Luxury Travel Advisor | Hotel Bookings

The Four Seasons Seoul is, without question, one of the finest luxury hotels in South Korea. Reviewed in December 2024 by Steve Michailidis, a London-based independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel, this property earns its reputation through exceptional service, beautifully appointed rooms, and a Korean sauna experience unlike anything else in the city. It’s a standard of excellence I’ve encountered across the brand — from Four Seasons Abu Dhabi to the streets of Seoul. Located in the Jongno-gu district, steps from Gyeongbokgung Palace, it works brilliantly for both first-time visitors and seasoned Seoul travellers.

Four Seasons Seoul — At a Glance

• Location: Jongno-gu, central Seoul
• Category: Five-star luxury hotel
• Best for: First-time Seoul visitors, couples, business travellers
• Standout features: Korean sauna, Akira Back restaurant, palace views
• Booking benefits: Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits when you book through Fora (ask me for details)
• Booking fees: None
• Reviewed by: Steve Michailidis, independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel, and kept current with client feedback from recent stays

Location

But it’s not just the name that earns such high praise—the location is a major draw. Ideally situated in the central Jongno-gu district, the hotel offers convenience for both business and leisure travellers. It’s within walking distance of the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, a symbol of South Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Nearby, the vibrant Insadong neighbourhood is perfect for exploring traditional tea houses, art galleries, and handicraft shops. The bustling Myeongdong shopping district and the serene Cheonggyecheon Stream are also close, offering plenty of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. With excellent public transport links, the Four Seasons Seoul ensures easy exploration of the city.

Arrival Experience and Check-In

As a travel advisor, I always appreciate when hotels take the initiative to enhance the guest experience. Before arrival, the Four Seasons Seoul team reached out for guest details, arrival times, and special occasion notes. Their responsiveness and professionalism stood out.

On arrival, the reception area was busy but well-managed. A staff member promptly assisted us, and from the moment we introduced ourselves, we were addressed by name—a thoughtful touch that carried through the rest of our stay. The receptionist was friendly, professional, and efficient, setting the tone for a seamless check-in.

We received two welcome letters. The first set out the Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits attached to our booking through Fora. The hotel was fully booked that night, so the team found another way to make the welcome feel personal: complimentary access to the Korean sauna, which became a highlight of our stay.

The second letter detailed the operating hours for the hotel’s dining outlets, spa, fitness centre, and pool facilities.

A note for tech-savvy travellers: mobile keys aren’t available at the Four Seasons Seoul.

Four Seasons Seoul Rooms: What to Expect

I often worry about entry-level rooms being compact, especially in cities like Paris or London, but the Four Seasons Seoul exceeded all expectations.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light, showcasing stunning city or palace views, depending on your room’s location. Spacious and elegantly decorated, the rooms feature a seating area, a full-sized desk, a walk-in wardrobe, and a luxurious bathroom with a rain shower, freestanding bathtub, and Japanese toilet. Toiletries are by Diptyque, adding an indulgent touch.

Other amenities include a tablet for controlling room features, a minibar, a kettle, and a Nespresso machine—perfect for your morning coffee ritual. As always, the signature Four Seasons bed ensures a restful sleep, with options for mattress toppers and a personalised pillow menu.

Four Seasons Seoul Restaurants: A Full Guide

The Four Seasons Seoul offers world-class dining, making it a destination not just for guests but also for locals. Here’s a rundown of the hotel’s standout restaurants:

• The Market Kitchen: International buffet and the breakfast venue.
• Boccalino: Authentic Italian cuisine with Mediterranean flair.
• Akira Back: Japanese fusion by the celebrated chef—reservations recommended.
• Maru: Relaxed dining with a variety of Korean and international dishes.
• Yu Yuan: Cantonese specialities, including a must-try Beijing duck.

We dined at Maru on our last evening and enjoyed a casual yet memorable meal. The Beef Bulgogi was exceptional, complemented by attentive service from Louisa, who took pride in sharing insights about Korean cuisine.

Breakfast at The Market Kitchen was another highlight. The extensive buffet and à la carte options catered to all tastes, and the coffee was the best we had in South Korea. Added bonus: seeing old walls in the foundations of the buildings during breakfast.

Four Seasons Seoul Korean Sauna and Spa

I always choose a top-tier hotel for the end of my trips to relax before returning home, and the Four Seasons Seoul’s wellness offerings exceeded my expectations.

The fitness club is open 24/7, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and regular group classes like HIIT, Spinning, and Pilates.

The Korean sauna is a must-try. The male facility (similar amenities are likely in the female section) included three pools at varying temperatures, a dry sauna, a steam room, multi-sensory showers, and fresh ice for skin cooling. Grooming stations with premium toiletries added a luxurious touch.

The Korean Sauna facility is available only for in-house guests. At the time of writing, the entrance fee was KRW75,000 including VAT per time per person. But if guests choose the Grand Family or Suite room type, the Sauna access would be included as a room benefit.

Service and Hospitality

The service at the Four Seasons Seoul is exemplary. Staff used my name during every interaction, and no request was too much trouble.

Details like the turndown service truly impressed me: Korean beauty eye masks, neatly arranged cables secured with branded ties, and thoughtful touches like ice-filled buckets and signature relaxation tea made the experience special.

Client Testimonials

What some of my clients have said about their stay at the Four Seasons Seoul.

While the hotel is extremely busy, they do an excellent job of catering to guests. I am a frequent traveler and the FS Seoul gym was the nicest one I have ever seen. In addition to the pool/sauna area, the hotel has their own Korean Spa. Everyone from the concierge to the Director of F&B was attentive and gracious. We will definitely recommend this hotel.

Steve was extremely responsive and went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect! He even left a hand written card in our room! I truly appreciated his attention to our travel plans and look forward to working with him again.

Loved this place. The service was exceptional at every touchpoint. Always addressed by name and taking the time to learn how to pronounce it correctly. The location is great for first timers to Seoul as it’s next to main tourist attractions and well connected.

How to Book Your Four Seasons Seoul Stay

Get in touch and I’ll walk you through exactly what applies to your dates and room category, and how the booking process works.

Rates move, and when you book through me I keep an eye on yours. If the price drops before your stay, I can rebook you at the lower rate with your benefits intact. Four Seasons runs advance purchase promotions from time to time as well, and I will flag one if it applies to your dates.

Four Season Seoul FAQ

Q: Is Four Seasons Seoul the best luxury hotel in the city? A: It consistently ranks among the top luxury hotels in Seoul, particularly for its central location near Gyeongbokgung Palace, its exceptional service standards, and the rare on-site Korean sauna facility.

Q: Is there a fee to book Four Seasons Seoul through a travel advisor? A: No. When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, and there are no booking fees. Get in touch and I’ll share the details for your dates.

Q: How much does the Korean sauna cost at Four Seasons Seoul? A: At the time of writing the Korean sauna cost KRW 75,000 per person including VAT. It is complimentary for guests staying in Grand Family or Suite room categories, and is available to in-house guests only.

Q: Is Four Seasons Seoul good for first-time visitors to Korea? A: Yes — the Jongno-gu location places you within walking distance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, and the Cheonggyecheon Stream, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s cultural highlights. If you’re extending the trip south, pair Seoul with a couple of nights in Busan; my Park Hyatt Busan review covers the natural second leg.

Q: Does Four Seasons Seoul have a good restaurant? A: The hotel has five dining venues. Akira Back (Japanese fusion) and Yu Yuan (Cantonese, with a standout Beijing duck) are the destination restaurants. The Market Kitchen handles a generous breakfast buffet.

Q: Can I check Four Seasons Seoul rates online? A: Yes. Registered clients of thirdpassport travel can check live rates and book the Four Seasons Seoul through my client portal, available 24/7, with the Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits available through Fora included and the full detail visible once you log in. If you have not used the portal before, you can register on the same page, and there are no booking fees either way.

Is Four Seasons Seoul Worth It?

With its prime location, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service, the Four Seasons Seoul is a true haven for travellers. Whether you’re here for business, leisure, or a mix of both, this hotel guarantees an unforgettable stay. Get in touch and I’ll take care of the details.