I stayed at the luxury hotel JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, located in the heart of Dongdaemun, Seoul. This time, I enjoyed an Executive Lounge-access room — 1 King, Skyline View. In this review, I’ll share details about the guestroom, the breakfast buffet, and my experience using the hotel’s sauna facilities.
I’ll briefly touch on the Executive Lounge here, but a more detailed review will be featured in a separate article.
Note: This stay was in September 2025.
About JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is ideally located just steps away from Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. The hotel offers direct access to Dongdaemun Market and numerous shopping malls that stay vibrant around the clock, making it a perfect base for both sightseeing and shopping.
As part of Marriott International’s Luxury category, JW Marriott provides a refined and upscale experience. The Executive Lounge is reserved for guests aged 19 and above, ensuring a calm and sophisticated atmosphere for adults.
Guestroom Review | Executive Lounge Access, 1 King, Skyline View
Room Ambiance
Thanks to Titanium Elite status, I was upgraded to an Executive Lounge Access, 1 King, Skyline View room. The curtains open automatically at the touch of a button, revealing a stunning view of Dongdaemun. With skylight-style windows, the room felt exceptionally bright and open.
The plush bed was extremely comfortable, and the sofa by the window offered a cozy spot to relax while enjoying the view. It was the kind of room you never want to leave!
Mini Bar & Amenities
Four complimentary bottles of water were provided. Behind the minibar doors, I found wine glasses, cups, and a selection of mini bottles of liquor — charmingly arranged.
A Nespresso capsule coffee machine was provided, along with green tea and English Breakfast tea. Some snacks were also available for purchase, all of which looked tempting.
The drawer-style refrigerator was stocked with wine, champagne, and other beverages (paid).
Bathroom
The bathroom featured both a bathtub and a shower, with bath salts included. Water pressure was strong enough, despite some reviews mentioning otherwise.
One unusual feature: the toilet door seemed to be part of the shower partition, which might feel a little lacking in privacy. Aside from that, everything was excellent.
Note: In Korea, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shaving kits are no longer complimentary due to environmental regulations (effective March 2024). At this hotel, they were available for purchase at 2,000 KRW.
Executive Lounge | Benefits & Atmosphere
The Executive Lounge is accessible for guests with lounge-inclusive rooms or Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members (plus one guest).
Throughout the stay, we enjoyed snacks, drinks, and evening cocktails. During our visit, three whole cakes were served, and the hot dishes at evening cocktail time were particularly impressive.
For a full review of the lounge, check out my separate detailed article.
Breakfast | Tavolo 24
Breakfast is served at Tavolo 24, a spacious and open restaurant offering an extensive buffet. Options ranged from Korean, Western, Chinese, and Japanese dishes to fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, ice cream, and beverages.
Highlights included rice noodles, DIY samgyeopsal, abalone porridge, an egg station, and much more. With so many choices, it’s impossible to try everything in one sitting! Everything I tasted was delicious — this breakfast buffet is highly recommended.
Hotel Facilities | Sauna, Gym & Pool
Sauna
The sauna operates from 10:00am to 10:00pm at 50,000 KRW per visit. As a Titanium Elite benefit, I was able to choose between the pool and sauna — I chose the sauna.
It felt more like a hot spring facility, with a large bath, dry sauna, and steam sauna. Toiletries were all from L’Occitane, and the powder room featured Korean skincare products. The space was expansive and included a lounge area, making it an incredibly relaxing experience.
Gym
The fitness center was surprisingly large and fully equipped — far beyond what you’d expect from a hotel gym. If you enjoy working out, I recommend bringing your workout gear.
Pool
The pool is open from 6:00am to 10:00pm. Admission is 55,000 KRW per adult and 27,500 KRW per child (free for children under 36 months). For safety, children under 12 may only use the kids’ pool.
Surrounding Area | A Shopper’s Paradise
The hotel is surrounded by major shopping spots, including Dongdaemun Market, Migliore, and DOOTA Mall, all within walking distance. With easy access to Myeongdong and Insadong, it’s perfectly located for combining shopping, sightseeing, and dining.
Conclusion | Who is JW Marriott Dongdaemun Best For?
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxury stay in the Dongdaemun area.
- Perfect for guests wanting Executive Lounge access and a more refined experience.
- Great for travelers who want to refresh with a sauna or fitness facilities.
Set right beside the historic Dongdaemun Gate, this hotel combines sophisticated design, luxury amenities, and unbeatable access to shopping and cultural landmarks — making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers in Seoul.