WOWPASS - Booking, Locations & How to Use
Book WOWPASS, South Korea’s all-in-one travel card for transit and currency exchange. Find WOWPASS locations, how to buy, and compare to T-money/NAMANE.
to Seoul
to Busan
to Jeju
See all flights
What is WOWPASS & How does it Work?
WOWPASS is a multifunctional payment card launched in South Korea to simplify transit and daily purchases for international visitors. Its core advantage is integrating T-money transit card functionality, foreign currency payments, and real-time balance management—all in one card.
Paired with its mobile app, you can skip carrying multiple cards or cash, and it's ideal for exploring cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Jeju Island.
4.7/5
589 reviews
5/5
It takes only 1 to 2 minutes to purchase it, very convenient and slightly cheaper than purchasing it directly in the machine.
5/5
Before heading to Busan, I pre-ordered a Wowpass card. It's a very convenient card for foreigners; you don't need to exchange for Korean Won beforehand, you can simply top it up with your local currency. In addition, the card also has a Tmoney function, so when your transportation card balance is insufficient, you can directly transfer funds from the Wowpass, which is very convenient.
5/5
This card is very convenient for traveling. There are top-up machines almost everywhere. We're happy with our order.
5/5
The WOWPass is a type of credit card that, in my case, could be loaded with Korean cash. Where your own credit cards aren't accepted, you can often pay with the WOWPass. This card also includes a T-Money card. This can be loaded separately, for example, at a convenience store, and used for public transportation, among other things.
It's very practical, but you shouldn't transfer more money to the card than you'll use. There's apparently also the option to withdraw the balance, but I found that rather cumbersome.
5/5
The only difficulty was finding the machine at Incheon Airport... but everything else was quick and easy. Just like the description. Just go up, enter the code, and you have your card. The price is a bit higher than getting it this way, but it's fine.
WOWPASS vs. T-money Card vs. NAMANE Card
Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Core Functions | Transit, daily payments, currency exchange (USD supported) | Transit only | Transit + daily payments |
App Features | USD top-ups, real-time exchange, balance tracking | Basic balance check only | KRW-only top-ups, purchase history |
Tax Refunds | Supported (refund to card) | Not supported | Not supported |
Purchase Locations | Airports, Trip.com, select subway stations | Convenience stores, subway stations | Subway stations, convenience stores |
WOWPASS Card
4.7/5
589 reviewsIt takes only 1 to 2 minutes to purchase it, very convenient and slightly cheaper than purchasing it directly in the machine.
NAMANE CARD Transport Card (South Korea)|Offline payment card|Personalize Card Face
4/5
9 reviewsVery convenient card that allow a fuss free transaction journey throughout our trip. Allow us to go to places like the genshin cafe that only accept card. Definitely recommend everyone to get it.
Who Can Use WOWPASS?
WOWPASS is designed for all international travelers visiting South Korea, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer. It works across Korea’s major travel regions, eliminating the stress of converting Korean Won (KRW) or navigating unfamiliar transit ticketing systems. Cover almost all daily expenses—from subway rides to café stops—with one card.
How to Buy and Activate WOWPASS
Purchase Your WOWPASS Voucher (Pre-Trip)
- Buy a WOWPASS on Trip.com (or other authorized platforms) before your departure. You’ll receive a 6-digit verification code via email/SMS after checkout.
- This voucher lets you skip on-site lines for physical card issuance.
Redeem & Activate Your Card (In Korea)
Once you arrive, head to a WOWPASS kiosk (airports, subway stations, etc.) and follow these steps:
- Select your preferred language (e.g., English) on the kiosk screen.
- Tap “Issue New Card” and choose your initial top-up currency (USD, KRW, etc.).
- Scan your passport for identity verification.
- Select “I Have a Reservation Code” and enter your 6-digit Trip.com code.
- Load your initial funds (insert cash or use the app to transfer USD).
- Remove the physical card from the machine, then reinsert it to activate.
- Download the WOWPASS App, register your card, and you’re ready to use it.
How to Exchange Currency with WOWPASS
WOWPASS lets you exchange currencies digitally via the app, which is faster and often has better rates than airport counters:
- Open the WOWPASS App and log in to your account.
- Go to the “Currency Exchange” section.
- Select the currencies you want to swap (e.g., USD → KRW).
- Enter the amount and confirm the real-time exchange rate.
- Complete the transaction—funds will be instantly transferred to your target wallet.
Fly to Seoul
Seoul Hotels
Seoul Things to Do
See all flights
NO.1
![[South Korea] 5G | eSIM | 1-30 day validity | Subscribe and use now | QR Code | LGU/SK dual network](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0580w12000n1d84xt0913_C_568_320.jpg)
How to Use WOWPASS
1. As a Transit Card (T-money)
- How it works: Simply tap your WOWPASS on the contactless reader at subway turnstiles, bus doors, or taxi payment terminals.
- Pro tip: The fare is automatically deducted from your T-money balance, so you don’t need to select a ticket type or worry about exact change.
2. As a Debit Card for Daily Payments
- How it works: Insert your WOWPASS into the card reader at shops, restaurants, and convenience stores (or tap for contactless payments where available).
- Coverage: Accepted at most places that take card payments in South Korea, including major retail chains, cafes, and even street food stalls with card readers.
3. App-Based Balance & Payment Management
- Use the WOWPASS App to track your spending, exchange currencies (e.g., USD ↔ KRW), and set up auto-deduction from your foreign currency wallet if your KRW balance runs low.
- You can also view transaction history and receive real-time notifications for all payments.
Where is WOWPASS Location?
WOWPASS kiosks are widely available at airports, subway stations, and tourist hubs. Below are the most popular locations for travelers:
- Incheon Airport Terminal 1/2 (AREX): 6:00 AM–10:50 PM (Only for AREX Express Train ticket holders; no balance refunds).
- Jeju International Airport (International Terminal): Arrivals Hall Exit 5, 6:00 AM–11:59 PM.
- Hongik University Station: Next to subway ticket machines (Exit 2 direction), 6:00 AM–11:59 PM.
- Seoul Station (Lotte Mart): 2nd floor (under “Exchange” sign), 110m from Exit 1, 6:00 AM–11:59 PM.
- Gwanghwamun Station: Beside turnstiles (Exit 3 direction), 6:00 AM–11:59 PM.
- Busan Lotte Department Store (Main Branch): 1st floor (near tax refund counter, rear entrance), 132m from Seomyeon Station Exit 7, 10:30 AM–8:30 PM.
For additional kiosk locations, check the official WOWPASS website or app map.
What are Key Features of WOWPASS
1. T-money Transit Card Integration
As South Korea’s primary transit payment method, T-money is accepted on subways, buses, and taxis nationwide. WOWPASS builds in T-money functionality, so you don’t need a separate transit card. Simply tap your WOWPASS to ride—no more fumbling with ticket machines or cash.
2. Multi-Currency Payments (USD Supported)
Load funds in U.S. Dollars (USD), Japanese Yen (JPY), KRW, and other major currencies. A standout feature is auto-cross-currency deduction: if your KRW balance runs low, the card automatically uses funds from your USD (or other foreign currency) wallet, converting at the real-time rate at checkout. Skip frequent top-ups and currency exchange counters.
3. App-Managed Currency Exchange
Exchange currencies instantly via the WOWPASS App (e.g., USD to KRW) with real-time rates—usually more favorable than airport or bank counters, with lower fees. No more waiting in lines at physical exchange desks: top-ups, currency swaps, and balance tracking are all digital, saving time on your trip.
4. ATM Cash Withdrawals
Use WOWPASS as a cash card at Korean ATMs to withdraw KRW. The amount is deducted from your foreign currency (e.g., USD) wallet at the current exchange rate, so you avoid carrying large sums of cash—boosting safety and convenience.
How to Reload WOWPASS
Online Reload (App)
After registering your card in the WOWPASS App, load funds in USD or other currencies digitally. Note: T-money transit balance top-ups via the app are only available for iOS; Android users must reload T-money at subway kiosks.
In-Person Reload
Reload T-money (for transit) at subway ticket machines or WOWPASS kiosks: Select your language, choose “Reload Transit Card,” enter the amount, and insert cash (KRW) to complete.
[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.From$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.From$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.From$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.From$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.From$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.From$242
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.From$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.From$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.From$120
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.From$128
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.From$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!From$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.From$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!From$158
Hot spring
Very Good98 Reviews
Seoul|11km from city center
Honestly, I was a bit worried when I booked because the rating was a bit low, but it turns out all my worries were for nothing! I heard it's an older building, but it must have been recently renovated because the interior was incredibly clean and comfortable. The 'private spa,' which I wasn't even expecting, was truly a stroke of genius. For this price, having access to a spa that just melted away the day's fatigue, especially being able to enjoy it alone, was fantastic.
Usually, to use spa facilities of this caliber, you'd have to go to the outskirts or pay a much higher price, so being able to relax privately like this right in the heart of the city was extremely satisfying.
Oh, and the staff were incredibly friendly. To be honest, when I go to 1 or 2-star places or motels, I don't expect much in terms of service, but here, the service tone and manner were what you'd experience at a 3-star hotel or higher, which was particularly impressive. While facility preferences can be subjective, I personally loved it.From$36
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!From$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.From$151
Very Good1053 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.From$66
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!From$158
Gym
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.From$324
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.From$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.From$125
Great3536 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.From$123
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.From$266
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.From$283
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.From$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.From$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. 😕From$181
Amazing676 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.From$295
Breakfast
Great1111 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.From$117
Great1669 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.From$153
Very Good1092 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.From$201
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.From$55
Very Good620 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.From$157
FAQs about WOWPASS
-
How does WOWPASS work?
-
Is WOWPASS Worth It for Travelers?
-
Can I use WOWPASS outside Korea?
-
Can I use WOWPASS for subway?
-
Can I get a tax refund on WOWPASS?
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Popular Searches
-
Getting Around
-
Popular Attractions
-
eSIM/SIM card
- ETC Card Japan
- Narita Airport Lounge
- Zhangjiajie Airport
- New York Subway
- Nara Transportation
- Kunming Airport to City
- jr tokyo wide pass
- Harbin Metro Map
- Suzhou metro
- Wenzhou Metro
- Xiamen Airport
- Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok
- Hong Kong to Macau
- Changsha Metro
- Narita Airport to Shinjuku
- Macau to Hong Kong
- Chongqing Metro Map
- Forbidden City Tickets
- Shanghai Disneyland Tickets
- Shanghai Tower Tickets
- Shanghai Wild Animal Park
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Canton Tower Tickets
- Universal Studios Beijing Tickets
- Huangshan
- Shanghai Zoo Tickets
- Yu Garden Tickets
- Great Wall of China Tickets
- Summer Palace Tickets
- universal studios japan tickets
- Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
- Beijing Zoo Tickets