From sleek skyscrapers in Sustainable hotels Seoul to the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island, South Korea is a dynamic destination where modern living and ancient heritage coexist. Yet, behind the nation’s dazzling development lies a pressing need for environmental responsibility — especially in the travel industry.
Where Sustainability Meets Hospitality in South Korea
With tourism accounting for over 8% of global carbon emissions (Nature Climate Change), and cities like Seoul facing urban sprawl and waste management challenges, sustainable hotels in South Korea are now stepping up. These eco-minded properties are pioneering everything from zero-waste operations to green rooftops, solar panels, and vegan suites — offering ethical travelers a better way to explore.
Here are the Top 15 Sustainable Hotels in South Korea that embody innovation, environmental stewardship, and unforgettable experiences.
🏨 Top 15 Sustainable Hotels in South Korea
1. Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery
📍 Seoul
Tucked along the Han River, Hotel Naru is a sleek city escape and South Korea’s first hotel with Green Key certification.
Why stay?
With solar-powered lighting, rainwater collection systems, and a rooftop herb garden supplying the on-site restaurant, Hotel Naru is the definition of mindful luxury. Guests are encouraged to rent bikes, dine on farm-to-table meals, and immerse in rotating local art exhibitions.
🔗 Website
2. Grand Walkerhill Seoul – Grand Vegan Suite
📍 Seoul
For ethical and eco-conscious travelers, this is Korea’s first fully vegan hotel suite — and a game-changer in sustainable hospitality.
Why stay?
The suite features cruelty-free bedding, zero animal-derived materials, eco-friendly toiletries, and plant-based mini-bars. Its interior design maximizes natural light and repurposed materials. The adjoining restaurant also serves a gourmet vegan menu.
🔗 Website
3. Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel
📍 Incheon
As the first LEED-certified hotel in South Korea, Sheraton Grand Incheon is the blueprint for sustainable architecture in the country.
Why stay?
It features solar-shading windows, rainwater recycling, low-flow fixtures, and green event spaces. The hotel offsets part of its energy consumption through carbon credits and frequently hosts environmental awareness seminars.
🔗 Source
4. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
📍 Seoul
Where modern elegance meets eco-ethics, Four Seasons Seoul is actively reducing its carbon footprint while supporting local communities.
Why stay?
From motion-sensor lighting and climate-controlled rooms to partnerships with organic farms, Four Seasons is focused on reducing waste, conserving water, and promoting responsible tourism.
🔗 Website
5. Lotte Hotel Seoul – Green Stay Initiative
📍 Seoul
This five-star giant runs an impressive Green Stay campaign, elevating eco-hospitality to new heights.
Why stay?
Expect eco-certified linens, solar power integration, composting programs, and full LED lighting. Guests can opt out of daily linen changes and earn points for green behavior during their stay.
🔗 Website
6. Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts
📍 Seoul
Awarded the Eco-Label by the Korean Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, Walkerhill Resorts is committed to being a low-impact luxury brand.
Why stay?
They employ smart sensors, zero single-use plastics, and electric shuttle services. Their surrounding forests are actively preserved through hotel-funded conservation efforts.
🔗 Website
7. Phoenix Island Resort – Jeju Island
📍 Seogwipo, Jeju
A landmark in green architecture, Phoenix Island was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando to blend seamlessly with nature.
Why stay?
Its villas use natural materials like basalt and timber. Green rooftops, rain gardens, and native plant landscaping protect local biodiversity and reduce heat impact.
🔗 Source
8. Conrad Seoul
📍 Yeouido, Seoul
Blending riverfront views with a commitment to ESG practices, Conrad Seoul integrates eco-awareness into its operations.
Why stay?
The hotel uses rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation, biodegradable cleaning products, and runs a corporate tree-planting campaign in Seoul’s urban parks.
🔗 Info
9. Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun
📍 Seoul
A stylish Accor property in the heart of the city, this Novotel location reflects the company’s global sustainability standards.
Why stay?
It uses low-energy HVAC systems, automated lighting, paperless check-in, and hosts eco-themed events for guests and staff. All rooms feature refillable amenities.
🔗 Website
10. Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel Yongsan
📍 Seoul
This luxury-meets-lifestyle hotel stands out for its commitment to green technology and social sustainability.
Why stay?
Solar-powered lighting, sustainable wood interiors, and staff training in green hospitality make it one of Seoul’s best eco-conscious high-end stays.
🔗 Info
11. Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam
📍 Gangnam, Seoul
An ideal business hotel with a green conscience.
Why stay?
Guests enjoy waste-free buffet services, organic coffee, and the use of locally sourced ingredients. The hotel also uses greywater for toilet flushing and roof irrigation.
🔗 More Info
12. Hotel Cappuccino
📍 Gangnam, Seoul
Touted as Seoul’s first “socially responsible hotel,” this lifestyle boutique hotel channels part of your stay into social and environmental projects.
Why stay?
Features include furniture made from upcycled materials, a bottle-free policy, and a unique “Earn a Good Coin” program where guests reduce room service to fund charity.
🔗 Source
13. Vista Walkerhill Seoul
📍 Seoul
The sleek sibling of Walkerhill, Vista integrates high-end tech with environmental mindfulness.
Why stay?
Smart lighting systems, filtered water refill stations, plant-forward menus, and a rooftop greenhouse make it ideal for tech-savvy, eco-minded guests.
🔗 Source
14. Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
📍 Myeongdong, Seoul
A wallet-friendly option for green travelers, this Ibis location focuses on waste reduction and energy savings.
Why stay?
It offers refillable soap and shampoo containers, towel re-use programs, and energy-efficient appliances throughout. Breakfast buffets use only in-season produce.
🔗 More Info
15. The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel
📍 Seoul
An iconic property recently renovated to meet Pullman’s global eco-standards.
Why stay?
Guests experience digital check-ins, sustainable in-room materials, EV charging stations, and a rooftop solar installation that powers parts of the hotel.
🔗 Source
🌿 Why This Matters: Sustainable Travel in Asia
- 💡 According to Booking.com, 80% of global travelers say they want to travel sustainably (Sustainable Travel Report 2023).
- 🌏 South Korea’s tourism emissions are rising fast; supporting sustainable stays is one way to cut your trip’s carbon impact.
- 🌱 Hotels that use green energy, local sourcing, and zero-waste practices help preserve biodiversity and support local communities.
✅ How to Be a Greener Guest
- Book certified eco-hotels via platforms like EcoHotels.com or BookDifferent
- Offset your flight through tools like IMPT.io or MyClimate.org
- Pack reusable gear: Water bottles, bamboo cutlery, reef-safe sunscreen
- Support local tours and shop at farmers’ markets instead of chains
🌸 Final Thoughts: Stay Mindfully in Korea
These sustainable hotels in South Korea are more than just places to stay — they’re part of a growing movement toward regenerative tourism. By choosing eco-conscious accommodations, you’re making an impact with every check-in, towel re-use, and plant-based meal.
So go ahead — explore Korea with purpose, rest with intention, and leave nothing behind but gratitude.
Check this Article Also: Top 15 Sustainable Hotels Near Me in Southeast Asia
