$$$
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
A luxury hotel overlooking Heunginjimun Gate, situated directly above Dongdaemun Station.
Exceptional · Deep coverage · read from 0 sources · 0 traveler insights
90
RoomExpert Score
Exceptional
The verdict
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JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is a refined luxury hotel set right in the Dongdaemun shopping district. Guests praise the comfortable king beds, the diverse Korean breakfast buffet, and front-row views of Heunginjimun Gate. However, rooms have surprisingly few electrical outlets for charging devices, and using the steam and sauna relaxation area incurs an extra fee. 151339
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Rooms feature plush king-size beds, smart TVs paired with Bose sound bars, and marble bathrooms equipped with deep soaking tubs. 4
- The second-floor restaurant Tavolo 24 and the Executive Lounge terrace provide sweeping views of the historic Heunginjimun Gate. 21222
- Transit is effortless, with the hotel located right outside Dongdaemun Station near Doota Mall. 1049
The catch
- Opinions on the toiletries vary, with some guests praising the rosemary and ylang-ylang scents while others felt L'Occitane amenities in plastic bottles looked cheap. 124
- While many appreciate the proximity to large shopping centers, others feel the immediate neighborhood has little to offer beyond the gate itself. 28
Who it's for
- — Travelers wanting direct subway access at Dongdaemun Station
- — Guests who prioritize historic gate views from their room
- — Breakfast lovers looking for varied Korean buffet spreads
Skip it if
- — Guests who dislike paying an extra fee to use the steam and sauna
- — Travelers needing abundant room outlets to charge multiple devices
Seen on camera
7 moments · 1 video · JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“we are right outside the D Moon station which is line number four and just outside I think exit number two that's right…”
youtube.com0:38“and the room category got today is it's the Delux Executive Suite and this Suite is actually massive in size 105 squ M t…”
youtube.com0:59“right beside it is the huge TV in front of the bit it's actually a bit of a angled side I'm not sure why it's always lik…”
youtube.com6:17“Deluxe executive suet 105 M and yeah beautiful nice view it's a snowing outside”
youtube.com10:05“good morning so we're now having a breakfast here at JW Mar Soul D Moon Square so first of all the place is really huge…”
youtube.com10:58“so you know if you like a lot of like floor to ceiling windows then this room is very very bright and nice in that sense…”
youtube.com15:28“the food wise they actually have this salad which is like a scallop prawn seafood salad that was great it was good yeah”
youtube.com16:05Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
How to book
With points
57,000 points a night
Marriott Bonvoy · priced January 5, moves with demand
One night, standard room. Award prices move with demand and availability is not checked here.
Search Marriott on points →Book with us
Score breakdown
How the 90/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
96read from 1 source · Deep coverage
Location
93read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The location of this hotel is perfect. On the lower basement floor, the bakery provides an underground Metro connection. Most importantly the hotel is on the 'right side' of the river as most tourist attractions are to the north of River Han.” 1
- “It has direct access to a Shinsegae department store, duty-free shop and Express Bus Terminal that doubles as a subway station. We found this access to public transport excellent, as it allowed us to get anywhere we wanted quickly, safely, cheaply and efficiently.” 8
Room
93read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “Fast-forward to the in-room greeting, and complimentary mini cartons of almond and soy milk had been provided (and were regularly replenished) in our minibar. Talk about a thoughtful touch! This was the kind of amazing attention to detail that was replicated time and time again throughout our stay.” 8
- “I loved the studio-style layout of my Executive Sky View Room-it might just be my favorite hotel room in Seoul. The space was open, cozy, and reminiscent of someone's chic flat.” 13
Service
93read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “Partitioned spaces add to the sense of exclusivity and quiet, with all staff members remaining unobtrusive yet still attentive and exceptionally professional.” 8
- “The excellent service had actually started months before in my email correspondence with the hotel staff, who had been extremely obliging, efficient and professional - so I did arrive with fairly lofty expectations.” 8
Bed & Sleep
92read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The beds at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul are so snug that I really didn't want to wake up at all. Indeed, my girlfriend and I stayed in until 10am, recharging our batteries through the power of an amazing night's sleep.” 19
- “The mattress is both supportive and comfortable, while the bed linens are exceptionally soft and luxurious.” 10
Value
84read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The stunning luxury interiors, the spacious, plush rooms, the perfect housekeeping and cleanliness, the outstanding, diverse cuisine and the top location make this a premium product worth every cent of its admittedly not-all-that-cheap price tag.” 8
- “It is expensive and not the newest hotel in Seoul, but the comfortable rooms, strong Marriott benefits, excellent wellness facilities and convenient Banpo location make it hard to dismiss.” 16
Where it is, how to reach it
279, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
03198 Asia
Details checked 2026-09-06
Where it sits
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul and the 14 other hotels we cover in Seoul. Hover a marker for the hotel; click to open it.
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Right in line
On par with what $$$ usually buys
Scores 2 points below the upscale median of 92, across 288 hotels in the same bracket. In Seoul it sits level with the local median of 90.
Price bracket
$$$
Upscale
- This hotel
- 90
- Bracket median
- 92
- Index median
- 88
Based on 288 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
Ask for
- 2 mentions
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
Avoid
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
Value
63
Room
42
Food
36
Location
35
Service
24
Bathroom
12
Bed & Sleep
8
Noise
5
View the 177 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
Location26 mentions
- “The hotel is positioned near the city's fashion district, and a convenient subway stop makes it easy to get around town.” 23
- “For international visitors who want to explore Dongdaemun, Jongno and central Seoul while still staying at a full-service luxury Marriott, the location is genuinely excellent.” 16
- “The location of this hotel is perfect. On the lower basement floor, the bakery provides an underground Metro connection. Most importantly the hotel is on the 'right side' of the river as most tourist attractions are to the north of River Han.” 1
- “I don't know about being dated, seemed fine then and would be fine now. It was kind of far away from things but the easy access to the subway made up for it.” 26
- “Because of that, we wanted to be close to a subway station and JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square fit the bill - there's a subway station in the hotel's basement.” 3
- “After all, the prime location speaks for itself: right in the heart of Seoul's fashion shopping district.” 24
- “The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul stands out as a truly distinctive hotel, primarily due to its exceptional location. It is strategically positioned directly across from Dongdaemun, which serves as the main gateway to the eastern part of Seoul.” 4
- “The 5-star hotel has 170 rooms, from deluxe rooms, executive sky view rooms, executive suites to presidential suites with views of Dongdaemun and the Heunginjimun gate. It is also conveniently located right beside Exit 8 & 9 of Dongdaemun Station and the Cheonggyecheon stream.” 9
- “While the location might not be as convenient as Myeongdong, it was still easy to get to places with the subway station right in front of the hotel.” 9
- “JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square is so close to most of the tourist attractions which is what we liked the most about this hotel.” 1
- “I definitely like the Gangnam JW most of the Seoul Marriotts, though it is kind of out of the way from most of the fun downtown.” 26
- “It has direct access to a Shinsegae department store, duty-free shop and Express Bus Terminal that doubles as a subway station. We found this access to public transport excellent, as it allowed us to get anywhere we wanted quickly, safely, cheaply and efficiently.” 8
- “Location: Seoul's ultimate retail destination, Dongdaemun” 25
- “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.” 10
- “For a first-time visitor interested in sightseeing, I would actually choose this location over JW Marriott Seoul.” 16
- “In terms of location, Dongdaemun Marriott is more convenient to use public transportation such as the subway nearby. There are also many places within walking distance, such as Dongdaemun Market and DDP.” 5
- “Its prime location near Naksan Park and Doota Mall provides visitors easy access to various shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hotel is just steps away from Exit 8 and 9 of Dongdaemun Station, making it convenient for travelers to explore the city.” 4
- “Hotel is located next to one of the biggest shopping area in Seoul as well as Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) which is a major urban development landmark worth to visit. This is a perfect location if you stay in Seoul for a short time and want to see as many things as possible.” 17
- “In addition to Heunginjimun Gate, Dongdaemun is also home to one of Seoul's biggest shopping districts-making it a big draw for tourists looking for affordable clothes and accessories. But for me, the neighborhood's appeal lies in its scruffiness.” 13
- “There's also a big swing between day and night temperatures, so even on a hot day you know the relief is coming. We both thought that JW Marriott Dongdaemun Seoul was a great choice for us. The rooms, the service and the location were all great.” 3
- “The rooms were elegant, the lounge was satisfactory, and the breakfast was amazing. However, apart from the view of Dongdaemun, there isn't much to do in the neighborhood.” 28
- “Each hotel has good access to the subway.” 12
- “I stayed at Aloft Seoul Myeongdong three times between October 2020 and February 2022. That sentence may suggest a deep affection for the Aloft brand. It would be more accurate to say that the hotel was inexpensive, centrally located and willing to feed me breakfast.” 16
- “Dongdaemun is a great location to base yourself for exploring Seoul's many unique sights and attractions. Not only is there the immediately visible Dongdaemun Gate and Seoul fortress walls, there are other sights that are only a short walk away.” 19
- “The hotel had a very convenient underground connection to the Dongdaemun subway station, making it easy to get around the Jongro district.” 26
- “This is why for anyone wanting to visit and explore the Korean capital, location is key when choosing where to stay. So with its central location and easy access to Seoul's top tourist sites, we thought the Boutique JW Marriott Hotel in Dongdaemun Square could be the perfect choice...” 27
Service27 mentions
- “My own service experience was perfectly acceptable, but it never quite reached the effortless polish I associate with the best JW Marriott properties.” 16
- “The best luxury hotels make service feel almost invisible: things simply happen correctly without making the guest think about the machinery behind them. JW Marriott Dongdaemun felt a little more procedural to me.” 16
- “Thanks to an amazing General Manager we felt very welcomed and had an opportunity to learn a lot about culture and Marriott company from one of the Front Desk managers.” 17
- “After selecting my welcome amenity, one of the friendly front desk representatives took the time to explain the various amenities available at the hotel, including the fitness center and executive lounge.” 4
- “The new JW in Dongdemun is a smaller "boutique" hotel with about 170 rooms. The staff was fantastic and I will make this my "go to" hotel for future visits to Seoul.” 12
- “The JW Marriott staff was uniformly polite, always happy to help, and spoke excellent English.” 3
- “After each use, the staff diligently refreshed the area, ensuring a pristine environment.” 4
- “Fortunately, I didn't need to be concerned about the age restriction, and I approached the receptionist to gain access. She verified my Titanium Elite status and warmly welcomed me into the lounge.” 4
- “Thankfully, the check-in area was empty, and checking in was a breeze.” 9
- “There's also a big swing between day and night temperatures, so even on a hot day you know the relief is coming. We both thought that JW Marriott Dongdaemun Seoul was a great choice for us. The rooms, the service and the location were all great.” 3
- “The room was on the 5th floor and looked out over the historic Dongdaemun Gate, Seoul's fortress walls, and the sloping hills of northern Seoul. We arrived at the hotel in the afternoon and were promptly greeted and made welcome by the friendly staff. Thanks, Eddie.” 19
- “Confident, never overbearing, but always one step ahead of the curve. All staff speak a high level of English - a significant advantage for any international traveller.” 27
- “It's unfortunate that they charge extra to use certain facilities. However, they do offer great fitness areas as well and amazing food and attentive staff.” 15
- “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.” 10
- “At this time of the night, the lobby and check-in area were naturally deserted. We were seen promptly, completed the necessary paperwork and received a clear explanation of all our benefits.” 1
- “Luckily, checkout at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square isn't until noon, which is a great time to start exploring Dongdaemun and the rest of Seoul.” 19
- “Partitioned spaces add to the sense of exclusivity and quiet, with all staff members remaining unobtrusive yet still attentive and exceptionally professional.” 8
- “The JW Marriott staff was uniformly polite, always happy to help, and spoke excellent English. We had a room on the seventh floor with a nice view of the East Gate, one of four remaining city gates.” 3
- “But as you stroll up to the massive marble desks, where the suited-up staff await to check you in, that's when it hits you: the stirring views of Dongdaemun.” 13
- “If you're looking for a hotel stay near Dongdaemun, JW Marriott Dongdaemun offers a relaxing stay with great amenities and service.” 9
- “Check in was quick and easy (and all in English) and I was greeted with smiles and assistance whenever I needed it.” 19
- “If you need a taxi, the cheerful English-speaking staff is always on hand to call you one.” 6
- “The staffs were both exceptionally friendly and professional, demonstrating excellent loyalty recognition for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members.” 28
- “The excellent service had actually started months before in my email correspondence with the hotel staff, who had been extremely obliging, efficient and professional - so I did arrive with fairly lofty expectations.” 8
- “Every staff member we had dealings with (and there were quite a few, from the general manager himself to the housekeepers) was friendly, professional and helpful with excellent English skills - they even went above and beyond to repair one of our suitcases that had been damaged on the trip over.” 8
- “Guests are welcomed through the grand yet contemporary light-filled reception.” 27
- “The best part of this hotel for me, aside from the wonderfully comfortable bed, was the service provided by the ever-friendly and helpful staff.” 19
Food31 mentions · 3 filmed
- “The extensive offering of high-quality food is great. I made sure to be there for evening cocktail and hors d'oeuvres along with breakfast the following morning.” 15
- “I am happy to reuse my towel, but often there's no place in the bathroom for more than one to hang to dry! We really enjoyed and took full advantage of our free breakfast. There was a big assortment of cold items, such as fruit, vegetables, cold cuts and yogurt.” 3
- “The lounge breakfast was naturally smaller than the main restaurant buffet, but it wasn't some tragic continental breakfast consisting of three croissants and regret. There were hot dishes, Korean selections and made-to-order eggs, with enough variety for a perfectly proper breakfast.” 16
- “Buffet offerings are plentiful and include Korean, Japanese, and Western dishes and accompaniments.” 10
- “The executive lounge breakfast offerings were limited compared to the JW Gangnam, but the omelette I ordered was actually very well-made and perhaps even better than the other JW.” 26
- “Well we slept so well that we slept through breakfast on the first morning. This was a real bummer as the breakfast was AMAZING!! So good that we still remember it till date.” 1
- “The food selection includes salad, steak, cheese, and bread. The steak, served in small portions, was particularly delicious, with a perfectly balanced sauce.” 5
- “The breakfast is offered at Tavolo24 restaurant located on the 2nd floor. I can strongly say this was the highlight of my stay. The breakfast buffet showcased a blend of traditional Korean and Western dishes with an extensive variety to choose from.” 28
- “The rooms were elegant, the lounge was satisfactory, and the breakfast was amazing.” 28
- “we are right outside the D Moon station which is line number four and just outside I think exit number two that's right y walking maybe about 30 seconds in each Hotel yeah yeah so it's actually very good and around here actually a lot of options for shopping and also food as well” On camera180:38
- “The pastries were fresh and there was plenty of fruits and cereal options.” 1
- “After hearing great things about JW Marriott's room service, I decided to give it a try. The portions were generous, and the fries were perfectly crispy.” 5
- “the food wise they actually have this salad which is like a scallop prawn seafood salad that was great it was good yeah” On camera1816:05
- “Tavolo 24 offers a diverse breakfast selection, featuring Western, Korean, and Japanese cuisine. The layout is well-organized, the entrance is dedicated to Western dishes, the center area serves Japanese food, and the rounded corner showcases Korean flavors.” 5
- “It wasn't the most extensive in-lounge breakfast spread I've seen, although I'm sure the breakfast buffet in the main restaurant contains more variety.” 2
- “As mentioned, the suite came with access to the executive lounge on the 9th floor. This was where we started our day every morning with the comprehensive buffet breakfast, which consisted of cereals, breads, cakes, fruit, vegetables, Asian options and hot food.” 8
- “The best bit though was the ice-cream corner which included a number of flavours including matcha. Honestly I have a huge soft spot for ice-cream during breakfast.” 1
- “Well equipped drinks, hot food and desserts. Ingredients are top-notch and a lot of effort and money has been put into the food.” 12
- “Hotel breakfast buffets are cherished in Seoul, and Tavolo 24's ranks among the best with thoughtfully spread out food stations to prevent queues, and an astonishing range of globetrotting dishes.” 6
- “The lounge also hosts afternoon tea (which we didn't try) and evening hors d'oeuvres, which were so abundant, we didn't even need to have dinner after them one night!” 8
- “I really liked the style of the breakfast presentation, which was designed to look like a modern kitchen, complete with an oven and a fridge.” 2
- “In a city that's packed with exceptional hotel buffets, Tavolo 24, JW Marriott Dongdaemun's all-day buffet restaurant, stands out from the rest.” 13
- “In terms of food options, there were several hot dishes available, along with some bread and desserts. While the selection was adequate, I wouldn't say it could replace a full meal.” 28
- “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.” 10
- “The executive floor also included breakfast in the restaurant on the second floor which was FANTASTIC!!!” 12
- “The restaurant had the usual eggs, pastries, fruit and international breakfast staples, but its Korean selection was what separated it from an ordinary luxury-hotel buffet.” 16
- “What particularly stood out and I didn't mention in my blog was the nonchalant attitude of Tivolo Head Chef Carson. I personally went to him to enquire about the special menu items but he didn't seem to care.” 12
- “good morning so we're now having a breakfast here at JW Mar Soul D Moon Square so first of all the place is really huge actually pretty nice I like the entire restaurant and there are many stations that over here” On camera1810:58
- “The hot items included french toast, bacon, sausages, potatoes and eggs to order. The bread and pastry section looked divine!” 3
- “And unlike other hotel buffets that typically have a weak spot, everything I tasted here-and trust me, I tried a lot-was fresh and high quality.” 13
- “For those wanting to sleep in, the room service breakfast menu doesn't sacrifice the quality or choice of the buffet (it was great value too), arriving silver dome-style on a white table-clothed trolley.” 27
Room47 mentions · 2 filmed
- “I got an upgrade to a larger room with a spectacular view of Dongdaemun gate, especially at night!” 26
- “The room featured a well-balanced color scheme that harmonized with the view of Dongdaemun visible through the window, creating a traditional Korean ambience.” 28
- “The room is comfortable but not extraordinary.” 16
- “While my room's interior design embodied the traditional elements typically associated with the JW Marriott brand, the hotel ingeniously utilized its floor plan to optimize both the room's space and functionality.” 4
- “The Executive Sky View Room is a little on the small side, although the room's open-concept layout helps to mitigate that, as we'll see later.” 2
- “Before departing, I also had a gander at the Executive Lounge's outdoor terrace, which features sweeping views of the Dongdaemun old city gates and the surrounding area.” 2
- “The minibar is quite ergonomic, with a full set of snacks, drinks, coffee and tea, and glassware hidden away in a series of drawers and cupboards.” 2
- “There's also a terrace with a seating area that would be perfect in autumn. However, if you're visiting during winter, the terrace makes a nice photo spot with a backdrop of Changsin-dong on one end and the Heungjinmun gate on the other end.” 9
- “One of the standout features of the room is the glass ceiling, which can be opened or closed, adding a unique touch to the ambiance.” 5
- “so you know if you like a lot of like floor to ceiling windows then this room is very very bright and nice in that sense so yeah I think really no complaints about the room” On camera1815:28
- “The decor primarily consists of darker tones with relatively dim lighting, and I thought the combination of slate-grey stone tiles and polished wood worked well together.” 2
- “Next to the bathroom, we had a walk-in wardrobe with a make-up desk and all the usual amenities you'd expect at a JW Marriott. Plenty of space for or luggage.” 1
- “Fast-forward to the in-room greeting, and complimentary mini cartons of almond and soy milk had been provided (and were regularly replenished) in our minibar. Talk about a thoughtful touch! This was the kind of amazing attention to detail that was replicated time and time again throughout our stay.” 8
- “Floor-to-ceiling sepia photo walls by local artist Seungsang Park of what looked to be the traditional hanok houses of ancient Korea added to the zen vibe and helped ensure our room truly became our sanctuary to return to at the end of a day out in the hustle and bustle of Seoul.” 8
- “There's also a wooden surface here that serves as both a table and a desk; if you wanted to get some work done, then one side of the daybed would double as the office chair. It's not exactly the most ergonomic arrangement, but a decent workaround given the limited space in the room.” 2
- “As for the room itself, it felt a bit dated compared to the JW Gangnam but had some nice touches like the bedside tablet.” 26
- “The room itself was comfortable and appropriately polished, although I wouldn't call it particularly memorable by modern Seoul luxury-hotel standards.” 16
- “Yeouido Park Centre, Seoul - Marriott Executive Apartments combines spacious apartment-style rooms with full kitchens, in-room laundry and some of the strongest wellness facilities among Marriott properties in Seoul.” 16
- “To maximize your enjoyment, book one of the Executive Sky View Rooms with open, studio-like configurations and uniquely angled windows for breathtaking views of the city and Heunginjimun Gate.” 6
- “The roller chair wasn't the most comfortable but sufficed for quick work on the laptop. Most of the time we were lying in bed or sitting on the more comfortable chair by the window.” 9
- “The Deluxe Room with 2 Double Beds was of an acceptable size, with full ceiling to floor windows that had a view of Dongdaemun.” 9
- “The room comes with a minibar, free bottled water, electric kettle and, my favorite part, a Nespresso coffee maker.” 3
- “I loved the studio-style layout of my Executive Sky View Room-it might just be my favorite hotel room in Seoul. The space was open, cozy, and reminiscent of someone's chic flat.” 13
- “The room wasn't very big but spacious enough for two people and all our bags. There was a good amount of closet space and lots of great lighting.” 3
- “Here is the example of Deluxe guest room with King size bed with an incredible view on Heunginjimun (one of the 8 Gates of Seoul).” 17
- “The corridor led to this huge living room with a proper writing desk, a proper six-seater L-shaped sofa and an arm chair. It certainly was a lot more spacious than my living room in London.” 1
- “The space is well laid out with a super comfy king size bed resting on a plush carpet at its center.” 10
- “Within minutes we were checked in and into our room for the night, with my girlfriend instantly falling onto the voluminous bed and declaring she wasn't going to move until check out the next day. After sitting on it myself, I could see why she wouldn't want to move!” 19
- “Unfortunately, there weren't a lot of outlets in the room and we had to take turns charging all our devices.” 3
- “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.” 10
- “The bedroom unquestionably embodied the sophisticated, conservative ambiance typical of the JW Marriott brand. Natural materials were prominently utilized throughout the room, highlighting traditional Korean design elements.” 4
- “The room wasn't very big but spacious enough for two people and all our bags. There was a good amount of closet space and lots of great lighting. I am not into dark and moody hotel rooms, I prefer bright overhead lights.” 3
- “I've found that JW Marriott Executive Lounges in Asia rarely disappoint, and this one was no exception. There was a variety of seating options, and the decor evoked the familiar JW Marriott mix of classic elegance with contemporary aesthetics.” 2
- “curtains electronic control panel seemed a bit outdated but easy to use. There was also a nice desk and an office chair. This was very important to both of us, as we had to do some work on this trip.” 3
- “The room was surprisingly spacious, especially considering the typical size in Seoul.” 28
- “One delightful surprise was that the blinds automatically opened when we entered the room. The room exceeded my expectations in terms of cleanliness and comfort.” 5
- “and the room category got today is it's the Delux Executive Suite and this Suite is actually massive in size 105 squ M there's a separate living space there's a workstation there also the bedroom and a rectangular like bathroom” On camera180:59
- “The first thing you'll notice after you walk into the room is the beautiful gate view. You have a completely unobstructed view, which is beautiful at all times day.” 15
- “My room provided a direct and unobstructed view of Dongdaemoon, and being a former Seoul resident, I truly valued its historical beauty. Having been initially constructed in 1396, it retained its original elements even after several renovations. I wholeheartedly suggest booking a room with a Dongdaemoon view-you won't be disappointed!” 4
- “First we had a pleasure to visit spacious and well appointed Presidential Suite. This 233 sqm room has 1 bedroom with King size bed, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living / sitting area. This breathtaking room has a city view and an executive lounge access.” 17
- “Ours was a 1-bedroom suite with river views and executive lounge access. It had a separate living area with a daybed that could be used as either a sofa or an extra bed for a third person, and its main bedroom had two large, comfy double beds and space to swing many a cat.” 8
- “The room was spacious, providing comfy chairs and sturdy tables for us to sit at while looking out at the views below.” 19
- “The hotel's renovation saw the interiors of all 379 rooms revamped by South Korean firm KESSON, and the result is a plush mix of warm taupes, greys and chocolate tones with a hint of blush pinks, plus sleek, modern furniture and - given our suite's location on the 26th floor - sweeping views of the city's Han River, undulating terrain and N Seoul Tower.” 8
- “I feel like both JW Marriotts in Seoul are a bit dated (even after JW Seoul's renovation) - I would much rather stay at Josun Palace or Le Meridien if I am looking for a more modern looking room.” 26
- “The amenities were from Aromatherapy Associates, and had everything we needed, from dental kits to shavers and shampoo/body wash. However, we noticed the website mentioned that the in-room amenities would be from L'occitane, so what happened here...?” 9
- “Across from the bed, a smart TV with a Bose sound bar was positioned, and I could adjust viewing angles for enhanced entertainment experiences.” 4
- “Next to the sitting area is a large desk, making the room great for guests on business trips.” 28
Bathroom21 mentions
- “The towels are full length and snuggle you dry after a shower or soak in the bath.” 19
- “There's a separate shower and bathtub, which is always a preferable arrangement. I particularly liked the wooden bench in the shower that allowed you to have a sit-down as the water cascades around you.” 2
- “l provided bath salts infused with lavender and ylang-ylang essential oils, which left my skin feeling wonderfully nourished.” 4
- “I personally didn't find this inconvenience bothersome and was rather impressed by the bathroom's space-saving design.” 4
- “The room was quite luxurious and comfortable. It sported a large bathtub and shower. Everything was in marble, as it should be.” 15
- “The bathtub is always a delightful bonus.” 28
- “The bathroom was just as cool, with an open design and a doorless shower with a large frosted window that let me peer outside while washing my hair.” 13
- “We were treated to L'Occitane-branded toiletries, which had a great smell and felt really smooth on the skin. I didn't recall having such premium toiletries at other JW Marriotts I've stayed at, so this was a nice surprise, and we took a few bottles of the shower gel and shampoo for ourselves.” 2
- “Moving on to the bathroom, it has a modern contemporary design, meeting the expected standards.” 28
- “Or maybe I'm just inept with technology. Our bathroom or rather a collection of four rooms (vanity, shower, bath tub and toilet) was as large as most hotel rooms. Of course the hotel won brownie points for their double vanity and stylish white carpet (yes I like plain boring white).” 1
- “The bathroom was very spacious for a hotel in a major Asian city. There was a separate tub and shower and all the pocket doors and wall panels could be opened to create a feeling of more space.” 3
- “French doors led into an equally spacious en-suite marble bathroom with ample amenities, bathtub, separate, wooden-floored shower cubicle and a super-powered toilet (you know you're in Asia when the toilets come with their own control panel and instructions!).” 8
- “The room was spacious and clean with all the expected modern conveniences, including a shower, bath, air-conditioning, heating, bathroom goodies, automatic curtains, fridge, TV, wifi, mini-bar, and more.” 19
- “The bed was comfortable, the finishes felt substantial, and the bathroom was surprisingly generous compared with the sleeping area.” 16
- “The marble-lined shower area and bathtub are separate, which is a common arrangement in hotels. We especially loved the shower area that came with a small ledge that lets you sit down and enjoy a long shower (or even a steam). Rain shower head was available as well.” 9
- “There's a huge shower with a powerful rainfall head and a big desk that can either be used for work, or as welcome additional storage for all your Olive Young buys - your choice.” 25
- “Maybe I should start a hotel toileteries leader board? We had a full-fledged proper Toto toilet. Different spray jet settings, heated seats, warm air, you name it! I did make full use of it...” 1
- “The bathroom was seamlessly connected to the bedroom and featured a single-sink vanity with a stone sink. I particularly appreciated the tactile contrast of the sink, especially its exterior.” 4
- “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.” 10
- “I like how the walk-in rainfall shower area contains a bench as well.” 10
- “The walk-in shower boasted an authentic rainfall shower head descending from the ceiling and even featured a convenient bench, eliminating the need for precarious balancing during a shower.” 4
Bed & Sleep9 mentions
- “The mattress is both supportive and comfortable, while the bed linens are exceptionally soft and luxurious.” 10
- “The mattress was comfortable, and the bed linens were exceptionally soft and luxurious.” 4
- “The king bed occupies most of the space in the room. As with every JW Marriott property I've stayed at, the bed made for an excellent night of sleep during our quick overnight layover.” 2
- “However, I didn't feel like it was a big deal and I am an early riser anyway. Our king bed was very comfortable, if a bit on the firm side, as in many other Asian hotels.” 3
- “The beds at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul are so snug that I really didn't want to wake up at all. Indeed, my girlfriend and I stayed in until 10am, recharging our batteries through the power of an amazing night's sleep.” 19
- “The bed was very comfortable, featuring a Beautyrest mattress from Simmons, Korea's premier mattress brand.” 28
- “The bed was comfortable, the finishes felt substantial, and the bathroom was surprisingly generous compared with the sleeping area.” 16
- “The space is well laid out with a super comfy king size bed resting on a plush carpet at its center.” 10
- “The pillows were also great. You get one soft and one firm pillow and they were just the right sizes. I am very picky about hotel pillows, but I really liked the ones provided.” 3
Value5 mentions
- “They also have a very extensive relaxation area which include a steam and sauna alongside different temperature baths. However, to use that room there will be an extra fee. I have to say I don't agree with the concept of charging extra to use a sauna but that seems to be the theme in Korea.” 15
- “The l'occitaine toiletries were ummm just OK but nothing inspiring. It's a decent brand but in these plastic bottles it looked a bit cheap.” 1
- “The hotel's traditional and conservative interior design might not resonate with a younger demographic. After all, it's worth noting that the JW Marriott brand is synonymous with a luxurious business hotel experience, and I believe the hotel's design aligns perfectly with the brand's identity.” 4
- “The stunning luxury interiors, the spacious, plush rooms, the perfect housekeeping and cleanliness, the outstanding, diverse cuisine and the top location make this a premium product worth every cent of its admittedly not-all-that-cheap price tag.” 8
- “It is expensive and not the newest hotel in Seoul, but the comfortable rooms, strong Marriott benefits, excellent wellness facilities and convenient Banpo location make it hard to dismiss.” 16
View9 mentions
- “k right from the hotel, you can see the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and some of the fashion markets that Dongdaemun is famous for. It's quite a contrast and an impressive view any time of day.” 19
- “Dongdaemun literally means 'Great Eastern Gate' and the hotel looks out over the east and this eastern fortress gate. If I'd been able to wake up early enough, I would have been treated to a sunrise over Seoul. The view was certainly lovely enough though.” 19
- “But the best bit is the full-length window with a theatrical rolling blind that comes up to showcase skyline views over the Heunginjimun Gate - using the remote to usher in the morning light as the gate comes into view is a special treat.” 25
- “The nighttime view was particularly breathtaking, as the illuminated gate and remaining fortress walls added to the spectacle.” 4
- “I stayed in one of the Executive Sky View Rooms on the 10th floor that came with blockbuster views over the East Gate and floor-to-ceiling blackout blinds, which felt very James Bond as they opened each morning to reveal the city skyline.” 27
- “There was a good variety of alcoholic drinks available, and they even provided a cocktail shaker for guests to craft their own cocktails. There is also a rooftop patio in the executive lounge, so make sure to grab a champagne and enjoy the stunning view of Dongdaemun 🙂” 28
- “When I came across a photo showcasing the view of Dongdaemoon from the hotel, I was absolutely astounded by the breathtaking scenery.” 4
- “Best part? You get to dine with a view of the Heunginjimun gate.” 9
- “The view from JW Marriott Dongdaemun is absolutely stunning. At night, the city lights create a mesmerizing atmosphere, with Dongdaemun visible through the windows.” 5
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- 14 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 19/100We read 0 sources for this property, covering 0 traveler mentions, boiled down to 0 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-09-06.
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
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Everything quoted on this page.
- 26r/marriott - JW Dongdaemun, Seoulreddit.comForum thread2025-01-03Ageing7 quotes used
“I got an upgrade to a larger room with a spectacular view of Dongdaemun gate, especially at night!”
Read originalreddit.com - 6Hotel Review: JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoulforbes.comReview site2024-11-09Ageing5 quotes used
“Adjacent to Tavolo 24 is BLT Steak, one of Seoul's most beloved steakhouses serving up signature items like the irresistible gruyère popovers.”
Read originalforbes.com - 5JW Marriott Dongdaemun Squareseoulshopper.comReview site2024-01-29Ageing8 quotes used
“The food selection includes salad, steak, cheese, and bread. The steak, served in small portions, was particularly delicious, with a perfectly balanced sauce.”
Read originalseoulshopper.com - 1JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul Hotel Reviewkpworldtravels.comReview site2024-01-27Ageing11 quotes used
“The location of this hotel is perfect. On the lower basement floor, the bakery provides an underground Metro connection. Most importantly the hotel is on the 'right side' of the river as most tourist attractions are to t…”
Read originalkpworldtravels.com - 27Hotel Review: JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square, Seoulprestigeonline.comReview site2023-11-17Ageing6 quotes used
“Catering to savvy globetrotters who prefer iPad-controlled lights and appliances to switches and remotes, the rooms are modern, high-tech, and functional, decorated in haute furnishings in greys and light beige.”
Read originalprestigeonline.com - 4Hotel Review: JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoulpointsmiler.comReview site2023-11-10Ageing25 quotes used
“Despite feeling quite full, I couldn't resist trying a strawberry Danish, which turned out to be an excellent choice due to the robust natural sweetness of the strawberries.”
Read originalpointsmiler.com
Showing 6 of 28 cited · 0 read
1/5
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