Ashley Adams
On a recent trip to Seoul, South Korea, I was able to play poker in each of the two casinos in Seoul that offer the game — the Seven Luck Casino and the Paradise Casino, Walkerhill, also called the Walkerhill Casino. After reviewing the poker room at the Seven Luck last week, today I’m sharing a review of the Walkerhill casino poker room for those traveling to Seoul.
- Location New Seoul Hotel is a hotel in a good neighborhood, which is located at Myeongdong. The hotel is located only 1.16 km away from Seoul Metro. Not only well positioned, but New Seoul Hotel is also one of hotels near the following Seoul International Finance Center within 0.16 km and Seoul City Hall within 0.21 km.
- Seven Luck Casino Millennium Seoul Hilton 24 /7 Operated by: Grand Korea Leisure Co. Ltd (GKL) With over 30,000 square feet of gaming space in its location at the Millennium Seoul Hilton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, this branch of Seven Luck Casino offers foreign visitors everything they could wish for.
- Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. 97 Saemunan-ro, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Your overall rating of this attraction ★ ★ ★ ★ ★.
Prime Hotel In Seocho, Seoul (South Korea) - Deals & Reviews. Prime Hotel In Seocho - Seoul 476563, 108008. Korea World Trade Center Complex, which comprises COEX mall, congress center, 3 Inter-continental hotels, Business tower (Asem tower), Residence hotel, Casino and City airport terminal was established in 1988 in time for the Seoul Olympics. The 2nd World trade trade center is being planned at Seoul Olympic stadium complex as MICE HUB by Seoul city.
Introducing the Paradise Casino, Walkerhill
The Paradise Casino, Walkerhill is part of the Sheraton Grande Hotel, a luxury facility with spa, health club, eight restaurants, a shopping mall, and 583 rooms spread over 17 floors. It’s located about five miles northeast of the heart of downtown atop Walkerhill, overlooking the mighty Han River in the eastern end of Seoul.
The building, visible from many miles around, is topped with glittering silver-colored frosting that glistens as you gaze up at it from the Gwangnaru subway station located at the bottom of the hill, about a mile away.
This casino’s luxurious shopping area (duty-free I was told) had all sorts of name-brand clothing, watches, bags, jewelry, and other accessories. As I walked around, buses arrived, dropping off well-heeled patrons. I don’t know if they all made their way to the casino, but I was encouraged to think that it was likely that there would be a regular flow of tourists into the gaming area.
Poker at the Walkerhill
On the Saturday afternoon that I visited the poker room in the Walkerhill, there were two tables of $1/$2 no-limit hold’em going and they started a third within 30 minutes of my arrival. By the way, with currency I am using a rough conversion here. The actual game is in Won, of course (this being Korea), and the game was structured 1,000/2,000 Won. With the Won’s recent slide, there is about 1,200 Won to the US dollar (making the game the more-cumbersome-to-report $0.83/$1.66).
For the $1/$2 game, you’ll find a $100 minimum and a $1,000 maximum buy-in. My table was the more deeply-stacked of the two that I sized up before taking a seat, with four of the players having between $700 and $1,000, a few having around $300, and a couple having stacks of roughly $100. The other table, and then the third table, had stacks averaging around $300.
I spent about four hours in the room both playing at my table and then, between hands, wandering over to the other two tables to get a sense of what their play was like. Generally speaking, the play was relatively sedate. Of course, my sample size was relatively small — just three tables on a Saturday afternoon — but even so, I witnessed no play that I would consider particularly wild or maniacal.
Players seemed mostly tight and timid, as they were at the Seven Luck Casino. Hands were generally not three-bet preflop. Large raises tended to be respected. Stack shoving seemed minimal to me. In short, it seemed a pretty relaxed place to play poker.
The rake was the same as it was at the other Seoul casino — 10% with a $15 maximum. Here, however, there was a $2 bad beat drop as well, making the full takeout as high as $17 on large pots. They also offered $1 an hour in comps.
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Food is free for players at the Walkerhill, with the same arrangement I had seen at the Seven Luck. There’s a small restaurant with an automated menu on the outside. Players order electronically, are seated, and their orders are brought to them at no charge.
But there’s a restriction at the Walkerhill I did not notice at the other poker room, what I can best describe as a “Third Man Eating” rule which dictated that only two players could be away from the table eating at any one time. There is a waiting list kept, allowing players access to food only when the second player returns to play. There is no eating at the table, and non-alcoholic beverages are served free to seated players.
I did not sample the food (I was on the waiting-to-eat list, but never called). Players described it as “decent,” “pretty good,” and “better than average.” The fact that there were five or six names of players ahead of me on the list is a fair testament to the popularity of the food.
More from the Tables
As is the case in all casinos in Korea, access is forbidden to those without a foreign passport and those under 19 years of age. I met Germans, Russians, Chinese, Americans, and Brits during my visit to the Paradise, Walkerhill. The poker language at the table was English, though players also conversed in languages I did not understand.
In spite of the high rake (or maybe because of it), the environment for playing poker is otherwise pleasant. The cards are Kems. The playing felts are firm, the chairs are comfortable, the lighting is good, and the dealers are competent. Also, the room’s management is helpful, friendly, and multi-lingual.
Just like the Seven Luck Casino, the Walkerhill also offers the same helpful option when exchanging money into and out of Won. You’re permitted to change back into your native currency all of the Won that you initially purchased (at the same rate).
The casino has a full supply of other gambling games including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, three-card poker, Tai Sai, and slots. Though the three poker tables were full when I left early on a Saturday evening, the other gaming tables were largely ignored.
Getting to and from the Walkerhill
The Paradise Casino, Walkerhill is located at 177, Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-708 South Korea. Games last all night and into the following morning, I was told. So if you go and stay late, be aware that the Seoul subway system, though extensive, safe, and extremely convenient, stops running between a little after midnight and stays shut down until about 6:00 a.m.
Though the poker room will transport you the casino Sunday through Monday, they will not give you a free ride back to your hotel. Cab rides to the heart of the city will run you about $40 (but no tipping in Korea!).
The casino runs a convenient shuttle bus to and from the subway to the casino. You can also walk the mile from the subway to the casino, though it’s all uphill, making it tough on a cold day or if you’re not in shape.
Conclusion
Overall, the Paradise Casino, Walkerhill is the nicer of the two poker rooms in Seoul, with more games, a luxurious hotel, and extensive shopping and other amenities available. There’s also a greater likelihood that you’ll be able actually to get a seat fairly quickly when you arrive.
Ashley Adams has been playing poker for 50 years and writing about it since 2000. He is the author of hundreds of articles and two books, Winning 7-Card Stud (Kensington 2003) and Winning No-Limit Hold’em (Lighthouse 2012). He is also the host of poker radio show House of Cards. See www.houseofcardsradio.com for broadcast times, stations, and podcasts.
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Casino In South Korea Seoul Near
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Seoul is always bursting with activity as South Korea's political and economic epicenter, and some of Seoul's finest expensive hotels fit any budget. Located in South Korea's northwest region, Seoul is the country's capital and home to a booming shopping scene, historic shrines, and more than 2,000-year-old religious practices.
Amazing architecture and a multitude of colorful flora and fauna make the cityscape as a good piece of jewelry. Here is a list of 10 most expensive hotels in Seoul, South Korea.
1. Seoul Shilla Hotel
Source: Beyond Blocks
Located just 2 km from the Myeongdong Cathedral in the Myeong-dong neighborhood and a 4-minute walk from a metro station, the Seoul Shilla Hotel represents the best hotel in Korea.
It showcases design, blending well with traditional patterns and style used back in the Shilla Dynasty. The hotel rooms feature city or mountain views and offer wood floors, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and access to a private lounge. The Suites also offer whirlpool tubs, saunas, and living areas.
Featuring four dining restaurants and a bar, the hotel also has a gym, a spa and a rooftop pool with a terrace. The North and South Wings is the Presidential Suite of the Shilla Hotel and is one of the most expensive suites in Seoul, i.e. US$ 8,700 per night.
2. W Hotel Walkerhill
Source: Booking.com
W hotel in Seoul is a part of the Starwood’s W Hotel chain, and it is known for its contemporary style and design. The hotel is set against the backdrop of Mt. Achasan, which is a popular destination for hiking.
The Extreme Wow Suite of W hotel Seoul is as expensive as its name. It is a 273 square meter suite and has rooms where each of them is with bright décor to match the modern and simple furniture. The Suite hosts show like fashion shows to music videos and film shoots. The Suite costs the US $ 7,100 per night.
3. Grand Hyatt Seoul
Source: Booking.com
Set in a 7-minute walk from the Hangangjin metro station, the Grand Hyatt Hotel Seoul is just 40 minute from Gyeongbokgung Palace by metro. The 5-star luxury Hyatt hotel in Seoul, South Korea, is in the landscaped gardens in Yongsan district. The hotel room comes with sitting areas, safes, sofabeds, and upgraded ones provide access to a club lounge with drinks as well.
The hotel offers seven different restaurants, 2 bars, and a deli. Other amenities include a 24-hour gym, an outdoor pool, a spa, and event space as well. The Presidential Suite in this hotel is a 325 square meter 7 room suite which shows sprawling skyline views in the city from its floor to ceiling windows on the 20th floor.
4. The Westin Chosun Hotel
Source: The Grand Tour
A 5-minute walk from the popular Myeongdong, the Westin Chosun Hotel is centrally located in Seoul and is just 4-minute walk from a metro station. The hotel is set in a bustling downtown area.
The 14th-century royal palace has rooms with city views. The hotel has a five different restaurant which includes Cantonese and Italian restaurants and a bar.
The hotel also features an indoor pool, a sauna and a gym with floor to ceiling windows. The Presidential Suite in the Westin Chosun Hotel costs from US$ 5,300 to US$ 7,077 per night.
5. Park Hyatt Seoul
Source: Jane Tour
The Park Hyatt Seoul is located just next to the Samseong subway station, in the Gangnam financial district and is just a block from the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center. The hotel rooms feature floor to ceiling windows and offer bathrooms that feature soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads.
The hotel’s dining options include a restaurant that specializes in grilled meat and seafood, a Japanese one and a Korean lounge. The hotel also has a spa, a gym, and an indoor infinity pool. The Presidential Suite at this Gangnam hotel costs from USD 4,935 per night.
6. Sheraton Seoul Palace Hotel
Casino In South Korea Seoul
Source: Booking.com
Situated in central Seoul, south of Han River and just a 5-minute walk from Express Bus Terminal, the Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel is set just 2 km from Banpo Bridge.
The hotel rooms offer minibars, flat-screen TVs, and room service 24 hours. The hotel has three different restaurants, a café, and a lounge. Featuring amenities like a spa, a gym, a sauna, and an indoor pool, the hotel has a Palace Suite which is 45 square meter and the largest one in the hotel.
7. The Plaza Hotel
Source: Hotelier Middle East
In the heart of Seoul near Seoul City Hall Station, the Plaza Hotel is located. It is just a 27-minute bus ride from the 14th century Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The hotel rooms feature free Wi-Fi, minifridges, and living areas. Home to 4 different restaurants, a bakery, and a lounge, the hotel also has a gym, an indoor pool, and a spa.
The Royal Suite at the Plaza, which is 330 square meter and features rain forest shower in the master bath. The Suite has in-room sauna and fireplace. The Royal Suite costs the US $ 6,054 per night.
8. Lotte Hotel
Source: Booking.com
The Lotte Hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the Euljiro 1-ga subway station and 15 minutes from Dongdaemun Market by subway. The hotel features different dining options such as Continental, Korean, Japanese, and other and five different restaurants, 2 bars, and a bakery.
The hotel also has a spa, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. The Royal Suite at the Lotte Hotel is a 460 square meter suite which is very big and comes with a bathroom which is like a mini Jjimjilbang.
It also features a personal dry, sauna and whirlpool Jacuzzi. The Royal Suite is also one of the most expensive ones in Seoul as it costs the US $ 12,384 per night.
9. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Source: Four Seasons
The stylish five stars Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is located in the vibrant Gwanghwamun district and is just a 2-minute walk from a metro station and 15-minute bus ride from the Myeong dong shopping district.
The hotel rooms feature floor to ceiling windows and views of the city. The hotel offers multiple restaurants and bars, which includes a Tokyo style sushi bar, Cantonese cuisine, and an Italian restaurant. Featuring a gym, spa DNA three indoor pools, the hotel also has a business center and meeting facilities.
10. JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
Source: Hotelopia
Centrally Located in Gangnam district, above Shinsegae Department Store and Seoul Express Bus Terminal, The JW Marriott Hotel Seoul features rooms with city or river views, marble bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, sitting areas and minibars.
The Suites here provide whirlpool tubs and private lounge access. The JW Marriott Hotel features upscale dining and two sleek bars. Other Amenities of the hotel include a spa, a gym, an indoor pool, and a business center.