If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Seoul that’s still kind of a hidden gem, Sofitel Seoul should definitely be on your radar. It opened in October 2021, which makes it pretty new compared to other luxury spots in the city. But what sets it apart isn’t just the high-end vibe — it’s the full-on French lifestyle experience the hotel is trying to offer.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll catch all the little French touches — elegant interior design, stylish details, and this overall Parisian charm that makes you forget you’re in Korea for a second. (Fun fact: the interiors are so photogenic that the hotel’s popped up in a bunch of Korean commercials and even on Netflix’s Single’s Inferno recently!)

But what really stuck with me? The staff. Genuinely warm, friendly, and they make everything feel a bit more personal — which isn’t always the case in big luxury hotels.

Now here’s the cool part: I actually got to live at Sofitel Seoul for three whole months. Yup — not just a quick weekend stay, but a full-on experience in one of their Residence Suites (which come with a kitchen and everything). So this isn’t just a review from a guest — it’s coming from someone who’s basically called it home for a while. Whether you’re eyeing a short luxury escape or wondering if the residence side is worth it, I’ve got all the insights coming your way.

Quick facts:

• Opened: October 2021
• 403 hotel rooms + 160 residence units
• 4 restaurants, 1 bar
• Fitness center, indoor pool, and spa
• Residence check-in: 5th floor
• Hotel check-in: also 5th floor
• Club Millésime (for VIP & Club-level guests): 32nd floor

First Impressions: Location, Check-In, Ambience

At first glance, Sofitel Seoul’s building might not scream “luxury hotel.” In fact, it kinda looks like a sleek office tower — all dark glass and straight lines. (You can see it in the photo above — yup, that black building is Sofitel!) It gives off a very modern, almost corporate vibe from the outside.

But walk through the doors, and everything changes. You’re immediately greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Beautiful floral arrangements set the tone, and doormen open the doors for you in a very classic, almost old-school way.

As a residence guest, I checked in on the 5th floor, which you’ll get very familiar with if you’re staying long-term. That floor has all the key amenities for residence guests: a private fitness center (separate from the hotel gym on the 16th floor), a kids’ lounge, business corner with printers and computers, and even a cozy lounge. Bonus as a long-term staying residence guest? The lounge offers a little “happy hour” in the evening with drinks and light bites — a nice treat if you don’t feel like heading out.

❗️One thing to note: Since check-in happens on the 5th and 6th floors, you’ll need to switch elevators — no stairs allowed. On weekends, especially Saturdays, the elevators can get really crowded. The hotel also hosts weddings, so keep that in mind if you’re arriving midday.

❗️If you’re staying in a residence unit, you can’t go straight up to your room from the ground floor — you must transfer elevators on the 5th floor. It’s a small thing, but if you’re here long-term, it can get a little annoying over time.

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Sofitel Seoul Residence Room (1 Bedroom Signature Suite

I stayed on the 13th floor, and honestly? The view alone was enough to make me fall in love with the place.

From my window, I had a clear shot of Seokchon Lake and the towering Lotte World Tower — two of Seoul’s most iconic sights, right outside. But what I loved most was how open the sky felt from up there. It gave the whole space this calm, airy vibe that made even a lazy morning feel a little magical.

Whether it was sunrise glows or city lights at night, the view never got old. Definitely one of my favorite parts of staying here.

Bedroom & Dress Room

One of the cozy perks of the room? There was a TV mounted on the bedroom wall — not pictured here, but trust me, it’s there — perfect for winding down with a show before bed. I used it way more than I thought I would (late-night Netflix hits different when you’re tucked into hotel sheets).

The dressing room setup was super practical too. There were storage spaces on both sides: one side was all hangers (great for coats and dresses), and the other had a combo of hanging space and shelves — perfect for folded clothes, bags, or just stuff you don’t want to cram into a suitcase.

And of course, all the usual luxury extras were there: a safe, iron and ironing board, bathrobes, even a shoehorn and a clothes brush for your coats. Oh, and an umbrella, which came in clutch on one of those unexpected rainy days in Seoul.

It’s those little thoughtful touches that really make you feel like the place was designed for actual living — not just a short stay.

In the drawer under the closet, I found a few more thoughtful surprises — a pair of slippers in both small and large sizes, and a laundry & dry cleaning form in case you need to send anything out. (if you’re a long-term guest, you get 30% discount!) I honestly loved that they included two slipper sizes — it’s such a small thing, but it shows they’re really thinking about different guests and their needs.

Bathroom

If you’ve heard anything about Sofitel Seoul, chances are the bathroom came up — and for good reason. It’s seriously gorgeous. Think: sleek design, warm lighting, and all the luxury vibes you’d expect (and then some).
The amenities are all Diptyque Philosykos, from the soap to the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. If you’re into fig-based scents, you’re in for a treat — I personally love the Philosykos fragrance, so I was all smiles. That said, the bar soap had a stronger scent at first that faded a bit over time — just something I noticed after using it for a while.
The bathtub? Super spacious and perfect for unwinding after a long day. They even provide bath salts, though just a heads-up — they’re scent-free. Still appreciated though!
Oh, and the hairdryer was from Vidal Sassoon (if I’m remembering right) — not Dyson-level, but it got the job done.

Kitchen

One of the best things about the residence room is the fully equipped kitchen — perfect for simple home-cooked meals. The fridge and freezer are a decent size, and the kitchen comes with pretty much everything you need:

• Three pots in different sizes
• One frying pan
• A stainless steel mixing bowl
• Two soup bowls, about eight plates in various sizes
• Basic utensils: ladle, spatula, tongs, spoons, forks
• Electric kettle
• Microwave and induction stove
• Wine glasses, coffee cups
• Cheese board and cutter
• Three cutting boards
• A food waste bin (a must-have in Korea, where food waste is sorted separately)
• Dish soap and sponge
• Water purifier
• Nespresso machine with capsules — including Sofitel’s own special blend — plus a selection of tea

There’s also a washer-dryer combo in the kitchen, so you can wash and dry clothes in the same machine — very convenient for long stays. Detergent is provided too.

And the best part? Room service will even do the dishes for you. I still miss that little luxury!

The overall space is beautifully designed — the walls, doors, and finishes all feel high-end and thoughtfully done. There’s more storage than you’d expect, and daily housekeeping is included, so you come back to a spotless room after a day out. Honestly, it was a dream setup, and writing this now… I really miss it.

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Facilities: Sofitel Seoul Gym, Pool

As I mentioned earlier, the 5th floor is where most of the key residence facilities are located. You’ll check in here, and there’s also a concierge desk specifically for residence guests. If you’re staying in the residence, you’ll find yourself stopping by the 5th floor pretty often — it’s the central space that ties your stay together.

This floor includes:

• A business corner with computers and a printer
• The residence lounge, where a small happy hour is held in the evenings
• A private gym just for residence guests (separate from the main hotel gym on the 16th floor)
• A kids’ play area

Residence Gym (5F)

The residence gym is open 24 hours a day (closed regularly on the second Tuesday of each month). If it’s closed, residence guests can use the hotel gym on the 16th floor, which is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (closed on the first Tuesday of each month).

One of the best things about the residence gym is how quiet and comfortable it is. Since it’s only open to residence guests, it rarely feels crowded — even during typical peak hours.

All the equipment is from Technogym, and everything syncs seamlessly with the Technogym app and Apple Watch, which made tracking workouts super easy and convenient.

There’s also a designated area where you can lay down a mat and do stretching or floor exercises. Essentials like earphones, sanitizing wipes, towels, and bottled water are all readily available — a nice touch that made workouts feel easy and stress-free. Just one thing to keep in mind: workout clothes are not provided, so be sure to pack your own.

Right outside the residence gym, there is a massage chair — perfect for a quick rest or post-workout recovery. Definitely worth trying out if you pass by.

❗️One thing to note: there’s no shower facility directly connected to the residence gym. There is a shower room on the 5th floor, but it’s reserved for VIP guests only. So if you want to shower after a workout, you can either use your own bathroom in the residence room, or head up to the 16th-floor changing room.

Kids Lounge (5F)

• ⏰ 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Closed on the second Tuesday of every month

If you’re traveling with kids, the kids’ lounge will be a hit. It’s filled with books, oversized plush toys, and a ball pool — small but charming.

Business Corner (5F)

There’s a small business space with computers, printer, and fax access. Printing usually has a small fee, but the concierge kindly printed a few pages for free when I asked.

Salon S – Lounge for Long-term Residence Guests (5F)

• ☕️ Drinks: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• 🍷 Happy Hour: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

This shared lounge is cozy and beautifully designed. Long-term residence guests can enjoy complimentary drinks (coffee, tea, juices) throughout the day. During happy hour, light canapés and drinks are served — perfect for days when you’re not too hungry or just don’t feel like cooking.

Pool & Chaning Room (16F)

• ⏰ 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Closed on the first Tuesday of every month

The indoor swimming pool can get crowded on weekends, so it’s best to make a reservation through the in-room tablet. Weekdays are usually much quieter. During my stay in early spring, I especially enjoyed the outdoor whirlpool — warm water and chilly air with a city view made for a really relaxing combo.

The changing rooms are surprisingly well-equipped: foot bath stations, massage chairs (just like the one on 5F), and even a small hot bath. I’d sometimes bring a book and just relax here — it’s quiet and calm, especially on weekdays.

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Location & Accessibility (Incheon Airport to Sofitel Seoul, etc.)

Sofitel Seoul is located in Jamsil, a family-friendly neighborhood in the southeastern part of the city. It’s clean, safe, and super convenient. Right next door is Lotte World Mall, with everything from a grocery store and pharmacy to a movie theater, bookstore, cafes, and restaurants. Seokchon Lake is just across the street — perfect for a walk any time of day.

The area around the hotel also has a good mix of local eateries and bars. You’ll find a lot of Seoul locals hanging out in this area, which gives you a more authentic experience compared to tourist-There are direct airport buses from Incheon International Airport to the Sofitel area — look for bus numbers 6200 or 6705A. It’s not completely door-to-door; you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes from the drop-off point. But if you’ve got luggage, a short taxi ride from there costs only around $3–$4.

And a quick tip for getting around in Korea: Google Maps doesn’t work well here. Instead, download Naver Maps — it’s the go-to navigation app locals use.

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Business vs Leisure: Who is this hotel for?

I think the hotel works well for both. The residence setup makes long-term stays comfortable, and the proximity to central areas like Gangnam and Seongsu means you’re never far from something to do.

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Is Sofitel Seoul worth the price?

It’s definitely not a budget hotel, but I’d say the facilities, service, and location make the price worth it — especially if you value a calm, elegant atmosphere. The staff were always kind and helpful, from the lobby to the concierge. I even received a cake on my birthday and a small chocolate gift on Easter — thoughtful little touches like that really stood out.

If you’re looking for a stay that’s warm, refined, and livable, Sofitel Seoul is a strong choice — not flashy, but genuinely comfortable in all the right ways.

I’ll be back soon with a post about things to do or eat around Jamsil. If there’s anything specific you’d like to know more about, feel free to leave a comment. See you next time!