Accommodation Rates and Reservation Tips at The Shilla Seoul: How to Book Smartly

Exploring the Unparalleled Charm of The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul stands as one of Korea’s premier luxury hotels. Since its grand opening in 1979, the hotel has continuously captivated both leisure travelers and business professionals with its refined service and opulent amenities.

Owned by the Samsung Group, The Shilla Seoul perfectly embodies the harmony of Korea’s traditional beauty and modern design. Conveniently located in Jung-gu, Seoul, it offers seamless access to major attractions and business districts.

The hotel boasts opulent rooms, world-class dining, spacious banquet halls, fitness facilities, spas, and pools, ensuring guests experience the utmost comfort. The accommodations range from standard rooms to suites, catering to a variety of needs while maintaining exceptional quality.

Dining at The Shilla Seoul is equally diverse. From authentic Korean cuisine to French, Italian, and Japanese dishes, the hotel offers an array of international culinary delights. Notably, the in-house Korean restaurant, La Yeon, earned three Michelin stars, serving exquisite Korean cuisine that reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Renowned for its exceptional hospitality, The Shilla Seoul also provides multilingual staff, including Japanese-speaking team members, ensuring international guests feel at ease. The hotel frequently hosts global VIPs and has been the official venue for numerous international events, such as the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

In 2019, The Shilla Seoul was recognized as Korea’s only five-star hotel by the Forbes Travel Guide, underscoring its globally acclaimed service.

A Glimpse into The Shilla Seoul’s History

The Shilla Seoul’s history began on May 9, 1973, with its establishment by the Samsung Group. It officially opened on March 8, 1979, on a historically significant site that once hosted the “Namsoweon” guesthouse during the Joseon Dynasty.

Over the decades, The Shilla Seoul has solidified its reputation as a premier hotel in Korea. It has served as the official venue for major global events such as the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. It has also hosted political leaders, entrepreneurs, and celebrities due to its high security and meticulous service.

In 2013, the hotel underwent a major renovation led by renowned designer Peter Remedios. The redesign incorporated natural materials like wood and stone, complemented by abundant natural light to create a warm, sophisticated atmosphere.

The Shilla Seoul also embraces art and culture, featuring an extensive outdoor sculpture park with over 70 works by local and international artists.

The Shilla Seoul’s Global Chain and Properties

Domestic Properties

1. The Shilla Jeju
   Located in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, this resort offers 429 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a casino amid stunning natural scenery.
2. Shilla Stay
   A business hotel brand with 14 locations across South Korea, including Busan, Ulsan, and Jeju. It offers affordable pricing with high-quality services.

International Properties

1. Suzhou Shilla Hotel (China)
   Managed by The Shilla, this property caters to both leisure and business travelers with its sophisticated design and service.
2. Shilla Monogram
   A new luxury brand, with its first location in Da Nang, Vietnam, expanding into Southeast Asia, China, and the U.S.

Duty-Free Stores

1. The Shilla Duty-Free Seoul
   Situated within The Shilla Seoul’s premises, this store offers high-end brands, Korean cosmetics, and more.
2. The Shilla Duty-Free Jeju
   Conveniently located near Jeju International Airport, this store is perfect for shopping before departure.
3. The Shilla Duty-Free Incheon Airport
   Korea’s largest airport duty-free shop provides travelers with last-minute shopping opportunities.

Guestroom Details at The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul offers 463 rooms, including 38 suites, all designed with a focus on elegance and comfort. Rooms feature modern amenities such as high-speed internet, marble bathrooms, and premium furnishings.

Room Categories

Note:

• Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season, availability, and specific room type.
• Room sizes are approximate.
• All rooms are equipped with basic amenities such as air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, minibar, safe, and free Wi-Fi.

The Shilla Seoul’s Dining Options

The Shilla Seoul features exceptional dining experiences, including:

• La Yeon (Michelin 3-star Korean cuisine)
• Continental (Elegant French fine dining with stunning city views)
• The Parkview (All-day buffet with multi-cuisine options)
• Ariake (Japanese cuisine with sushi and tempura specialties)
• The Library (Lounge and bar for cocktails and live jazz)

The Shilla Seoul’s Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast at The Parkview is a highlight, offering a buffet with a wide range of Korean, Western, and Chinese dishes.

• Hours: 6:00–10:00 (Weekdays) / 6:00–10:30 (Weekends)
• Price: $60 (adults), $30 (children, ages 3–12)

The Shilla Seoul: Facilities and Services

The Shilla Seoul Spa and Fitness Facilities

Spa

The Shilla Seoul offers a luxurious spa experience, featuring high-quality treatments provided by skilled therapists. Guests can enjoy a range of services, including options inspired by traditional Korean wellness practices, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of travel.

• Price Range:
  • Facial Care: 150,000 KRW (~15,000 JPY)
  • Body Massage: 200,000 KRW (~20,000 JPY)
  • Special Treatments (e.g., Traditional Korean Care): 250,000 KRW (~25,000 JPY)
• Duration: Treatments typically range from 60 to 120 minutes.
• Booking: Advance reservations are required. Details can be confirmed via the official website or the hotel front desk.

Fitness Facilities

The fitness center at The Shilla Seoul is equipped with state-of-the-art training equipment. It is free for hotel guests, and additional services like personal training sessions and fitness classes are available for a fee.

• Fees:
  • Hotel Guests: Free (Certain classes or private sessions may incur additional costs)
  • Non-Guests: Day passes start at 50,000 KRW (~5,000 JPY)

Pools and Sauna

Both indoor and outdoor pools, along with well-equipped sauna facilities, are available for guest use. The sauna includes dry and steam saunas as well as a jacuzzi, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.

• Fees:
  • Hotel Guests: Free
  • Non-Guests: Pool-only access via a day pass starts at 50,000 KRW (~5,000 JPY)

Important Notes:

• Saunas are available for guests aged 13 and above.
• For safety reasons, use of the facilities is prohibited after alcohol consumption.

The Shilla Duty-Free Store: Seoul Branch

Located within the grounds of The Shilla Seoul, the duty-free store is a must-visit destination for guests looking to combine luxury shopping with their stay.

Convenient Location

Situated within the hotel complex, the store provides seamless shopping access for hotel guests. Additionally, a complimentary shuttle bus service connects the store with key city locations, ensuring easy access for external visitors as well.

Extensive Product Selection

The Shilla Duty-Free Store offers a wide variety of products across several categories:

• Luxury Brands: High-end names like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci.
• Korean Cosmetics: Popular skincare and beauty products, highly sought after by international visitors.
• Traditional Souvenirs: Specialty food items and handcrafted goods make for unique gifts.

Online Shopping

For added convenience, the store provides an online shopping service. Guests can purchase products on the website and pick them up at the store, saving time during their trip.

Customer Experience

The store features a spacious and elegant shopping environment. Multilingual staff (including Japanese, English, and Chinese speakers) ensure smooth communication and exceptional service. Complimentary parking and taxi fare assistance enhance the overall convenience.

The Shilla Duty-Free Store adds an extra layer of enjoyment to a stay at The Shilla Seoul, offering a world-class shopping experience without leaving the premises.

Access Guide to The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul is conveniently located at the base of Namsan Mountain, making it an ideal base for both sightseeing and business.

By Subway

The nearest station is Dongguk University Station on Line 3. Take Exit 5 and walk approximately 5 minutes. Signage along the way makes navigation easy, even for first-time visitors.

From Airports

• From Incheon International Airport:
  • Limousine Bus: Take bus 6702K and alight at “Jangchung Gymnasium Front.” Travel time is about 2 hours, with a fare of 16,000 KRW (~1,600 JPY). From the bus stop, it’s a 15-minute walk to the hotel. Guests with heavy luggage can contact the hotel 10 minutes before arrival to request a pick-up service.
  • Airport Railway + Taxi: Take the Airport Railway to Seoul Station, then a taxi to the hotel. Total travel time is about 90 minutes, with a fare of 4,450 KRW (~445 JPY) for the train and 10,000 KRW (~1,000 JPY) for the taxi.
• From Gimpo International Airport:
  • Subway: Take Line 5 from Gimpo Airport Station and transfer to Line 3 at Jongno 3-ga Station. Alight at Dongguk University Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs 1,700 KRW (~170 JPY).
  • Taxi: A taxi ride takes approximately 44 minutes and costs around 22,200 KRW (~2,220 JPY).

Hotel Shuttle Bus

The Shilla Seoul provides complimentary shuttle bus services for its guests, connecting the hotel to popular tourist and shopping destinations.

Shuttle Bus Routes and Timetables:

1. Myeongdong Route
   • Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Frequency: Every 60 minutes (departures at 30 minutes past the hour)
   • Stops: The Shilla Seoul, Myeongdong Station (in front of KB Bank), Euljiro 1-ga (in front of KB Bank), Young Plaza, The Shilla Seoul
2. Dongdaemun Route
   • Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Frequency: Every 30 minutes (departures at 30 minutes past the hour)
   • Stops: The Shilla Seoul, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Exit 9), Doosan Tower, Hello APM, The Shilla Seoul
3. On-Site Shuttle
   • Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Stops: The Shilla Seoul Lobby, The Shilla Duty-Free Store, Dongguk University Station (Exit 5)

Important Notes:

• Room Key Required: Present your room key when boarding.
• Seating: If the bus is full, guests may need to wait for the next one.
• Schedule Confirmation: Check the hotel’s official website or front desk for the latest timetable.

By Car

• Driving Time: About 10 minutes from Seoul Station or Myeongdong.
• Parking: Ample parking is available on-site, and it’s free for hotel guests. Contact the hotel for details.

Attractions Around The Shilla Seoul

• The Shilla Seoul is located at the foot of Namsan Mountain, providing excellent access to major tourist destinations
• Namsangol Hanok Village is within walking distance, offering a chance to experience traditional Korean architecture
• Myeongdong is just a few subway stops away, perfect for shopping and enjoying Korean cuisine
• Namdaemun Market is a great place to find local produce and souvenirs
• Gyeongbokgung Palace allows visitors to explore the history of the Joseon Dynasty
• Changdeokgung Palace features the stunning “Huwon” Secret Garden for a peaceful stroll
• N Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of Seoul, making it a must-visit scenic spot
• Bukchon Hanok Village showcases traditional Korean houses and cultural experiences
• Insadong is rich in traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs, perfect for unique gifts
• Myeongdong is well-known for its array of Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion
• Namsan Park is a serene spot for nature lovers to enjoy a peaceful walk
• Dongdaemun Market combines shopping with local dining experiences
• The Shilla Duty-Free Store, located on the hotel grounds, offers high-end luxury brands
• The Shilla Seoul serves as a convenient base to explore Seoul’s top attractions efficiently
• Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of activities, including shopping, historical tours, and nature walks