Where to Stay in Seoul – Annyeonghaseyo! After spending countless weeks exploring Seoul’s diverse neighborhoods and testing dozens of hotels (yes, my wallet still hasn’t forgiven me!), I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find your perfect base in the city. I’ll never forget my first trip to Seoul when I booked a hotel in Gangnam, thinking it was “the” place to be – only to spend hours on the subway trying to reach the palace districts!
Here’s what makes this guide different: instead of just listing neighbourhoods, I’ll share actual hotels I’ve either stayed at or thoroughly researched, complete with real addresses and insider tips. Plus, I’ll tell you exactly who each area is perfect for – because let’s face it, your party-loving friend’s favourite neighbourhood might be your worst nightmare!
Find Awesome stays
Wondering where to do stay during your Trip? Explore a range of hotels luxury, mid-range to budget friendly!
Things to do
What to do during your holiday? A range of activities from solo to family friendly to group activities!
Myeongdong: Shopping Paradise & Tourist Hub
Perfect for: First-time visitors, shopping enthusiasts, and food lovers
When I first stayed in Myeongdong, I was blown away by how central everything was. This neighborhood is essentially Seoul’s Times Square – buzzing with energy and conveniently located for tourist activities.
Recommended Hotels:
- Luxury: Lotte Hotel Seoul Main Address: 30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Their executive lounge has the best city views, and you’re literally steps from the shopping district Price Range: $250-400/night
- Mid-Range: Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2 Address: 28 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Brand new facilities and an incredible breakfast spread Price Range: $150-200/night
- Budget: Myeongdong Rooftop Hostel Address: 7 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Why I love it: The rooftop common area is perfect for meeting other travelers Price Range: $30-50/night
Local Tips:
- Head to the street food stalls after 6 PM when they really come alive
- Use exit 6 of Myeongdong Station for easiest hotel access
- Most shops open around 11 AM and close by 10 PM
Hongdae: Youth Culture & Nightlife Scene
Perfect for: Young travelers, night owls, and K-pop fans
Hongdae was my go-to neighborhood when I was researching Seoul’s music scene. The energy here is absolutely electric, especially on weekends!
Recommended Hotels:
- Luxury: L7 Hongdae by LOTTE Address: 141 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Soundproofed rooms (trust me, you’ll appreciate this in Hongdae!) Price Range: $200-300/night
- Mid-Range: Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae Address: 464 Gonghang-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Direct connection to Hongik University Station Price Range: $130-180/night
- Budget: Common Ground Hostel Address: 20 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Amazing common kitchen and weekly K-pop dance classes Price Range: $25-40/night
Local Tips:
- Street performers are best on Saturday afternoons
- The area around exits 8 and 9 of Hongik University Station is prime for nightlife
- Free walking tours start at exit 4 every morning
Gangnam: Luxury & Modern Seoul
Perfect for: Luxury travelers, business visitors, and K-pop fans
Gangnam isn’t just a song – it’s Seoul’s most prestigious district, and staying here feels like living in the future!
Recommended Hotels:
- Ultra Luxury: Park Hyatt Seoul Address: 606 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Why I love it: The indoor pool with city views is incredible Price Range: $400-600/night
- Luxury: Le Meridien Seoul Address: 120 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Walking distance to COEX and amazing spa facilities Price Range: $300-400/night
- Mid-Range: Glad Live Gangnam Address: 16 Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Trendy design and great rooftop bar Price Range: $180-250/night
Local Tips:
- Book restaurants in advance – the best spots fill up quickly
- Use the underground shopping centers during rainy season
- Take exit 11 at Gangnam Station for the famous street from the music video
Insadong & Bukchon: Traditional Korean Experience
Perfect for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers, and history buffs
This is where you’ll find the Seoul of your dreams – traditional hanok houses, winding alleys, and the most photogenic spots in the city.
Recommended Hotels:
- Traditional: Raon Hanok Guesthouse Address: 26 Samil-daero 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Authentic hanok experience with modern bathrooms Price Range: $100-150/night
- Boutique: Sina Suites Address: 40 Samil-daero 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern comfort Price Range: $150-200/night
- Mid-Range: Makers Hotel Address: 137 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Roof terrace with palace views Price Range: $120-170/night
Local Tips:
- Book hanok stays at least 3 months in advance
- Visit Bukchon early morning for photos without crowds
- Many traditional houses require you to remove shoes
Itaewon & Yongsan: International Vibes
Perfect for: Foreign travelers, food enthusiasts, and nightlife lovers
Having spent countless evenings exploring Itaewon’s restaurant scene, I can tell you this area has completely transformed in recent years.
Recommended Hotels:
- Luxury: Grand Hyatt Seoul Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Best views of Namsan Tower and the city Price Range: $300-450/night
- Mid-Range: Hamilton Hotel Address: 179 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Historic hotel with perfect location Price Range: $150-200/night
- Boutique: Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel Address: 737-32 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Quiet location but walking distance to action Price Range: $120-170/night
Local Tips:
- Best global restaurants are in the alleys behind Hamilton Hotel
- Namsan cable car station is a 15-minute walk
- The area is very hilly – check hotel location carefully
Dongdaemun: Shopping & Design Quarter
Perfect for: Fashion enthusiasts, night shoppers, and architecture fans
I love bringing fashion-forward friends to Dongdaemun – their jaws always drop at the 24-hour shopping scene!
Recommended Hotels:
- Luxury: JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Address: 279 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Amazing views of DDP and rooftop bar Price Range: $250-350/night
- Mid-Range: Ramada by Wyndham DDP Address: 359 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Direct access to shopping areas Price Range: $130-180/night
- Budget: Ekonomy Hotel Dongdaemun Address: 280 Nagwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Perfect for late-night shoppers Price Range: $70-100/night
Local Tips:
- Wholesale malls are best visited after midnight
- DDP’s LED rose garden is magical after sunset
- Food courts in shopping malls are open 24/7
Yeouido: Business & Entertainment District
Perfect for: Business travelers, luxury seekers, and park lovers
Yeouido feels like Seoul’s Central Park meets Wall Street – especially beautiful during cherry blossom season!
Recommended Hotels:
- Luxury: Conrad Seoul Address: 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Best riverside views and executive lounge Price Range: $300-450/night
- Mid-Range: Glad Hotel Yeouido Address: 16 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Great value for the location Price Range: $150-200/night
- Budget Plus: Mayplace Seoul Dongja Address: 8 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Why I love it: Clean, modern rooms near subway Price Range: $90-130/night
Local Tips:
- Best cherry blossom viewing spots are marked on hotel maps
- IFC Mall has amazing dining options
- Hangang Park is perfect for evening picnics
Budget Considerations & Transport Tips
Transportation Access:
- Airport Express (AREX) serves Seoul Station and Hongdae directly
- Myeongdong and Gangnam connect to both Seoul subway lines 1 and 2
- Most hotels offer free shuttle service to nearby stations
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book hotels in advance for cherry blossom season (late March to early April)
- Consider staying near university areas (Hongdae, Kondae) for cheaper food options
- Many hotels offer discounts for stays over 3 nights
- Look for guesthouses that include breakfast
- Check if your hotel offers airport shuttle service
Conclusion
After countless stays across Seoul, I can confidently say there’s no single “best” area – it all depends on your travel style. For first-timers, I strongly recommend Myeongdong or Hongdae for their central location and easy access to attractions. Culture enthusiasts should definitely consider splurging on a hanok stay in Insadong or Bukchon, even if just for a night or two.
Remember, Seoul’s subway system is one of the best in the world, so you’re never really far from anything. Focus on finding a neighborhood that matches your vibe and budget, and use the efficient public transport to explore the rest of the city.
Pro tip: Consider splitting your stay between two different neighborhoods to experience different sides of Seoul. I often recommend combining Myeongdong or Hongdae with a traditional hanok stay in Bukchon for the perfect Seoul experience.
Have an amazing stay in Seoul! Don’t forget to try the street food in Myeongdong, catch a sunset from Namsan Tower, and lose yourself in the charming alleys of Bukchon. Feel free to comment below with your own experiences or questions about specific neighbourhoods!
