Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Seoul
If you are looking for the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul but feel completely lost in a sea of places called something-Gu and something-Dong, and you are about to go “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” to make a decision – breath and let us take the reins! We will help you find the best area to stay in Seoul in no time.
Finding where to stay in Seoul can be a bit overwhelming – there is so much to see and do, and you might wish you could be everywhere at once. With that in mind, we have explored many Gus (the equivalent to districts) and found the top Dongs (similar to a neighborhood), that better suit the needs of travelers visiting Seoul for the first time.
So click away and discover which of the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul is the right fit for you, and which accommodations match your vibe – we have gathered the top options for all budgets.
Coolest Hotels in Seoul: Quick Picks
No time to lose? Just looking for the names of some of the coolest hotels in Seoul where you are guaranteed to have an amazing time? No worries, we’ve got you covered!
Here are three of our all-around favorites, which are also some of the coolest hotels in Seoul:
If these options are a bit over your budget, if you are looking for accommodation in a specific area, or if you want more useful tips on where to stay in Seoul, keep scrolling. You will find plenty of accommodation suggestions within each of the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul, catering to all budgets and needs.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Seoul
With a population of around 9.7 million people and growing in popularity among travelers each year, Seoul is a must-visit destination that caters to all budgets and travel styles. Rated among the safest cities in the world and, overall, pretty well-connected by public transportation, there is no “wrong” area where to stay in Seoul. However, some neighborhoods are more convenient for tourists, offering a wider range of accommodations and proximity to the city’s top attractions.
Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In Seoul in a Nutshell
Myeongdong:Walkable shopping paradise, packed with great food and entertainment.
Insadong: Historical area and great starting point for sightseeing, with nearby temples and palaces.
Hongdae: College neighborhood with a youthful atmosphere and vibrant nightlife scene.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Best area for cultural immersion and history lovers.
Gangnam: Wealthy district known for high-end dining, premium nightlife, and K-Pop culture.
Myeongdong and Insadong are the most centrally located and overall the top choices for the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul for first time visitors. However, Hongdae offers some great value for money accommodations.
Myeongdong
Best area to stay in Seoul for: First-time visitors looking for a central location; shopping enthusiasts; foodies.
Myeongdong is our top choice for where to stay in Seoul and the area we most often recommend to friends visiting the city for the first time. It is extremely central and well-connected to all the city’s main attractions, transforming from a bustling shopping district during the day into a foodies’ paradise at night. This is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul for us die-hard foodies who can’t resist a proper street food frenzy– walking down Myeongdong night market never gets old.
Visit popular landmarks like N Seoul Tower and Myeongdong Cathedral, or explore the more traditional side of Seoul, just a short subway ride away. On rainy days, get lost inside Lotte Department Store and try not to blow your budget on K-beauty items – not an easy task! This is the best place to stay in Seoul to experience the fast paced South Korean lifestyle.
Myeongdong caters mainly to tourists, offering a wide variety of accommodations for all budgets. While it may not be the most traditional location, its convenience is hard to beat.
Top Accommodations Where to stay in Seoul: Myeongdong
Insadong
Best area to stay in Seoul for: First-time visitors looking for a central location; sightseeing; traditional Korean architecture, tea houses and crafts.
Insadong’s stellar location is hard to beat, being within walking distance of some of Seoul’s most famous landmarks, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and even the shopping frenzy of Myeongdong. With its beautiful narrow streets, traditional tea houses, antique shops, hanok houses, and art galleries, this is a close-second best neighborhood to stay in Seoul in our books. But why second, you ask? Truth be told, it is mainly due to the limited accommodation options compared to neighboring areas.
Insadong and Myeongdong are the two central areas easiest to reach from the Incheon International Airport – just a couple of stops away from Seoul Station.
Explore the nearby hip Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, the traditional Jogyesa Temple, the modern Ssamziegil (a small open-air mall with the cutest shops and cafes), or better yet, take a short walk to Gwangjang Market and go crazy with traditional delights.
Insadong is, without a doubt, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul for those looking for historic charm and traditional ambience.
Top Accommodations Where to stay in Seoul: Insadong
Hongdae
Best area to stay in Seoul for: Youthful and creative atmosphere; budget-minded travelers; foodies and nightlife enthusiasts.
Hongdae has a fun, modern, and hip vibe that makes it stand out among the others! Right next to Hongik university (hence the name Hongdae), it features a strong focus on art and music. Be prepared to be surrounded by street art murals, trendy cafes, indie music clubs, and modern Korean fashion. While it might not be as close to some of the city's major attractions, this is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul for those looking for budget-friendly accommodation alternatives.
Hongdae also boasts a fantastic nightlife scene catering to various tastes and is one of the best areas to stay in Seoul for foodies and coffee connoisseurs, with some of the coolest cafes in town – you won’t have enough time to try all the amazing options this place has. Nearby is the Han River, where the Seoul World Fireworks Festival takes place each year.
Top Accommodations Where to stay in Seoul: Hongdae
Bukchon Hanok Village
Best area to stay in Seoul for: Experiencing a hanok stay (traditional house); learning about the Korean heritage and the Joseon dynasty.
The Bukchon Hanok Village is a postcard-perfect destination, with charming alleys showcasing over 900 hanok houses, people strolling the streets in rented hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), and a location magnificently situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, allowing you to travel back in time, even if just for a moment.
I fell flat on my face on Seoul’s historic ground, and I can’t recommend it. Travel safely, and get a discount on your Heymondo travel insurance here*.
Staying in this centrally located area offers a complete cultural experience, however, it comes with limited accommodation options, a limited selection of restaurants, and crowded streets during the day. Bear in mind that this is the ultimate must-visit spot in Seoul for all tourists. That being said, this is the best neighborhood to stay in Seoul for those wanting to experience a hanok stay. Many hanoks were converted into cultural centers and tea houses, but a few still offer a one of a kind accommodation opportunity.
A hanok stay is often more expensive than standard hotels due to the limited availability and historical significance.
Top Accommodations Where to stay in Seoul: Bukchon Hanok Village
Gangnam
Best area to stay in Seoul for: Upscale hotels, shops and restaurants; modern city feel; families.
The one area of Seoul that has such a catchy anthem that no matter where you are from, you can’t say its name without continuing the “Gangnam Style” lyrics. This area may not be our top suggestion as the best area to stay in Seoul for first time visitors, as it is far from most top historic sights, but it has characteristics that are extremely appealing to many travelers.
Known as South Korea’s Beverly Hills, Gangnam has the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul to experience the glamorous side of the city, with its fantastic upscale hotels, fine dining cuisine, high-end fashion boutiques, and exclusive nightlife venues. It is also a good option for business travelers and families who plan to visit the Lotte World theme park.
However, Gangnam also attracts more budget-friendly travelers with plenty of K-pop themed exhibitions, K-Star Road, and the Gangnam Style statue, as well as the instagram famous Starfield Library and the peaceful Bongeunsa Temple.
Top Accommodations Where to stay in Seoul: Gangnam
While these are, in our opinion, the best areas to stay in Seoul, if you are a returning traveler or are planning a last-minute trip and the other areas are fully booked, you might want to consider: Itaewon (a large international/expat hub); Dongdaemun (known for its shopping culture); and Yongsan (quiet residential area)*.
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Where to Stay in Seoul FAQ
Is Seoul Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!! Don’t doubt it for a second. Seoul is a destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity, along with a safe and clean environment and delicious food. Seoul is one of those places that will make you think: “I could move here”.
How to get to my hotel from the airport?
Download the Naver Map or Kakao Map app to navigate Seoul with ease – Google Maps will not be very helpful here. To get from Incheon Airport To Seoul, we suggest taking the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station – it is the fastest and most cost-effective option. Alternatively, you can catch a bus, the Limo Bus, or arrange for an airport private transfer*.
How many days in Seoul?
We recommend a minimum of 4 days to cover the basic must-see attractions. However, there are amazing day trips from Seoul that are definitely worth joining if you have the time. We cover some of them here.
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul for families?
This is quite a personal choice, as it depends on what you expect from your time in Seoul as a family. However, we recommend Myeongdong or Insadong for their accessibility and abundance of nearby restaurants, or Gangnam for hotels with family-friendly facilities and proximity to Lotte World.
Planning Time
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