Need help finding where to stay in Seoul? Seoul is South Korea’s capital city and a microcosm of everything Korean and international.
Very small for a capital city and distinctly separated into districts. There’s so much to do in the city, but it is a true haven if you like shopping and eating delicious street food.
The main museum and cultural area of Insadong is based in the north where you’ll find countless museums, traditional buildings, and teahouses, and its opposite, the glitzy Gangnam full of shopping, international dining, and cocktails, is based in the south.
Everything in Korea is about convenience, and with a significant expat community, is geared towards English speakers more than neighbouring China and Japan.
This article is a complete guide to help you find the best places to stay in Seoul during your South Korea trip.
Table of Contents
- Seoul Neighbourhoods
- Where To Stay In Seoul
- Top 5 Best Hotels to Stay in Seoul
- Hongdae
- Stay In Hongdae for nightlife and shopping
- Where To Stay In Hongdae
- Myeongdong
- Stay In Myeongdong for Street Food & Shopping
- Where to stay in Myeongdong
- Insadong
- Stay In Insadong for Culture & Traditional Food
- Where to stay in Insadong
- Gangnam
- Stay In Gangnam for shopping & nightlife
- Where to Stay in Gangnam
- Itaewon
- Stay In Itaewon for International Food & Nightlife
- Where To Stay In Itaewon
- Jamsil
- Stay In Jamsil for Entertainment & Shopping
- Where to stay in Jamsil
- Arrival & Getting around Seoul
- Frequently Asked Questions
Seoul Neighbourhoods
- Hongdae is a youthful and lively neighbourhood, known for its bohemian vibe, vibrant nightlife, indie music scene, and restaurants and cafés. You will find a variety of unique shops selling everything from handmade crafts to vintage clothing.
- Myeongdong is a vibrant shopping neighbourhood located in the heart of Seoul. It’s the best area to stay in for first time visitors. Most major landmarks are within walking distance. Wide selection of restaurants serving traditional Korean cuisine to international dishes. Countless shopping streets and department stores.
- Insadong is a historic neighbourhood located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace. It’s a culture and arts centre with numerous art galleries, antique shops, traditional teahouses, and restaurants serving authentic Korean cuisine. Insadong Street is one of the most popular shopping streets in Seoul.
- Gangnam is located in the southern part of Seoul, made famous by the hit song “Gangnam Style”. Gangnam is a wealthy neighbourhood with high-end shopping and explosive nightlife. During the day, enjoy historical sites, parks, and museums.
- Itaewon is the multicultural neighbourhood in Seoul with an extensive expat community and a lively nightlife scene. There are many international restaurants, bars, and shops. Great location if you are staying in Seoul long term.
- Jamsil is a relatively small neighbourhood right next door to Gangnam, known for the Lotte World amusement park, many shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. It is easily accessible by public transportation and is a popular destination for locals and tourists.
| ❤️ Best Area for first-timers: | Myeongdong |
| 💎 Best luxury 5* hotel: | Four Seasons |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | voco Seoul Gangnam |
| 🛏️ Best budget hotel: | Hotel Firststay Myeongdong |
Where To Stay In Seoul
When picking a place to stay in Seoul, consider whether you want to be based north of the river or south of the river. The north is the more authentic half of the city and the south is the richer, glitzier half. It can take over forty minutes to get from one to the other by subway.
We recommend Myeongdong area to stay in Seoul for first time visitors. Plenty of hotels, lots of street food, easy access to other parts of the city. It’s a great location for if you are new to Seoul.
The city centre of Seoul is the south of Jung Gu and the west parts of Dongdaemun Gu. The Gyeongbokgung Palance in the north and the Cultural Station Seoul in the south mark the edges of the city cenre.
Luckily, Seoul is an easy city to get around with an affordable public transport system that ranges from the well-timed subway that stays open late to the easy-to-use bus system, and affordable taxis that you can just flag down. Just pay for them all with your t-money card that you can pick up from any subway station for three dollars. It’s all good to know for when you plan your Seoul itinerary.
Transportation is great all around South Korea, which means you can always take a day trip from Seoul to several nearby cities, to see, for example, the gorgeous temples in Busan.
Top 5 Best Hotels to Stay in Seoul
Out of the top-tier luxury hotels, Four Seasons and Signiel stood out as the best. I ultimately chose Four Seasons due to its proximity to major attractions and its outstanding customer reviews.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a luxurious 5-star hotel with modern, stylish rooms and stunning city views, 5 in-house dining options, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. It is within walking distance to popular tourist attractions like Gwanghwamun Square, Insadong Street, and Jogyesa Buddhist Temple.
I’ve picked Mercure Ambassador Seoul in Hongdae as our recommended 4-star hotel because it’s affordable, starting at around $100/night, and it’s just 5 mins from the famous Hongdae Shopping Street packed with restaurants and shops.
Another great 4-start hotel I am happy to recommend is the Pacific Hotel. It’s right next to the Myeongdong Subway Station, so you have good connections to many parts of Seoul. The vibrant Myeongdong night market is across the street, serving street food until late at night.
Located slightly farther from the bustling central location of Skypark Dongdaemun, my budget-friendly accommodation recommendation is a great option starting at $70 per night. Only a 10-minute walk from the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Subway Station, you will have access to all three subway lines and convenient transportation to other areas of Seoul.
For families, the Best Western Premier Hotel in Gangnam is probably the best choice. The rooms are larger than in most hotels (pick the Deluxe Twin Room) and the prices are very friendly, starting around $92/night. You are in the middle of Gangnam with many restaurants around. Family-friendly attractions are nearby.
If you are after an affordable and lively place to stay in Seoul, I recommend The One Hostel in Hongdae. With beds starting at just $17/night, this hostel is conveniently located in the heart of the bustling Hongdae area, surrounded by local restaurants and shops. The rooms offer free WiFi, air-conditioning, personal lockers, and shared lounge and laundry facilities.
Hongdae
Stay In Hongdae for nightlife and shopping
Sort of the new, unofficial centre of Seoul, everything happens in Hongdae from the best shopping to the best bars and local restaurants. Street performers lining the main street and there are seating areas everywhere. There are lots of things to do here.
Find everything from chain shops and boutiques to small market stalls selling cutesy phone cases and novelty socks (a big thing in Korea).
All the fun museums are in Hongdae, like the Trick Eye Museum and Love Museum as well as many of the animal cafés like the Meerkat Café and Sheep Café.
K-beauty is a big deal, so prepare for all the county’s skincare shops luring you in with free face masks.
Hongdae has the city’s biggest nightlife hub outside of Gangnam (which tends to market its nightlife towards an older crowd) so if you like to party and love everything about modern Korean culture, you’ll love it here.
There’s also plenty of budget to mid-range accommodation in this area, since it’s geared to a younger crowd.
You should avoid Hongdae because it’s incredibly busy, – there’s actually a meme about how busy Hongdae is, and it’s true to life. There’s no time of the day or night where the crowds die down, and you can feel like a sheep filtering through the narrow streets.
If you’re in Korea to drink, this would be a great hub, but if not, it’s probably worth basing yourself outside this area and just popping in on the very fast subway.
There’s also less high-end hotels and fine dining due to the large student crowd and a little far from the areas south of the river (like Gangnam).
Where To Stay In Hongdae
L7 Hongdae by LOTTE is the high-end option in Hongdae. Rooms are spacious, offering the usual amenities like a kettle, a fridge, a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Facilities include a restaurant, a fitness centre and a bar. The location is great, other parts of Seoul are easily reachable via subway.
9 Brick Hotel is a nice 3-star hotel with large, elegant rooms. Each room features city views, a flat-screen TV, desk, sofa, fridge and air conditioning. The hotel has a restaurant with outdoor seating and a bar. Conveniently located just minutes walk from Hongdae Shopping Street.
Daol Guesthouse is in a great location, just a 3-minute walk from Hongik University Station. Rooms are larger than in most hotels in Seoul. The usual amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, and rooftop terrace make it a great choice for a comfortable stay in Seoul.
Myeongdong
Stay In Myeongdong for Street Food & Shopping
Myeongdong is very similar to Hongdae, but better, with less nightlife scene and crowds. There are a lot more restaurants here and most of the most famous and international chains (shopping and restaurants) can be found here.
Myeongdong is the best district to stay in Seoul.
There’s a much bigger street food scene in Myeongdong with a whole street lined with stalls. You can try everything from fried steak to strawberry mochi, tteokbokki (rice cakes in spicy sauce), to fresh juices and shakes.
You’ll also find a high proportion of massage parlours at reasonable prices. There’s a big skincare scene here too, with shops selling a wide range of Korean and internation beauty products.
Love K-pop? You will find many K-Pop themed shops here. Check out Music Korea and pick up the latest and best of K-Pop.
Myeongdong has the most hotels in Seoul, so you will have an easy time picking the one you like. The options range from budget accommodations to modern, luxury hotels, and it’s in a good location for travelling elsewhere in the city.
Euljiro is the nearest subway station, connecting you to other Seoul neighbourhoods via subway line 2.
Where to stay in Myeongdong
Hotel Lotte is a 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul with easy access to public transport and shopping. The hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms, and amenities such as a fitness centre, spa, indoor swimming pool, and sauna. The on site restaurants feature variety of cuisines including French, Italian, Chinese and local specialties. Located near Namdaemun Gate and Namdaemun street market, making it a great base for sightseeing and enjoying the local dining and nightlife.
Located in the Namdaemun area of Myeongdong, Hotel Gracery Seoul is close to popular tourist destinations like the Myeongdong shopping street, the Namsangol Hanok Village, and the N Seoul Tower. The rooms are really bright, spacious, and comfortable, and equipped with all modern amenities you might need. The on-site restaurant offers a buffet breakfast and serves a variety of local dishes in the evening.
At the time of writing, this newly finished 3-star hotel is running some seriously good deals. Rooms start at just $58/night at New Seoul Hotel. The modern rooms are well-equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The hotel also offers guest services such as laundry, dry cleaning, and translation services. Its location makes it easy to access business and shopping districts, as well as popular tourist attractions like Deoksugung Palace and Insadong.
Insadong
Stay In Insadong for Culture & Traditional Food
There’s not a lot of old Korea culture left to see in the hyper-modern Seoul. If that’s what you’re looking for, then this is your area. Insadong is a smaller neighbourhood, part of Jongno-Gu district, and is inside the Seoul city center area.
You’ll find the gorgeous, traditional Korean houses in the Hanok Villages and plenty of hanbok (traditional Korean wear) rental shops to take pictures in the village.
Look for Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseondong Hanok Village and Seochon Hanok Village all within 10 mins subway ride from each other. The main metro station is Jonggak, connecting line 1 and 3.
There are tea houses, museums, handmade goods stores, and beautiful cafes. The food is generally more traditional, so you’ll be able to try the classic dishes here like bibimbap and kimchi jjigae.
There’s a wide range of accommodation, and prices for food and drink are typically mid-range.
There’s an excellent market full of boutique shops and souvenir shops. This is where you can buy all of your souvenirs and try temple food.
If you’d like to be based in the glitzier parts of Seoul, then this is very far removed from that. It’s a quiet area with little to no nightlife but is very busy with tourists and mostly geared towards tourism.
There isn’t a huge range of accommodation in this area, so it’s worth booking early. It’s also a long journey south, so it’s not ideal if you’re hoping to spend a lot of time south of the river, but ideally located if you’re spending most of your time north of the river.
Where to stay in Insadong
Centrally located in Orakai, Insadong Suites offers spacious self-catering apartments with a well-equipped kitchenette. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and sauna. Jogyesa Temple is just 10 mins away. The place is surrounded by various restaurants and traditional teahouses.
If you’re looking for a comfortable but affordable stay in Seoul, Sunbee Hotel is a great choice. The spacious rooms are decorated in neutral colours and come with a fridge, and a flat-screen TV. The hotel is just a short walk from Jonggak Subway Station and close to popular attractions such as Jongmyo Shrine, Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Grid Inn Hotel is conveniently located right in the middle of the Insadong area. The most important attractions are just a short walk away and restaurants, cafés and street food are abundant. The rooms are well sized, and I recommend booking the double room for that extra space. One night costs about $68, and it’s well worth it. All rooms are soundproofed and come with private bathroom.
Gangnam
Stay In Gangnam for shopping & nightlife
This is the richest pocket of Seoul and where locals aspire to live. Made famous by Psy, his song satirizing the local rich people, Gangnam is one of the best places to stay in Seoul. Gangnam makes a great base since everything is here, from budget restaurants to fine dining, and is a shopper’s paradise. Most rich people and Korean celebrities stay in Gangnam, close to the Coes Aquarium area, as that’s where all the five-star hotels are.
The backstreets are dotted with boutiques and cafes. The main street has all the international and local chains, including flagship skincare stores that offer services like custom skin tests and personalized make-up.
Stay in Gangnam for the great nightlife. The scene includes the famous Club Octagon and plenty of hotel bars with a great view over the Seoul skyline.
Gangnam is on the main subway line 2, so it’s easy to get to most places around the city from here.
It’s one of the priciest areas of Seoul, so the accommodation options are mid-range to luxury and most of the dining and drinking options are expensive, with no street-food in sight.
You can find some budget restaurants and bars, but overall expect to spend a lot more money in Gangnam.
Where to Stay in Gangnam
Novotel Ambassador in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a great choice for travellers looking for a modern and comfortable stay close to popular attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The hotel boasts an indoor heated pool and golf practice facilities, as well as a well-equipped fitness club with personal trainers available. The rooms are spacious and come with all the necessary amenities. The hotel has several dining options, including Korean, Japanese and international cuisine, as well as bars for drinks. The hotel’s location near Sinnonhyeon Subway Station makes it convenient for exploring the city.
Peyto Samseong is a 3-star hotel offing lovely rooms with private bathrooms, bathrobes and free toiletries. I recommend the Urban Double Room that’s larger but only cost about $10 more than the standard room. The location of the hotel is excellent. The “Gangnam Style” statue is a short 10 mins walk away. For shopping, you don’t have to go far. The COEX Mall is literary next door featuring a wide range of stores and the COEX Aquarium.
I highly recommend this gem for your stay. With rooms starting at just $70 per night, it’s a steal. Located right in the heart of Gangnam, it’s the perfect location for exploring the city. Although the rooms are a bit small, that’s to be expected from a budget Japanese hotel. All the usual amenities are included, and for the best views, be sure to ask for a room on a higher floor.
Itaewon
Stay In Itaewon for International Food & Nightlife
Itaewon is a multicultural area of Seoul that used to be a military hub. There are many Western restaurants and bars, and excellent Middle-Eastern restaurants and food shops here.
Most expats live in this area and English is often spoken. As you can imagine, the places here are geared towards the expats. Itaewon is the place to stay in Korea if you are after culture and art.
There are some lovely cafes, art galleries, a big nightlife scene. As a bonus, you’re very close to Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) and museums like Seodaemun Prison, so there’s plenty to do.
The hotels in Itaewon range from cheap hotels to luxury accommodations. The metro stations are well-connected to other parts of the city. Travel time to the south side of Seoul is about 30 minutes on line 2 from the Itaewon Metro Station.
If you’re looking for any kind of authentic Korean lifestyle, you won’t find it here, it is dubbed “Little America” for a reason. That being said, it does provide some excellent home comforts for people who are there a bit longer or would like some familiarity.
The nightlife scene is a bit rowdy, geared towards people who like tp party. Itaewon has more of a pub scene than a cocktail bar scene, and it can get very loud at night, so maybe pick somewhere off the main street if you’re staying in this area.
Where To Stay In Itaewon
Hamilton Hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms equipped with TV, a minibar, and en suite bathrooms with hot shower facilities. In addition, guests can enjoy a seasonal rooftop pool, a large sauna, a gym, a business centre, and 24-hour front desk services. This 4-star hotel’s main restaurant offers Korean, Western, and Chinese dishes. Free parking is available, and the hotel is conveniently located near many Muslim eateries. Namsan Park and shopping at Myeongdong are also within easy reach.
I recommend the Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel located in the trendy Itaewon District. The hotel boasts ultra-modern rooms with artistic murals, and cool mirrors. The location is convenient, just a 3-minute walk from Itaewon Station. The War Memorial of Korea, the N Seoul Tower, the Seoul Central Mosque, and the Leeum Museum of Art all within walking distance – if you like to walk everywhere like us. Otherwise, just take the subway like normal people.
Pick from private or dormitory-style rooms in G Guesthouse Itaewon. Complimentary breakfast is served in the shared kitchen and dining area. Good vibes are guaranteed as the guesthouse is located in the middle of Seoul’s largest international community. Itaewon Subway Station is a next door, providing easy access to all the other parts of Seoul. But, why go? Itaewon provides all that you might need, including great traditional and international food, bars, shops and vibrant nightlife. Just kidding! Go and explore!
Jamsil
Stay In Jamsil for Entertainment & Shopping
If you love shopping, Jamsil is the best area to stay in Seoul because you’re right next to the biggest mall in Korea – Lotte World Tower. Inside, you’ll find a large cinema showing all the international films in English with Korean subtitles.
There’s also a whole floor dedicated to skincare with facials, massages, and dermatologists and the Sky Tower offers a magnificent view over the city.
There’s a huge range of restaurants and cafés, both local and international cuisine, and all the shopping you could need.
It’s a quiet area with wide open spaces geared towards families, and the accommodation tends to be mid-range to luxury hotels with spacious rooms.
You’re also in a perfect location to explore the north and south of the city, as you’re very central.
Jamsil is all about the mall, and there isn’t much else going on. If you just want a quiet hub with one of the world’s biggest malls next to you, then it’s ideal. Otherwise, if you want your area to have a bit more going on, then you may want to consider somewhere else. The accommodation around here tends to be expensive due to the ideal location and nearby facilities.
Where to stay in Jamsil
Signiel Seoul is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the Lotte World Tower with stunning panoramic views of Seoul. The hotel offers guests a range of amenities, including a champagne bar, indoor pool, fitness centre. The rooms are spacious and come fully equipped with a minibar, fridge, and flat-screen TV. The hotel also boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants offering Korean and French cuisine. Signiel Seoul’s location is convenient, being directly connected to Jamsil Subway Station via an underground passage, and is close to popular attractions like Lotte World Magic Island and Songpa Naru Park..
This hotel is located just a few minutes from the Seok Chon Lake Park and Lotte World Magic Island. Rooms are very well prices, 1 night costs about $90. The double rooms are very spacious and well-equipped with a fridge, a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub, free toiletries, bathrobes, and a hairdryer. There is also an on-site restaurant..
Hotel Pharos offers rooms for a very affordable price. A little further away from the main attraction but connected with good public transport links. The Soundproofed rooms are very generously sized and come with all the usual amenities. The hotel features an in-house restaurant. Some suites come with a private pool.
Arrival & Getting around Seoul
As you have probably figured by now, Seoul is a huge, bustling metropolis. Luckily, the city has an extensive and very efficient public transport system to help you get from one place to another.
From Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station (city centre):
- Airport Railroad Express (recommended): The AREX is a fast and convenient train that runs directly from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station. The journey takes about 43 minutes, and trains run every 25-40 minutes. You can purchase tickets at the airport or online. While at the airport, don’t forget to pick up your travel card called “T-money”.
- Airport Limousine Bus: The alternative option for budget travellers that takes you directly from the airport to various locations in Seoul, including major hotels and tourist attractions. The fare depends on the destination, but it generally ranges from 10,000 to 16,000 won, ($8-$13). You can buy tickets at the airport, but I recommend that you book them online in advance.
These are the most common ways to get around Seoul:
- Subways: Seoul has one of the most extensive subway networks in the world, consisting of 18 lines that connect all parts of the city. The subway system is easy to use, and signs and announcements are available in English. The fare is calculated based on the distance travelled, and it is relatively cheap. By your ticket or “T-money card” on arrival at the airport from the many vending machines.
- Buses: Seoul has a comprehensive bus network that covers almost every corner of the city. There are different types of buses, including regular buses, express buses, and airport buses. The fare is very affordable. In most cases, you will want to buy your ticket in advance or have your card ready. You can’t buy tickets from the driver.
- Bikes: Seoul has a bike-sharing system called “Ttareungyi,” which allows you to rent a bike from one of the many stations located throughout the city. The rental fee is cheap, and you can return the bike to any of the stations.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Seoul and are fairly cheap compared to other major cities around the world (looking at you London). That said, I would not recommend them. Instead, hop on the subway to get to your destination faster and cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area is the best to stay in Seoul?
Myeongdong neighbourhood is the best places to stay in Seoul. Most attractions are within walking distance, lots of street food at the night markets, easy access to other parts of the city via subway.
Is it better to stay in Hongdae or Myeongdong?
We recommend Myeongdong over Hongdae for most tourists because it’s close to important attractions, good street food and has excellent connections to the rest of the city. Hongdae is great for museums, nightlife, and shopping.
What is the safest district in Seoul?
Seoul is a generally safe city, and there are several districts that are considered safe for both locals and tourists.
The safest districts in Seoul include:
Gangnam-gu: Known for its upscale neighbourhoods and commercial districts, Gangnam-gu is considered one of the safest areas in Seoul. We had no issues walking late at night. Most streets were empty, so if you are alone, it might look a bit scary.
Seocho-gu: Located in the southern part of Seoul, right next door to Gangnam, Seocho-gu is a popular residential area that is known for its safety, cleanliness, and low crime rate.
That said, you should still exercise caution and take standard safety precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Is Seoul a walkable city?
Seoul is a large and bustling city with many walkable areas. The most popular neighbourhoods you will want to stay in are walkable. The streets are usually separated by busy roads that you can cross underground.
The most walkable areas in Seoul include:
Myeong-dong: a popular shopping district with pedestrian-only streets and lots of shops and restaurants.
Insadong: a neighbourhood known for its traditional Korean culture, with narrow streets that are ideal for exploring on foot.
Bukchon Hanok Village: a traditional Korean village that can be explored on foot. All Hanok villages are pedestrian-friendly.
Cheonggyecheon: a public park built along a restored stream that runs through the heart of Seoul. It takes about 2 hours to walk the whole length of the stream.
What is considered the centre of Seoul?
The centre of Seoul is generally considered to be the area around the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is located in the Jongno-gu district. This area is also known as the “central business district” (CBD) of Seoul and is home to many government offices, corporate headquarters, and financial institutions.
Other popular landmarks are also nearby, like the Myeong-dong shopping district, the Namsan Tower, and the Namdaemun Market.
Why is Myeongdong famous?
Myeongdong is a popular shopping district located in the heart of Seoul. It is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, lively street food scene, and numerous shopping options, including luxury brands, local boutiques, and traditional Korean stores.
Shopping: Myeongdong is known for its extensive shops, ranging from high-end luxury stores to affordable street markets. Visitors can find anything from cosmetics, clothing, accessories, to souvenirs.
Street Food: Myeongdong is also well-known for its street food scene, offering a wide variety of Korean delicacies such as Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean BBQ, Korean-style hot dogs, and many more.
Entertainment: Myeongdong is a lively and energetic place where you can enjoy many types of entertainment like street performances, live music, and dance shows.
Easy access: Myeongdong is easily accessible through public transportation and is located in close to popular tourist attractions such as Namsan Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Insadong.
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