Why Your Hotel Choice Matters—Especially With Early or Late Flights
If your journey begins or ends at dawn or late night, the location of your hotel matters enormously—especially in a sprawling city like Seoul, where navigating from the airport can be daunting. That’s why The Plaza Hotel Seoul was my top choice: with its superb transit links and even the option for nearby camping adventuring, it blew past all expectations as the ultimate basecamp.
Early-morning arrivals? Here’s why The Plaza Hotel Seoul is a godsend.
Situated directly in front of City Hall, this hotel is a lifesaver for travelers on early or late flights—offering seamless access to the city.
Airport to Hotel in One Step
Upon arriving at Incheon Airport, the fastest way downtown is via the AREX, reaching Seoul Station in just 43 minutes. Transfer to Line 1 and it’s only an 8-minute ride to City Hall Station. Even better—Exit 6 opens directly into the hotel lobby, so there’s no need to brave inclement weather or drag luggage across streets.
Alternatively, I opted for the Airport Limousine Bus 6701 (City Hall/Gwanghwamun route), which runs from 05:15 to 22:05, with intervals of around 40 minutes. The convenience? A direct stop labeled “City Hall (The Plaza Hotel)”—a few steps and you’re inside the hotel lobby. For ₩18,000 (cash or transit card), it’s a clean, stress-free ride in roughly 70 minutes—cheaper and more relaxing than a taxi.
Thanks to this, my early-morning arrival felt completely hassle-free.
A Hearty Korean Breakfast in Myeongdong
Even before check-in, the staff helped me store my luggage quickly and efficiently—so I did the first thing I always do: get a hearty meal! I headed to Miseongok for a bowl of its famed seolleongtang—a clear, richly flavored ox bone soup from a 50+ year-old Myeongdong restaurant. It’s a local favorite for good reason.
Myeongdong: Walk, Shoot, Shop, Snack
Then, I strolled over to Myeongdong—just 10 minutes on foot. First stop: Myeongdong Cathedral, glowing in the morning light and offering a memorable early moment.
Next, I meandered through Myeongdong streets, popping into shops like NEUNEU, where affordable fashion and trinkets (like decorative hairpins and grip-toks) made great travel keepsakes. Plus, the instant photo booth here offered a fun souvenir for just 1,000 KRW—a tangible memory of the adventure.
A quick detour brought me to the Olive Young flagship store, where I browsed popular Korean skincare and makeup—stocking up on essentials like sheet masks and lip tints. My shopping bounties began to stack up.
Myeongdong Street Food: One Bite at a Time
Nothing beats street food after all that walking and shopping:
Tornado Potato—crispy spiral fried potato with sauce drama.
Fruit Mochi—chewy rice cake bursting with fresh fruit.
Egg Bread—a warm bun hugging a soft-cooked egg for perfect comfort.
Sweet-Spicy Chicken—tangy and addictive.
Fresh Juice—the ideal, cooling finale to refresh the senses.
Back to the Hotel: Check-In & Evening Relaxation
After returning and checking in, I headed to the fitness club on the 17th floor. Friendly staff checked my key, offered workout wear and socks for free, and unlocked access to the gym and pool—both complimentary for guests.
The gym overlooked Seoul’s skyline, offering treadmills, weights, stretch zones, even a golf simulator. Running with the cityscape all around was revitalizing. Afterwards, I swam in the sunlit pool on the 18th floor, lounging under the glow of the sunset—pure relaxation.
Dinner at Oyster Bar: Urban Elegance Beneath the Hotel
In the basement, this upscale Oyster Bar offers premium oysters—fresh and safe year-round—paired with an impressive lineup of 234 curated beverages such as fine whiskeys, classic cocktails, and rare wines, selected by a mixologist.
I savored Stella Maris oysters with mushroom carpaccio and shrimp croquette. The view of Seoul’s city lights and Deoksugung Palace elevated the experience, making it a highlight of my culinary journey.
Perfect Ending in Your Room
Back in my room, soft-scented luxury toiletries welcomed me. After a warm shower, the cozy bed and ambient lighting wrapped the day in serenity—Seoul’s hum just outside the window, while I drifted into restful sleep.
On this trip, The Plaza Hotel felt like an all-in-one package: effortless airport links → myeongdong shopping & food → complete rest and reset. If you want to experience Seoul’s flavors, style, and relaxation in one go, this choice is hard to beat.
