a slight sound of cars from the street, but it barely made any difference. I didn't hear any noise from the neighboring rooms either.
Cleanliness: Standard hotel cleanliness.
Food: I booked a room with breakfast, which was about 100 per person and quite good. There were 6 options, including Western choices suitable for children. If you want to avoid hassle, the hotel breakfast is a good choice.
Service: No discrimination or rude treatment whatsoever.FromTWD 2,525
Great608 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.58km from city center
We stayed on a high floor with a great view. The room wasn't huge, but it was clean and serviced daily. One day, I accidentally left the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on, so it wasn't cleaned, but when I returned in the evening, the front desk promptly provided fresh towels and slippers. The hotel service was also quite good; the staff were very friendly and helpful, and communication was smooth. Luggage storage was available too. The area around the hotel was very convenient for shopping and dining, with the bustling city center just a few minutes' walk away. Getting around was also easy, as public transportation was readily accessible with both subway and bus stations nearby. You could even see the bus and subway stations right from the hotel room window.FromTWD 6,175
Great670 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.73km from city center
The service was pretty good. However, I found the hotel's style unsuitable for a solo traveler; it felt a little creepy. The location is quite decent, though, only a few minutes' walk to the night market. Overall, I wouldn't recommend staying here.
Cleanliness: Average
Ambiance: Average
Service: Good
Facilities: Had the essentials, but toothbrushes were an extra charge.FromTWD 4,438
Swimming pool
Very Good309 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.79km from city center
This is my first booking this hotel and i am really satisfied. The hotel is located just within Itaewon, within the area where the party hubs are located. The room is spacious. The staff were approachable. Overall, it was a satisfactory stay. I shall book again here someday.FromTWD 2,520
Very Good351 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.14km from city center
Towel is put next to the trash bin near the floor which is not hygiene. The water pressure in the bathroom facilities is unstable, often fluctuating, making it difficult to use. Additionally, the hair dryer’s cord is covered in hair from previous guests, indicating a need for improved hygiene. The staff's attitude is friendly, and the location is convenient with reasonable prices. However, the facilities are somewhat old, and hygiene conditions need improvement.FromTWD 2,529
Great372 Reviews
Yeouido Seoul|6.44km from city center
The hotel room was incredibly quiet, especially since I opted for a river view. I was most impressed by the Frette bedding, which ensured an exceptionally comfortable night's sleep. I would definitely stay here again. The breakfast, however, was nothing special; I only gave it one try. The fitness center and pool were great as well. The only minor issue was the somewhat subpar hotel Wi-Fi.
From the hotel's ground floor, you have direct access to IFC Mall, and a Hyundai Department Store is conveniently located right across the street. The location is truly excellent.FromTWD 10,649
Amazing925 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.68km from city center
The service was outstanding, truly living up to its reputation as a Forbes-listed hotel in Seoul. While the room's decor is a bit dated, it was impeccably clean and tidy. Housekeeping was consistently five-star standard, which was truly excellent. All the staff spoke excellent English, and I was even given a complimentary room upgrade, which was much appreciated. The amenities are fantastic. There's a duty-free shop right opposite, and the hotel provides a shuttle service to Myeongdong and the subway station, which is incredibly convenient. Plus, there's a convenience store near the subway station. Staying at The Shilla was exceptionally comfortable, and I'll certainly return on my next trip to Seoul.FromTWD 7,987
Great756 Reviews
Seoul|4.07km from city center
I came for my honeymoon and stayed at the Junior King Suite for the whole trip. Services are excellent and the cleanliness of the room is tip-top. Room is always cleaned when I came back for the day. Also, the staffs are friendly, helpful and kind.
Only thing is, to get an Uber to return to the hotel is a little challenging because drivers hesitate to accept due to the distance from the city. But regardless of that, Novotel Suite is still a great place to stay! 🎊🎊😁
All in all, I would recommend this place.FromTWD 5,750
Breakfast
Great821 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.48km from city center
🌟 Wonderful Stay at Stanford Hotel Myeongdong! 🌟
I had a fantastic experience at the Stanford Hotel in Myeongdong. The location is unbeatable—right across from Semicolon, where Vands Clinic is a few levels up, making it incredibly convenient for my skincare treatments. Being in the heart of Myeongdong, everything from shopping to dining was just steps away. Limousine Bus 6015 is only a few minutes away.
The hotel itself was clean, modern, and comfortable. Staff were courteous and professional, and check-in was smooth and efficient. I especially appreciated the peaceful atmosphere despite being in such a lively area. It was the perfect blend of accessibility and relaxation.
Highly recommend for anyone visiting Seoul, especially if you’re planning treatments nearby or just want to enjoy the vibrant Myeongdong district!
Thank you!FromTWD 3,938
Great1378 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.2km from city center
This hotel boasts an excellent location, offering superb convenience for travelers. Whether for business or leisure, guests can easily reach major destinations. The hotel's exterior design is modern yet elegant, while the interior decor is luxurious without sacrificing a welcoming ambiance, making guests feel right at home from the moment they step inside.
The guest rooms are fully equipped, with soft and comfortable beds, and excellent hygiene standards, ensuring a clean and tidy environment. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, with stable network speeds that meet the needs of modern travelers. Additionally, 24-hour hot water service is provided, ensuring every guest enjoys convenience and comfort.
The hotel's dining service is equally commendable. The breakfast offers a rich variety, including authentic local delicacies and international options, catering to diverse tastes. The hotel's restaurant environment is elegant, and the service staff are friendly, providing a pleasant dining experience for guests.
Furthermore, the hotel staff are professional and enthusiastic. From the front desk receptionists to the cleaning staff, all demonstrate a high level of professionalism. They attentively answer guests' questions and promptly respond to their needs, offering personalized service.
Overall, this hotel is an ideal choice for various travel needs, providing a satisfying accommodation experience for both business and leisure travelers.FromTWD 2,454
Very Good921 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.02km from city center
Every time I visit Seoul, I stay at this hotel. It's incredibly close to Myeongdong, just a 5-minute walk. Right downstairs, there's a subway entrance and an airport bus that goes directly to the hotel. It's super convenient for everything – dining, staying, and getting around. I often travel solo, so I'll grab some fried chicken from Myeongdong, pick up some coffee or beer from the CU convenience store downstairs at the hotel, and head back to my room to enjoy it.FromTWD 3,743
Very Good867 Reviews
Seoul|7.39km from city center
I chose this hotel for its convenient location near KSPO. It's also just a short walk to the subway station, with plenty of dining choices in the vicinity. The room itself was quite spacious, and there are convenience stores readily available. The only downside is that there isn't much in terms of attractions or shopping nearby, but it was a decent stay nevertheless.FromTWD 1,360
Very Good504 Reviews
Samseong-dong Seoul|9.79km from city center
It’s opposite COEX and has an airport bus direct to and fro! Loads of amenities provided and it’s my second time staying at this particular hotel. Hotel staff is equipped to converse in English 👍🏻FromTWD 3,929
FAQs about South Korea Holidays
How long is Chuseok holiday 2026?
Chuseok 2026 runs from September 24 to September 27 (Thursday to Sunday), creating a four-day weekend. This includes the actual Chuseok Day (September 25, Friday) plus the days immediately before and after, with an additional day due to the weekend falling within the holiday period. Most Korean workers receive these days off as paid leave.Which month is best to visit South Korea?
The best months to visit South Korea are April-May (spring) and September-November (autumn) when weather is mild and skies are clear. April features cherry blossoms, while October offers stunning fall foliage. For cultural experiences, visit during Buddha's Birthday (May) or Chuseok (September) for traditional celebrations. Winter (December-February) is ideal for skiing, and summer (June-August) good for beach activities and festivals.What is the main holiday in Korea?
Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) are Korea's two most important holidays, with both considered national treasures. Seollal (February 16-18, 2026) marks the lunar new year with ancestral ceremonies and family gatherings, while Chuseok (September 24-27, 2026) celebrates the harvest and honors ancestors. Both are three-day holidays that bring the country to a virtual standstill as families reunite.Is it hard to find restaurants open during Seollal and Chuseok?
It can be especially in smaller cities. Most family-run restaurants close, but chain cafes and restaurants in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju usually stay open.