Review / Where to stay in Seoul’s Mapo district: Hotel Naru Seoul takes inspiration from the artists and poets who once flocked to the area, and boasts a rooftop infinity pool and incredible Han River views
Despite spending most of my life in Hong Kong, I had yet to visit Seoul until this spring – which is why I took a while deliberating over which neighbourhood to select as a base when booking my hotel. I finally went for the popular recommendation for first-timers, Myeong-dong, but also booked myself into Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery in Mapo just a short taxi drive away.
Part of the MGallery Hotel Collection of boutique hotels across the globe – itself part of hospitality group Accor, which also owns Raffles and Sofitel – Hotel Naru opened at the end of 2022, and admittedly jumped out at me for one reason: its gorgeous, sweeping views of the Han River. I may have initially just daydreamed about lounging by the Insta-worthy infinity pool but, upon checking in, I quickly found plenty more reasons to be tempted not to leave my room during my stay.
The design
The lobby is on the 20th floor, for maximum drama. Upon stepping out of the panoramic lift from the ground floor, the first thing you notice are the floor-to-ceiling windows that take full advantage of the river view right off the bat. The guests here are a more stylish set than the budget and business travellers in Myeong-dong, toting designer shopping bags and posing for selfies for their social media feeds in front of the windows; I give into the urge to do the same before checking in. At reception, I overhear a couple discussing how they’ve booked a stay here to celebrate their anniversary.
Although a luxe hotel through and through, Hotel Naru leans minimalist and contemporary over glitzy and ostentatious. Think a palette that’s clean without being austere, with plenty of curved lines, tasteful metallic and marble touches, and pendant lighting. The hotel takes inspiration from the artists and poets that have historically been drawn to the Han River and surrounding Mapo area, according to its website, which is reflected in its design choices.
Various artworks are dotted about the hotel – the most arresting being Haegue Yang’s Airy Navigation, a deconstructed prism-like installation that’s given pride of place hanging from the lobby’s high ceiling, mirroring the blue of the river.
The rooms
The hotel boasts around 180 rooms and 13 suites; big spenders will want to go for the Naru Suite, the most sumptuous offering in the property at 2,000 sq ft with separate living and dining areas and a private terrace. All rooms feature views of the city, the river, or of Namsan Mountain.
I check into one of the Premier River rooms, where I’m greeted with dishes of fruits and local sweets. A roomy bathtub dominates the bathroom, which is stocked with products from Australian clean beauty brand Grown Alchemist. The airy room offers much-needed respite following long afternoons exploring sights from Gyeongbokgung Palace to the colourful, hipster-heavy Insa-dong and Ikseon-dong neighbourhoods.
The amenities
Of course, I make a beeline to the infinity pool as soon as I get a spare moment – as do many other guests despite the 17 degree Celsius weather. Happily, I discover that it’s a warmed pool, which explains everyone’s enthusiasm after all. At the 25-metre indoor pool – with house beats pumping through the speakers – uncles are determined to get their swimming laps in while families hang out with their children. Consider grabbing a co*cktail here before heading out for the evening.
The hotel also boasts a gym and a sauna.
The food and drinks
A sumptuous breakfast buffet is served at French Restaurant Voisin, with continental pastries and Western omelettes or eggs Florentine made to order, as well as Asian offerings. For lunch and dinner, guests can go for dry-aged steaks, pastas and salads, while the tasting menu offers an array of antipasti with seafood paella and Iberico pork, with optional wine pairing.
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Lounge & Deck near the lobby, have a coffee and cake at Mapo Eight cafe, or sip a nightcap at Bar Voisin on the 22nd floor, where certain co*cktails feature traditional pear liqueur moonbaesool and herbal garnishes from the hotel’s rooftop garden.
