South Korea

Four Seasons Seoul

Set in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a sleek and luxurious base for city sightseeing. Rooms are bright, with soaring views. Reset at the Korean-inspired spa with sauna and hammam, swim indoors, then dine at Yu Yuan or Akira Back, with fantastic Four Seasons service as expected. 9.6

Signiel Seoul

High above Jamsil in Lotte World Tower, Signiel Seoul is a sky-scraping cocoon of light and lacquered calm. Rooms lean classical, with enormous views. Spend hours at the Retreat Signiel spa, the indoor pool and gym, then dress up for Michelin Star dining at STAY’s or Bicena’s Korean tasting menus at night. 9.6

The Shilla Seoul

In Jangchung-dong, beneath Namsan’s green slope, The Shilla Seoul mixes old-school grandeur with a quietly modern polish. Book time at Urban Island’s heated outdoor pools and jacuzzis, then retreat to the indoor pool, gym, and sauna. Dining ranges from La Yeon’s Michelin two-star Korean tasting menu to buzzy buffets after dark. 9.4

Grand InterContinental
Seoul Parnas

In Gangnam’s Samseong-dong, linked to COEX Convention & Exhibition Centre and Parnas Mall, Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas is a glossy, grown-up retreat with floor-to-ceiling city views. Swim in the heated indoor pool, then hit the Metropolitan Fitness Club and sauna. Evenings revolve around five restaurants, including Grand Kitchen’s all-day spread, with calm, attentive, capable service.

Fairmont Ambassador Seoul

In Yeouido’s Parc1 complex, Fairmont Ambassador Seoul feels tailored for modern Seoul, calm, glossy, and quietly social. Rooms look out to the skyline and Han River. Spend downtime in the indoor pool, saunas and fitness centre, then head upstairs for dining at Mariposa’s terrace and city lights, with attentive Fairmont service. 9.0

Signiel Busan

On Haeundae’s Dalmaji-gil, set in the LCT tower, Signiel Busan trades city bustle for sea-facing serenity with a gentle, resort-leaning rhythm. Rooms are crisp and light, many with beach views. Expect a terrace infinity pool, an indoor pool, sauna and Retreat Signiel Spa, plus The View dining near Haeundae Beach. 9.6

Paradise Hotel Busan

On Haeundae Beach, Paradise Hotel Busan is classic seaside glamour with a dash of casino buzz. Bright rooms face the water and the boardwalk. Soak in Ocean Spa Cimer’s hot-spring pools, swim outside with sea views, then refuel at the hotel’s great restaurants. Ideal for families and night owls after dark. 9.2

Park Hyatt Busan

In Haeundae’s Marine City, Park Hyatt Busan sits beside the yacht marina, framing Gwangan Bridge through floor-to-ceiling glass. The vibe is sleek and cocooning, with a sky-high lobby. Recharge at Lumi Spa, the indoor pool and fitness centre, then bookend days with Dining Room grills or Living Room Italian comfort. 9.4

JW Marriott Jeju
Resort & SPA

On a Seogwipo clifftop on Jeju Island, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa feels cinematic, built with basalt tones and ocean-facing windows. Between hikes and market wanders, reset at SPA by JW, float in indoor and outdoor pools, including an infinity pool, then linger over Korean and grill dining. 9.4

Grand Hyatt Jeju

Set in Jeju Dream Tower in Jeju City, Grand Hyatt Jeju is a glossy, all-in-one escape with skyline views and lively energy. Between island drives, dip into the vast outdoor deck and infinity pool, unwind at the two spas, and snack your way through 14 restaurants and bars at night. The luxe family stay in Jeju. 9.2

The Shilla Jeju

Set in Seogwipo’s Jungmun resort area on Jeju Island, The Shilla Jeju is a quietly confident, family-friendly retreat. Split your day between adult and family outdoor pools, an indoor pool, cabanas, sauna and fitness club, then book the Cle de Peau Beauté Spa. Jungmun Beach is a ten-minute walk away. 9.4

Art Paradiso
Paradise City

Inside Incheon’s Paradise City, minutes from Incheon International Airport, Art Paradiso is an adults-only, art-soaked, all-suite hideaway, a high luxe, high style complex built for grown-ups. Suites feel like private galleries. Start with breakfast in the club lounge, book the private spa, and wander the resort’s restaurants, casino and nightclub. Buzzy resort with fantastic service. 9.6

All hotels & resorts on The Five Star Edit are independently selected by our editors. However, as an affiliate partner, we may earn small commissions when you complete a booking made through our links. This is paid to us by the advertiser, not by you and does not affect the price of your booking in any way.