Korea Arrival Card: Entry Rules & How to Apply
Planning a trip to South Korea as a Canadian traveller? The mandatory Korea e-Arrival Card is frequently confused with K-ETA. This guide clarifies the official e-Arrival Card timeline, temporary K-ETA exemption rules, transit passenger requirements, and accurate transportation details to help Canadians travel compliantly.
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Korea Arrival Card Basics & K-ETA Key Differences
What Is the Korea Arrival Card?
Simply put, the Korea Arrival Card is an official declaration form that shares your personal details, travel plans, and customs/health status with Korean border control. It exists to help immigration officials screen incoming visitors efficiently, track short-term stays, and enforce local customs and public health rules.
South Korea launched the official e-Arrival Card system on February 24, 2025 as an introductory, voluntary phase for foreign visitors. Per Korean government and authoritative industry sources, the e-Arrival Card becomes mandatory for all foreign nationals starting January 1, 2026. The official rule requires eligible travellers to submit the online form up to 72 hours before arrival. Traditional paper arrival cards are phased out entirely for standard entries, and pre-arrival online submission is the only valid method once the mandatory policy takes effect.
Korea e-Arrival Card vs. K-ETA: What Canadian Citizens Must Know
This is the biggest mistake I see Canadian travellers make: confusing the Korea Arrival Card with K-ETA. These are two entirely separate documents with different purposes, timelines, and rules—here’s the clear breakdown for us Canadians:
Document Type | Timeline | Core Rule for Canadian Travellers |
|---|---|---|
K-ETA | Pre-travel entry clearance | Canadian short-term visitors benefit from a temporary K-ETA exemption, currently extended through December 31, 2026. This is not a permanent policy; it is periodically renewed by Korean immigration. No application, fees or pre-approval is required for Canadian travellers during the valid exemption period. |
Korea Arrival Card | On-arrival declaration form | Mandatory for all Canadian short-term travellers, even with K-ETA exemption. Only valid approved K-ETA holders are waived from filling out the e-Arrival Card. |
Who & How to Complete the Korea Arrival Card
If you’re entering South Korea as a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident, this rule applies to you, no matter your travel purpose. I’ve confirmed this covers all short-term visitor categories:
- Tourists: Leisure travel, sightseeing, family visits, and holiday stays
- Business travellers: Work meetings, conferences, and short business trips
- Transit passengers: Strict airside transit passengers who do not pass through Korean immigration and remain in the airport international transit zone do not need an arrival card. Any traveller exiting the transit area or clearing immigration must complete the required e-Arrival Card.
- Short-term students/visitors: Any non-resident stay under Korea’s visa-exempt policy
There are no blanket exemptions for Canadian travellers. If you’re passing through Korean immigration, you need a completed arrival card.
How to Fill Out Your Korea e-Arrival Card
This is the most important part of the process. I’m walking you through every single field exactly as you’ll see it, so you can avoid mistakes and delays. Always use English only and print legibly for paper forms; double-check all details against your passport.
Personal Information Section
All details here must match your passport exactly—no nicknames or shortened names:
- Full name: Enter your first and last name as printed on your Canadian passport
- Date of birth: Use the standard YYYY/MM/DD format
- Nationality: Write “Canadian”
- Gender: Select or mark Male/Female
- Passport number: Input your full Canadian passport ID. Canadian passport numbers are alphanumeric (8–9 characters, including letters and numbers) — never enter digits only.
- Passport expiry date: Confirm your passport’s valid expiry date (critical for entry approval)
Flight & Travel Information Section
- Flight number: Input your exact arriving flight number (e.g., AC062 for Air Canada flights from Toronto to Seoul)
- Date of arrival: List the date you land in Korean local time
- Departure country/city: Write the Canadian city you departed from (e.g., Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal)
- Accommodation address in Korea: This is mandatory! Enter the full name and address of your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel. If staying with friends/family, input their full residential address in Korea.
Visit Purpose & Stay Duration
- Purpose of visit: Select the accurate option: Tourism, Business, Transit, Study, or Other. Stick to one primary purpose to avoid confusion.
- Intended length of stay: Write the exact number of days you plan to stay in Korea. Canadian passport holders qualify for up to 180-day visa-exempt short-term stays in South Korea, so ensure your stated stay length does not exceed this limit.
Customs & Health Declaration Section
This section is mandatory for all travellers and helps avoid customs fines or health screening delays:
- Customs declaration: Answer truthfully if you’re carrying cash or monetary instruments exceeding USD 10,000, or any restricted, prohibited, or dutiable goods (unopened commercial products, large quantities of gifts, new high-value electronics, agricultural items). Fully declare applicable items—undeclared goods may be seized, and intentional non-disclosure can result in fines.
- Health declaration: Confirm whether you have any active fever, respiratory symptoms, or other infectious illness symptoms. You will also need to disclose recent travel history to disease-affected regions, per Korea’s standard public health entry protocols.
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Korea Arrival Card Common Troubleshooting & Immigration Clearance Tips
Use Automated Immigration Kiosks (Incheon Airport)
Canadian travellers can use Incheon Airport’s Smart Entry Service (SES) automated immigration kiosks for faster clearance. Note: SES requires mandatory pre-registration on-site at the airport before your first use — Canadian passport holders do not get automatic, pre-approved kiosk eligibility. Once registered, you can complete a quick passport scan and facial recognition check to clear immigration much faster during your trip.
How to Fix Mistakes on Your Arrival Card
Since you will submit your e-Arrival Card online in advance, major mistakes should be fixed pre-travel via the official portal. If you spot errors after submission or need adjustments upon arrival, never use correction fluid or scribble heavily on any printed confirmation documents, as officials will reject altered forms.
For pre-arrival errors, resubmit a corrected online form before your 72-hour window closes. For last-minute issues at the airport, visit the immigration counter to resolve your e-Arrival Card record. A clean, accurate submission is always required for entry approval.
Standard Korea Entry Rules for Canadian Travellers
Beyond completing the Korea Arrival Card, these are the standard, long-standing entry requirements for Canadian travellers visiting South Korea for short-term stays:
Passport & Supporting Document Requirements
- Passport validity: Your Canadian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Korea. Unlike many countries, South Korea does not enforce a strict 6-month post-travel validity rule for Canadian visa-exempt visitors, but valid passport coverage for every day of your trip is a hard requirement for entry.
- Return or onward ticket: Always carry proof of a return flight to Canada or an onward flight to another country. Immigration may ask to verify you won’t overstay.
- Proof of accommodation: Have hotel bookings or residential address confirmation handy to match your arrival card details.
- Sufficient funds: Keep proof of adequate travel funds (bank statements, credit cards) to cover your stay—officials may request verification.
Visa & K-ETA Policy for Canadians
Canadian passport holders enjoy 180-day visa-free entry for tourism, business, and casual short-term visits to South Korea. The K-ETA exemption for Canadian travellers is a temporary, periodically extended policy, currently valid through December 31, 2026. The key entry update is the e-Arrival Card rule: voluntary starting February 2025, fully mandatory for all foreign visitors starting January 2026, with a required 72-hour pre-arrival online submission.
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Best Time to Visit & Korea Travel Planning
Once you’re through border control, your Korean adventure begins! As someone who’s travelled Korea multiple times and researched year-round travel norms for Canadian visitors, I’m sharing timeless, season-flexible planning tips to help you craft a smooth, enjoyable trip.
Best Time to Visit South Korea
South Korea features four distinct, well-defined seasons, each delivering a completely different travel experience. As a Canadian traveller, your ideal visiting window depends entirely on your preference for weather, crowd levels, activities, and seasonal scenery. Below is a straightforward seasonal comparison to help you pick the best travel time for your Korean trip:
Season & Months | Weather & Crowds | Best Activities & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Spring (March–May) | Mild, comfortable temperatures; moderate tourist crowds; low rainfall. Consistently the most traveller-friendly season. | Iconic cherry blossom viewing, city sightseeing, park walks, and outdoor photography. Perfect for casual tourism and family trips. |
Summer (June–August) | Hot, humid weather; peak tourist crowds and higher accommodation prices; occasional summer rain showers. | Coastal getaways in Busan and Jeju Island, summer festivals, beach activities, and water sports. |
Autumn (September–November) | Crisp, cool, dry weather; thin crowds and pleasant temperatures; widely regarded as Korea’s most underrated travel season. | Fall foliage sightseeing, mountain hiking, city exploration, and food tours with comfortable outdoor conditions. |
Winter (December–February) | Cold, dry weather; the lowest tourist crowds and cheaper hotel rates across the country. | Skiing and winter sports at Korean ski resorts, festive city Christmas markets, quiet sightseeing with minimal lineups. |
Getting Around: Core Transportation Tips
South Korea’s public transportation system is fast, affordable, and extremely traveller-friendly for Canadian visitors. Major cities like Seoul and Busan feature English-friendly subway systems covering nearly all core tourist spots. The KTX high-speed rail delivers rapid intercity travel, with most popular city routes completed in under 3 hours (longer rural or cross-country routes may exceed this timeframe). For budget travel, intercity buses offer frequent, reliable service to small towns and rural scenic destinations nationwide.
Final Thoughts
Overall, travelling to South Korea as a Canadian visitor is straightforward once you understand the updated entry rules. By completing your e-Arrival Card within the 72-hour pre-arrival window, preparing valid travel documents, and following immigration guidelines, you can avoid common delays and enjoy a smooth, stress-free Korean trip.
[10% OFF] Best Hotels in Seoul by Travel Style
Seoul Hotels
5 star
Amazing618 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.3km from city centre
The room was clean and tidy, and it was cleaned twice a day with water replenished promptly. Most importantly, it's very close to Lotte Duty Free, so after shopping, you can drop off your purchases at the hotel and continue shopping. It's also very near Myeongdong Food Street, making shopping incredibly convenient. The hotel even gave chocolates and a small dress to our child during check-in. I will definitely stay here again next time I visit Seoul.From€497
Great697 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.73km from city centre
Let's start with the pros:
1. The hotel's location is excellent, right behind Shinsegae Department Store, and only about a 5-minute walk to Myeongdong shopping street.
2. There's a subway station downstairs, and the surrounding area offers plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
3. The hotel's style leans more towards medieval Baroque. If you're not particularly fond of this somewhat quirky decor, I'd suggest reconsidering. However, for a unique travel experience, this hotel is definitely a plus.
4. There are three Michelin-starred restaurants right on the hotel's upper floors, making it very convenient for food lovers.
Cons:
No significant issues with the hotel.
Worth staying, haha!From€307
Very Good525 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.44km from city centre
I booked this room for 2300 a night with a friend. I saw some bloggers on Xiaohongshu saying the rooms were small and the ceilings were low, but honestly, it wasn't too bad (maybe because it was my first time staying at a 5-star hotel, so I don't know how good other 5-stars are). I'd recommend booking an afternoon tea on Naver. After checking in, change and enjoy afternoon tea. In the evening, the lobby has a total old money vibe, perfect for photos. If you're only staying one night, I highly recommend it, especially if you can get a good price!
We originally booked a room with a regular view, but the front desk offered us a Namsan view room, though it was next to the elevator. They asked if we were okay with it, and we immediately said yes. However, if you're a light sleeper, definitely don't agree to it, because from around 6 AM onwards, you can hear the elevator going up and down.From€442
Very Good407 Reviews
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|4.43km from city centre
Very beautiful hotel. Greeted by staffs who helped open the car door, and get your bags and luggage to the check in counter every day!
Only bummer was at check out timing is 11am, we tried asking for later check out timing during check-in and was told hotel is full. Managed to get a late check out of 12pm when we tried again the night before leaving the hotel.
Hotel has a little mall,a coffee bean, CU, some expensive restaurants. It also has a sauna (30K won per pax), 1 hot and cold tub and one sauna room.
Room amenities can be requested via the web app in your room. Rooms were very modern, however Water from the shower does flood the dry toilet area a little. Generally a great stay.From€253
Very Good925 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.34km from city centre
Overall, my experience was great. The room was clean and quite spacious, and the soundproofing was decent. The hotel has all the necessary amenities, including excellent fitness facilities and a pool with a great view. The location is very convenient, with subway and bus stations nearby, as well as a direct airport shuttle. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful; check-in at the front desk was quick, issues were addressed promptly, and housekeeping was thorough.From€309
Business travel
Very Good971 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.17km from city centre
The location of New Seoul is excellent, with subway lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 nearby. There's a very enthusiastic woman at the front desk who speaks Chinese. You can only top up your Wowpass at the front desk, not your Tmoney. There's a conveniently located Olive Young not far from the hotel. Cheonggyecheon Stream is just a 3-5 minute walk away, perfect for an evening stroll. Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace are about a 15-minute walk, and you can exit through the side gate of Gyeongbokgung to reach Bukchon Hanok Village. Myeongdong is also roughly a 15-minute walk, and Lotte Duty Free is very close to the hotel. The bedding is very comfortable.From€132
Great1635 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.9km from city centre
The hotel is conveniently located near three subway exits, with the one featuring an elevator directly across the street. Nearby, you'll find the Shinsegae Duty-Free Shop and Olive Young. The front desk staff are fluent in English, which made me realize my own English speaking skills need work! I was unsure how to order food delivery and asked the kind lady at the information desk for help on my phone. She even recommended some delicious fried chicken, and I happily enjoyed it in my room while watching TV. Although the room doesn't have a microwave, the hotel restaurant on the 2nd floor can help heat things up – the service was excellent. The hotel also offers a free pool and gym, but we didn't have time to use them during our trip. The only downside was the slightly higher price during the summer holidays; otherwise, everything was perfect. The bedding was great. We were two people and didn't have a twin room initially, but the front desk noticed and immediately asked if we wanted to switch, then arranged a twin room for us. There's a GS25 convenience store right in the hotel lobby, which is super handy, and a Burger King next door. I would definitely choose to stay here again.From€224
Very Good1695 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.61km from city centre
Taking the 6015 bus from Incheon Airport T1 is super convenient as it drops you right at the hotel entrance. For the return trip, you can catch the bus from the same stop, it's a loop service back to the airport. The hotel is also very close to the subway, which is a big plus.
We booked a total of five nights, with four nights in one room and the other night separately. Both rooms were identical. They were spacious enough, and the toiletries were complete, though the slippers were a bit thin. The toilet's refilling sound was a bit loud, and I didn't like that the bathroom exhaust fan couldn't be turned off. The pillow situation was a bit awkward too, with one low pillow and two high ones. On the positive side, all the staff members were numerous and very diligent.From€176
Very Good1572 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.05km from city centre
The downside is that there were former employees striking outside the hotel the entire time. It seems this hotel treats its staff very poorly. The daily room cleaning was also done very late, probably because they laid off so many employees. For these reasons, I wouldn't recommend this hotel.
The location, however, is excellent. It's super convenient for getting to major shops in Myeongdong like Olive Young (though a bit far from the duty-free shop). The subway station is right downstairs, and there's also a very large 7-Eleven downstairs with spacious seating for instant noodles. Other stores like GS25 are also nearby, and a 12-story Daiso is just across the street. The hotel doesn't provide disposable dental kits, so you can just buy them directly from Daiso.
Myeongdong Cathedral is right behind the hotel, and there are quite a few historical attractions in the vicinity. Luggage storage is very convenient, and check-in is self-service.From€120
Very Good2361 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.14km from city centre
The room was generally clean and tidy. The front desk staff spoke Chinese, and everyone was very polite. The hotel is about a ten-minute walk from the nearest metro station. Also, this hotel doesn't use key cards; you have to enter a code for the elevator and to get into your room.From€97
Family friendly
Very Good1598 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.22km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent and easy to find, right by Subway Line 5, just a few minutes from Gwanghwamun. There are drugstores and supermarkets nearby, though not many restaurants (maybe I didn't explore enough). It's about a 10-minute walk to Shinsegae and Lotte department stores, perfect for dropping off shopping bags. The hotel breakfast is very rich and varied, catering to different tastes. The only downside is that the bed was a bit too soft, and I woke up with a slight backache the next morning.From€130
Very Good2142 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.67km from city centre
【Review of Hotel Sky Myeongdong, Seoul, Korea】— A City Choice with Excellent Location but Room for Improvement
For my recent trip to Seoul, I stayed at the highly recommended Hotel Sky Myeongdong. My overall experience can be described as a mix of pros and cons, making it suitable for travelers who prioritize convenience but don't have high demands for facilities.
🌟 Location: An Unbeatable, King-Tier Advantage
The hotel's biggest highlight is definitely its location! Situated in the heart of Myeongdong, it's a 3-minute walk to Myeongdong Station (Subway Line 4) and a 5-minute walk to Lotte Duty Free Shop and Shinsegae Department Store. The surrounding area is bustling with restaurants, convenience stores, currency exchange booths, and cosmetic shops. For avid shoppers and first-time visitors to Seoul, this location is a lifesaver, allowing you to shop until 10 PM and return to the hotel without any hassle.
🏨 Room Experience: Small but Complete, Manage Your Expectations
I stayed in a standard double room, which was about 18㎡, typical of a Korean city hotel – small but fully equipped. The bedding was clean and comfortable, and soundproofing was decent (though street-facing rooms had some traffic noise). However, the facilities clearly showed their age: drainage in the bathroom was a bit slow, some power outlets had poor contact, and the air conditioning was somewhat noisy. A highlight was the window view from the upper floors, offering a scenic overlook of Myeongdong's nightscape, great for photos.
💁 Service and Facilities: Standard Business-like Approach
The front desk offered Chinese and English services, making communication smooth, but the staff's attitude was rather robotic, lacking warmth. The hotel provides a basic gym and a coin-operated self-service laundry room, suitable for long-term guests. Breakfast options were limited, mainly consisting of Korean side dishes, bread, and salads, with average taste. I'd recommend trying local breakfast spots instead.
⚠️ Minor Drawbacks: A Question of Value for Money
The weekday rate was around 150,000 Korean Won per night (approximately 800 RMB), which is a mid-range price for the Myeongdong area. However, the aging facilities diminished its value for money. Additionally, the hotel does not provide disposable toothbrushes, so you need to bring your own, and elevator wait times can be long during peak hours.
📌 Summary: Who is it for? Who is it not for?
✅ Recommended for: First-time visitors to Korea, those primarily focused on shopping, and travelers who highly prioritize location.
❌ Not recommended for: Those seeking a luxurious experience, who value spacious rooms, or are extremely light sleepers.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
The location advantage is excellent, but if the hotel were to invest in facility renovations, the experience would improve significantly. It's a good option for a short stay, but for longer trips, it's advisable to compare with newer hotels in the area.From€154
Very Good3256 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.57km from city centre
We booked a quad room for two girlfriends and two older kids for a 5-night stay. We didn't want to be exhausted during the day and then not sleep well at night.
This hotel happened to have four beds, which was perfect for us.
We checked in late, almost at midnight. Initially, they assigned us an old, rundown room on the 8th or 9th floor. As soon as I walked in, there was this unpleasant smell, like someone who hadn't showered in a while had been staying there.
The whole room had this dark, moody vibe, like something out of a Wong Kar-wai film, or an old, creepy hotel room from a vintage Hong Kong horror movie. Plus, three beds were on one side, and the fourth bed was in a separate alcove, like a hidden bed. I was so speechless at the time that I forgot to take photos, but it was so dim and eerie that I didn't even want to.
I immediately called the front desk and told them we couldn't accept the room and asked for a change. The front desk said they didn't have any more quad rooms. I then suggested a twin room instead.
The front desk fiddled around for about a minute and then told me they had another room, which would be a bit smaller than the current one (though it actually turned out to be bigger than that 'horror movie' room). I said we'd go take a look first, and that's the quad room shown in the picture.
The room was quite spacious, and it even had a Japanese-style raised platform where we could sit and eat.
The front desk told me at the time that I'd have to pay an extra fee, a few hundred or a few thousand Korean Won, I don't remember exactly. Given the situation, I had to agree. However, I mentioned to the front desk that the previous room had that unpleasant smell. The front desk said he'd go check it out, and if it really did, he wouldn't charge the extra fee. He took the room card and seriously went to investigate. When I asked him again later, he said I didn't need to pay the extra charge.
The hotel's location is just average. From the airport, you take bus 6015 to the drop-off point, then you have to walk forward, cross the road, and go through a very long alley to reach the hotel.
I tried taking the subway once. Although the subway station sign seemed close, you have to walk a very, very long way once you're down in the station (all Korean subways are like this). I don't recommend it.
I took the hotel shuttle to Myeongdong once, which was quite convenient, but you have to keep track of the schedule.
There's a CU convenience store right downstairs from the hotel, but there's an older man working there who isn't very friendly towards Chinese people.
Overall, for the five days we stayed, apart from the initial room change hassle, it was acceptable. The cleanliness was probably on par with a typical 7 Days Inn in China back in the day.From€153
Great3046 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.61km from city centre
Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun is an amazing hotel! It is about a 10 minutes walk to 2 different subway stations. There are also plenty of eateries and coffee kiosks nearby. The breakfast spread is also great, there is a great mix of Korean and international food. For smokers, there is a smoking lounge of every floor of the hotel. There is also a communal kitchen on every floor, you can get those famous Korean instant noodles from the convenience store at the lobby and have the noodles in the kitchen. Room size is decent, my trip was 8 days with lots of shopping and there was still enough space to open 4 luggage. And Dongdaemun is an area that becomes lively at night, and the huge wholesale centers are right next door. Oh yes you can see the Cheonggyecheon stream from the room window, depending on which wing you are staying at. There is also a fantastic view from the hotel breakfast restaurant. And you can walk to Gwangjang Market. There are so many good things about this hotel!From€129
Very Good718 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.39km from city centre
Although the room rates were quite high during the summer holiday, choosing this hotel was absolutely worth it for its location. It's incredibly convenient, literally a two-minute walk to Lotte Department Store. When you're tired from shopping, you can just pop back to the hotel for a rest before heading out again. Myeongdong is right across the street; you just need to use the underpass. There's also the popular MGC coffee shop nearby. The bus stop right outside Lotte makes it easy to get anywhere, and the subway station is also very close. We even took a taxi to Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower when we first arrived because we weren't familiar with the area, but they're actually not far at all. The hotel staff were friendly and always greeted us, and you need a key card to use the elevator. Our room had a street view. I would definitely choose this hotel again if I have the chance.From€193
Hot spring
Very Good1840 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.5km from city centre
I had actually noticed this hotel before. I used to stay at a hotel nearby and even came into this one specifically to take photos with the super-sized Brown bear in the lobby. So, before this trip, I made sure to look it up, and to my surprise, I was lucky enough to book a themed room! They said it would be a random rabbit or bear theme, but I was so fortunate to get my favorite Brown bear themed room.
Check-in was at 3 PM, but I arrived at 2:20 PM and they actually let me check in early. The hotel staff were all very enthusiastic and always greeted me politely when I entered or left.
The themed rooms are all on the 14th floor, and as soon as you step out of the elevator, you're greeted by adorable plushies. The room itself was incredibly cute, like stepping into a fairy tale and becoming good friends with Brown bear. The giant Brown bear on the sofa was super cute, and I also loved the blue sofa, though it showed some signs of age.
The room facilities were all great, especially the TV channels – there were so many! For someone like me who loves to stay in the hotel, this was fantastic. There were even three or four channels with Chinese dramas, and even more movies and Korean dramas.
The bathroom facilities were also good. I really liked that the bathtub and shower were separate; I don't like showering while standing in a tub. The only downside was that the exhaust fan was a bit noisy.
I also have to praise their housekeeping speed. At other hotels, sometimes you put up the 'clean my room' sign and it doesn't get cleaned for hours, but here, it was always done very quickly and was spotlessly clean. I was particularly satisfied with this.From€145
Very Good1123 Reviews
Insadong / Bukchon Seoul|1.15km from city centre
Location:
This hotel was very close to Seoul station (15 minutes by car).
Euljiro station (10 minutes walking distance).
Attractions:
1. MYEONGDONG-Everything is at Myeongdong including the banana milk at Olive Young; Laneige stores, a thrift store; the food street with the new crocs-style cake, chicken skewers; and great Korean fried chicken 🍗, tteokbokki and fishcakes, and the marshmallow ice cream.
2. The tourist information centre is about 200m from the hotel. Here, you get information and maps and overall clear direction. The staff is very helpful.
3. Great restaurants like KUT (quite literally around the corner), and a Michelin restaurant about 400m away as well as salad bar and coffee shops.
4. Shinsegae
5. A river runs infront of the hotel
6. Historical museums and parks
The actual hotel and room:
The hotel was very easy to find and the receptionist was helpful. The food was nice; there was enough veggies and the eggs smelled alright. They did not have a tea selection unfortunately but the soup tasted quite nice although I am not sure what it was-maybe creamed corn and potato.
The room was alright and looked just as pictured but it initially smelled like a rat died on the rug(that could be because it had no windows and felt a bit suffocating but the developing plot area beside the hotel kinda also smelled like that). It became less obvious on day 2.
Overall, I would definitely return to this hotel.From€91
Great3111 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.16km from city centre
The location is great, just a five to six-minute walk to Myeongdong shopping street, and a few more minutes to Lotte Department Store and the duty-free shop. It's also quite close to Dongdaemun; a taxi ride costs only a few dollars. The room is spacious for a Korean hotel, big enough to fully open a 30-inch suitcase. To store luggage, you need to go to B3 where there are lockers that are easy to use and very convenient. There's a small convenience store in the hotel lobby, which is handy for grabbing some snacks when you're tired from returning to the hotel. There are also many restaurants nearby.From€170
Great1075 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.72km from city centre
I chose this hotel again, and it felt like rooms were a bit tight during the summer. This time I booked a king-size room; the bed was quite large, but the room itself was a bit small. In hindsight, the first room I stayed in was the most spacious, even though it didn't have a view.
Aside from the slightly smaller room, everything else was great. The view outside the window was nice too. I'm not sure if it's because I stay here often, but this time they even gave me complimentary chocolates, which was a lovely surprise.
I was very satisfied with the softness of the bed; it was super comfortable to sleep on. The air conditioning in the room was also incredibly powerful; sleeping under the duvet was so refreshing. The room temperature was perfect, to the point where I always had the illusion that it wasn't hot outside, even though Seoul has been scorching recently.
The room cleaning was also very timely and done very well. Overall, I still feel it's a great place, and given its excellent location, I'm thinking I'll probably choose to stay here again next time.From€308
Very Good2547 Reviews
Seoul|3.88km from city centre
The Seoul Garden Hotel is an older establishment. It seems like a lot of Chinese tourists book here after seeing reviews, perhaps from 'seniors,' mentioning that some front desk staff speak Chinese, haha! It's also conveniently located; just a straight walk from Exit 3 of Mapo Station, past two small intersections, and you'll spot it.
We arrived very late from Busan that night to check in. All the front desk staff processing check-ins were middle-aged men in Hawaiian shirts (I later noticed over the next few days that their front desk seemed to be entirely staffed by middle-aged men, all wearing Hawaiian shirts, haha...).
Over at Glad Hotel, it's all handsome young men and beautiful women with sweet smiles – much more pleasant to look at.
The staff member who assisted us didn't speak Chinese but could speak English. My son was very tired and tried to sit on a chair. The chair didn't have sound-dampening pads, and he didn't sit properly, so it hit the front desk. I told him to be gentle, as it was noisy.
Then, the front desk uncle gave me a disdainful look and said in English, ”DON'T PLAY THE CHAIR!”
The room had a 1.8-meter large bed. The room wasn't big, which is understandable. However, there was no wet/dry separation, it had an old-fashioned bathtub, and the smart toilet lid would fall off if you touched it. Also, one of the buttons was broken. The cleaning auntie fixed it by banging on it with her fist a couple of times.
It was quite clean, though, with no strange odors. The lobby is quite spacious, and the restaurant on the first basement floor is where locals come to dine.From€126
Breakfast
Great709 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.58km from city centre
We stayed at Aloft by Marriott Myeongdong for 5 nights. The location is unbeatable - convenient 5 mins walk to the main Myeongdong shopping and eating area. Around 7 minutes walk to Lotte Department Store and Shinsegae. The staff at front desk are all very courteous and nice. The rooms are clean and tidy. One thing though they will not touch our personal things in the bathroom, such as my hair curler was laying on top of some dirty towels and upon returning to my room, my curler and the dirty towels were left at the same spot. But their service is excellent - the first night we stayed the air-con was too hot and changing the thermostat did not work. So we called reception and stated the issue. They promptly sent a technician up to help fix the air-con, which afterwards worked fine, and the rooms were cool and we all slept very well. There's not a whole lot of facilities except a small gym though. Overall, a very nice stay at this hotel where the staff are attentive and nice, and they all speak fluent English. We'd choose this hotel again on our next stay in Seoul.From€332
Great1180 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.48km from city centre
The Stanford Hotel Myeongdong boasts an excellent location. It's just a few minutes' walk to Euljiro 1(il)-ga Subway Station, which is on Line 2 and connects to Line 4 for Myeongdong Station and Seoul Station. Myeongdong Shopping Street is right downstairs, making dining, shopping, and getting around incredibly convenient. The airport limousine bus stop is also close by, located right in front of the Ibis Hotel.
The room was clean, tidy, and well-lit, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering city views. The bedding was comfortable. The front desk staff were friendly, and there was even an uncle who spoke Chinese, making communication very smooth. The hotel is well-equipped with amenities like a laundry room and a gym.
The only minor drawback is that the room is a bit small; it was a little inconvenient to walk around once we had two 24-inch suitcases open. Overall, it offers great value for money. If you're visiting Seoul and prioritize convenience, I highly recommend staying here.From€199
Great1715 Reviews
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.2km from city centre
Hygiene: The room was cleaned very well, almost like a Japanese-style hotel.
Facilities: The lobby offers complimentary ice and coffee. There's also free filtered ice water available on each floor, which is very convenient. Ice water is definitely a must-have in Seoul during the summer.
Location: It's about a 10-minute walk from DDP, and there are subway stations both in front and behind the hotel, making transportation easy.From€117
Very Good1122 Reviews
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.02km from city centre
I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong for one night before flying out of ICN. My only requirement was that the hotel have easy access to the airport limousine route. While there is a stop a few steps from the hotel, we found that, given the time of our flight the following morning, we ultimately needed to use a different stop. We trekked the extra 10 minutes in the morning with our luggage, which was less than ideal, but ultimately worked out fine. The hotel was easy to access, tucked into a quiet corner of Myeongdong. While we arrived quite late in the evening, the staff was glad to receive us. The check-in instructions were simple and easy. We received a room on the 20th (I think) floor with a lovely view of the city. It was clean and well-appointed with space for four suitcases, which was necessary as we prepared to depart Korea with many new purchases. The famous Myeongdong walking street was only a 7-minute walk away, which is a major selling point. I would definitely recommend this hotel for a solo traveler, a pair, or a couple. The room is small, but clean, and the location is prime.From€224
Very Good1048 Reviews
Seoul|7.39km from city centre
Stayed another night, nothing much to add. The facilities are decent, and the hygiene is acceptable. If you get a twin room, it's very quiet as it faces the community behind. The service is standard. There are convenience stores, coffee shops, and a subway station nearby, so it's a pretty good choice. It's a bit far from the main tourist attractions, but very close to Seongsu-dong.From€49
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