Hongdae is popular with locals and tourists alike for its vibrant community of students, young adults, artists, and travellers, all meshed in together in low-rise buildings and narrow alleys. There’s always something going on in Hongdae – markets, entertainment, and people enjoying life in Seoul.

What Hongdae lacks in tourist sights and temples, it more than makes up for with local culture. Designers show their wares in boutique fashion shops, artists make their mark in galleries or on the walls of Hongdae’s old buildings, and everyone is working hard to create something new and fresh.

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The Top 10 Hotels In Hongdae 2024

These 10 hotels in Hongdae all have comfortable & clean rooms, a convenient location, an outstanding reputation, and a high level of atmosphere and quality that only the best hotels possess. Whatever your budget or comfort level, one of these great hotels in Hongdae will be suitable for you.

Although these hotels in Hongdae aren’t ranked in any particular order, the first few are the most exclusive and offer a high level of service that you’d expect from luxury hotels. The second half of the list contains smaller hotels and guesthouses that offer a more cosy experience and are budget hotels.

All of these hotels are highly rated within their price category and are located within 5-10 minutes of the popular Hongdae Shopping Street near Hongik University. Some hotels are in the quieter residential neighbourhood part of Hongdae, while others are right in the thick of the busiest areas.

If you’re visiting Seoul for more than a few days, I highly recommend spending at least a couple of days in Hongdae so you can soak up the atmosphere and culture of the area. It’s also a great place for last minute souvenir shopping and greedy meals.

★★★★

RYSE, Autograph Collection

Celebrate the lively neighbourhoods of Hongdae and nearby Sinchon in one of the most artistic hotels in Hongdae – RYSE, Autograph Collection. Featuring creatively decorated hotel rooms that will make other hotels seem drab, this hotel reflects the stylishness and energy you can only find in Seoul’s youthful Hongdae district.

This hotel is perfect for family trips, romantic getaways, business meetings, and holidays in Seoul. Make your stay a memorable one with this beautiful hotel.

Make yourself at home in one of the 272 air-conditioned rooms featuring LED televisions. Every room in this luxurious hotel comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 130

Agoda.com Prices

MarriotT Prices

★★★★

L7 Hongdae By LOTTE

Lotte Hotels always provide a delightful blend of homely comfort and great facilities and the L7 Hongdae is certainly no exception. Paying homage to the artistic vibes that flow through the Hongdae neighbourhood, this hotel is packed with chic artwork and beautiful designs that make this a wonderful accommodation.

One of the best features of this hotel is the rooftop pool. Chilling by the pool is the perfect summer activity after a busy day exploring Seoul.

Make yourself at home in one of the 336 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature hair dryers and bathrobes. All rooms have safes, desks, and daily housekeeping.

Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 141

Agoda.com Prices

Booking.com Prices

★★★★

Mercure Ambassador Hongdae

Located outside Hongik University Station, the Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae hotel offers an incredibly convenient place to stay at a great price. It’s located at the start of the Hongdae Shopping Street, which means you won’t have to go far when shopping for souvenirs, snacks, and gifts for yourself.

There are local performances nearby in the evenings. A highly rated, fun, modern hotel that offers a comfortable night’s sleep.

Make yourself at home in one of the 270 individually furnished guest rooms, featuring iPod docking stations and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have designer toiletries and bidets. All rooms include phones, safes and desks.

Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 144

Agoda.Com Prices

Booking.Com Prices

★★★

9 Brick Hotel

This stylish boutique hotel is nestled in the heart of Hongdae and features sophisticated rooms and interior design that makes it look much more expensive than it actually is. One of the top rated hotels in its price range, this is a great place to stay for couples and young travellers who want to walk outside and be straight into the action of Hongdae’s buzzing streets.

Make yourself at home in one of the 94 guest rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Address: 서울 마포구 홍익로5길 32

Agoda.com Hotels

Booking.com Prices

★★★★

Amanti Hotel Seoul

With a stay at Amanti Hotel Seoul, you’ll be a couple of minutes walk from the bustling Hongdae Shopping Street and tranquil Gyeongui Forest Line Park, but far enough way to get some peace and quiet, too.

This tall, sleek hotel has large panoramic windows, offering you views over the low-rise buildings of Hongdae and Yeonnamdong. If the room doesn’t offer enough of a view, you can enjoy an evening in the rooftop garden, looking out in all directions.

Make yourself at home in one of the 150 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries.

Address: 서울 마포구 월드컵북로 31

Agoda.com Hotels

Booking.com Prices

★★★

Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae

The Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae is a good option for travellers looking to explore all over Seoul. Located above Hongik Uni Station, travellers can jump into the subway and zoom to other parts of the city. The hotel has many attractions nearby, such as the tranquil Gyeongui Book Line. If you want a comfortable stay in Hongdae, this modern hotel will provide a peaceful night’s sleep and leave you refreshed, ready to explore Hongdae’s charms.

Make yourself at home in one of the 294 guest rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access is available. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall shower heads and bidets. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.

Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 188

Agoda.com Hotels

Booking.com Prices

★★★

DW Design Residence

Budget travellers will love the DW Design Residence hotel in Hongdae. You can sleep in clean and cosy rooms and be just 2 minutes from the many entertainment options of Hongdae Shopping Street.

This charming accommodation was created by a couple who spent a year travelling the world on their honeymoon. They came back to Korea and set up this hotel and now enjoy sharing their stories with international travellers who visit Seoul.

Make yourself at home in one of the 14 guest rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Prepare your meals in the shared/communal kitchen. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

Address: 서울 마포구 동교로25길 35

Agoda.com Hotels

Booking.Com Prices

★★

Neat House Hongdae

If you want a more homely stay in Hongdae, then the Neat House Hongdae could be for you. This is one of the larger guesthouses in the area and offers a quiet, peaceful night’s rest in the residential part of Hongdae. It’s still close to the lively parts of Hongdae and you can eat Korean BBQ, sing at a noraebang, and be back at the hotel within 10 minutes. A convenient hotel that’s like a home away from home.

Make yourself at home in one of the 13 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include electric kettles, bottled water, and housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

Address: 서울 마포구 양화로15안길 7

Agoda.com Hotels

Booking.com Prices

★★★

Hotel The Designers Hongdae

Hotel The Designers Hongdae is a located close to Hapjeong Station in the southern part of Hongdae, close to the river. This area has some of the best restaurants in Seoul, offering a mix of Korean and international dishes. If you are just looking for a cheap room to stay in while you’re out exploring all day long, this hotel will be ideal for you. The hotel is clean, comfortable and has a lot of budget-friendly rooms that offer views over the surrounding area.

Make yourself at home in one of the 80 individually decorated guest rooms, featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Your room comes with a memory foam bed. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and bidets.

Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 86

Agoda.com Hotels

Booking.com Prices

★★

Hongdae Style Guesthouse

Hongdae Style Guesthouse has been designed with travellers in mind. This 3-storey house has a beautiful garden with terrace, and provides guests with a cozy place to relax and unwind. If you want to spend time relaxing inside in the evenings, this friendly guesthouse will be perfect for you. The guesthouse is close to Hongik Station and has many stores, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops nearby.

Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 8 individually decorated guest rooms, featuring heated floors and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, and housekeeping is provided on request.

Address: 서울 마포구 월드컵북로4길 23-3

Agoda.com Hotels

Booking.com Prices

A Note About Booking Hotels

I’ve used Agoda and Klook for prices. Other good hotel booking sites for Seoul and Korea include Hotels.com, and Booking.com. If you want to find the best prices, it’s worth taking a bit of time to check each of these sites and compare their prices.

I haven’t included the price of each hotel in this article as prices can vary a lot depending on the day of the week you’re booking, as well as the time of year. October in Korea is peak travel to see autumn leaves and March / April are peak travel months to see cherry blossoms.

Hostels And Guesthouses In Hongdae

These 10 best hotels in Hongdae mostly includes large hotels. I’ve added these as they’re more likely to have available accommodation for when you’re looking to travel. Hongdae isn’t a large, built up area like Gangnam or Myeongdong, and instead of mega-hotels, there are small guesthouses to stay in.

If you’re looking for a cosy, friendly atmosphere and the chance to meet other travellers or talk to the guesthouse hosts, then certainly book a room (if they’re available). There are a wide range of guesthouses available in Hongdae that will definitely suit budget travellers.

I often stay in guesthouses in Hongdae and Myeongdong as they’re a cheap place to crash for the night and are perfect for a weekend away in Seoul. However, I probably wouldn’t book them for long stays as they often lack some of the facilities you need to make a long-term stay comfortable.

Here’s a list of the top 10 guesthouses and hostels in Hongdae, in case you’d rather stay in smaller, friendlier accommodation with a kitchen:

1. Wow Hills Guesthouse Stay
2. Orbit Guesthouse
3. Time Travelers Party Hostel
4. Dream House
5. Heima Guesthouse Hongdae
6. TwoTwo House
7. Hotel Baroato
8. DAOL Guesthouse
9. The Blossom Yeonnam Guesthouse
10. Stitches House

Not sure if Hongdae is right for you? Here are two more hotel guides in Seoul’s other popular tourists locations. If you’re a first time traveller to Korea and looking for easy access to the top tourist sites, I’d checking out one of these cool hotels in Myeongdong.

If you’ve visited Korea before, or want to check out Korea’s designer clothes stores and upmarket restaurants, then Gangnam would probably suit you more (guide coming soon).

Traveller’s Guide To Hongdae

Hongdae is Seoul’s answer to Harajuku in Tokyo, with lots of unique fashion, hairstyles, and a wide range of boutique stores. The streets are packed with clothes shops, artsy goods, souvenirs, and, best of all, lots of Korean snacks to sample!

There’s a strong art influence in Hongdae here from the nearby Hongik University (Korea’s top Art School). Hongdae is best for backpackers, young travellers, those who want to party, or anyone who wants to experience modern Korean culture.

Packed full of unusual cafes, international and Korean restaurants, famous nightclubs, cool bars, and imaginative culture, Hongdae is a really fun place to stay. I’ve had some of the best coffee and Italian pizza in Korea whilst in Hongdae, and lots of other scrumptious delights.

What To See In Hongdae

One of the big draws of Hongdae is the vibrant youth and art culture on display in various forms. There are often public performances in the pedestrian area outside Hongik University Station where dancers, musicians, and singers show off their talents to crowds of locals and tourists.

This is the start of Hongdae Shopping Street, an area in the heart of Hongdae that’s packed with markets, shops, boutiques, arcades, cafes, and foods of all different types. As Hongdae is a student area, the prices are some of the best and this is a great place to pick up souvenirs and snacks.

Hongdae is like a big maze, with a warren of streets branching off the main area, leading to artistic murals on buildings, themed cafes, small galleries, and some of the best restaurants in Seoul. The best way to explore Hongdae is to walk around and head off the main streets to see what you can find.

If you want a break from the shops, follow the Gyeongui Line – abandoned rail tracks that pass through Hongik University Station to the east and west. West of the station you’ll find Gyeongui Line Forest Park – a hip green area with small cafes and bars along the side.

To the east, you’ll find the Gyeongui Line Book Street – another green area that has art installations dedicated to books and the pleasure of reading.

What To Do In Hongdae

Hongdae is an area that’s built to entertain and there’s no shortage of things to do in this area. If you want a peaceful afternoon cuddled up to cats, check yourself into a cat cafe – preferably an ethical one that houses abandoned cats.

If cats aren’t your thing, there’s also the unique Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe which has two well-groomed fluffy sheep inside. The sheep have their own pen and at times you can go and feed them and pose for pictures with them.

If you want a cup of coffee without an animal, you can visit 943 King’s Cross – a Harry Potter themed-cafe, or the bizarre looking Greem Cafe (Yeonnam-dong 223-14) – a black & white themed cafe that looks like a cartoon. There’s no shortage of interesting cafes in this area to discover.

Other highlights in Hongdae include the Coconut Box VR / AR Tropical Cafe & Gallery, The Love Museum (with Trick Art), dozens of Escape Rooms, noraebangs (singing rooms), galleries, museums, bars, restaurants, and lots more. There’s always something new popping up that it’s impossible to keep track of everything.

I’ve included a lot of Hongdae’s attractions in my guide to indoor activities in Seoul – check it out if you want more details about these places.To be honest, the best thing to do in Hongdae is just to walk around and explore the area for yourself.

What To Eat In Hongdae

A trip to Hongdae has to end with dinner (and drinks). There’s so much food on offer in Hongdae that you’ll never have trouble finding something to eat. I visit for the international food, including Gusto Taco and Spacca Napoli – two of my favourite restaurants in Seoul for (foreign) comfort foods. There are also many gourmet burger shops in Hongdae, making it a popular spot for expats in Korea.

Most travellers to Hongdae go for the Korean foods on offer. You can stuff your face with Korean street snacks and comfort food for student prices, including tteokbokki, chimaek (chicken and beer), dakgalbi (stir fried chicken) and other fried Korean treats covered in spicy sauces and cheese!

Whatever food you fancy, you’ll find it in Hongdae. From fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, to sweet churros and skewered meats, there’s no shortage of dining options in Hongdae

A general rule when looking for food in Hongdae – the hipster cafes and restaurants are close to Hongik Uni Station, the fancy restaurants and bars are near to Hapjeong Station. Both areas are amazing!

More Information About Seoul

If you want to find out more about what to do, see, and explore in Seoul, then check out some of my other articles about Korea’s capital. Find out the best free activities in Seoul, how the Discover Seoul Pass can save you a whole load of money on premium attractions in the city.

Learn more: If you want to know more about Seoul’s best districts and figure out where the best place to stay for your trip to Korea, then check out my detailed guide about where to stay in Seoul. It’s packed with useful info about each neighbourhood, hotel recommendations for different budgets, and tips about booking accommodation in Seoul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, here are a few FAQs about hotels in Hongdae, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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I recently visited Seoul for the weekend and had the pleasure of spending a night in this fantastically cosy hotel. I want to share my experience in this hotel trying out the Korean cultural trend of hocance, as well as give you all the essential information about the hotel to help you decide if it’s for you.

The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square is perfect for couples, families and solo travellers who want a pleasant, comfortable stay in Seoul. In this review, I’ll tell you all about what the hotel offers, what’s nearby the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, and other key details about the hotel. As always, I’ll also provide useful recommendations for things to do in Seoul, as well as insights to help you get the best from your journey. Thanks for reading.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

My Experience At JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square

My girlfriend and I recently visited the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square hotel and stayed for one night in a delightful double room with a king-sized bed. The room was on the 5th floor and looked out over the historic Dongdaemun Gate, Seoul’s fortress walls, and the sloping hills of northern Seoul.

We arrived at the hotel in the afternoon and were promptly greeted and made welcome by the friendly staff. Thanks, Eddie. Within minutes we were checked in and into our room for the night, with my girlfriend instantly falling onto the voluminous bed and declaring she wasn’t going to move until check out the next day. After sitting on it myself, I could see why she wouldn’t want to move!

After a brief photo-session of the room, we went out to explore the hotel’s features, including the famous swimming pool (a popular spot for Instagrammers), spa, and sauna. We wandered down to the dining floor to torture ourselves with the delectable smells on offer from the Tavolo 24 (international buffet) and BLT Steak (steakhouse) restaurants. The latter was featured in a K-drama (Vincenzo, 2021).

Regrettably, we’d just visited the nearby Gwangjang Market and filled ourselves with bindaetteok (pancakes) and makgeolli (rice wine) and were too full to eat at that time. If you’ve ever tried Korea’s delicious traditional food, you’ll understand it’s impossible to resist!

A Night Of ‘Hocance’ At The Hotel

Fortunately, we’d planned to enjoy a Korean cultural craze that’s become popular during the pandemic – hocance (호캉스) – a Konglish word made from ho(tel) and (va)cance which means ‘a way that you spend your entire holidays in a hotel‘. After all, when you are staying in a beautiful 5 star hotel in central Seoul, why wouldn’t you spend as much time inside as possible?

After a couple of hours exploring the local area (more on what’s nearby later), we decided to head back to the hotel to indulge in wine, snacks, and the delicious night views on offer. The hotel provides a mini-bar, selection of drinks, wine glasses, and everything else you need to enjoy a night of hocance in style.

The room was spacious, providing comfy chairs and sturdy tables for us to sit at while looking out at the views below. There’s nothing like an armchair with footstool to rest your feet on whilst drinking a glass of wine, reading, and looking out over one of the world’s most dynamic cities. I can see why hocance is so popular in Korea.

After a few hours of watching the city wind down to sleep (and my girlfriend already being fast asleep herself), I decided it was time to test out one of the hotel’s features I’d most been looking forward to – the bathtub. I’d just spent a week on Jeju Island hiking South Korea’s highest mountain and walking along the shore each day, so I couldn’t wait to sink into a relaxing hot bath (with bath salts provided) and soak away my body’s strains.

The Best Way To Wake Up!

The beds at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul are so snug that I really didn’t want to wake up at all. Indeed, my girlfriend and I stayed in until 10am, recharging our batteries through the power of an amazing night’s sleep. We’ve decided we’re going to have to get a new bed just like it!

Fortunately, I did manage to escape the warm embrace of the thick bedding, making my way to the Nespresso coffee machine to make myself a coffee (and later a second). I pushed the button for the automatic curtains (also need some of those) and watched the mid-morning sun sitting atop the city’s buildings in the distance.

Dongdaemun literally means ‘Great Eastern Gate’ and the hotel looks out over the east and this eastern fortress gate. If I’d been able to wake up early enough, I would have been treated to a sunrise over Seoul. The view was certainly lovely enough though.

At 11:30am I had to bribe my girlfriend out of bed, refusing to leave as she’d promised the night before, with coffee and some chocolate leftover from the previous night’s hocance. Luckily, checkout at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square isn’t until noon, which is a great time to start exploring Dongdaemun and the rest of Seoul. Korea is a nation of late-starters and a lot of shops (and even cafes!) don’t open until almost noon.

Overall, I had a wonderful stay at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. I was really well rested by morning, got to make the most of the hotel’s facilities and amenities, and was fresh and ready to head out into busy Seoul.

If you’re considering spending a night at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, you can check out the rooms by clicking the button below.

Now, I’ll tell you all about the hotel, some of its features, and what’s nearby.

What Are The Rooms Like In This Hotel?

I stayed in a Deluxe King Room with a view overlooking Dongdaemun Gate, Seoul’s fortress walls, and the surrounding Dongdaemun area. The room was spacious and clean with all the expected modern conveniences, including a shower, bath, air-conditioning, heating, bathroom goodies, automatic curtains, fridge, TV, wifi, mini-bar, and more.

When you enter the room, you immediately notice how much space there is – something of a rarity in Seoul’s hotels. There’s plenty of room to store your shoes and a cupboard with dressing gowns and slippers inside.

The bathroom has a separate shower (with overhead shower options), as well as a separate bathtub and generous sink, mirror and room to prepare. The towels are full length and snuggle you dry after a shower or soak in the bath.

The main attraction in the room was the king-sized bed, with plentiful pillows and a cushiony quilt calling you in. There’s a large TV opposite the bed, perfect for late night binge-watching while you enjoy hocance.

Next to the window, another excellent feature of the room, was an armchair, footrest, and coffee table, as well as a separate desk and reclining chair. Plenty of space for 2 people to enjoy wine and the evening view.

Other features of the room were the mini bar, Nespresso coffee machine, concealed safe, and a range of storage solutions in case you have a longer stay at the hotel.

Rooms At The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Hotel

There are a range of rooms available at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, including the following:

• Sky View Room
• Presidential Suite
• Deluxe King Room
• Deluxe Twin Room

The Sky View rooms are located on the top floor of the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Hotel and offer stunning views of Seoul’s skyline with sloping rooftop windows.

The Presidential Suite is ideal for entertaining guests and includes a conference room for private business meetings, as well as a kitchen, studio, two bathrooms, and king-sized bed.

These rooms come as Executive or Standard. The Executive option providing exclusive access to the Executive Lounge.

What Facilities And Amenities Are There?

Besides the aforementioned features of the room, there are a number of other facilities and amenities at the hotel for a truly 5 star service.

In the room you’ll find an iron, alarm clock, hangers, storage facilities, hot and cold drinks, a coffee machine and kettle, glasses, and cutlery. The flat-screen TV provides cable & satellite channels and pay-per-view options. Rooms are cleaned and fresh water is supplied daily. Room service is available, as well as a wake up call.

The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Hotel also offers a range of facilities accessible to guests, including the following:

• Indoor swimming pool
• Children’s swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Golf Range (virtual)
• Spa and sauna
• Executive Lounge
• The Griffin Bar
• Two Restaurants
  • Tavolo 24
  • BLT Steakhouse
• Seoul Bakery
• Themed Lounge

For business travellers, you can arrange business meetings or seminars in private conference rooms. There’s also a business centre to help you manage your affairs. For couples looking for the perfect wedding location in Seoul, there’s the Urban Boutique Wedding, where you can get married in style and comfort.

You can find out a full list of facilities and amenities Here.

The best part of this hotel for me, aside from the wonderfully comfortable bed, was the service provided by the ever-friendly and helpful staff. Check in was quick and easy (and all in English) and I was greeted with smiles and assistance whenever I needed it.

This extra effort from the hotel staff is what earns the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul the full 5 stars from me.

The View From The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul

I’ve mentioned the view from the hotel several times, and here it is. This was taken around sunset on a sunny winter’s evening. The light drifts slowly over the tops of the old Seoul houses and towers before setting behind the hotel.

Unfortunately, I’m not an early bird, so I missed the sunrise coming from behind the tall Dongdaemun Gate, but I’m sure it would have been impressive. The fortress wall in the left of the picture goes up to Naksan Park and continues around Seoul for miles.

If you look right from the hotel, you can see the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and some of the fashion markets that Dongdaemun is famous for. It’s quite a contrast and an impressive view any time of day.

Where Is The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul?

The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is located directly outside Dongdaemun Subway Station (Line 1 / Line 4) and accessed from Exit 8.

Travellers arriving at Incheon Airport can get to the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square by airport limousine bus 6002. This bus goes directly from Incheon Airport to the hotel and takes approximately 1 hour.

Travellers arriving at Seoul Station can get to the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square on Line 1 or Line 4. Both subway lines go directly to the hotel from Seoul Station.

What To Do Near JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul?

Dongdaemun is a great location to base yourself for exploring Seoul’s many unique sights and attractions. Not only is there the immediately visible Dongdaemun Gate and Seoul fortress walls, there are other sights that are only a short walk away.

Here’s a few of the highlights near JW Marriott Dongaemun Square Seoul:

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

My personal favourite royal palace (Seoul has 5 of them!), Changdeokgung Palace contains an impressive collection of buildings which look beautiful all year long. Be sure to check out the Secret Garden – an exclusive retreat for Korea’s royalty that is now open to the public. See the majestic gardens and ponds that have provided many of the iconic images of Seoul’s traditional past.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

From the past to the future, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a spaceship-esque work of modern art that houses a range of curiosities. The DDP hosts art exhibitions, craft markets, art shops, open air parks, and also provides a creative space for artists to display their works. That includes displays on the curved faces of the buildings themselves through the mesmeric Seoul Light show.

Gwangjang Market

Whether you’re hungry for some incredible Korean street food, or you want to get a custom-made hanbok prepared for you, there’s always something interesting to see and taste in Gwangjang Market. You might recognise some of the scenes from Netflix’s Street Food documentary, too. There are several other markets nearby, including the sprawling Dongdaemun fashion markets and Myeongdong Market.

Think this would be the ideal area for you to stay in Seoul? You can check out the rooms and rates right now by clicking on the button below:

Tips For Visiting Seoul

Want to visit Seoul but not sure when to travel, where to go, or where to stay? No worries, these articles have you covered.There’s loads of useful information to help you plan your dream trip to Seoul, as well as my cultural insights to help you know more about Korea’s capital.

Transportation: Make sure you’ve got a T-Money Card for travelling around Seoul and other parts of Korea. It’ll not only save you time and effort vs. buying a ticket, it’ll also save you money with discounted fares for public transport.

Hotels: There are so many great hotels in Seoul, but also some that aren’t worth the money. Your trip is special and I’d firstly recommend the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square. However, if you’re looking for something in a different location or for a lower price, check out Myeongdong or Hongdae.

Learn more: If you want to know more about Seoul’s best districts and figure out where the best place to stay for your trip to Korea, then check out my detailed guide about where to stay in Seoul. It’s packed with useful info about each neighbourhood, hotel recommendations for different budgets, and tips about booking accommodation in Seoul.

Full Disclosure About My Stay

My stay at this hotel was provided free of charge by JW Marriott. However, the opinions presented in this article are all my own and my review of the hotel is a reflection of my lovely experience staying at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul for one night.

I never want to mislead the readers of my blog and the contents of this article have not been influenced or checked by JW Marriott. I strive to be open in all my posts and I honestly had a great night’s stay in this hotel. After all, it’s a 5 star hotel, it’s hard not to!

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in central Seoul for a good price, then I think you’d be more than satisfied with the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square that should answer any other queries you may have about staying in this 5 star Seoul hotel.

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