South Korea has long been known for balancing futuristic urbanism with traditional culture and natural beauty. All these elements come together in some of the world’s most stunning resorts. Whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating, nature-filled escape or a more hedonistic romp, South Korea has some of the world’s most memorable resort getaways to help any traveller to relax and indulge.
The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla Seoul combines traditional Korean elegance with refined modern design beautifully. The luxury hotel – Korea’s first and only hotel to earn 5 stars by Forbes travel guide for the last seven consecutive years, is nestled in the heart of South Korea’s capital city and just a few minutes’ walk from the beautiful, historic Jangchungdan Park.
The Shilla is sure to be a hit with foodies. Boasting six dining options, the popular apple mango bingsu (a shaved ice dessert) is a must, and the world-class whiskey selection in their lounge, The Library, is a favourite. After you’ve had your fill, take a dip in the Urban Island outdoor pool, which changes themes depending on the season, or treat yourself with a private cabana rental to lay back and relax the day away in.
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
Escape the bustle of Seoul with a trip to Jeju Island, a subtropical island south of the South Korean mainland, not to mention a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its lava tubes and coastal rock pillars. Take in Jeju Island’s dramatic landscapes and pleasant climate at the sophisticated cliffside JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, which has four ethereal swimming pools, including a whirlpool filled by local volcanic springs, and an infinity pool overlooking the azure ocean and gardens adorned with Swiss contemporary artist Ugo Rondinone’s yellow, blue, and pink boulders.
Designed with sustainability top of mind, the resort is Green Key Certified. Booking.com’s 2025 Sustainable Travel Report found that 93% of travellers say they want to make more sustainable travel choices and to some extent have done so, while, in 2016, less than half (42%) of global travellers believed they travelled more sustainably. JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa’s design, upholding Korea’s indigenous Choga architecture and Jeju Island’s unique landscape, prioritizes natural elements like locally sourced lava rocks to create breathing textural walls, skylights, a natural stream through the property, greenery on the roof planes to mitigate heat and water runoff to the sea, are among some of the property’s green-thinking choices. The on-site sustainable cooking program creates zero-waste dishes made of only two to three simple ingredients that are cooked from root to leaf.
Families with children can take advantage of the colorful Kids’ Camp, which sees the children taking in a variety of fun, confidence-building activities like baking, outdoor excursions, and more. Meanwhile, food lovers have some of the best to choose from, between the lavish weekend buffet brunch, onsite pâtisserie chefs, afternoon tea service serving seasonal, local treats of canapes and cakes, the omakase-style restaurant serving the freshest seafood that haenyeo – the famous female divers of Jeju – can catch. The bounty of Jeju has never been showcased better.
Ananti at Busan
Oceanside relaxation and iconic design come together at Ananti at Busan. Ananti at Busan is the ideal getaway if you’re looking for a little extra space to spread out. They have a selection of suites and cabins, each with a unique design and layout.
While you could spend your entire vacation lounging beside the massive Spring Palace pool or exploring L.P. Crystal, the stylish in-hotel mall, the hotel is also a perfect jumping-off point to explore Busan and the coastline. Take the beach train from Songjeong Beach to Haeundae Beach to catch the views, or embrace your wild side and try out the nearby Skyline Luge.
Lotte Resort Sokcho
Surrounded by sea views on three sides, this peninsula escape features stunning views and thrilling activities for the whole family. Dive into the Lotte Resort Sokcho’s luxurious outdoor infinity pool, or visit the state-of-the-art on-site water park, complete with a wave pool, water slide, amazing views of the emerald East Sea, and more to entertain the kids.
The hotel’s buffer restaurant, Makinochaya, has ultra-fresh, made-to-order meals by the chefs, including picnic boxes to take with you for a glorious day out. Speaking of, the walking trails and Sokcho beach around the resort mean you don’t have to go far to immerse yourself in nature. For a longer day-trip, head to Seoraksan National Park and wander the many tree-lined trails. Seoraksan is known for its variety of rare flora and fauna, as well as being home to five Buddhist temples.
Park Roche Resort & Wellness
The ultimate wellness retreat awaits you at Park Roche Resort and Wellness, part of Booking.com’s Genius program, that’s located in Sugam-ri, which means “overnight stay on a rock”. This recharge from secular society resort lies among the rolling hills of the Gangwon-do province, creating a serene spot to disconnect from the world and recharge.
From the basement to the rooftop, Park Roche offers different immersive wellness programs on every floor including yoga, group exercise, Sugam meditation (a technique known to help ensure deep sleep), spa treatments, and on-site wellness specialists to consult with. The ultra- cozy “campfire zone” and glass house in the outdoor garden offers serene fireside seating to enjoy the beautiful four seasons in Jeongseon. On the rooftop, panoramic view of Gariwangsan Mountain, Dutasan Mountain, and Odaecheon Stream are the setting for multiple wellness programs, like sunrise and sunset yoga classes, that vary depending on season. Park Roche guests have full access to the nearby “Aqua Club”, a combined outdoor and indoor spa, outdoor jacuzzi, and sauna facilities, all overlooking the Gariwangsan and Dutasan Mountains, and “Blue Stone”, an art piece created by British artist Richard Woods.
