The historic palace of Séoul that has welcomed heads of state and celebrities since 1979, at the foot of Namsan mountain.
The Shilla Seoul
From
346.128 €
“Traditional Korean garden of 23 000 m² with pavilions and ponds, rare in the heart of Séoul.”
The Shilla Seoul occupies a slope of Namsan for four decades, and remains the reference palace for diplomatic summits and high-society Korean weddings. We have slept in spacious rooms (45 m² minimum) with views over the garden or the skyline, dark wood furniture, marble in the bathrooms. The two pools (indoor and outdoor) are open all year round, the fitness centre is equipped with Technogym. The service is discreet, efficient, multilingual. From 346 € a night, it is the most accessible palace in Séoul without compromise on the offering. The restaurants attract residents and Seoulites alike for special occasions ✨
Who is it for?
Who we recommend it to
We recommend The Shilla to business travellers who want a well-established palace (meeting rooms, business lounge, efficient concierge) and to couples seeking an iconic address for an anniversary or honeymoon. Korean families come here for celebrations (weddings, 60th birthdays), international clients for summits and long stays. It is a hotel for those who prioritise impeccable service and discretion over avant-garde design.
The building
Architecture and interiors
The main building dates from 1979, Korean neoclassical architecture with traditional tiled roof and granite façade. Interiors refurbished in stages until 2015: white marble lobby with crystal chandeliers, wide corridors, 3.5-metre ceiling height. The rooms blend contemporary dark wood furniture with Korean details (screens, ceramics). The scale is that of a grand palace: 464 rooms spread over 23 floors, with a separate Executive wing.
At the table
Restaurants, bar, service
Three Michelin-starred tables in the hotel: La Yeon (3★, contemporary Korean cuisine on the 23rd floor), Palsun (1★, Cantonese), Ariake (1★, Japanese). The Parkview offers international buffets and Korean-Western breakfast, The Library serves afternoon tea and cocktails. The Continental Restaurant offers a classic Italian menu. Room service 24/7 with full menu until midnight. Book La Yeon two months in advance for dinner.
Highlights
- Korean garden of 23 000 m² with Joseon pavilions, koi carp ponds, walking paths
- Two pools: heated indoor all year round, outdoor open May to September
- Three Michelin-starred restaurants in the hotel (La Yeon 3★, Palsun 1★, Ariake 1★)
- Free shuttle to Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, private parking with 800 spaces
- Rooms from 45 m², all with marble bathtub and Guerlain products
Location & access
Where the hotel sits in Seoul
The Shilla stands on the southern flank of Namsan, halfway between the city centre and N Seoul Tower. Myeongdong (shopping) ten minutes by free shuttle, Gyeongbokgung Palace twenty minutes by taxi. Dongguk University metro station 800 metres (line 3), Incheon airport 70 km (one hour by limousine). The Jung-gu district is quiet, residential, with embassies and consulates. Few restaurants or shops within immediate walking distance, but the shuttle compensates.
Good to know
Before you book
- Parking
- Free, 800 spaces in the basement, valet parking available 24/7.
- Pools
- Indoor 6am-10pm all year round, outdoor May-September 6am-8pm.
- Shuttle
- Free to Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, departures every 30 minutes 9am-9pm.
- Children
- Free cot, children's menu in all restaurants, babysitting on request.
- Wi-Fi
- Free throughout the hotel, fibre optic, stable connection.
- Check-in
- 3pm standard, early check-in subject to availability (often possible before noon).
Facilities
2 pools
Non-smoking rooms
Fitness centre
Room service
Facilities for disabled guests
Free Wi-Fi connection
Restaurant
Free parking
Private parking
Location
Where The Shilla Seoul is located
Exact address
The Shilla Seoul
Address
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu
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