For us, a couple in our 30s deeply in love with Korean culture, Seoul has always been a dream destination. Rather than rushing through a packed sightseeing schedule, we wanted to explore the city at a relaxed pace, experiencing Korea’s history and present side by side. So when searching for a Myeongdong hotel, it was essential for us to choose a place from which we could walk to Seoul’s landmarks. We wanted somewhere that allowed us to wander cultural spots on foot while also offering comfort—and THE PLAZA Seoul turned out to be the perfect choice, far exceeding our expectations.
Romantic Footsteps Through Seoul: Landmarks Within Walking Distance from the Hotel
Deoksugung Stone Wall Path & Hanbok Date – The Start of a Time Travel Experience
Just a 3-minute walk from the hotel! Deoksugung Stone Wall Path is already famous as a couple’s date course. We decided to make the most of this trip by fully immersing ourselves in Korean culture, so we found a hanbok rental shop near Deoksugung. After choosing a beautiful hanbok and putting it on, my boyfriend smiled and said, “You look like a drama heroine!”—which made me so happy.
Wearing hanbok granted us free admission to Deoksugung Palace! Walking hand in hand through the serene grounds and admiring the palace’s elegant architecture made us forget all our fatigue. We took breaks at the pavilion by the pond and couldn’t stop snapping photos as we wandered the palace courtyard. At night, the softly lit grounds offered a completely different, enchanting view. It was perfect for a romantic stroll! (Deoksugung Palace is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with last admission at 8:00 p.m.) Strolling the palace in hanbok became one of our most unforgettable memories in Seoul.
From Deoksugung to Seoul Metropolitan Library – An Unexpected Urban Treasure
Exiting the tranquil front gate of Deoksugung and slowly heading toward Seoul Plaza, we suddenly saw an impressive building—the Seoul Metropolitan Library, which preserves the old Seoul City Hall building. The blend of tradition and modernity immediately caught our eye.
The grand façade framed by lush green lawns created a scene that felt almost European. This made the library more than just a place to read—it became a perfect photo spot in the middle of the city. We stepped inside and found an atmosphere quite different from the stately exterior. From old rare books to the latest bestsellers, the library was filled with a wide variety of titles. The calm, orderly reading rooms naturally put us at ease. Discovering such a quiet, refined space in the heart of Seoul was a wonderful surprise. It’s a place I would recommend for taking a break from a busy trip and getting a closer look at daily life in Korea.
Ending the Day with a Glass of Wine at the Hotel
For dinner, we headed to the Club Lounge. The evening hors d’oeuvres there were absolutely fantastic! Located on the 5th floor, the Club Lounge is an exclusive space for guests staying in club-level rooms. The moment we entered, we were amazed by the panoramic city view through the floor-to-ceiling windows—from Seoul Plaza to Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the majestic Bugaksan Mountain beyond. We could take in the romantic Seoul skyline all at once.
The evening hors d’oeuvres felt more like a stylish date course than just dinner. Over delicious wine and fresh, upscale finger foods, we reminisced about the places we had explored that day. True to the promise of “service beyond expectations,” the staff were incredibly kind and attentive, which made the experience even more memorable. After a busy day of sightseeing, relaxing in this private, elegant space with a glass of wine melted away all our fatigue. It made our night in Seoul feel even more special and romantic.
💡 Tips for Enjoying the Club Lounge
If you have access to the Club Lounge, keep these tips in mind!
Breakfast (06:30–10:00): Skip the crowded main buffet and enjoy a relaxed morning here. The atmosphere is quiet, and the food selection is excellent. I went early and found it wonderfully peaceful.
All-Day Snacks (11:30–16:30): Light snacks and drinks are available in the afternoon—perfect for enjoying a coffee while admiring the view. Note that from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the lounge is closed for cleaning and ventilation.
Evening Hors d’Oeuvres & Cocktails (17:30–21:00): This is the highlight! A variety of alcoholic drinks, finger foods, and hot dishes are served—enough to replace dinner. There were several types of wine, and you could even make your own cocktails. It’s popular, so arrive at or just before 5:30 p.m. to grab a good window seat. Enjoying wine while gazing at Seoul’s nightscape without the crowds was truly romantic.
Thanks to the thoughtful service and the stylish yet warm space, we felt completely at home even while traveling. If someone asked us where to stay in Seoul, we would confidently recommend this hotel.
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