Two things stood out for me at the Four Seasons Seoul, where I stayed in a Premier Room (one up from the base-level Deluxe) for two nights with a friend. The first was the hotel’s breakfast buffet.
Like many I’ve experienced at luxury hotels in Asia, it was extensive and indulgent. Unlike other buffets, though, it featured unexpected ancient history. Walking down the winding marble stairs from the lobby to The Market Kitchen, where the breakfast was served, I was greeted by a 24k-gold tiered fountain spilling liquid chocolate before being whisked away to my table — in, what I noticed, was an adults-only section, separate from the families.
Underfoot, some of the restaurant’s floor was made of thick glass panels that revealed pebbles and stones in the earth below. I later learned these were actually relics from the Joseon Dynasty, discovered during the hotel’s construction, and so woven into the build. The floor was a constant reminder of Seoul’s rich history — a taster for the many historical landmarks you might explore during your stay, like Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung Palace, within a 10-minute stroll away.
Both mornings, I found myself running back to my table to grab my phone to film and take photos of the spread. There were exotic fruits I’d never seen, chefs flipping eggs and pancakes under towering white hats and a machine that transformed raw sesame seeds into hollow, curly tubes, and that had me transfixed for a good five minutes.
The stations lined the edges of the room, serving everything from fresh seafood to Korean street food, all sorts of cheeses and, unexpectedly, Brussels sprouts. Even if you aren’t staying overnight, I’d recommend booking this buffet — it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The second standout feature was the service. I’d been eager to experience the hotel’s courtesy car for our check-out drop-off at a nearby hanok (traditional Korean house). But there had been a mix-up with the timings, and the car wasn’t available. The staff quickly wrangled an alternative, and within ten minutes, my friend and I were piling in as our bags were loaded into the trunk.
That attentiveness extended to the room. Every evening, the turn-down service meticulously prepped our space for sleep, closing the blackout curtains, smoothing the sheets and placing thoughtful gifts on the bedside table — like calming pillow spray and sheer gold under-eye patches.
The hotel’s amenities are also worth mentioning, namely the gendered Korean bathhouse (available for an extra fee), where you can sit nude in a sauna, a steam room or pools with varying temperatures. Only guests 13 and over were allowed here. My favourite part was the vanity area, where I sat at a mirrored station on a stool, spraying and slathering on products from Korean brand Sulwhasoo.
Staying in Seoul? Check-in to Four Seasons Seoul
This three bedroom, one bathroom hanok offers a quiet and traditional Seoul experience, just a five-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station.
A floor away, the gym overlooked the city, with most of its TechnoGym equipment facing its floor-to-ceiling windows. For those looking to push themselves, personal training was available, and a dedicated Reformer Pilates sat just off the main floor. The indoor pool and hot tub shared that same dramatic skyline backdrop. While I didn’t swim much – partly because swim caps are required (though provided) and partly due to splashing kids — I appreciated how the water looked like it was about to spill onto the city.
Aside from The Market Kitchen, the hotel also has several other in-house food and drink options: Italian restaurant Boccalino, Japanese fusion diner Akira Back, Cantonese eatery Yu Yuan and Korean snack-serving lounge Maru. Behind an unmarked, marble door under the stairs leading to Market Kitchen is Charles H., a moody cocktail bar. For those even more in-the-know, there’s H. Bar, an eight-seat spot serving cocktails in courses.
On the morning of check-out, I was given a tour of the Executive Club Lounge, on the hotel’s top floor. If I thought the views from my room and the gym were impressive, they had nothing on these, which showcased the skyline, as well as mountains in the distance. VIP guests and those booked into suites can check in and check out in the lounge, dine on breakfast here and get their garments pressed, complimentary. They also had access to a meeting room for up to two hours, and were treated to a daily afternoon tea.
Standing in the Executive Club Lounge, looking past the modern skyscrapers to the natural, serene scenery beyond, I thought about how I’d angle this story – about what makes the Four Seasons Seoul unique. It clicked: it’s the property’s understated indulgence. It isn’t loud and ostentatious (aside from that chocolate fountain and gilded Charles H.). It’s discreet, but considered. It ensures you’re always comfortable and feel taken care of, leaving you free to focus on the important stuff – like which Korean skincare to grab at Olive Young, or where to go for Korean barbecue.
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