Serviced apartments are easily found in many locations throughout Seoul. There are many options for any expat who would prefer a serviced apartment to a hotel, including studio apartments, one or two bedroom apartments, or even penthouses. Each serviced apartment in Seoul generally provides high speed internet, washer and dryer, fully functional kitchens, home entertainment systems and cable or satellite TV and a telephone. You will want to book very far in advance as the apartments go very quickly.
Serviced Apartment Providers in Seoul
Somerset Palace: http://www.somerset.com/
Location: As these apartments are located in Gangbuk-gu, you may be a little out of the way if you plan to spend any time south of the Han (Gangnam, Seocho, etc.). Gangbuk-gu is located in the northern section of the city, and Somerset boasts beautiful city views and a location close to Jongno-gu, which is two districts away – fairly close. The nice aspect of this location could be that Gangbuk-gu has a peaceful vibe and is close to nature – Suraksan Mountain and Bukhansan National Park not far.
Services: Depending on the accommodation type, Somerset offers free breakfast, housekeeping, and all of the amenities listed in the introduction. They also have pool services, a children’s playroom, babysitting services (if needed), 24 hour reception, courier services, a convenience store and a fully equipped gym among many other conveniences.
Quality: There is no doubt that Somerset, being well known not only in Seoul but internationally, offers top notch temporary living facilities. The rooms are well stocked and the services offered ensure the resident’s every possible need will be met.
Types of Accommodation: There are several types of accommodation offered in this residence: studio, one bedroom, two bedroom or penthouse. Prices fall into the range of 150,000 won to 280,000 won per night, depending on the type of accommodation you choose. For more information on rates, please check their website.
Special Offers: You can request special rates for long-term stays or for more up-to-date specials check their website (for example, you’ll find end of year specials and 25th anniversary specials, to name a couple).
Internet Availability: Yes, broadband, high speed internet is installed for each residence.
Fraser Suites: http://seoul.frasershospitality.com/
Location: Located in Jongno-gu in the traditional and trendy area of Insadong, Fraser Suites has a great, downtown location – very close to embassies and large corporate centres. Jongno-gu is located north of the Han River and is considered by many to be the “downtown” area of Seoul, although there are arguably several “downtowns”. From Jongno-gu, you have easy access to the rest of Seoul. There are also many art galleries and museums in this area.
Services: Each apartment is fully furnished with a functioning kitchen as well as all the above mentioned amenities. One excellent addition is that each kitchen has an oven range for baking and roasting (many serviced apartments in Korea only offer gas range stove tops and a microwave). Other services provided include free daily shuttle services to business and shopping areas, a fully equipped gym and swimming pool (as well as children’s wading pool), an in-house restaurant, bar and coffee shop and even a children’s welcome kit with a stuffed animal.
Quality: Arguably the best serviced apartments in Seoul, Fraser Suites are considered some of the more luxurious with details like fine bone china in each kitchen. The needs of each individual guest are always considered as part of their services – this means Fraser Suites takes the needs and wants of their guests very seriously. In Seoul, they won a Best Brands Award from the Korea Herald in 2007. Apparently, their suites can’t be beat!
Types of Accommodation: Fraser Suites offers twenty three stories of one, two, three or four bedroom serviced apartments as well as penthouses. Prepare to spend 300,000 won per night for a one bedroom and up to 800,000 won per night for a penthouse (you can check the monthly rates on their website).
Special Offers: Frequently, Fraser Suites offers long term stay specials. Please see the website for more up-to-date information about this.
Internet Availability: Yes. High speed, broad band in every unit.
Marriott Executive Apartments: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/seler-yeouido-park-centre-seoul-marriott-executive-apartments/
Location: Since these apartments are located in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu they are easily accessed and are basically downtown. The website boasts being in the vicinity of one of the largest business centres of Seoul. The location is fairly close to all downtown areas and, being located in Yeouido, it is in a very beautiful area of Seoul. Yeouido Park is a favourite area for foreigners and Koreans alike.
Services: The Marriott offers all major services one would expect from the Marriott chain. While they say they have the only international serviced apartments in Seoul, we know that isn’t entirely true. The suites have full kitchens and “dedicated work and living areas” as well as full entertainment systems, a telephone and recreation, spa and fitness centres. Like other serviced apartments, they also have babysitting, business, concierge and housekeeping services – among many others.
Quality: While (surprisingly) not as high end as some other serviced apartments around Seoul, many expats/potential expats know and trust the Marriott hotel chain and will feel comfortable here. Like other serviced apartments around Seoul, the Marriott takes the needs of each customer very seriously and have an extremely high standard of customer care.
Types of Accommodation: The Marriott has 16 floors of elegant studio, one, two or three bedroom suites. Prices range from 200,000 won to about 300,000 won per night.
Special Offers: The Marriott offers many different packages with airlines, Marriott points and AAA as well as offering seniors and other discounts. For more information on current deals, please check the website.
Internet Availability: Yes, in all rooms there is wireless internet.
Han Suites: http://www.hansuites.com/
Location: Located in the heart of Jung-gu, and close to everything you’ll want to see or do in Seoul, you’ll be staying north of the Han River and very close to Jongno-gu and Yongsan-gu where most of Seoul’s international embassies are located. Other nearby attractions include Dongdaemun Market, the shopping district of Myeongdong and the foreign-dominated area of Itaewon.
Services: Services offered with Han Suites are comparable to all other serviced apartments. The suites are fully furnished with a functional kitchen, babysitting services and children’s playrooms are available as well as shuttle services, full use of spa and gym, on site golf range and many other services. Again, the needs of the guests are their number one concern and they have an array of services to ensure you’re stay is enjoyable.
Quality: One of the least high end options for serviced apartments in Seoul, the apartments are more affordable than most and still provide many services to their guests.
Types of Accommodation: With Han Suites, you can choose from studios, one bedrooms or two bedrooms. The rates range from 80,000 won per night to 250,000 won per night.
Special Offers: n/a
Internet Availability: Yes; high speed internet in every room.
M. Chereville Residence Hotel: http://www.agoda.com/asia/south_korea/seoul/m_chereville_residence.html
Location: Located in Gangnam-gu, you’ll be close to the action at the M. Chereville in Seoul. The serviced apartments are right in downtown Gangnam where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shopping as well as plenty of major businesses. Just south of the Han River, these apartments are also in close proximity to the trendy areas of Seocho-dong, Jamsil and Apgujeong.
Services: While the serviced apartments have all the important services for their guests – business services, safety deposit boxes, housekeeping, etc. they don’t have as many services as the other serviced apartments around Seoul. For a full list of what they do offer, please check their website.
Quality: The needs of the guests are number one on M. Chereville’s list, and it should be noted that even though they don’t offer as many services as the other apartments, former guests still think they were great value for the amount of money spent per night. Guests have especially appreciated the great location in Gangnam.
Types of Accommodation: The suites come in studio, one or two bedrooms. They have kitchenettes and daily housekeeping. Prices range from around 110,000 won to about 200,000 won depending on the suite and the time of year.
Special Offers: n/a
Internet Availability: Yes, high speed in each room.
