South Korea
Where to stay in South Korea
South Korea has become one of Asia’s top family destinations and has lots of good places to stay, from Seoul’s reliable high-rise hotels to smaller, boutique-style properties in the quieter neighbourhoods of Busan and Jeju. Location matters, and we’ll point you towards hotels within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, shops and train stations, so getting around is easy.
A night or two in a hanok, a traditional Korean house with underfloor heating and a courtyard, gives a real sense of the country’s history without giving up modern comforts. Swimming pools aren’t common, especially in Seoul, so if that matters to your family, let us know when we’re planning your trip. Many families like to combine a few different types of accommodation across their trip for a greater sense of South Korean culture.
Family-friendly hotels in South Korea
From South Korea’s vibrant cities to the islands and sandy beaches, the hotels are just as varied. Here are a few of our favourite places to stay.
Splaisir, Myeongdong, Seoul
Centrally located, this contemporary hotel suits families wanting comfort close to palaces, neon lights, local markets and street‑food stalls. With sleek rooms (and Line Friends-themed suites) and a generous Korean-meets-Italian-meets-instant-noodle breakfast, this is the ideal base in Seoul. Drop your bags off and head straight out for dumplings!
Rakkojae Hanok Hotel, Bukchon
For a change of pace, families love this beautifully restored 130-year-old hanok, its wooden lantern-lit courtyard buildings tucked in amongst Bukchon’s tiled rooftops. Traditional doesn’t mean skimping on comfort. Think tea ceremonies, a mud sauna and breakfast delivered to your room. Step back in time and wander into ‘old Korea’ Stubborn Mule style.
Bloom Hotel, Jeju
This bright, modern hotel on Jeju’s south coast offers easy access to beaches and walking trails, with Halla Mountain in view. It’s friendly, simple and unfussy, with a pool, perfect for families wanting comfortable, spacious rooms. Surrounded by gardens and with a superb breakfast spread, it’s a great base for exploring Jeju’s volcanic landscapes.
Ramada Encore, Haeundae, Busan
Steps from Haeundae’s sandy beach and straight out of the subway exit, this cheerful Busan hotel is the ideal option for families who want fuss-free convenience. Rooms are compact but well designed with big, comfortable beds, and the neighbourhood buzzes with cafés and lively markets. The perfect place for free time in Busan, it’s one of our top picks.
Why book with Stubborn Mule?
At Stubborn Mule, we know that every family is different. That’s why we don’t fit you into the same one or two hotels. During the booking process, we’ll get a feel for your family and the kind of accommodation that will suit you. We’ll then suggest the properties that we think you’ll love. We usually recommend combining well-known international hotels with more traditional Korean accommodation. Alongside the comfort and facilities of modern hotels, spending a night in a traditional hanok offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Korean culture first-hand.
South Korea in pictures
