Author
H.D. PARK
Table of Contents
Planning to stay at the Olympic Parktel Seoul or just curious about the area? This guide walks you through the hotel’s location, its unique history, and my personal recommendations for places to visit in the beautiful Olympic Park.
Where is Olympic Parktel?
Olympic Parktel is located in Songpa-gu, on the southeastern side of Seoul, right at the edge of the Olympic Park. The hotel sits in a relatively quiet, green area of the city, while still offering easy access to major attractions like Lotte Mall, Lotte World, and COEX.
It’s also well connected to public transportation. The nearest subway station is Mongchontoseong Station (Line 8), which is just about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. If you’re coming from the Incheon airport it will take you about 1hour and 40minutes to get to the hotel via subway. If you take the airport limousine bus or take a cab, it will take about 1 hour and 20minutes, but it will depend heavily on the traffic.
The location is especially convenient for travelers who want to experience a quieter side of Seoul without being too far from the action. Whether you’re here for an event, a conference, or sightseeing, Olympic Parktel Seoul offers a well-balanced base for your trip.
The official Olympic Parktel website here
The History of Olympic Parktel
Olympic Parktel was originally built to accommodate officials and Olympic-related staff during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. After the Games, it officially opened its doors to the public in 1990.
Even after decades, Olympic Parktel continues to carry the legacy of the Olympic spirit. While the building’s exterior may look modest by today’s standards, don’t let that fool you — the hotel has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most recent one completed in 2022. Inside, it offers modern amenities, comfortable interiors, and a surprising level of quality for a 4-star hotel.
With over 200 guest rooms and various conveniences like conference halls, banquet rooms, a fitness center, and restaurants, Olympic Parktel is more than just accomodation — it’s also a trusted venue for official functions.
It’s location being right next to the Sports Complex, where the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) and many national sports federations have their offices, makes it a prime location for both national and international sports-related events.
At the same time, Olympic Parktel continues to welcome everyday travelers who want a peaceful stay near Seoul’s scenic eastern parks and cultural sites.
Olympic Park: An overview
Right outside the hotel lies Olympic Park (올림픽공원) — a massive open-space complex originally built to host athletic events during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Back in 1988, the area surrounding the park was considered quite rural and inexpensive. But as Seoul rapidly expanded eastward, Songpa and Jamsil — where Olympic Park is located — have become some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city. Olympic Park now sits at the heart of this vibrant and developed area.
Today, it’s one of the most scenic parks in Seoul, offering a perfect blend of nature, history, and art. Whether you’re into jogging, photography, picnicking, or just taking a break from city life, Olympic Park has something for everyone.
Getting Around the Park
The park is huge — and if you’re planning to explore the entire area on foot, be prepared to spend several hours. If you’re staying at Olympic Parktel, a short stroll through the nearby section is a lovely way to start or end your day.
But if you’re up for a full park adventure, I highly recommend using a public bike. It’s a convenient and fun way to explore the park without getting too tired. The public bike system in Seoul, so called 따릉이(ttareuni) is easy to use and also available to foreigners, so I highly recommend checking it out. As a local it’s one of my favorite means of transportation when going short distances.
Check out my post on the 3 most useful travel apps in Korea — including the Ttareungi (Seoul Bike) app — right here.
Subway Access
The park is so large that it’s accessible via three different subway lines:
- Line 8 – Mongchontoseong Station (closest to Olympic Parktel)
- Line 5,9 – Olympic Park Station
- Line 9 – Hanseong Baekje Station
Each station drops you off near a different entrance, so you can plan your visit based on what you’d like to see first.
Things to See in Olympic Park
There’s no shortage of things to explore, but if you’re looking for direction, the park has officially selected 9 scenic spots, each marked with a stamp you can collect as you walk through the grounds — a fun challenge if you’re up for it!
Here are a few highlights — some are part of the official 9, others are my personal recommendations:
- World Peace Gate – The iconic symbol of the 1988 Olympics
- Sports Museum (currently under construction, for future visitors) – Located near the KSOC headquarters and very close to Olympic Parktel
- SOMA Art Museum – Exhibitions of modern and contemporary art
- Hanseong Baekje Museum (한성백제 박물관) – A historical museum covering the ancient roots of the region
- One Tree Hill (나홀로나무) – A lone tree on a hill that’s become a popular photo spot on social media
- Olympic Arcade – An arcade right across the olympic park (near olympic park station). Full of local restaurants and a big plaza
Whether you’re a culture lover, a history buff, or someone who just wants to breathe in some fresh air, Olympic Park is one of Seoul’s most underrated yet rewarding destinations.
Exploring Nearby Jamsil
A short ride from Olympic Parktel will bring you to Jamsil, one of Seoul’s busiest commercial and entertainment districts. If you’re staying at Olympic Parktel Seoul, Jamsil is a must-visit — it’s vibrant, modern, and full of things to do day or night.
Here’s what you can find in Jamsil:
- Lotte World – One of the best indoor & outdoor theme parks in Korea , with rides, parades, and shopping all under one roof. You can fully enjoy the amusement park even on rainy days.
- Lotte World Mall – Right next to the theme park, this multi-level shopping mall includes global fashion brands, restaurants, a luxury cinema, and even an aquarium. It’s a great place to cool down, eat, or shop after exploring the park.
- Lotte World Tower – Korea’s tallest building standing 555m high with 123 floors. It can be seen from anywhere in Jamsil. You can also visit the observation deck with stunning views of Seoul.
- Seokchon Lake – A picturesque lake that surrounds Lotte World, especially famous during cherry blossom season. Read my post on the top3 places to see cherry blossoms in Jamsil here.
- Jamsil Baseball Stadium – The home ground of Seoul’s baseball fans and a fun way to experience local sports culture. While the sport itself is the same, the way Korean fans enjoy the game is quite different from what you might see in the U.S. — with coordinated chants, cheerleaders, and nonstop energy throughout the game.
Staying at Olympic Parktel Seoul places you in a truly unique part of the city — close to nature, history, and some of Seoul’s best attractions. If you’ve chosen to stay here for your visit, I’d say you’ve made a great decision. I hope this post helps you make the most of your time in the area, and that you enjoy every moment of your stay in Seoul.
[…] If you enjoy places that combine nature and history, there’s another spot I highly recommend: Olympic Park, located in the eastern part of Seoul. Olympic Park is tied to Korea’s more modern history — it was built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics, a pivotal event that helped shape Korea’s global image. You can read more about Olympic Park here on my blog here. […]