hotels near seoul station
Seoul hotels with airport transfer
Seoul food pilgrimage, made easy from the airport
—my perfect foodie hotel stay
It was my first time in Seoul, and what captured me most was the city’s rare balance of flavor and rest. After a long flight, I wanted a hotel that made the airport-to-lobby journey simple—and after each food hunt, a place that felt like a true sanctuary. While searching for “hotels near Seoul Station” and “Seoul hotels with airport transfer,” I found The Plaza Hotel Seoul. It turned out to be the dream base that seamlessly joined my culinary adventures with deep, restorative downtime.
From airport to hotel—so smooth you forget the jet lag
Because The Plaza Hotel sits close to Seoul Station, the airport connection is surprisingly convenient. Even amid the unfamiliar air and energy after landing at Incheon International Airport, the transfer to the hotel felt like a perfectly linked “business-class” experience.
Sky to front door, worry-free transfers
Hop on the AREX express from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station—about 43 minutes. Transfer to Subway Line 1 and get off at City Hall Station; Exit 6 connects right to the hotel lobby. Even with heavy luggage or bad weather, you can step straight into comfort without going outside. For travelers new to Seoul’s transit, it doesn’t get much easier.
Step outside the hotel and you’re in a food paradise: discovering the real Myeongdong
With Myeongdong in easy walking distance, The Plaza Hotel became my daily launchpad for new flavors. As much as I loved the hotel’s comfort, I couldn’t skip tasting the city like a local—out on the lively streets.
Myeongdong street food: a living festival of flavors (about 10 minutes on foot)
The walk from the hotel to Myeongdong always set my heart racing. The aromas and crowds are a culinary carnival in motion. I tried cheese-filled “ten-won” coin bread, hot and spicy cup tteokbokki, and freshly grilled lobster topped with cheese—irresistible, one after another. With my camera in hand, I snacked shoulder to shoulder with locals and finally understood why Myeongdong is a world-class food destination.
Hadongkwan Myeongdong Main: Seoul’s depth in one bowl of gomtang (about 10 minutes on foot)
For a taste of old Seoul, Hadongkwan is a classic. Since 1939, this gomtang specialist has served clear, rich beef broth with generous rice and meat—the essence of Korean “gukbap.” The broth’s pure, toasty depth needs no flashy seasoning. It’s clean, hearty, and reviving—especially with a bite of kimchi between spoonfuls.
The Sikdang Myeongdong Main: Korea’s signature heat, perfectly balanced (about 15 minutes on foot)
Craving a spicy challenge Try The Sikdang. It’s famous for flame-kissed jjukkumi (stir-fried baby octopus) sets—sweet-spicy sauce infused with that addictive char. If you’re not used to heat, don’t worry: the set includes crispy gorgonzola pizza and cooling kalguksu to balance the spice. Even as someone who loves heat, the harmony of flavors surprised me—I finally “got” Korea’s pride in spice.
Myeongdong Donkatsu: retro comfort in a classic “Western-style” Korean cutlet (about 10 minutes on foot)
Myeongdong also has beloved old-school donkatsu. This isn’t the same as Japanese tonkatsu—it’s the nostalgic Korean-style “gyeongyangsik” cutlet. Thick, crispy pork with a generous sweet-and-tangy sauce, plus a simple soup and salad on the side. It’s cozy, satisfying, and timeless—you can see why locals keep coming back.
Cheonhajeil Sotdduggeong (Myeongdong): a pot-lid pork belly party (about 15 minutes on foot)
For a full-on Korean BBQ moment with friends, don’t miss this spot. Thick samgyeopsal sizzles on a sloped pot-lid grill so the fat runs off while kimchi, bean sprouts, and chives caramelize alongside. The sound and aroma are pure joy. After the meat, finish with kimchi fried rice on the same grill—peak K-comfort.
Back at The Plaza: a hotel stay that completes the foodie trip
A great food trip still needs great rest. For me, The Plaza was more than a place to sleep—it became the calming finale to each long, satisfying day.
Rooms: warm, refined, and quiet
Soft lighting and thoughtful design put me at ease the moment I opened the door. Despite the central location, the soundproofing was excellent. With the curtains open, I had views across Seoul Plaza and Deoksugung—bustling by day, gently glowing by night.
Pool: where I found my pace again
Guests can access the indoor pool on the 18th floor of the annex at no extra charge. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the sky and Namsan Tower, bright and airy by day, softly lit at night.
The water was clean, the temperature just right, and a few laps followed by a spell on the sunbed felt like a pocket resort in the city. Even a short swim reset my body for the next round of exploring.
Lounge and facilities: composed and convenient
The Club Lounge was perfect for planning the next day over light bites and drinks. There’s a business-friendly setup, too. The lobby and lounge feel calm and polished—a different tempo from the city outside.
▶ Seoul foodie + hotel stay tips for The Plaza Hotel◀
Q. How do I pick restaurants like a local
A. Watch the lines. Long queues often mean trusted flavors and prices. Old signage or “Since 19XX” can signal a storied spot worth trying.
Q. Any tips for late check-out on a staycation-style day
A. If your flight is late or you want more hotel time, ask about late check-out. With an extra fee, you can often use the room and facilities into the afternoon—an ideal, unrushed finish. Ask the front desk at check-in.
On this trip, The Plaza Hotel felt like an all-in-one package: effortless airport links → immersive city food hunts → complete rest and reset. If you want to experience Seoul’s flavors, style, and relaxation in one go, this choice is hard to beat.
