By Jae-Ha Kim
jaehakim.com
November 16, 2023
Located near two of the five grand palaces in South Korea—Gyeongbokgung Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Changdeok Palace—the Somerset Palace Seoul is not a 4-star hotel as it bills itself. While the rooms are clean, it is not a particularly tony hotel. But it’s affordable (especially for Seoul) and is located in a great safe neighborhood that’s walkable. I would stay there again.
The hotel offers a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, which I did not use, and a clean fitness center. And younger guests can play in the children’s area while you workout. You may also make arrangements with the concierge for babysitting services.
I had breakfast every morning in the residents’ lounge, where you could have a continental breakfast or Korean offerings like 미역국 (seaweed soup), 비빔밥 (rice with seasoned vegetables), kimchi, tofu etc.
There’s also a business center if you need to schedule a meeting. When I interviewed the actor and K-pop idol Jinkwon, his team graciously came to meet me at the hotel’s conference room since I was running late coming from a previous engagement in Busan.
Just the facts: Somerset Palace Seoul
- 7 Yulgok-ro 2-gil Jongno-gu Seoul 03143 South Korea
- enquiry.seoul@the-ascott.com
- +82 2 6730 8888
From their website:
Somerset Palace Seoul’s prime location places guests right in the heart of the city’s downtown district. Strategically located in the Gangbuk area, the serviced residence offers a tranquil environment teeming with picturesque gardens and sprawling city views.
The area is Seoul’s diplomatic, business and financial hub, and also houses an array of restaurants, shopping and entertainment facilities all along the Insa-dong and Jongo-gu areas. Other parts of Seoul are also easily accessible and minutes from the Anguk, Jonggak and Gwanghwamun subway stations.
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