Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys represent the most outstanding hotels in our selection. Awarded after countless hours of inspection, this first announcement for South Korea arrives just in time for autumn travel, as the country emerges as one of the world’s most exciting destinations.
All MICHELIN Guide hotels excel in design, architecture, service and personality — the MICHELIN Key denotes the most outstanding experiences in our selection. Just like a MICHELIN-rated restaurant, a MICHELIN-rated hotel can earn One, Two or Three Keys. Click here to learn more about the Keys.
Eight properties were chosen as Korea’s first MICHELIN Key hotels. Two establishments earned Two Keys, while the rest were honored with One Key. Most are located in Seoul, but some can be found in iconic locations outside the capital: Incheon, just an hour from Seoul and best known for the country’s leading international airport, the southern port city of Busan and the scenic island of Jeju.
Discover the highlights of the 2025 Korean Key hotels, marking a new chapter in Korea’s hospitality story — where architecture, design and gastronomy meet the MICHELIN Key standard.
The Two Key Hotels
SIGNIEL Seoul
Gangnam, SeoulYou can’t get better views than at SIGNIEL Seoul, which occupies the 76th to 101st floors of the Lotte World Tower, which is one of the world’s tallest buildings. The hotel offers a surprising blend of five-star grandeur and sleek contemporary style.
Gourmands will appreciate dining options inside the hotel, including the contemporary Korean restaurant Bicena (One MICHELIN Star) and a modern French option from acclaimed chef Yannick Alléno. Guests can also enjoy easy access to the Lotte World Mall as well as a theme park and lakeside park located nearby.
SIGNIEL Busan
Haeundae Beach, BusanTop Korean architect Hyunjoon Yoo says Busan has “the best mix of Waikiki and Hong Kong,” with bustling alleyways pressed right up against scenic beaches — and SIGNIEL Busan is strategically located on the east end of Haeundae Beach to offer easy access to both. Guests can marvel at striking sunset views over the blue horizon and venture up Dalmaji Hill, an enclave of art galleries, cafes and fine-dining restaurants.
The spa and wellness offerings are first-rate, and restaurants include a modern Chinese restaurant and a lounge with a menu curated by the acclaimed chef Bruno Menard.
READ MORE: Illuminated by Fireworks: Busan Through the Eyes of Architect Hyunjoon Yoo
The One Key Hotels
Fairmont Ambassador Seoul
Yeouido, Seoul
Rising above the skyline of Seoul’s finance and shopping district, the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul is part of the landmark Parc.1 complex designed by Sir Richard Rogers. Glass walls frame sweeping river and city views, and the interiors exude understated glamour.
While the hotel does not yet host a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, its dining and rooftop venues have become a magnet for both travelers and Seoulites seeking stylish gatherings.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Jongno, Seoul
Set beside Gwanghwamun Square, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul reinterprets Korean grandeur in a sleek, contemporary form. Inside, Yu Yuan (One MICHELIN Star) brings classic Cantonese flavors into a rarefied setting. The hotel’s numerous other dining venues, spa and art-filled interiors make it a complete urban sanctuary.
READ MORE: Epicurean Escapes: MICHELIN-Selected Hotels in Seoul with Starred Restaurants
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul
Gangnam, Seoul
A modern homage to the historic Chosun Hotel, Josun Palace layers heritage and contemporary sophistication. Its design infuses Korean motifs with European modernism, and on the 36th floor, Eatanic Garden (One MICHELIN Star) delivers inventive Korean cuisine with panoramic city views. From arrival to dining, every detail is tuned to ceremony and style.
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
Seogwipo, Jeju Island
A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Jeju is famed for its volcanic landscapes and subtropical climate. The island’s dramatic southern cliffs set the stage for JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, a retreat that blends modern luxury with the island’s elemental beauty.
Interiors by Bill Bensley bring a playful but refined edge, while restaurants highlight the island’s bounty — from wood-fired Korean barbecue to omakase crafted with seasonal seafood. Direct access to the Jeju Olle Trail also enhances the resort’s wellness experience.
READ MORE: South Korea’s Island Hideaways: 6 Luxury Hotels for Nature Lovers
Art Paradiso, Paradise City
Yeongjong Island, IncheonThough located just minutes from Incheon Airport, this ultramodern resort blends art and entertainment — from a museum-worthy art collection to a theme park, casino and wellness complex. Guests can unwind at the resort’s multiple pools and spas, with treatments based on Eastern healing elements. The relaxation doesn’t stop there: rooms on Yeongjong Island are airy and bathed in light, offering invigorating views over the Yellow Sea.
The Shilla Seoul
Jung-gu, SeoulFor decades, The Shilla Seoul has been synonymous with Korean hospitality at its most refined. Perched against Mount Namsan, the property marries timeless elegance with contemporary comfort. Within, La Yeon (Two MICHELIN Stars) presents Korean haute cuisine at the highest level, complemented by sweeping vistas of the capital below.
READ MORE: The 2025 MICHELIN Key Hotels: A Guide to the Global Selection
Hero image: SIGNIEL Busan offers stiking views of Haeundae Beach.
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