Where to stay in Seoul: a first timers guide

Where to stay in Seoul? We get this question quite often from our readers. We understand completely why it isn’t easy to choose the best neighborhood to stay in Seoul especially for first-time visitors.

Seoul is such a gigantic spread-out city and each of its neighborhoods has its pros and cons.

That’s why we compiled this list with the best areas and the best hotels for first-timers in Seoul.

The best area to stay in Seoul for tourists

Which area should you stay in while you are in Seoul?

Let’s start by saying there is no best area to stay in. All areas listed below have their advantages and disadvantages. 

The best place to stay in Seoul depends on what you want to see and do and where your interests lie.

Seoul has one of the best and largest, with over 300 kilometers of tracks, metro networks in the world.

The trains quickly transport you to every part of the city but even with this efficient network, it can still take you over an hour to reach your destination because the city is so spread out.

Below we start off by giving some advice about locations depending on your interest in our quick guide, then we discuss the most famous districts in detail.

Where to stay in Seoul- Quick guide

We created this quick guide for those who don’t want to go through the complete article.

Here we will share some suggestions about the best places to stay in Seoul when you have specific interests.

Whether it’s your first time in Seoul, you want to stay in a traditional Hanok house or you are in Seoul for shopping.

Just read through this small list, we covered all these options and more. 

Later in the article, we will discuss each neighborhood in detail to give you a good idea of the pros and cons of each of them.

Where to stay in Seoul for the first time

Which area should you stay in Seoul when you are exploring this fantastic city for the first time?

The best area to stay in Seoul for the first time depends on the things you want to see and to do.

Best place to stay in Seoul for the first time-Insadong

If you are staying in Insadong you will be within walking distance of most Seoul palaces, Bukchon Hannok Village and the beautiful Jogyesa Buddhist temple. 

The Sunbee hotel

When staying in Insadong, The Sunbee Hotel is an excellent base for exploring Seoul.

Not only is the hotel very well located in the heart of Insadong and close to a metro station.

It also has well-equipped rooms. The staff is also very helpful. 

Best area to stay in Seoul for the first time-Myeongdong

Myeongdong, in the middle of Seoul’s city center, is a great place to stay if you love shopping and want to be close to plenty of restaurants. 

This district also borders Mt. Namsan with the iconic N Seoul Tower in the South.

The Metro hotel

The Metro Hotel is a centrally located hotel in Seoul. It is just a few steps away from the Myeongdong shopping area and restaurants.

If you are tired of shopping you could take the metro to discover other areas of Seoul.

The metro station is just a few steps away. The staff is very accommodating and speaks English. 

Where to stay in Seoul for a short stay

If you are only in Seoul for one, two or even three days we would recommend you to stay in Insadong. 

In Insadong you are close to a lot of Seoul’s main attractions such as the beautiful palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, the Alive Museum, the tea museum, the Jogyesa Temple and more. 

Insadong is also well connected by subway with the other districts.

(Article continues below the picture)

Where to stay in Seoul if you want to stay in a traditional Hanok house

Lots of readers ask us the best hanok houses to stay in Seoul. 

We recommend Bukchon Hanok Village if you are looking to stay in a traditional hanok house while being close to Seoul’s major tourist attractions.

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to close to a hundred traditional hanok houses. Some of these houses date back to almost 600 years ago. 

A few of them are still inhabited, others can be visited and contain art galleries or souvenir shops, and still, others are transformed into traditional guesthouses.

In a traditional Hanok house, you will sleep on a thin futon mat. This was fine for us for a couple of nights but not very comfortable.

We would not like to sleep on it for a whole week and it’s not the best choice if you have back problems or are a bit older. 

Hanok houses often offer a choice between a shared and private bathroom. When choosing for a shared bathroom you will find the toilet and bathroom in the hall. 

Below is our favorite Hanok house.

The sky guesthouse

The sky guesthouse offers an excellent Hanok stay. it’s located almost in the heart of the traditional village, sufficiently close to make it easy to visit but not too close so that you can enjoy a quiet stay.

The guesthouse offers a simple but good breakfast and has clean and beautifully decorated rooms.

Where to stay in Seoul for shopping

Seoul is a shopper’s paradise and has lots of great shopping areas.   It might be difficult to choose the best area as it may seem that the whole of Seoul is one big shopping center.

Here we list the best places to stay in Seoul for shopaholics.

Myeongdong is considered the shopping capital of Seoul. Both local and international brands are present in this district which counts dozens of department stores and several shopping malls.

Insadong is a great place to stay if you are looking to buy Korean souvenirs or handicraft products. 

Gangnam offers tons of shopping possibilities. Cheongdam-dong is also known as celebrity street, this is where all luxury brands are neatly lined up.

But shopping in Gangnam does not necessarily mean that you need to burn a hole in your pocket. 

You can head to the COEX Mall, a huge underground shopping center that has over 300 brands and there’s even a budget-friendly shopping center near Gangnam station which is frequented by budget-savvy teenagers looking for the newest trends. 

Hongdae has numerous budget-friendly shopping possibilities.

Hongdae is home to the Hongik University, the very popular arts’ university, and you will come across many students who are selling their handmade art items and their other artful creations. 

At Dongdaemun, the eye-catcher is undoubtedly the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.  Inside the futuristic building are some designer shops.  Around the Design Plaza is where most of the shopping action is going on.  Dongdaemun houses 26 shopping malls, some of which are open 24/7. 

Best area to stay in Seoul for nightlife

Our first choice is Itaewon. This district has numerous good pubs and other nightlife options. 

Itaewon is a hotspot for foreigners and expats and the nightlife attracts both locals and foreigners.

Hongdae is also great for clubbing if you want to mingle with the locals. This is the place to go for people in their 20s and 30s.

If you’re looking for more upscale partying you might consider staying in Gangnam, also called the Beverly Hills of Korea. 

Where to stay in Seoul with family

Seoul is a great destination for a family trip.

If you are traveling with your family we advise staying in either Myeongdong or Insadong.

The latter is the cultural heart of Seoul and therefore slightly quieter than Myeongdong where the shopping action continues well past dark.

By staying in either of those districts you will be close to the historic center and within walking distance of most of Seoul’s highlights. 

Both these districts are also easy to reach by public transport from Incheon Airport or Seoul station.

Jamsil is a great place to stay for families who want to visit Lotte World. More about Jamsil further in this post. 

Where to stay in Seoul-Which area to stay in Seoul

This is an in-depth guide about the different areas.

Here we share the pros and cons of each area so you can choose the best area to stay in Seoul for you based on your own interests and preferences. 

Insadong

Insadong is one of the most traditional and cultural districts in Seoul. 

If you are staying in Insadong, you are staying in the heart of Seoul within walking distance of most palaces, the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, the Bukchon Hanok village and Gwanghwamum square. 

It’s a very touristy district with lots of tea houses, restaurants, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

Insadong also houses some interesting museums such as the Kimchi Museum where you can learn everything about this quintessential Korean dish.

There’s also the very entertaining Alive Museum, the largest 4D art museum in Korea. 

How to get here by public transport?  Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Exit #6

Pros and cons

Conclusion

Insadong is a great place to stay for first-time visitors.

Families often choose to stay here because it’s a relatively relaxed neighborhood compared to other districts in Seoul.

Because you are close to many of the most important sights it is also a good choice for shorter stays.

Hotels in Insadong

Here we share 2 recommended hotels in Insadong.

Premium Comfortable Hotel: The Orakai Insadong Suites

The Orakai Insadong Suites offers spacious self-catering apartments. A good choice for families traveling together. The largest room can sleep up to 6 people.

The hotel is in a great spot to visit lots of the main highlights of Seoul such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Tempe, The Secret Garden, etc.

It’s also close to shops, restaurants and public transport.

The breakfast has both Korean and Western-style items.

The hotel has friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Comfortable hotel: The Sunbee hotel

When staying in Insadong, The Sunbee Hotel is an excellent base for exploring Seoul.

Not only is the hotel very well located in the heart of Insadong and close to a metro station.

It also has well-equipped rooms and the staff is very helpful. 

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is located between Insadong and Namsan Mountain. It’s a paradise for shopaholics. 

Here you will find everything from fake markets (markets selling counterfeit items) to regular stores and designer brands. There are also several large department stores, the largest being the Lotte Department Store and Shinsegae. 

If you stay in Myeongdong you are close to Namsan Park and the 236-meter high N Seoul Tower, an iconic landmark of the city.  The Myeongdong Cathedral is another popular sight in this district.

In the evening, as you make your way back to your hotel, you can taste some of the delicious street food. 

As soon as the clock strikes 4 PM vendors start lining up street food carts along the main shopping streets of Myeongdong. 

You will be surprised by the wide variety of sweet and savory snacks that are being sold.  

How to get here by public transport? Myeongdong Station

Pros and cons

Conclusion

Myeongdong is another good place to stay for first-timers. It is well-located in between Insadong and Mt. Namsan which together have the majority of tourist sights.

Shopaholics and food-lovers will probably prefer Myeongdong over Insadong.  In Myeongdong you can eat your way around Seoul and you can hang out until late in the many shops, restaurants, and pubs. 

This is a lively district.  Still, if you’re looking for some real kicking nightlife it’s better to stay in Itaewon or Hongdae.

Hotels in Myeongdong

Where to stay in Myeongdong? Myeongdong has numerous hotels, there is something for everyone’s budget.

Here are some of our favorite picks.  As always we based our selection on the numerous reviews of real visitors we found online.

Luxury Hotel: L ‘Escape Hotel

L’ Escape hotel lies just off the main street of Myeongdong.

The charming rooms are out of this world, it feels as if you’re staying in a fairytale. 

The hotel is located right above a metro station and guests often praise the lovely and helpful staff. 

Premium Comfortable Hotel: Aloft Seoul Myeongdong

The Aloft Seoul Myeongdong is a modern hotel in a great location close to all the shops and restaurants in Myeongdong.

You will stay in a well-designed room with comfy beds. The hotel has friendly and courteous staff.

Comfortable hotel: The Metro hotel

The Metro Hotel is centrally located just a few steps away from the Myeongdong shopping area and restaurants. 

If you are tired of shopping you could take the subway to discover other areas of Seoul.

The metro station is just a few steps away. 

Hongdae

Hongdae’s location near Hongik University makes it a very vibrant and trendy district.  Hongik is widely regarded as the best architecture and art school in South Korea. 

The pubs and clubs in Hongdae are popular hangouts for the students.

The shops also cater to these budget-aware students which means that deal hunters love to frequent the shopping streets in Hongdae when they go on a shopping spree.

The artsy students give this district a vibe different from the other places in Seoul.  There’re colorful murals, loads of karaoke bars, thrift stores, and shops selling handmade art pieces. 

Hongdae is also home to the famous The Trick Eye Museum, an interactive museum that gives off impressive optical illusions.

How to get here by public transport?  

Nearest subway station: Hongik University Station, Exit #9

There is a direct train connection between Incheon airport and Hongik University Station. You will be at the university in about 50 minutes without having to transfer.

Pros and cons

Conclusion

Hongdae offers a broad selection of budget-friendly accommodations.  This is the best place to stay for backpackers and young travelers who will love to mingle with the local students in the vibrant nightlife scene.

Hotels in Hongdae

Here we share the best hotels in Hongdae.

Premium comfortable hotel: L7 Hongdae by Lotte

L7 Hongdae by Lotte hotel lies within walking distance from the Hongik subway station and a 5 minutes walk from one of Seoul’s liveliest streets with restaurants, bars, and clubs.

The hotel has large and comfortable rooms with a modern bathroom and offers a nice breakfast buffet with a great view of the city. 

Premium comfortable hotel: RYSE, Autograph Collection Marriott

The Ryse hotel is conveniently located close to the Hongik University metro station.

Its location is also perfect to taste Hongdae’s bustling nightlife.  The hotel has well-appointed beautiful and comfortable rooms.

They offer an excellent breakfast buffet and have incredibly helpful staff.

Comfortable hotel: Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae

The Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae is located right atop Hongik University Station (take exit 5). 

This is a relatively new hotel, it’s open since mid-2018. 

They offer a free breakfast buffet with both Korean and Western options.

The rooms are clean and offer every comfort.

Budget hotel: Cocoa Guesthouse

Cocoa Guesthouse is well located next to some restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. 

The metro is only a 5-minute walk away. The rooms are clean and very well maintained and the owners are very friendly. 

Gangnam

Gangnam became world-famous thanks to PSY’s song ‘Gangnam Style’. 

Gangnam is also called the Beverly Hills of Korea. This is where wealthy South Koreans live and you will immediately notice that by the fancy restaurants and pubs as well as the luxury designer shops.

This is where we stayed while we were in Seoul but we wouldn’t recommend doing so when it’s your first visit to the city. 

Despite the excellent metro system it still takes 45 minutes to reach most of Seoul’s popular sights which means that you will lose a lot of precious time on the metro.

You could consider it for subsequent visits if you want to mingle with the rich and famous Seoulites. There are many luxury hotels and excellent restaurants.

Gangnam also houses some popular sights such as the Bonguensa Buddhist Temple, the COEX Mall, a huge underground shopping center that besides shops also contains a movie theater, a concert hall and an aquarium, the royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty, and the nearby Olympic Park.

How to get here by public transport?  Depending on where you’re staying you can either opt for Gangnam station or Cheongdam Station (Green line 7), Samseong station (Green line 2) or Sinsa or Apgujeong Station (Orange line 3)

Pros and cons

Conclusion

We loved our stay in Gangnam but in hindsight, we would have preferred to be closer to the palaces and other prime sights. 

There’re many restaurants and bars in Gangnam, and there’s a great upscale partying scene, the only drawback is that you lose a lot of time commuting to the main sights in Seoul.

Gangnam is, therefore, a great location to stay if you have already seen the most important sights, but in our opinion not a great choice for first-timers.

Hotels in Gangnam

Here we share the best hotels in Gangnam.

Luxury Hotel

Park Hyatt Seoul

The Park Hyatt Seoul is located across the COEX mall and right next to exit 1 or 2 of Samseong Metro station.

The hotel offers spacious and clean modern-style rooms with comfy beds.

It has a nice indoor heated pool that offers impressive views over the city’s skyline.

The hotel staff is very attentive as you can expect of a Park Hyatt property.

Premium Comfortable Hotel: Dormy Inn Premium Seoul Garosugil

The Dormy Inn Premium Seoul Garosugil lies atop Sinsa metro station (take exit 2) and nearby several restaurants and shops.

Airport bus 6009 stops right in front of the hotel. 

The hotel has small but comfortable beds and offers a tasty breakfast.

After a busy day, you can relax in the extensive free spa facilities.

Comfortable hotel: Aloft Seoul Gangnam

The Aloft Seoul Gangnam is about a 5-mins walk from Cheongdam station (line 7).

The subway takes you relatively easy and fast to all the places of interest.

It is very easy to reach the hotel from Incheon airport (Airport Bus 6006 literally stops in front of it).

The hotel is in the nice Cheongdam area with a bunch of good food options and coffee shops.

Itaewon 

If you want to stay in a multicultural area where English is widely spoken then Itaewon is your place to stay in Seoul.

Itaewon has lots of International restaurants such as Indian, Middle East, Thai, and Western.

Itaewon also counts many bars and is known to have a very vibrant nightlife. On Friday and Saturday nights locals, tourists, and expats hit the bars and the partying continues until the wee hours in the many clubs.  

Itaewon is a great place for solo travelers who want to mingle with expats and other tourists. Those who are looking for a quiet stay and who do not want to bump into a drunk every now and then in the early morning hours are better off staying somewhere else.

Itaewon is located South of Mount Namsan.  This means you’re close to Namsan Tower and you get to enjoy beautiful views of the tower after dark.  Other popular sights are the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art and the Central Mosque, the only mosque in Seoul. 

How to get here by public transport? Itaewon Station (Line 6) more or less marks the center of the district.  It takes about half an hour to reach the most popular sights from this station.

Pros and cons

Conclusion

Itaewon is a great location to stay for solo-travelers and for those who want to join the international party scene that the district is so famous for.  

Hotels in Itaewon

Luxury Hotel: Grand Hyatt Seoul

The Grand Hyatt Seoul is located on a hill and offers an excellent view of the skyline of the city, the Han river, and the Seoul Tower. 

The hotel is in a residential area and it takes some time to get to the nearest subway station on foot.

The hotel has spacious rooms, most with great views, a great breakfast and very kind and helpful staff.

Premium Comfortable Hotel: Hamilton Hotel

The Hamilton Hotel lies in the heart of Itaewon, close to the subway station and with several bus stops nearby.

This is where most of the nightlife action is going on.  

Comfortable hotel: Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel

The Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel is a great hotel in a perfect location on the main street, just steps from the metro station. There’re several bars and restaurants nearby.

The hotel has spacious and clean rooms with comfortable beds. 

Jamsil

The proximity to Lotte World, with 3 theme parks, Lotte World Adventure, Lotte Magical Land and the Lotte World Aquarium, makes Jamsil a popular place to stay in Seoul for families.

Across the street of Lotte World is the Lotte world tower, the tallest building in Korea. On the 123rd floor of this tower, at a height of 555 meters, is the Seoul sky observation deck.  This observation deck offers impressive 360-degree views of Seoul.

At the bottom of the tower is the Lotte World Mall, a heaven for shopaholics.  Lotte World holds several records for having the biggest and longest aquarium, the largest Asian Cinema and the largest cinema screen.

Even tourists can enjoy a night at the movies in the Lotte Cinema because this huge cinema complex shows international films in English.

When staying in Jamsil you are also close to the ancient burial grounds of the Joseon dynasty and the Olympic Park, a huge park specially created for the 1998 Seoul summer Olympic Games. 

How to get here by public transport? Jamsil Station, lines 2 & 8

Pros and cons

Conclusion

Jamsil is a good place to stay if you plan on spending one or more days in Lotte World.  As Seoul has much more to offer than just Lotte World, and because most other sights are relatively far away, we advise against staying in Jamsil if this is your first visit to the city.

Hotels in Jamsil

Luxury Hotel: Signiel Seoul

The Signiel Seoul hotel is a luxury hotel located on the high floors of the Lotte World Tower.

All rooms come with panoramic views of the city. 

The Jamsil metro station is at the entrance of the hotel and the Lotte World shopping mall is connected to the hotel.

Comfortable hotel

Hotel Pharos

Hotel Pharos is located within walking distance to the subway station and close to several restaurants and bars.

The hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms with comfy beds.

The staff is incredibly helpful. According to the reviews, breakfast is a little disappointing with not much variety. 

Conclusion

Seoul is an incredibly vast city. 

Most of the major sights are located around Insadong and Myeongdong, which is why we recommend that first-timers stay in that region so as not to waste too much time commuting.  

If you ever come back to the city, which you probably will because it is an incredibly fascinating city, you can opt to stay in another district and in this way check out the sights region by region.

Have a great time in Seoul!

Here you can find all our posts about South Korea.