Grand Hyatt Seoul Is One Of South Korea’s Best Hotels For Food

Strange as it may seem: it wasn’t all that long ago when travelers begrudgingly ate at their hotel restaurants out of necessity. Because now, it’s standard practice for properties to elevate their food and beverage outlets to attract guests and locals—and to be destinations unto themselves.

This especially rings true for Seoul. Given its culture where meals are as much about socializing as they are sustenance—a common way to greet loved ones is to ask if they’ve eaten—area accommodations have long prioritized eating well. And though Seoul’s hotel landscape is highly competitive with new openings frequently popping up, one classic property has bucked trends and hype and withstood the test of time.

Opened in 1978 and nestled on the slopes of Namsan Mountain in Yongsan-gu, Grand Hyatt Seoul is among the megacity’s few grande dame hotels. Along the way, it’s hosted U.S. Presidents including Joe Biden and Barack Obama, starred in multiple K-Dramas, but perhaps most important—been a beloved destination for decades with a variety of quality dining options.

Because there are too many culinary offerings to mention—they’re all first-rate, and range from poolside barbeques to The Steak House specializing in flavorful Hanwoo beef—several absolutely shouldn’t be missed.

The popular afternoon tea features rotating themes, with “Chilling in Verbena Afternoon Tea,” a unique partnership with French skincare brand L’Occitane, available through July 16. Held in The Gallery, a lofty lounge on the ground floor, the modern twist on the tradition draws inspiration from L’Occitane’s Verbena collection with a lavish, help-yourself display of delicate morsels like verbena vinaigrette-topped buttery scallops and pineapple-verbena pound cake, tiered stand of sweets, and rolling cart scooping housemade ice creams and sorbets.

But it’s Japanese restaurant Kauri that could easily be one of Seoul’s best hidden gems. Cloaked in natural materials like wood and stone and decorated with whimsical paper bag face art, the tranquil space sets the stage for an exquisite omakase. Expect unique courses such as bluefin tuna “belly button” sashimi—a highly prized cut not well-known outside of the country—and steamed abalone, another premium ingredient adored by Koreans, draped with a sauce made from abalone innards, alongside the usual nigiri, sashimi, and shime (finishing course). And just steps away is The Paris Bar, a handsome den with a suited-up staff, live jazz, and an extensive list of cocktails, French wines, and cognacs perfect for nightcaps.

To make visiting even more enticing, Grand Hyatt Seoul wrapped a three-year renovation project in 2019. The 602 rooms and suites feel more inviting than ever with airy, open configurations, modern furnishings, luxe Balmain toiletries, and art nodding to Korean culture, like bojagi (Korean wrapping cloths) and paintings of fish, which are symbolic of good fortune. What’s remained unchanged are the warm oak finishes and spectacular city views.

In addition, the hotel is stocked with all the essentials for fitness and wellness enthusiasts, including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, an expansive gym, and spa. So whether you feel like making the most of a hotel stay, or are seeking modern-day conveniences after a long day of exploration, Grand Hyatt Seoul will easily cover all your needs.