Seoul/South Korean hotel recommendations

[Peggerz]

We are hoping to make it over to Seoul in October if the country fully opens, to see Miss P who newly resides there. Has anyone experience of reasonably priced Korean or non-International hotels in Seoul. I have points/status with Hilton,IHG and Bonvoy and intend a 5 night stay at the Conrad Seoul. But we’d also like to try some Korean hospitality too. This doesn’t necessarily have to be restricted to Seoul as we’d like to do a few days outside the Capital too.

[bruinbrown]

I’m terms of Seoul, the hotels I’d recommend include the Signiel, the view from the hotel is amazing and the food in Bicena is a fantastic Michelin starred take on Korean food. The Shilla is also excellent, the hospitality was fantastic but make sure you get a room with lounge access since the lounge is great as well.
The Conrad isn’t bad but the location isn’t great and the food isn’t amazing. If you happen to stay at the Conrad though, Gyeongbokgung restaurant I. The shopping centre underneath the hotel is amazing for Korean beef and is definitely worth a visit, also the Hyundai department store is a really nice building and is just over the road.
If you’re looking to head out of Seoul then it’s worth making a visit to Jeju, a completely different feel to the rest of Korea, there’s not many chain hotels there but there is a new Marriott that’s not long opened. Busan is also interesting, the Hilton Busan resort is really great but a little outside the city with a spa on the 10(?)th floor that overlooks the ocean. If you’re looking for a hotel in the city, there’s a new Signiel opened in Busan which looks interesting and is right in Haeundae. Gyeongju is also interesting and the Hilton there is good as well.

[Peggerz]

Thanks @bruinbrown for this information. A lot to be getting on with. I may come back to you in a wee while.

[E]

Agree with Gyeongju as a side trip. It’s an easy journey by fast train from Seoul. The Hilton there isn’t very central but we were very well treated here including getting an upgrade to a suite that overlooked the lake instead of getting the low level room we’d booked.