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Looking for an ocean-view hotel in Gangneung, an easy 2-hour KTX ride from Seoul? Shilla Monogram Gangneung is one of the East Sea coast’s most talked-about new hotels — and a strong pick for where to stay in Gangneung. Almost every room faces the sea, there is an outdoor infinity pool, a bakery-forward breakfast and a full kids’ floor. Here is a complete first-hand guide covering the rooms, dining, pools and facilities.
The property is split into a Hotel wing and a Residence wing. Pools and facilities differ by wing, so check which one you are booking (and note the pools cannot be cross-used).
What is Shilla Monogram? (The Shilla brand & tier)
Shilla Monogram is the lifestyle hotel brand of Hotel Shilla, Korea’s leading luxury hospitality group (founded 1979, a Samsung affiliate and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World). The line-up runs The Shilla (top luxury) → Shilla Monogram (premium lifestyle) → Shilla Stay (business select). Monogram is the middle, design-led “premium lifestyle” tier — more relaxed than the formal luxury of The Shilla. The first Shilla Monogram opened in Danang, Vietnam; Gangneung is the brand’s Korea property, pairing Shilla’s service and bakery quality with a laid-back resort feel.
Location & how to get there
The hotel sits right on Haean-ro facing the East Sea in Gangneung — a city known for its beaches and surf, its famous coffee scene, sunrise at Jeongdongjin, and as a host city of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
1. From Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station, take the KTX to Gangneung Station (about 2 hours, ~KRW 27,000 / ~USD 20).
2. From Gangneung Station it is a 15–20 min taxi (8–9 km) to the hotel (the Kakao T app is handy).
3. Intercity buses from Seoul also run (~2 hr 40 min).
🚘 By car: free valet/self parking (1 car per room). 🕐 Check-in 3 PM / Check-out 11 AM (front desk on the 2nd floor).
The rooms — full ocean views
Nearly every room in the hotel wing is a full ocean-view room. Open the curtains and the blue East Sea fills the window, with a strip of pine forest in front — a “half-forest, half-sea” view. Floors are warm wood (great for kids barefoot), and family rooms (one queen + one single) are ideal with little ones. A bed guard is available on request.
Step onto the balcony for an open sea view — and the sunrise is the room’s highlight. You can also look down onto the outdoor infinity pool from the room and balcony.
Bathroom & minibar
The bathroom has a tub with a blind you can raise for a sea-view soak, plus a separate shower and toilet. The minibar is complimentary (once) — Nespresso, SodaStream, water, soft drinks, beer and snacks. Note: toothbrush and toothpaste are not provided (eco policy), so bring your own.
Dining — Dining M (breakfast & dinner buffet)
Breakfast is not the largest spread, but — true to Shilla — the bakery and desserts are excellent and varied, with a popular soufflé pancake and Mont Blanc. There are live stations, hot dishes, Korean options, porridge and baby plates.
Dinner is also served buffet-style at Dining M — tenderloin steak, LA galbi and lamb chops, plus snow crab, sashimi and sushi. It leans “quality over quantity,” with meat, crab and dessert as the strengths.
Breakfast in sessions (1st 6:30–8:00 / 2nd 8:30–10:30), ~KRW 58,000/adult.
Dinner 6:00–9:30 PM, KRW 120,000/adult and 65,000/child (free under 37 months), 5% discount for hotel guests; reserve by phone or CatchTable.
Pools — Hotel vs. Residence
There are two separate pool areas — the Hotel wing and the Residence wing. You can only use the pool for your own building (no cross-use).
Hotel pool (indoor ocean view + outdoor infinity)
An indoor pool with sea-view windows, and an outdoor infinity pool that opens onto sky, forest and the city skyline. It skews couples and adults, so it is calm and relaxed. At the poolside bar I ordered the jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) — it came with rice and was easily enough for two.
Residence pool (big-screen outdoor pool)
The Residence pool’s signature is a giant LED screen playing a waterfall video — a fun, festival-like backdrop (a screen, not a real waterfall). With a main pool, family pool, kids’ pool, jacuzzi and cabanas, it is the more kid-friendly (and busier) choice.
Not included in the room rate (book a pool package or pay on site), reserved via CatchTable, four daily sessions (7 AM–11 PM). Swim caps are not required. 50 min swim + 10 min break; sauna included; free kids’ life vests. Seasonal rates: adult KRW 20,000–30,000 / child 10,000–15,000 (free under 37 months); small discount if you skip the locker.
For kids — Little Monogram
Little Monogram is an indoor kids’ zone with a ball pit, slide and a reading/coloring nook — great whatever the weather. The lobby’s Shilla signature giant teddy bear is also a favorite photo spot.
Fitness center (ocean-view gym)
A bright gym with sea and city views through floor-to-ceiling windows, fully equipped with Technogym machines and separate cardio and weight zones. Enter with your room key.
Quick facts — rates & operations
- Check-in/out: 3 PM / 11 AM · free parking (1 car/room)
- Minibar: complimentary once · no toothbrush/toothpaste
- Breakfast ~KRW 58,000/adult · Dinner KRW 120,000/adult (5% guest discount)
- Pool KRW 20,000–30,000/adult by season · no swim cap required · no hotel/residence cross-use
- Gym room-key access, Technogym
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Shilla Monogram Gangneung from Seoul?
Take the KTX from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni to Gangneung Station (about 2 hours), then a 15–20 minute taxi to the hotel.
Is the swimming pool free?
No. The pool is not included in the room rate — book a pool package or pay on site, and reserve a time slot via CatchTable.
Do I have to wear a swim cap?
No, swim caps and hats are not required.
Can I use both the hotel and residence pools?
No. There is no cross-use — you can only use the pool for the building you are staying in.
Is it good for families with babies?
Yes. Bed guards, baby plates, an indoor kids’ zone and free children’s life vests make it very family-friendly.
Written by WY, a Seoul-based local sharing honest, first-hand guides to Korea. Nothing here is sponsored; I go and pay my own way. More about me →