Gay Seoul Seoul City Guide

Curation by Bastiaan Ellen, words by Laura Tucker

South Korea’s capital city of Seoul is both fiercely modern and uniquely old school. Belonging to a country isolated and under military dictatorship until the 60s, both the capital and the country have undergone rapid growth since embracing globalism, tech and democracy. A sprawling hub of contrasts, Seoul is where sleek skyscrapers and 5G WIFI rise high over serene palace compounds flanked by ramshackle hanok villages. Where a riverside bike path can either lead you to a fish market or a K-pop concert, and where cosmetic surgery adverts plaster the sides of lean-tos selling boiled eggs and kimbap. While Korea is ultra-quick to pick up on trends, the country remains behind neighbouring nations when it comes to LGBTQ rights, as conservative Confucian roots die hard and politicians pander to Christian fundamentalists. Despite this, increasing international influence and openness among the younger generation has helped create space for queer events and wider acceptance. For your definitive Seoul gay guide, you’ve come to the right place.

Where to stay in Seoul

For the discerning gentleman seeking accommodation in Seoul that marries luxury with location, the city presents a triumvirate of exceptional properties that exemplify the very best in hospitality. Leading the charge is the magnificent Signiel Seoul, occupying the upper reaches of the iconic Lotte World Tower. Perched between floors 76 and 101 of Korea‘s tallest building, this architectural marvel affords breathtaking panoramic views across the metropolis through floor-to-ceiling windows. The 235 rooms and suites showcase a harmonious blend of contemporary Korean aesthetics and European elegance, whilst the Michelin-starred restaurant Stay and the celestial Bar 81 provide sophisticated dining and drinking options that rival the spectacular vistas.

In the prestigious Gangnam district, the Josun Palace presents an altogether different but equally compelling proposition. This architectural homage to Korea’s royal heritage has been masterfully reimagined through a contemporary lens. The result is a sublime fusion of Joseon Dynasty-inspired design elements and modern luxury, evident in everything from the soaring marble-clad lobby to the 254 impeccably appointed rooms and suites. The rooftop bar, 1914 Lounge & Bar, serves exceptional craft cocktails alongside panoramic views of the city’s glittering skyline, whilst the Eatanic Garden restaurant offers a refined dining experience that showcases the best of modern Korean cuisine.

For those who prefer to be in the heart of the action, the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in the historic Gwanghwamun area presents an irresistible option. This urban sanctuary seamlessly blends Korean tradition with contemporary sophistication across its 317 rooms and suites, many offering stunning views of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the distant mountains. The property’s piece de resistance is its remarkable spa complex, featuring Korean sauna facilities, and an indoor pool with a mesmerising LED ceiling. The Charles H. bar, a sophisticated speakeasy-style establishment, has become a favourite among Seoul’s cocktail cognoscenti, whilst the Michelin-starred Yu Yuan restaurant serves some of the finest Chinese cuisine in the city.