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Dongdaemun Gate (the city’s East gate) is a historic Joseon Dynasty-era landmark built in 1398 under King Taejo. And located right across from this treasure is the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square. This is Seoul’s heart, where landmarks, shopping, dining and culture collide.

JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul welcomes guests with a stunning crystal chandelier and impeccable marble floors at its entrance. The sophisticated five-star property is sleek, modern, and stocked with luxury amenities.

Rooms

Where RYSE, Autograph Collection owns the urban, creative vibe, JW Marriott Dongdaemun is the posher cousin, with polished hardwood floors, large working desks with ample desk lighting, tons of storage space, and turndown service.

Once the staff learns of your preferences (e.g. decaf Nespresso coffee capsules), the room is stocked accordingly. During an afternoon spent perusing nearby Dongdaemun Design Plaza (aka DDP, and highly recommended), I return to find a fully-charged charger waiting for my phone at one of the marble-topped spacious nightstands.

The space is well laid out with a super comfy king size bed resting on a plush carpet at its center. A plush chair and ottoman sits in the corner, while the fridge, mini bar, glassware cabinet, Nespresso/tea-making area, Bose sound bar and flatscreen TV are positioned at the opposite wall.

A dark beige leather headboard frames the bed and includes a strip of drape-opening/closing and light switches. Wall decor here is minimal, with a small print in the bathroom.

An L-shaped work desk in the corner sits next to large windows that offer a captivating view of Dongdaemun Gate and fortress remains. It’s especially pretty at night when both are illuminated to create a magical atmosphere.

I like how the walk-in rainfall shower area contains a bench as well. Across from the vanity is a bathtub — and provided mineral salts infused with lavender and ylang-ylang essential oils are a lovely touch for an end-of-day soak.

A bedside tablet is your digital key to in-room controls, a TV channel guide, hotel events and promotions, dining, special offers, L’Occitane spa menu, and Club 501 (gym, pool, putting green). The mattress is both supportive and comfortable, while the bed linens are exceptionally soft and luxurious.

[Executive Sous Chef Brad In]

Dining

At Tavolo 24, all-day dining includes Korean BBQ and international dishes with views of Dongdaemun Gate and the fortress wall.

[Tavolo 24 entrance]

[Tavolo 24]

Buffet offerings are plentiful and include Korean, Japanese, and Western dishes and accompaniments. Staff are attentive and help explain some of the less familiar items to guests.

I enjoyed both breakfast and dinner service here during my stay and was spoiled for choice.

Dinner buffet options are seasonal in nature and offer diners a wide variety of dishes to enjoy, together with an extensive selection of international wines.

[Seared Turbot, mixed seafood, tomato, fregola]

Set your sights on a premium dry-aged steak at BLT Steak, with menu options ranging from Tuna and Beef Tartare, crab cakes, seasonal salads and burrata, to lamb chops, seared turbot (my chosen main), and a curated selection of steak cuts (think Porterhouse, Filet Mignon, and Korean Hanwoo Dry-aged Strip loin), all in a cozy, modern setting.

[BLT Holiday mocktail]

BLT Steak is divided into a couple of dining spaces. I was seated close to the entrance in a smaller room with a lovely view of Dongdaemun Gate. Soft lounge music perfectly complements the atmosphere and is at a level that allows for conversation over a delicious, well-executed meal from start to finish.

The Lounge is a more casual affair with relaxed seating areas. Here you can enjoy snacks and local craft beer with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views. For the third year, the JW Marriott is partnering with lifestyle concept store LOFA Seoul to bring Musée de JW, a special afternoon tea to the Lounge, through December 7.

[Musée d’JW]

Infusing a unique blend of art and gastronomy, guests and visitors alike can soak in the floral-themed atmosphere while enjoying a stunning array of bites, including Tomato Terrine, Herb-Marinated Lobster, and elegant desserts, served with silver cutlery designed by local artist Soobin Oh.

The adults-only Griffin Bar provides rooftop views to pair with signature cocktails, premium spirits, a music bar and speakeasy.

Club 501: Gym, Pool, Spa

Club 501, a LEED Gold-certified two-level wellness and fitness center on the eighth floor, is open daily from 10:30 am to 10 pm, and includes a pool, whirlpool, spa, and gym with a range of cardio machines, flat and incline benches, free weights, medicine balls and dumbbells.

Guests can also register for a fitness class or consultation at the Club’s reception desk.

Imagine swimming in a heated pool with crystal chandeliers above you. This is a gorgeous space for body and mind, and kudos to the JW Marriott for providing such an indulgent, relaxing space.

Equally stunning is the jacuzzi, designed to mirror that of the infinity pool, with cozy seating.

And speaking of indulgence, the on-site Provence Spa by L’Occitane offers a menu of soothing massages, facials, foot baths, scalp and hair treatments, and body wraps.

[Gyeongbokgung Palace visitors]

Neighborhood Highlights

The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul’s prime location near Naksan Park and Doota Mall provides easy access to an abundance of shopping, dining, and entertainment spots. Accessible by Dongdaemun Station exits 8 and 9, it’s a simply perfect base for exploring all that Seoul has to offer.

[Shopping here is endless! Inside the Wiggle Wiggle character shop in Namdaemun]

You can easily spend an entire day shopping at bustling Dongdaemun Market, Doota Mall, and nearby Myeongdong. For a more traditional market experience, consider a visit to Gwangjang Market, and bring along your appetite to sample Korean street food!

[JW Marriott’s own bakery on the lower level]

There’s easy metro access to the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square via Dongdaemun station (including an entrance accessible from the hotel’s lower level lobby).

The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square is located at 279 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno District in Seoul.

My stay was hosted by JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own. Non-watermarked image courtesy of JW Marriott International.