The Ultimate Gwanghwamun Guide: BTS Performance Spot, 4 Must-Try Experiences at Four Seasons Seoul, and MMCA Art

Gwanghwamun Guide : A Luxury Stay at Four Seasons Seoul & Gwanghwamun Walk

Gwanghwamun is about to become the center of K-culture and the global stage once again. BTS has announced their highly anticipated comeback performance “Arirang” right here in the heart of Seoul on Saturday, March 21st, at 8:00 PM KST. For those who can’t make it to the square, the event will be broadcast LIVE on Netflix, making it a truly global celebration.

Feeling the pre-performance buzz in the air, I decided to take a “staycation” to immerse myself in the mix of tradition and modern energy that defines this area. I spent a wonderful weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, located just steps away from where the BTS stage is being set. If you’re planning to visit Gwanghwamun for the concert or simply want to experience the “soul of Seoul,” here is my luxury guide to the neighborhood.

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1. Four Seasons Seoul: Where Luxury Meets Korean Heritage

1-1. A Symphony of Tradition and Modernity: The Lobby

The lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul may not be the largest, but it is undoubtedly one of the most culturally rich spaces in the city. Its charm lies in the delicate balance of Korean heritage and contemporary art.

Nicolai Bergmann’s Signature Flowers The first thing that catches your eye is the breathtaking floral display. Created by the world-renowned flower designer Nicolai Bergmann, these arrangements are housed in vases reminiscent of Joseon White Porcelain (Baekja). These “Signature Flowers” are updated seasonally, reflecting the ever-changing colors of Seoul’s nature. It’s a constant source of inspiration every time I walk through those doors.

Kim Jong-gu’s Masterpiece: Steel Powder Landscape Adding to the lobby’s grandeur is the massive installation by artist Kim Jong-gu. His work, a “Landscape Painting” created with steel powder, spans the entrance and beautifully captures the essence of traditional Korean ink-and-wash painting in a modern, industrial medium. Depending on the season, the lobby is further enhanced with various art installations and spectacular lighting displays, making every visit feel like a new exhibition.

1-2. A Room with a Meaningful View: Family Comfort and Korean Details

Our room offered a panoramic view of Gwanghwamun Square. On the day of our stay, a large assembly was taking place. In Seoul, Gwanghwamun is more than just a tourist spot; it is a significant and symbolic space where diverse groups gather to actively express their political views. Watching this vibrant scene from above felt like witnessing the heartbeat of modern Korean democracy.

Perfect for Families Traveling with two preschoolers can be a challenge, but the room was perfectly equipped for a family of four. It featured two semi-double beds, providing ample and comfortable space for all of us.

Korean Aesthetics in Every Corner What truly impressed me was how the interior seamlessly blended modern luxury with traditional Korean motifs. From the delicate ceramic objects to the traditional-style water bottles and tea sets, every detail felt thoughtfully “Korean.”

A Sweet Welcome: Yakgwa & Macarons Waiting for us was a delightful welcome gift: a fusion of Yakgwa (traditional Korean honey cookies) and macarons. Yakgwa is a beloved traditional dessert made by mixing flour with honey, ginger juice, oil, and rice wine. The dough is pressed into flower-shaped molds and deep-fried to create a sweet, chewy delight. Pairing this with a modern macaron was a perfect metaphor for the hotel itself—a beautiful bridge between the old and the new.

Quick Directory

• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
• Address: 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03183
• Phone: +82 (2) 6388-5000
• Official Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/kr/seoul/

1-3. An Urban Oasis with a View: The Swimming Pool

The swimming pool at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a true urban sanctuary. Its open-concept interior, flooded with natural light, features a stunning panorama that includes a glimpse of the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s not every day you get to swim while overlooking a royal palace!

Relaxation for All Ages One of the highlights for me was the Vitality Pool, perfect for soaking away the day’s fatigue with its soothing water jets. But the best part for families? There is a dedicated Kids’ Plunge Pool located right next to the main pool. It’s shallow and safe, making it incredibly easy to supervise my two preschoolers while they had a blast in the water.

The Ultimate Korean Experience: In-Pool Sauna What surprised and delighted me was the sauna located right inside the pool area. It’s a fantastic way to experience a high-end version of the traditional Korean sauna culture. Transitioning from the cool water to the warmth of the sauna was the perfect way to finish our swimming session.

1-4. A Culinary Journey: Breakfast at The Market Kitchen

Breakfast is served at The Market Kitchen, located on the LL (Lower Lobby) floor. Opening from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, this restaurant is famous not only for its food but also for its unique design, which is the glass floors reveal actual historic ruins discovered during the hotel’s construction!

The Authentic Taste of Korea What sets this buffet apart is its incredible “Korean Touch.” They source premium ingredients from various local regions, such as honey from Yeongwol and Hampyeong. For those who want to experience popular K-food, they offer a wide variety of favorites like Sotteok Sotteok (sausage and rice cake skewers) and Korean Fried Chicken. It’s like a curated tour of Korea’s representative flavors in one place!

A Sweet Wonderland: Desserts for All Ages The dessert selection is equally impressive, featuring refined treats with a Korean twist like Black Sesame Buns, Mugwort (Ssuk) Scones, and Hangwa.

But for my kids, the absolute highlight was the Double Chocolate Fountain. They were mesmerized by the two flowing waterfalls of classic chocolate and raspberry chocolate. With cookie sticks and financier sticks ready for dipping, it was a dream come true for the little ones (and maybe for the adults, too!).

The Market Kitchen Info.

Inspired by a vibrant European marketplace, The Market Kitchen offers a world-class buffet experience where international flavors come to life. Watch chefs prepare your favorite dishes at live cooking stations for the ultimate “farm-to-table” freshness.

Service	Time	Note
Breakfast	6:30 AM – 10:30 AM	Daily
Weekday Lunch	11:30 AM – 2:30 PM	Mon – Fri
Weekday Dinner	5:30 PM – 9:30 PM	Thu: Meat Lover’s Night / Fri: Seafood Night
Weekend Lunch	11:30 AM – 3:00 PM	Sat, Sun & Holidays
Weekend Dinner	5:00 PM – 9:30 PM	Sat, Sun & Holidays

• Thursday Night: Meat Lover’s Night (for steak and BBQ fans.)
• Friday Night: Seafood Night (Featuring the freshest catches and premium ocean flavors.)

Kids’ Pricing Policy

• Ages 4 to 12 (Elementary Students): 50% discount on adult rates.
• Under 4: Complimentary.

Dress Code

To maintain the elegant atmosphere of the Four Seasons, please follow the Smart Casual or Business Casual guidelines.

• Prohibited Items: Gym clothes (tracksuits), slippers, hats, or overly revealing attire.
• Entry may be restricted if the dress code is not met.

Quick Directory

• The Market Kitchen (Buffet at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul)
• Address: LL (Lower Lobby), 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03183
• Phone: +82 (2) 6388-5500
• Online Reservation: https://www.tablecheck.com/ko/shops/four-seasons-hotel-seoul-the-market-kitchen/reserve

After a wonderful dinner, my kids and I took a short 5 to 10-minute walk from the hotel to Gwanghwamun Square. This is the heart of Seoul’s history and, as I mentioned earlier, the very stage where BTS will soon perform for the world.

Learning History Under the Stars Walking through the square at night was a truly meaningful experience. We stood before the grand statues of King Sejong the Great, the creator of the Korean alphabet (Hangeul), and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea’s legendary naval hero. It was a precious opportunity to explain Korea’s rich history to my children while surrounded by the city’s beautiful night lights.

A Walker-Friendly Space Gwanghwamun Square is incredibly well-designed for families. There are plenty of benches and rest areas scattered throughout the square, making it easy to take a break and soak in the atmosphere. The wide, open pathways are perfect for kids to walk safely while parents enjoy the stunning nighttime views of the palace and the surrounding skyscrapers.

3. Art Therapy: MMCA Seoul

I also visited the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Seoul with kids. I was lucky enough to catch the “Highlights of Korean Modern Art” exhibition. It was a profound journey through Korea’s modern history depicted through art. If you want to understand the creative DNA behind Korea’s current cultural wave (like BTS!), this museum is a must-visit.

Whether you are a fan of BTS waiting for their historic performance or a traveler looking for the soul of Korea, Gwanghwamun offers an unforgettable blend of the past and the present.

For our family, this staycation held an even more special meaning. It was our final getaway before a major milestone: my eldest is starting elementary school, and my youngest is heading off to kindergarten. Watching the grand history of Gwanghwamun and experiencing the refined beauty of the Four Seasons Seoul provided us with the perfect moment of rest. It was a time to recharge and find the “driving force” we needed for these new beginnings. This trip wasn’t just a luxury stay; it was a beautiful family memory that gave us the strength to step into a new chapter of our lives with joy and excitement.”

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