Hotel Review: Conrad Seoul
Named after the founder of the Hilton empire, Conrad Hilton, the Conrad brand aims to provide a luxurious and meaningful lodging experience for its guests. I’ve always had positive experiences at Conrad properties and appreciate its design ethos of “quiet luxury” rather than excessive glamour or an overwhelming aesthetic. During my time in Seoul, I decided to surprise my parents with a staycation and chose Conrad Seoul. I booked through the American Express (AMEX) Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) portal, securing a higher chance of an upgrade along with additional benefits such as late checkout and a $100 food and beverage credit. After the stay, I can confidently say that Conrad Seoul was an excellent choice for a special occasion, offering a meaningful and welcoming experience through thoughtful and detailed hospitality. Here is my review of Conrad Seoul:
Conrad Seoul is located at 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea.
Location
Conrad Seoul is located in the Yeouido district, which is often referred to as Seoul's financial and political hub. It's strategically situated in the Yeouido Business District (YBD), which makes it a prime location for both business travelers and tourists. Conrad Seoul is situated next to Yeouido Park and the Han River, where locals enjoy scenic boat rides, biking, and picnics. The hotel is connected to the IFC Seoul Mall and The Hyundai Mall sits right across from the hotel, offering a range of international luxury brands, pop-up shops, and restaurants. Lastly, located near major subway lines and bus routes, the hotel provides convenient access to various parts of the city.
Lobby & Check-In Review
After navigating the underground parking lot maze, I took an elevator up to the ground level to check in at Conrad Seoul. The lobby was quite simple, featuring check-in desks and a lounge called Flames, where guests could enjoy seasonal cakes and coffee.
Anyone can purchase cakes at Flames, and you can expect high-quality desserts.
Tall ceilings instantly made the space airy and spacious, while beautiful ginkgo tree leaf decor adorned the ceiling.
Guests could access the lobby either from street level or directly from the underground parking lot.
Ginkgo biloba is the official tree of Seoul, known for its vibrant yellow color in the fall. The lobby’s spiral staircase, accented with a yellow stripe light to complement the ginkgo-themed decor, further enhanced the elegant ambiance.
The lobby featured art inspired by Ginkgo biloba, the official tree of Seoul.
Since there was a dedicated line for Diamond Hilton Honors members with multiple check-in desks, I was helped immediately. I was warmly greeted with a smile, and the receptionist reviewed the details of my stay, explaining lounge hours and breakfast options. Since I had booked my stay using my AMEX Platinum card’s FHR benefit, I received various perks, including late checkout, breakfast for two, and an upgrade when available.
The check-in process was seamless, and the hotel recognized my AMEX FHR benefits, upgrading me to the Grand King Corner Suite.
The hotel acknowledged both my FHR booking and my Hilton Honors Diamond status, upgrading me to the Grand King Corner Suite, which offers a panoramic view of Seoul. At 96 square meters, it is considered the largest suite in its class in the city. As this stay was a special occasion to celebrate my parents’ wedding anniversary, the upgrade felt particularly meaningful. Since the suite could accommodate up to three people, the receptionist offered to set up a sofa bed for me during turndown service, which I gladly accepted. She also provided details about the hotel’s amenities, including executive lounge access, pool hours, and sauna discounts for Hilton Honors Diamond members. Additionally, she extended the onsite parking hours to align with my late checkout time. After checking in, the receptionist personally walked us to the elevator, and we headed up to the 32nd floor where our suite was located.
Living Room & Bedroom Review
Though I knew the Grand King Corner Suite would be spacious, I was still surprised by its sheer scale when I opened the door. The layout was well thought out, starting with a massive walk-in closet positioned between the living area and the primary bathroom. It featured two dedicated luggage stands and ample hangers.
As one of the largest suites in Seoul, it offered ample closet space.
Ambient lighting softly illuminated the space, and while it lacked smart appliances like those at the Josun Palace Hotel, its minimalist aesthetics were both pleasing and practical. The living room was tastefully decorated with art pieces and warm ambient lighting that provided both function and atmosphere. Guests could switch between two mood lighting modes using physical buttons on the wall or a digital control panel, which also controlled the blinds. With multilingual support, the system was user-friendly for international travelers.
The Grand King Corner Suite is among the largest suites in Seoul, offering a refined and elegant ambiance.
A microfiber couch and lounge chairs surrounded a round wooden coffee table, while a sleek black marble side table was positioned between the seating arrangements. The couch was exceptionally comfortable, which contributed to the quality of my sleep when it was later converted into a sofa bed.
At night, the turndown service staff seamlessly transformed the sofa into a cozy sofa bed.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the room with natural light, offering stunning views of the Han River and N Seoul Tower in Namsan Mountain.
As a corner unit, the suite offered a stunning 180-degree view of Seoul.
The panoramic view was the suite’s biggest highlight, providing a 180-degree view of Seoul from the living area, bedroom, and bathroom. While admiring the cityscape, I noticed a handwritten note on the window from the hotel’s executive lounge team, congratulating my parents on their anniversary.
The handwritten message from the Executive Lounge team was a thoughtful gesture that made my parents' special day even more memorable.
Shortly after, a welcome amenity arrived—a bottle of wine and a cake from Flames, the hotel’s lobby lounge. The accompanying card from hotel manager Nicola warmly welcomed us and celebrated the occasion. The cake, made with yuzu, lemon, ricotta cheese, and pistachio, had a delightful balance of tartness and savory notes.
The cake from Flames on the lobby level was spectacular. I loved the bright citrus notes of yuzu, complemented by the rich nuttiness of pistachio and the savory depth of ricotta cheese.
I had never received a full-sized cake as a welcome amenity before, and it was more than enough for the three of us. In fact, we couldn’t finish it and took the leftovers home to continue the celebration. Across from the couch, a stylishly lit minibar showcased crystal barware and fine china for coffee and tea.
The minibar setup reminded me of the one at Conrad New York Downtown.
A Nespresso machine was neatly tucked into a pullout drawer, while miniature bottles of various liquors were displayed above a mini-fridge stocked with mixers and sodas.
If you have access to the Executive Lounge, you can enjoy canned sodas and other beverages at your convenience.
As expected from the Conrad brand, the prices were steep, but unfortunately justified. A standard TV was wall-mounted opposite the sofa, though I was surprised it wasn’t a smart TV, given the hotel's luxurious reputation. It did, however, feature a Bose sound system.
Oddly, I found a VCR player connected to it—a relic I hadn’t seen in over two decades, making me wonder why such outdated technology was still available.
A half-moon-shaped work desk in the corner, equipped with universal outlets, was well-suited for international travelers.
The Bose surround sound system delivered an immersive entertainment experience.
Beyond a wooden sliding door, the bedroom unfolded with expansive windows offering breathtaking views of Seoul. On clear days, I could even see the Lotte World Tower, a 123-story skyscraper at the far end of the city.
It was exciting to experience different views of Seoul from various spots within the suite.
A plush king-sized bed was positioned against the wall, complemented by an abstract art piece that subtly elevated the decor.
The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the bedroom seamlessly reflected the suite’s modern and elegant ambiance.
Spacious nightstands with black marble tops flanked both sides of the bed. Discreet reading lights automatically illuminated when extended, adding a seamless and intuitive touch. Like the living room, the bedroom featured a digital control panel for lighting and blinds, along with physical buttons for adjusting ambient lighting modes.
The digital control panel made it easy to manage the suite’s features and offered multilingual support for international travelers.
A microfiber daybed occupied a corner by the windows—one of the most comfortable I’ve ever used. The view from this spot was incredible, and it quickly became my dad’s favorite place to lounge.
This was my dad's favorite lounging spot, as it provided a beautiful view of the city.
Across from the bed, a long wooden stand extended into another work desk, while a second standard TV provided an additional entertainment option. I wished it had been a smart TV to offer more content variety, and a soundbar would have enhanced the audio experience.
The bedroom featured an additional workspace, allowing you to step away from the living room if it was being used for other activities.
Both the living room and bedroom exuded a blend of luxury and coziness. The suite embodied understated opulence, with ample space comfortably accommodating three people. While the lack of a smart entertainment system was a minor drawback, the room’s high-tech amenities made it highly functional. However, what truly set this stay apart was the hotel’s thoughtful and detailed hospitality. Receiving a bottle of wine and a full-sized cake was a wonderful gesture, but small touches—like the handwritten message on the window—made it even more special. One of the most memorable moments was the turndown service, where the hotel meticulously prepared a sofa bed for me.
The converted bed was comfortable enough for a short overnight stay.
It was perfectly made, slightly plushier than my preference, but still incredibly comfortable. Moreover, the housekeeping staff left a chamomile tea bag on the bed along with a handwritten note signed by the attendant.
The housekeeping staff personalized the turndown service note with her signature and thoughtfully included an herbal tea bag for a relaxing night.
I had never experienced such a personal level of service from the housekeeping staff; it provided an added sense of warmth and reassurance that the suite had been thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the night.
Bathroom Review
The suite featured two bathrooms—a compact half-bath near the entrance and a spacious master bathroom connected to the bedroom. Though small, the half-bath was perfectly functional, equipped with a sink and a bidet toilet.
The compact yet functional half-bathroom is a convenient addition, especially when sharing the suite with others.
A large, well-lit mirror brightened the space, while marble finishes on the floor, walls, and vanity reinforced the high-end aesthetic of the Conrad brand. The master bathroom, nearly the size of the bedroom, had two entry points—one from the bedroom and another from the walk-in closet. At its center, a double-sink vanity with a striking marble finish added to the opulent feel.
The master bathroom featured an effortlessly connected layout with a smooth, intuitive flow.
A small TV was embedded in the mirror, while integrated light bars provided additional illumination. However, thanks to the expansive windows, the bathroom was naturally well-lit throughout the day. Byredo toiletries in the Mojave Ghost fragrance, known for its musky magnolia scent, were provided. Notably, due to a recent environmental law change, hotels in Seoul no longer offer complimentary disposable dental kits. Instead, guests can purchase them in-room, which I did for 1,000 Won—just under 1 USD.
Due to new environmental regulations, dental kits must be purchased separately, even at luxury hotels.
On the opposite side of the vanity, a freestanding bathtub faced the windows, allowing for a luxurious soak with panoramic views of Seoul. For privacy, motorized blinds could be lowered with the touch of a button. While I wished the hotel offered bath salts to enhance the experience, the breathtaking view more than compensated for it.
From the standalone tub, you could enjoy a stunning view of Seoul.
In one corner, a water closet with a bidet was enclosed by an opaque glass door for added privacy. Just outside, a vanity desk with a backlit mirror featured a Dyson hairdryer—both lightweight and powerful.
I appreciate when a hotel provides a Dyson hairdryer—its lightweight design and powerful performance make a noticeable difference.
Toward the back of the bathroom, the walk-in shower had no physical door, but thanks to the centrally placed rainfall showerhead, water rarely splashed beyond the designated area. Ambient lighting provided a relaxing atmosphere, and a handheld showerhead was also available.
Despite the absence of a physical door, the strategic placement of the showerhead effectively prevented water from splashing onto the bathroom floor.
Similar to my experience at Hotel TwentySeven in Amsterdam, the shower floor was textured for a non-slip surface, a thoughtful safety feature that is often overlooked, even in luxury hotels. The Byredo bath products were presented in communal bottles, and the Mojave Ghost scent was subtle yet long-lasting.
Byredo products have become my new favorite for their subtle yet long-lasting fragrance.
The master bathroom epitomized luxury—from the stunning city views enjoyed from a private bathtub to premium amenities like a mirror-embedded TV and a Dyson hairdryer. Thoughtful details, such as the textured shower flooring, further elevated the experience, making every aspect of the space feel meticulously designed for comfort and indulgence.
Gym, Pool, & Sauna Review—Pulse 8
Pulse 8, located on the eighth floor of the hotel, housed the gym, indoor swimming pool, and sauna. In addition, it featured screen golf simulators, and as a Hilton Honors Diamond member, I was entitled to a complimentary 40-minute screen golf practice session.
Hilton Honors Diamond members receive a complimentary 40-minute screen golf practice session.
My Diamond status also extended to the sauna, where admission—typically priced at 39,000 won (about 29 USD) per person—was discounted by 50%, making it a much more accessible perk.
Hilton Honors Diamond members can enjoy discounted rates for the sauna.
It's important to note that saunas in Korea are gender-specific, as guests must be fully nude to use the facilities. For privacy reasons, photography was not allowed, but I can attest that the sauna at Pulse 8 was noticeably more refined than public saunas in Korea. The men’s sauna featured three communal tubs with varying temperatures—ice cold, warm, and hot—as well as both a dry sauna and a steam room. Some sections of the sauna walls were adorned with mother-of-pearl-overlaid tiles, adding a touch of elegance. Complimentary individual lockers and showers made it convenient to transition directly from a workout to relaxation.
After visiting the spa or gym, guests could unwind in the lounge with refreshments and snacks.
The gym, located on the same floor, operated 24/7. Its interior exuded sophistication, with lofty ceilings that created an airy, open feel. However, the extensive use of wood in the design gave it a more refined, subdued aesthetic rather than the high-energy atmosphere typically associated with gyms.
The fitness center was impeccably maintained and featured state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment.
Cardio machines, featuring the latest TechnoGym equipment, were neatly arranged along the wall, while a variety of TechnoGym-branded strength machines were strategically placed throughout the space.
The gym was truly exceptional, providing a diverse range of workout options.
Everything was well-maintained, and multiple sanitation stations made it easy to wipe down equipment. For serious lifters, the gym provided weight plates, Olympic-grade barbells, incline and flat benches, a squat rack, and a Smith machine.
One thing I love about Korean gyms is their commitment to quality—they never cut corners.
Additionally, an extensive selection of dumbbells and kettlebells was available alongside extra benches.
The fitness center is accessible to both members and hotel guests, though membership comes at a premium price.
In one corner, a dedicated stretching and yoga area featured foam blocks and rollers, making post-workout recovery effortless.
The post-workout room was meticulously maintained, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment.
For those looking for a more immersive and structured core workout or stretch session, a Pilates studio was also available, though reservations or appointments appeared to be required.
Pilates has become increasingly popular in Korea, and guests can book a session during their stay.
After my workout, I took a quick shower before heading to the indoor swimming pool. The pool featured three lanes, with one significantly wider than the others, making it ideal for casual swimmers. The water was gently heated, and the shimmering blue microtiles—overlaid with mother-of-pearl—glowed beautifully under the ample natural light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Guests are required to wear a swim cap in the pool, which can be purchased at the spa check-in desk.
One important detail to note: guests must wear a swim cap to use the pool. Unlike other luxury hotels in Korea, such as the Josun Palace Hotel or the Westin Josun Hotel, Conrad Seoul does not provide complimentary swim caps. While guests can purchase one, I wish the hotel offered them as a courtesy to ensure that no one was turned away from the experience. Overall, Pulse 8 was an exceptional all-in-one fitness and wellness destination. The gym was well-equipped with high-end gear, including free weights, while the swimming pool provided a tranquil escape. Though the sauna was not complimentary even for Hilton Honors Diamond members, the 50% discount made it a worthwhile experience, given the quality of the facility.
Executive Lounge Review
The Executive Lounge, located on the 37th floor, was available for breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. Cocktail hours ran from 5 PM to 7 PM, and as a Hilton Honors Diamond member, I enjoyed complimentary access. The lounge’s interior exuded sophistication, with dark wood tones serving as the primary design element.
I enjoyed complimentary access to the Executive Lounge, courtesy of my Hilton Honors Diamond status.
Tall ceilings and expansive windows offered a stunning 180-degree view of Seoul, including clear vistas of the Han River and N Seoul Tower. Seating was plentiful, and even during peak hours, the lounge never felt overcrowded, allowing guests to enjoy privacy and a relaxed atmosphere.
You can catch a view of Chestnut Island, an uninhabited islet in the Han River.
The food and beverage stations were centrally located, with refrigerators along the wall stocked with beer and soda. However, the highlight was the liquor and wine stations, where guests could freely pour their own drinks.
Simple cocktail recipes accompanied the hard liquors, inviting guests to experiment with their own creations.
Simple cocktail recipes were provided for those interested in mixing their own beverages, though I preferred to enjoy glasses of champagne and red wine throughout my meal.
The wine selection was solid, with lounge staff regularly opening fresh bottles for guests.
I started with fresh greens and charcuterie, including a flavorful mushroom salad and smoked salmon.
I appreciate when a buffet goes beyond the usual leafy greens and offers a more diverse selection.
The entrées were particularly impressive, featuring barbecue pork ribs, tomato beef stew, and smoked duck with garlic sauce. The ribs were tender and expertly smoked, while the duck—one of my parents’ favorites—was juicy and paired beautifully with its addictive garlic sauce.
The lounge offerings were hearty enough to make a full meal, with the ribs being especially tender and flavorful.
Another standout was the beef rice ball, coated in roasted seaweed. A classic Korean snack, it was a crowd favorite, especially among foreign guests for its accessibility and familiar flavors.
The beef rice balls were a convenient and comforting dish, deeply familiar to many Koreans.
For dessert, a selection of seasonal fruits—including dragon fruit, oranges, and watermelon—was meticulously peeled and sliced for guests to enjoy.
The fruits were neatly pre-cut and beautifully presented, though they lacked peak ripeness.
Baked goods like chocolate fudge and macarons were also available, though I found them a bit too sweet for my personal taste. That said, I was thoroughly impressed by the overall quality and variety of the food. Every dish was fresh, and I had to stop myself from going back for more, as I had a dinner reservation elsewhere. However, had I wanted to save money on dining out, the Executive Lounge would have been an excellent alternative.
If you have access, I highly recommend visiting the Executive Lounge during happy hour for the most comprehensive experience.
Service was equally commendable. The staff were attentive, promptly clearing empty plates and ensuring the food and beverage stations remained clean and well-stocked. Whether you have complimentary access or not, I highly recommend visiting the Executive Lounge for both its offerings and its exceptional service.
Breakfast Review—Zest
As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, breakfast was included with my stay. In addition to in-room dining, I had two options: the Executive Lounge or the restaurant, Zest.
Zest is one of the many dining options available at Conrad Seoul.
Since Zest offered a more extensive breakfast selection, we opted to dine there on the second floor, where breakfast was served from 7 AM to 10:30 AM.
The dining area was spacious, providing ample seating for both groups and couples.
The restaurant itself was massive, and I couldn’t imagine it ever being more than half full. Despite being on the second floor, floor-to-ceiling windows allowed ample natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting right when the buffet opens at 7 AM.
After placing my coffee order, I headed to the buffet to satisfy my morning cravings.
The breakfast buffet was expansive, featuring a strong focus on Asian cuisines while also offering a selection of Western options.
At the center of the buffet, a decorative faux tree served as a fresh salad station and divided the restaurant into four sections, each dedicated to a distinct cuisine: Korean, Japanese, Western, and Chinese.
Don’t stick to just boring salads—explore the variety of flavorful vegetable dishes available.
I began with the Korean offerings, which featured a wide variety of dishes. Pork bulgogi, braised tofu, and japchae were among the familiar selections, and I appreciated that the bulgogi had a spicier kick rather than the typical sweet profile.
An assortment of Korean side dishes was available, including familiar favorites like bulgogi as well as more traditional options like salted squid.
In Korean cuisine, rice is often paired with soup for breakfast, and Zest offered both beef seaweed soup and kimchi soybean curd soup. The latter is one of my all-time favorites, and its rich, authentic flavor did not disappoint.
The grilled mackerel had a delightful smoky flavor without any overpowering fishiness.
I also sampled the abalone porridge, but I found its taste a bit too strong for my liking. Instead, I opted for rice with thistle, which, when mixed with the house-made soy sauce dressing, became a flavorful and healthy alternative to plain white rice.
Abalone porridge is a beloved dish among Koreans, but I found the seafood flavor a bit too strong for my taste.
The Chinese and Japanese stations featured popular dishes such as pork dumplings, stir-fried green beans with pork, Mongolian beef lo mein, and fried rice.
The noodles in the Mongolian beef lo mein were cooked to perfection.
Since these dishes tend to be on the heavier, greasier side, I only had small samples, but they were quite tasty.
The buffet offered both classic pork dumplings and kimchi-filled ones for a savory, spicy kick.
Similar to the Korean abalone porridge, Chinese congee was available as a neutral base that guests could enhance with condiments like X.O. sauce and stir-fried pork.
The Taiwanese soymilk breakfast catered to both sweet and savory preferences, making it a versatile choice for guests.
My personal favorite was the live noodle station, where guests could customize their bowls with rice noodles or udon, adding fresh ingredients like bean sprouts and napa cabbage.
Guests could customize their noodle bowls with fresh vegetables, choosing between rice noodles or udon.
The katsuo broth was warm and savory, with a subtle sweetness from the katsuobushi.
I opted for the bouncy udon noodles, and their mild katsuo broth was perfectly balanced.
In contrast, the Western breakfast selection was less impressive. While standard options like sausage, hash browns, and scrambled eggs were available, they lacked any particularly special touch.
The Western breakfast classics were decent but didn't stand out as much as the Asian offerings.
The highlight of this section was the egg station, where guests could order customized egg dishes with various toppings. Sunnyside-up eggs were beautifully cooked, and the poached eggs resembled onsen eggs, with soft, slightly loose whites. A healthier alternative, scrambled egg whites, was also available.
The sunny-side-up eggs looked almost unreal, with their perfectly flawless appearance.
Adjacent to the Western section, the charcuterie station was the least memorable part of the buffet. The selection was limited, and the quality of the meats and cheeses failed to meet expectations. The blocks of cheese and cuts of cured meat lacked the artisanal appeal one might expect from a Conrad property.
The cheese selection would have been more inviting if it were thinly sliced rather than served in large blocks.
Similarly, the savory bread options were hit-or-miss. The bagels and baguettes were on the dry side, and I wasn’t convinced they were freshly baked that morning.
Since Koreans tend to favor sweet pastries, the buffet had a limited selection of savory baked goods.
However, the focaccia was a standout—perfectly baked with a crisp top and a pillowy center. The bread pudding was another crowd favorite, with condensed milk drizzled over the baked goods for a rich, indulgent flavor.
However, the bread pudding was one of the best I’ve ever had—perfectly moist and well-balanced in flavor and texture.
For a playful dessert option, a DIY donut station featured apple and white chocolate donuts that guests could decorate with various fruity glazes and sprinkles. Since the donuts already had fillings, I skipped the toppings, but young guests seemed to enjoy the interactive experience.
The DIY donut station was a hit with kids, who enjoyed decorating their own donuts.
Next to the donut bar, a beverage station offered an assortment of freshly squeezed fruit juices and sparkling water, positioned in front of a small floral accent wall. The juices were refreshing and paired well with any part of the meal.
In addition to the juices, guests could also order handcrafted coffee.
Overall, my breakfast experience at Zest was positive. However, given how the rest of Conrad Seoul impressed me with its attention to detail and high standards, the breakfast buffet was not as memorable as other aspects of the hotel. That’s not to say the food wasn’t delicious, but certain areas—particularly the charcuterie selection—could have been elevated to better reflect the Conrad brand.
Bar Review—37 Grill & Bar
37 Grill & Bar, the hotel’s signature steakhouse and bar, is located on the 37th floor—the highest floor of the hotel. Recently renovated, the bar now offers an elevated atmosphere, making it a prime spot for guests to unwind with craft cocktails. After dinner, my family and I stopped by for a drink, eager to experience its newly refreshed ambiance. The bar was open until midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and until 1 AM from Thursday to Saturday, making it a convenient late-night option. The main bar area was beautifully designed, featuring sleek black marble countertops and backlit panels that enhanced its sophisticated aesthetic.
The bar’s ambiance shifted dramatically from day to night, and I preferred the intimate vibe in the evening.
Additional bar tops were positioned along the windows, allowing guests to take in Seoul’s skyline both day and night. To the left, the space expanded to accommodate more guests, with tables and private booths lining the windows. A striking wall display of premium liquors showcased the bar’s impressive collection, and behind the shelves, a private group room offered a completely secluded experience.
Behind the impressive display of rare bottles, there was a hidden room designed for large groups.
We opted for a window booth, which required a minimum spend of 100,000 KRW (approximately 73 USD). Given that each cocktail averaged around 30,000 KRW, this was entirely reasonable and easy to meet. The menu featured an extensive selection of spirits, but we chose to focus on the signature cocktails. Each drink was accompanied by a detailed description and realistic illustrations, and the inclusion of detachable reading lights was a thoughtful touch, especially since the bar had a dim, intimate setting.
The cocktail illustrations were helpful, allowing me to visualize the drinks before placing an order.
For my first cocktail, I ordered Ga-Eul—which means "autumn" in Korean. This drink featured traditional pine mushroom liquor as its base, finished with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnished with roasted ginkgo nuts.
The bar creatively infused traditional Korean ingredients into classic cocktail recipes.
As a gin enthusiast, I appreciated the earthy depth of the pine mushroom liquor, though I found the ginkgo nuts slightly too dry. Complimentary air-fried vegetables and roasted nuts were served alongside the drinks, but guests could also order light dishes for a more complete dining experience.
The air-fried vegetables were guilt-free snacks that I happily enjoyed late at night.
Next, I tried Comma, a cocktail crafted with Kyeryong Paegilju, a traditional Korean liquor known for its delicate balance of seasonal ingredients—azalea, omija, chrysanthemum blossoms, and pine needles.
I highly recommend visiting the bar if you’re interested in high-quality cocktails featuring unique Korean ingredients.
The drink was accompanied by a torched palo santo stick, encouraging guests to pause, take a deep breath, and embrace the moment, just as the cocktail’s name suggested. This thoughtful presentation added an experiential element that elevated the drink beyond just its flavors. Considering the quality of ingredients, the upscale ambiance, and the stunning views of Seoul, I found the cocktails at 37 Grill & Bar to be reasonably priced. The flavors were intricate and well-balanced, and I especially appreciated that the menu featured a dedicated selection of premium cocktails incorporating Korean spirits. The recent renovations have successfully enhanced the bar’s luxurious appeal, making it a must-visit for those looking to enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a refined setting. I highly recommend it.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The Grand King Corner Suite was the most spacious suite I had ever stayed in while in Korea. With its stunning 180-degree panoramic view of Seoul, I found myself reluctant to leave the room. Every element of the suite was thoughtfully designed, blending premium finishes with a practical and intuitive layout.
The level of hospitality and service from every staff member was truly remarkable. From the charming welcome messages written on the windows to the generous welcome amenities, the team at Conrad Seoul went above and beyond to make my parents’ special day even more memorable. One detail that particularly stood out was the personal touch from the housekeeping team—after the turndown service, a handwritten name card from the cleaning staff provided an extra sense of care and attentiveness.
Cocktail hours at the Executive Lounge were absolutely worth experiencing. The food and beverage selection was both generous and delicious, so much so that I nearly canceled my dinner reservation to indulge further.
Pulse 8 was an exceptional collection of fitness and wellness amenities that catered to all types of guests. From screen golf simulators and a heated indoor pool to a state-of-the-art fitness center and premium sauna, it was a comprehensive wellness destination—a one-stop shop for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation.
Negatives
If I had to be picky, while my overall impression of the breakfast buffet at Zest was positive, certain dishes—particularly the charcuterie selection—were less memorable. That said, I would still recommend Zest as a convenient and well-rounded breakfast option, especially for those looking to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine.
Summary
Taking my parents to Conrad Seoul for their wedding anniversary was a true highlight of my trip to Korea, as the luxury experience exceeded even the high expectations set by the Conrad brand. Our upgraded Grand King Corner Suite was stunningly spacious, offering panoramic views of Seoul and featuring premium furnishings crafted from upscale materials. Adding to the celebration, the hotel graciously extended generous welcome amenities, making my parents' special day even more memorable. The high-end facilities at Pulse 8 provided the perfect recharge, while the Executive Lounge was impressive with its delicious food and beverage options. For a romantic date night or simply an evening of exceptional cocktails, 37 Grill & Bar was a fantastic choice, offering breathtaking views of the city in a refined setting. Above all, the exceptional hospitality from the hotel staff made every moment joyful, seamless, and truly special. From thoughtful gestures to impeccable service, their dedication elevated the entire stay. Conrad Seoul stands as one of the finest luxury hotels in Seoul, setting a high standard for service and experience. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul or seeking a memorable staycation.
