Hip Hotels in Gangnam Seoul

Seoul's most upmarket district, Gangnam sits on the southern side of the mighty Han River. Famed for its glittering skyscrapers, fabulous shopping and exclusive late-night clubs, it has become a hugely popular base for travellers as well as the city’s well-heeled crowd. Shop ’til you drop on Cheongdam Fashion Street, lined with designer boutiques tucked within imposing edifices. Trendy cafés and gourmet restaurants abound, perfect for a long lunch or restorative coffee. The COEX Mall is a shopping destination in itself, but its biggest standout is the Starfield Library, which is home to over 40,000 books. Delve a little deeper into the area’s heritage with a visit to the Bongeunsa Temple, a sacred Buddhist site for centuries.

Come evening, already bustling Gangnam kicks things up a notch with atmospheric speakeasies, lively rooftop bars and hip restaurants scattered across the neighbourhood. The best places to stay in Gangnam boasts culinary highlights and cracking cocktail bars of their own — and their teams can point you towards the district’s biggest late-night clubs. Seriously cool, these spots reflect the neighbourhood itself: a fascinating, forward-looking community with a youthful, party-loving spirit.

For Luxury

• Josun Palace, a gorgeous contemporary hotel with sleek interiors, is a Gangnam favourite. Sophisticated guest rooms are done in white, red and golden tones, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an elegant art deco feel. The serene spa has its own big indoor pool, and there are three hip restaurants with velvet-upholstered seating, a cracking cocktail bar and deli for freshly baked bites. Fabulous.
• Park Hyatt Seoul, designed by acclaimed Japanese firm Super Potato, has a slick, grown-up sense of style. Expect rich polished oak and smooth stone in spacious guest rooms, plus big soaking tubs. The spa, gym and indoor infinity pool invite guests to unwind after fun-filled days and nights in Gangnam. An iconic urban retreat.

For Business Travellers

• voco Seoul Gangnam offers surprisingly good value for its fantastic location. Interiors are simple and modern, with warm yellow or green accent walls, crisp white linens on cosy beds and compact bathrooms with traditional tubs. Event spaces are wonderful for business travellers looking to host meetings and events. Guests share a communal kitchen as well as a casual all-day restaurant.
• Andaz Seoul Gangnam has slick white-on-white guest rooms with indulgent bathrooms. Five flexible event rooms and a big ballroom are well-suited to meetings or conferences, whilst the Ocelas Spa and gym invite post-work rejuvenation. The indoor pool with LED screen is a very cool touch. A hip hotel choice.
• Aloft Seoul Gangnam overlooks the Han River at the edge of the Gangnam district. Expect light wood furnishings, dark blue accents and colourful artwork in compact guest rooms with desks and city or river views. Hearty breakfasts are served in the modern restaurant, there's a relaxed deli, and four meeting rooms. Hit the gym first thing or before heading out for the evening.

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  • Josun Palace Seoul (Gangnam) 254 rooms from AU$586

    
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    City Style  -  An elegant city hotel with striking, design-led interiors, a stand-out spa & gourmet fare for guests of all ages

    Weddings  -  The hotel's Great Hall is immensely impressive, and perfect for a beautiful city wedding

    Restaurant  -  Savour Korean fine dining at Eatanic Garden, pastries at Josun Deli, Chinese fare at Great Hong Yuan, and a buffet at Constans

    Lively area  -  Set within the Centerfield Mall, between Yeoksam and Seolleung Station, in the upmarket neighborhood of Gangnam

    

    An elegant contemporary hotel with expansive city views in the upmarket Gangnam district. Sleek interiors feature clean lines, golden, white & red tones, high ceilings & velvet upholstery. A superb spa with indoor pool, three restaurants, a bar & deli complete the picture. Slick & sophisticated. See More

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  • Park Hyatt Seoul Seoul 185 rooms from AU$518

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Explore local culture by visiting the nearby COEX Mall and Aquarium, providing family-friendly entertainment and shopping

    City Style  -  Enjoy panoramic city views, an exquisite spa, and gourmet dining at this luxurious urban retreat in the heart of Gangnam

    Local exploring  -  This centrally-located hotel offers easy access to Seoul's vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural hotspots

    Total relaxation  -  Indulge in luxurious spa treatments that blend traditional Korean and contemporary wellness techniques

    

    An iconic hotel in Seoul's answer to Manhattan, Gangnam. Interiors boast sleek, contemporary decor by Japanese firm Super Potato, with rich oak and stone surfaces. There's an indoor pool, spa, gym, and several dining options. Ideal for a luxurious stay, combining chic design with top-tier services. See More

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  • voco Seoul Gangnam Seoul (Gangnam) 151 rooms from AU$239

    
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    Business meetings  -  Business travellers will appreicate the 600+ square metres of event space, plus the business centre & the excellent service

    City Style  -  A stylish city hotel in bustling Gangnam, with crisp white linens on cosy beds in smart rooms with expansive views

    Designer Shopping  -  Shop at the upscale boutiques of Garosu-gil and the trendy stores of up-and-coming Seongsu-dong

    Great walks  -  Follow the pedestrianised bridges which connect Banpo Seorae Island and Hangang Banpo Park for a lovely city walk

    

    A smart choice for business or leisure in popular Gangnam. Interiors are simple & modern, with crisp white linens atop inviting beds, accent walls painted warm yellow, blue or green & city views. Compact yet attractive bathrooms have soaking tubs or traditional wooden onsens. Cool & contemporary. See More

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  • Andaz Seoul Gangnam Seoul (Gangnam) 223 rooms from AU$372

    
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    Other Activities  -  Amble along the narrow alleyways of Garosugil, popping into boutiques and cafes are you explore a very special part of Seoul

    Weddings  -  A fabulous wedding venue with a beautiful ballroom, superb gourmet Western & Korean dining, and stacks of space for guests

    Business meetings  -  A brilliant business hotel with multiple event spaces, ideal for private meetings or bigger conferences

    Designer Shopping  -  Pick up designer pieces at the many boutiques which line the trendy Cheongdam-dong Fashion Street

    

    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    A smart, stylish hotel in the upmarket Gangnam neighbourhood. Slick white-on-white guest rooms have big beds, inviting yellow sofas, plus indulgent marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. An indoor swimming pool with LED screen, fitness centre, sauna & spa add to the appeal. Ideal for business or play! See More

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  • Aloft Seoul Gangnam Seoul (Gangnam-gu) 188 rooms from AU$235

    
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    Business meetings  -  Business travellers will appreicate the in-room desks, four meeting rooms and fantastic central location

    Value chic  -  A chic city hotel offering very reasonable rates for the trendy Gangnam neighbourhood

    Sights nearby  -  Seolleung & Jeongneung Royal Tomb is a key cultural sight — there are some stunning palaces in the area too

    Restaurant  -  Enjoy big breakfasts at Artichoke, or light bites and snacks at Re:Fuel throughout the day

    

    A city hotel with simple, stylish interiors & views of lively Gangnam or the Han River. Contemporary spaces have big beds topped with crisp white linens, pale wooden furnishings, and pops of orange & dark blue. Facilities include a gym, breakfast restaurant & deli. Great value too. See More

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Written by Saskia Walker

posted Wednesday, 16th October 2024