Hotel 28 Myeongdong in Seoul is the ultimate example of boutique luxury, and in 2025, it earned a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Seoul, South Korea. Found in the colorful Myeongdong district—one of Seoul’s premier shopping and nightlife hubs—it offers a perfect fusion of cinematic flair, cultural authenticity, and intimate service.

A Cinema‑Inspired Sanctuary

Housed in an 83‑room property designed by Australia’s HBO+EMTB in collaboration with Dynagram, Hotel 28 is infused with a cinematic motif from the foyer to the guestrooms. Guests are greeted by black-and-gold décor reminiscent of classic movie theaters. On the first floor, black-and-white film projections and vintage movie paraphernalia transport visitors into an old-world cinematic escape. Red curtains are draped throughout the space, adding a theatrical richness to the atmosphere. Real, previously used film projectors are also on display in various spots, further deepening the venue’s nostalgic, cinema-set charm. Each guestroom continues the theme subtly—Hollywood mirror lighting, framed stills from Korean classics, and minimalist monochrome palettes create a refined, film-set ambience.

Rooms & Comfort

Rooms range from Standard to Deluxe and the standout Director’s Suite, designed by the hotel’s founder, renowned actor Shin Young-kyun. Booking.com reviewers rate the hotel “wonderful” with a 9.2 overall score, highlighting cleanliness, comfort, and excellent staff. Highlights include:

• Individually controlled air-con and air purifiers for optimal comfort
• Spacious layouts (around 23 m² for junior rooms) with king-size beds, Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and blackout curtains
• Luxurious bathrooms featuring rain showers or freestanding tubs, Japanese-style bidets, Dyson hair dryers, and premium toiletries
• The Director’s Suite offers a unique blend of cinematic charm and refined luxury, featuring Hermes furniture and tableware for an elevated stay experience.

Guests appreciate the soundproofing—a haven of calm amid Myeongdong’s bustling streets—and extras like complimentary minibars restocked daily.

Service & Hospitality

Service here is consistently described as “attentive,” “gracious,” and “wonderful” by TripAdvisor and SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World) reviews. Forbes praises the staff as “nimble, comfortable speaking English, and wonderfully attentive”. Personalized touches—like popcorn on arrival and helpful English guidance—make stays more personable and memorable.

Dining & Amenities

At Congdu, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, guests enjoy both continental breakfast buffets and refined Korean fare throughout the day. Reviews highlight the quality of the traditional Korean breakfast, calling it “the best I had ever had”. The rooftop bar and garden offer tranquil skyline views—an unexpected oasis amid Myeongdong’s frenetic energy.

Additional amenities include a compact fitness center, a film-themed library with a projector, a Founders Gallery dedicated to Shin Young-kyun ‘s film career, and self-service laundry facilities on the rooftop.

Unbeatable Location

Located just steps from Myeongdong’s sprawling shopping district and subway stations, and within walking distance of Shinsegae and Lotte department stores, Namdaemun Market, and Cheonggyecheon Stream, Hotel 28 offers prime access to Seoul’s cultural heart, with guests lauding its “exceptional location” (Booking.com rating 9.7/10).

Highlights & Considerations

Strengths

• Unique, cinema-themed boutique experience with stylish design
• Warm, multilingual, and attentive staff
• Prime central location with superb access to shopping, dining, and transit
• Quiet despite bustling surroundings, thanks to sound insulation
• Luxurious rooms with modern amenities and thoughtful touches

Final Verdict

Hotel 28 Myeongdong is a refined retreat and an ode to cinema nestled within Seoul’s energetic core. Whether you’re exploring Myeongdong’s neon-lit streets or seeking a stylish sanctuary to return to, this hotel delivers an elevated boutique experience. Its award-winning status, combined with consistent five-star reviews, confirms it as a top choice for travelers seeking sophistication, convenience, and character in the heart of Seoul.

Stayed once? Expect to return—and while here, soak in the cinematic atmosphere that makes Hotel 28 Myeongdong truly unforgettable.

Visit http://www.hotel28.co.kr/ to book your next stay.

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