Worlds Best Airbnbs : South Korea

Some stays leave a mark long after you’ve left. For me, that was the Classic-Gotaek in Seochon, Seoul.

A Gotaek is a hanok over a hundred years old, and this one carries every bit of its history in its walls, floors, and beams. You can feel the lives that passed through here, the centuries of tradition preserved in its quiet courtyards and elegant timber.

You don’t find Airbnbs with this kind of soul and history every day. We had the entire property to ourselves, a private hanok with a serene courtyard and an outdoor jacuzzi. Every detail: the sliding doors, wooden floors and traditional décor, reminds you that you’re in a space that has lived and breathed Seoul’s culture for generations. The residence harmoniously integrates traditional elements with contemporary amenities.

The kitchen and dining areas are fully equipped, and amenities like a Marshall speaker, mini projector, and luxury toiletries elevate the stay without diluting the hanok’s character. Stepping outside, you’re just minutes from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Tongin Market, yet returning here feels like stepping back in time.

The Classic-Gotaek is much more than a place to sleep, it’s a place to experience history, tradition, and the rare soul of a home that has seen more than most of us ever will.