Best Hotel in Seoul, Korea
Korean Convenience Store Food
A Surprisingly Luxurious Hotel Stay at a Local Korean Convenience Store
Every time I travel to Seoul, I love diving into hidden local cultures. Korean convenience store food is famously diverse and intriguing, and I couldn’t wait to try it. But of course, I didn’t want to compromise on hotel quality. While searching for the best hotel in Seoul, Korea, I also wanted a place where I could comfortably enjoy convenience store eats.
Choosing The Plaza Hotel Seoul turned out to exceed all expectations—offering an unexpected yet luxurious hotel-and-convenience-store pairing that became the highlight of my stay!
The Perfect Hotelcation Begins: From Airport Arrival to Poolside Bliss
My Seoul journey felt perfect right from the moment I arrived at The Plaza Hotel Seoul.
Check-in and immediate relaxation
After settling into my room, I headed straight to the annex fitness club—free for guests, with a well-equipped gym, sauna, and an indoor pool. I dove into the pool filled with warm sunlight, then lounged on a sunbed. The feeling of stress melting away there—just being able to combine exercise and relaxation in one space—was incredibly satisfying.
Dinner at The Lounge: Casual Luxury Meets Gourmet Comfort
After refreshing myself, dinner at The Lounge (Lobby floor) felt like a grown-up treat.
A mix of comfort and luxury
I ordered the arugula jambon pizza and crispy boneless chicken while taking in panoramic views of Seoul Plaza. The pizza featured a perfectly crisp crust topped with fresh arugula; the boneless chicken had crispy perfection outside and juicy tenderness inside. Paired with cool beverages while seated on plush sofas and surrounded by twinkling city lights, it felt like the ultimate unwinding experience.
The Unexpected Highlight: Convenience Store Delights in a Luxurious Room
Later, I took a peaceful walk along Deoksugung Stone Wall Path—right next to the hotel—before making my way to the nearby GS25 convenience store (just a 1–2 minute walk). Entering the store filled with snacks and drinks I’d only seen on TV or the internet got me so excited. I filled my arms with cool treats and headed back to my room—this was the essence of a truly surprise-luxurious stay.
Laying out my convenience store treasures in the elegant room felt uniquely joyful. I pulled chilled banana-flavored milk, soju, and steaming cup noodles from the miniback fridge. Somehow, the hotel's refined ambiance and humble convenience food complemented each other perfectly. Gazing out at Seoul’s illuminated skyline while enjoying these simple bites—I felt like the main character in my own elegant evening.
My Favorite Convenience Store Picks:
Kimbap – the variety made choosing fun, and it was satisfyingly filling.
Carbo Buldak Ramen – a creamy yet fiery flavor I’ll crave long after this trip.
Banana-flavored milk – visually adorable, and sweetly smooth—not just a snack, a keepsake!
Soju – sipping it while gazing at City Hall’s night glow brought out the essence of Korean ambiance.
Honey Butter Chips – that irresistible sweet-and-salty combo had me reaching for more.
That moment—enjoying convenience store treats in a luxe room—was way more special than I had imagined. The blend of luxury and everyday delight created one of the most memorable experiences of my Seoul trip.
Final Verdict
This trip to Seoul was truly perfect, thanks to The Plaza Hotel Seoul’s high-end service and effortless access to Korean convenience store culture. If you visit Seoul, I highly recommend staying in the best hotel in Seoul, Korea and indulging in night-time snack runs to the nearest convenience store—an unforgettable combination you won’t regret!
