These are the best gay friendly hotels in Seoul, a surprisingly welcoming city in South Korea for LGBTQ travelers.
Everything you thought you knew about Korea is about to change.
It may not be top of your list of destinations for a gay getaway, but what you’re going to read here might surprise you.
South Korea is still a conservative nation – religious groups hold a great deal of power, and many political leaders are actively opposed to LGBTQ+ rights. However, the South Korean LGBTQ+ community has risen over the past two decades.
The very first Queer Culture Festival, which takes place annually in the capital city of Seoul, was attended by just fifty brave souls. Conversely, last year’s twentieth-anniversary extravaganza welcomed 150,000 LGBTQ people and allies celebrating their pride and joining hands to fight for queer rights.
Of all the cities in South Korea, Seoul is by far the most accepting of the LGBTQ community, and many also consider it to be the party capital of the world. The blazing neon lights, incomparable nightlife experience, and regular K-pop shows all add up to a must-visit gay holiday destination.
So, without further ado, here is our rundown of the best gay-friendly hotels in Seoul.
Heads up: We just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links. That means if you book something through one of those links, we'll get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep our blog going – so thank you in advance for your support! ♥
Stay connected in Seoul
Before heading off to Seoul, make sure you pre-order a pocket WiFi device so you can stay online throughout your travels in South Korea. A pocket WiFi device will save you a lot of money on roaming fees, plus it's a safe and secure way to access the internet.
01
Mondrian Seoul Itaewon
Itaewon
Why we love it
- Chic, LGBTQ+-friendly hotel located in the vibrant Itaewon district, close to Homo Hill
- Rooftop bar with stunning city views, a spa, and an outdoor pool for ultimate relaxation
- One of the best hotel gyms we've ever seen!
- Offers a variety of international dining options and easy access to public transport
Mondrian Seoul Itaewon is a fantastic choice for gay travelers visiting Seoul, blending luxury with inclusivity in one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Located in the heart of Itaewon, the hotel offers easy access to the city's most popular gay bars, clubs, and cultural attractions.
The hotel itself exudes a modern and stylish vibe, making it a magnet for travelers who appreciate contemporary design and high-quality amenities. Mondrian Seoul Itaewon features beautifully designed rooms and suites, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and luxurious touches. The emphasis on style and comfort ensures that guests can unwind in a chic setting after a day of exploring the city or enjoying Itaewon's vibrant social scene.
Amenities at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon cater to all types of travelers, including those looking for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool with a stunning view of the city, a fully equipped fitness center, and an indulgent spa offering a variety of treatments.
Dining options abound, with multiple on-site restaurants and bars serving a mix of international and local cuisine, ideal for a romantic dinner or a pre-night-out drink. The hotel's rooftop bar is a particular highlight, offering panoramic views of the Seoul skyline—a perfect spot to mingle and unwind.
In addition to its excellent amenities, the hotel's location makes it an ideal base for exploring Seoul. Itaewon is well-connected to the city's public transportation network, making it easy to visit nearby attractions like the Namsan Seoul Tower, the Gyeongbokgung Palace, or the trendy neighborhoods of Gangnam and Hongdae.
02
Nouvelle Hotel Seoul Itaewon
Itaewon
Why we love it
- Prime LGBTQ+-friendly location
- Comfortable and colorful
- Excellent service at the 24-hour front desk with English and Korean-speaking staff
- Close to Itaewon Subway Station
Nouvelle Hotel Seoul Itaewon is an excellent choice for gay travelers seeking comfortable accommodations in Seoul's vibrant Itaewon district.
Situated at 2-7F, 11, Usadan-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, the hotel places guests within walking distance of the city's dynamic gay nightlife scene, including the renowned Homo Hill.
The hotel offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and connected stay. Additionally, the 24-hour front desk is staffed by friendly personnel proficient in both English and Korean, ready to assist with any inquiries or needs.
What sets Nouvelle Hotel apart is its strategic location amidst Itaewon's diverse cultural offerings. Guests can explore a variety of international restaurants, eclectic shops, and cultural landmarks nearby. While there's no on-site restaurant, the offerings nearby negate any need, plus there are two 7-11 supermarkets close by if you're on a budget.
The hotel's proximity to public transportation, including Itaewon Subway Station, facilitates convenient access to other parts of Seoul, making it an ideal base for travelers eager to explore the city's attractions.
We particularly loved the bright splashes of yellow throughout the entire property, with some sections feeling like you're literally standing inside a modern art museum.
03
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Yongsan-gu
Why we love it
- Luxurious accommodation with stunning panoramic views of Seoul and the Han River
- So many amazing amenities including a dozen restaurants and bars onsite
- Incredible recreation centre, swimming pool, gym and lovely spa
- Committed to inclusivity to all guests and not far from Itaewon's gay scene
Perched on the slopes of Mount Namsan, the Grand Hyatt Seoul offers breathtaking views of the city and the Han River. A short taxi ride or a 10-minute walk connects guests to the lively gay scene, including the famous Homo Hill.
This hotel boasts 615 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning city or mountain vistas.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, an ice skating rink (!), and a shopping arcade. The hotel also offers a dozen high-end restaurants and bars, providing ample opportunities for dining on delicious cuisine or socialising over a few drinks.
Along with the swimming pool, the Grand Hyatt Seoul provides guests access to a pretty amazing recreation centre which contains 3 tennis courts, 2 squash courts, a fitness centre and a sauna! And if you need to unwind after all the energy you'll be expending, then you can book yourself into the state-of-the-art spa for traditional Korean massages, aromatherapy treatments or other pampering packages.
What sets the Grand Hyatt Seoul apart is its commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests. The hotel's proximity to Itaewon's gay-friendly establishments, combined with its luxurious accommodations and attentive service, make it a standout choice for gay travelers.
04
Hamilton Hotel
Itaewon
Why we love it
- Located in bright, busy and exciting Itaewon
- Great gym and pool area
- Cosy, comfortable rooms to rest and recharge
- Homo Hill – need I say more?
Okay, first things first. There are no male-only hotels in Seoul (trust me, I checked… several times!) so erase “clothing optional” from your mind – the Folsom Street Fair, this is not!
However, the Hamilton Hotel, located in the bright, bustling Itaewon district, is right at the epicentre of Seoul’s biggest gay nightlife hotspot, affectionately known as Homo Hill.
This area is home to some of the biggest and best gay nightclubs in the city, including PULSE, a lively underground dance club over two floors, and HOMPA, an after-hours bar that hosts international guest DJs and offers plenty of eye candy in the shape of super handsome Go-Go boys.
The hotel itself offers modern, comfortable rooms with all the mod-cons, including a fabulous electronic toilet featuring all kinds of extra cleaning facilities for your lower regions. For such a conservative nation, they sure designed their toilets with the gays in mind, let’s just say that! The technological delights don’t begin and end in the bathroom either. Almost everything in the room, including the lighting, air-conditioning and TV, can be controlled from a handy remote device that also doubles as your room’s telephone. “Hello, reception – how do you use this thing?”
There’s a decent gym with plenty of equipment and a free weights area, plus a stunning rooftop pool where Seoul’s trendiest crowds meet to show out and show off in their droves. The restaurant serves a great mix of tempting Korean dishes and typical Western fare to suit all palates. The Hamilton is also walking distance from Itaewon Station which has an exciting choice of shops, cafes and restaurants. Real talk – this is the definitive Korean gay experience right here!
05
Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel
Itaewon
Why we love it
- It really is a palace – fit for kings and queens!
- Stunning décor, a feast for the eyes
- Yummy Japanese/Korean food at the restaurant
- Located in Itaewon: the heart of Seoul's gay life
We’re heading back to the uber-gay, nightlife-centric Itaewon district for the next entry on our list of Seoul’s finest gay-friendly hotels. The Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel has twelve floors of pure luxury, perfect for those with a little extra cash to splash on their gay pilgrimage to South Korea.
The first thing that struck me about the Imperial Palace was the fabulous décor.
Most of the rooms are decorated in a clean, bright white with an Andy Warhol-inspired pop art mural splashed across the wall, while the exterior wouldn’t look out of place in Legoland. It’s an assault on the senses but in all good ways!
Make no mistake though – this place isn’t for kids. The Imperial Palace refers to itself as a “lifestyle experience”, and even the most basic rooms are called “superior”, so you can be sure you’ll live like royalty during your stay. I mean, they don’t call it a palace for nothin’!
There’s a fantastic restaurant that serves a variety of Japanese-style rice and noodle dishes courtesy of local restaurant chain Saboten and a range of indulgent Belgian chocolate treats from Godiva. And if you pop one too many, there’s a well-equipped gym on-site too!
That’s all swell, of course, but the main draw of the Imperial Palace is its location. As I said earlier, Homo Hill is 360 feet of unadulterated gay fun and frolics, packing in all the city’s most popular gay clubs and bars within walking distance of one another – Itaewon is it for gay travelers!
STAY WITH A GAY LOCAL
Misterb&b is the Airbnb equivalent for the LGBTQ community. Unlike on Airbnb, you know your host is gay, voiding any nasty surprises when you check-in. It is also a great way to meet gay locals and discover the underground gay scene. Click below to get 10 € (or $10) off our first booking.
06
Top Hotel and Residence
Jongno-gu
Why we love it
- Comfort and privacy on a budget
- Well-equipped rooms and facilities
- Walk to The Runway and Jongno Station
- Close to the gay scene but in a quiet area
We’re heading back to the Jongno district for this final entry on my list of Seoul’s best gay-friendly hotels. The Top Hotel & Residence is a highly rated aparthotel complex that represents some of the best-value accommodation in the city.
Rooms are clean, comfortable and nicely decorated. Guests have full access to their very own en suite bathroom and kitchenette with a cooker, refrigerator and washing machine.
There’s even a café and bar area on the ground floor that stays open past midnight – perfect for a couple of post-dinner pre-drinks to wet your whistle before you hit the town.
Jongno’s main street will delight Korean food fans. There are also plenty of small but very welcoming gay bars to be found around every corner. The Top Hotel & Residence is only a few minutes walk from Jongno Station. That means you can be living your best gay life on Itaewon’s Homo Hill in under 30 minutes – and if you call an Uber, it’s even quicker!
The reception desk is open 24 hours a day, run by super-friendly staff that are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure your stay is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. For a balance of comfort and value, it doesn’t get much better than this. Essentially, the Top Hotel & Residence offers many of the benefits of a hotel with cost savings you would normally only associate with a hostel. Of course, staying outside Itaewon, you will end up spending more on local travel if you want to experience the Seoul nightlife at its absolute gayest.
What to do in Seoul?
Seoul is a fascinating city, where hi-tech subways and skyscrapers can be found amidst Buddhist temples and street markets. No matter what your interests there'll be plenty to keep you occupied…
07
SP@ Itaewon Guesthouse
Itaewon
Why we love it
- Basic accommodation at a bargain price
- The best gay friendly budget option
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- Fantastic value for the location – in Itaewon
On the flip-side, you can also do gay Seoul on a budget with a room at the SP@ Itaewon Guesthouse. It’s a hostel but certainly nicer than some of the hellish places I’ve stayed in over the years.
Full disclosure – facilities like the kitchen and bathroom are communal, so you’ll be sharing these areas with other guests during your stay.
There’s free Wi-Fi and a recreational area with a TV room, patio and barbeque if you fancy taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the local area.
Rooms are basic, as you would expect, but if you’re planning on hitting the local scene hard and all you want from a room is somewhere to lay your hangover head before the next party, this is a great way to save on the costs of your trip – which means more spare cash for the clubs! Best of all, if your travel plans aren’t set in stone, SP@Itaewon doesn’t take any pre-payment and offers free cancellation up to two days before you check-in.
If a bed and semi-decent air-conditioning are all you need, the value of such low-cost accommodation in an area like Itaewon cannot be overstated. You will have absolutely everything you need on your doorstep – shops, cafes, restaurants and some of the best nightspots in the city. It might not win any prizes for luxury, but for the price, it’s hard to argue with.
Read more travel adventures like this in our book!
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We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!
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For more inspiration:
- Find out the most gay friendly countries in Asia
- Read about our experiences traveling through Asia as a gay couple
- Heading to Japan? Check out our two-week gay Japan itinerary
- You'll want to check out the gay scene in Tokyo
- As well as find the best gay hotels to stay at in Tokyo
- Read about our Geisha makeovers in Tokyo!
- Try out one or more of these gay tours of Tokyo, especially if it's your first visit
- To see a few countries in one go, check out these fabulous gay cruises heading to Asia
- As well as our favorite diving spots in Asia
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Happy travels are safe travels
We recommend you always take out reputable travel insurance before your next vacation. What happens if you suffer from illness, injury, theft, or a cancellation? Many gay travelers forget about it and regret it when something happens. Better to pay a small price and have peace of mind and not worry.