You’ve booked your flights to Seoul, now you need to make the toughest decision: where to stay in Seoul as a first time visitor? The good news is that there are lots of great areas to choose from but the bad news is that they are all so great it is not going to be an easy decision. Fortunately for you, this Seoul neighbourhood guide features the 9 best areas to stay for first time visitors.
Seoul is a large city with 25 districts (these end in “gu”) and 426 sub-districts (these end in “dong”). There is no main centre/downtown in Seoul, but rather multiple centres within the different districts. Thankfully Seoul’s public transportation network is excellent making it easy to hop around and explore. Some districts are known for their traditional Korean culture with old hanoks and tea rooms, while others are known for their nightlife with clubs and late bars.
This guide will cover 9 of the best areas to stay in Seoul for first time visitors, along with accommodation and transport links.
- Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.
Tips On Choosing Where To Stay In Seoul
- Be aware of subway times: the subway runs until midnight, if you plan to go out a lot it’s best to stay in an area with good nightlife to ensure it’s easy to get home.
- Plan your itinerary before choosing where to stay, this helps figure out what area is best for your needs.
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Average Price Of A Hotel In Seoul
The average price of a hotel in Seoul is 162,000 KRW ($120 /£90 /€ 110) per night for a 3 star and 255,500 KRW ($190 / £143 / €170) per night for a 4 star. Prices fluctuate depending on the month, the most expensive time to visit Seoul is in September whereas the cheapest month is August.
There is a wide range of accommodation options from hostels and guesthouses to traditional hanoks and upscale hotels, so whatever your budget you will have many options.
9 Best Places To Stay In Seoul For First Timers
Seoul Best Neighbourhood Guide Map
1. Myeongdong (명동)
Starting off with the most popular area for tourists to stay in Seoul, Myeongdong(명동). Located on the foothills of Namsan Mountain, it is a vibrant and lively neighbourhood with shopping, street food and sightseeing all on your door step. Myeongdong is great in both day and night time. During the day you can explore the many shops that range from Korean brands to the usual well-known international brands while at night the neon lights turn on, street stalls come out and it becomes one of the best places in Seoul to try Korean street food.
Myeongdong is one of the best areas to stay for first timers in Seoul due to its central location along with being close to Seoul Station for taking the KTX to other areas of Korea.
Things to do in Myeongdong
- Hike / take cable car to Namsan Tower
- Try a wide variety of Korean street food on Myeongdong Food Street
- Visit Korea’s oldest Cathedral – Myeongdong Cathedral
- Check out Chi Mac Street (I recommend BHC)
- Shopping – boutiques, stalls and Korean beauty
- Taste the complimentary sweets at HBAF
- Take a scenic walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream
Sounds too good to be true
Myeongdong is a touristy area, it is not a true representation of a real Korean neighbourhood. However, you can walk to Insadong or take a quick subway to Mangwon-dong to gain that cultural experience. Due to its centrality and popularity, the cost of a hotel here can work out expensive. Restaurants in Myeongdong are also more costly than in other areas in Seoul, they tend to cater towards tourists which can offer positives such as an English food menu but lack authenticity.
Recommended hotels in Myeongdong
Budget: Myeongdong Ecohouse
Mid-range: Huga Inn
Luxury: Royal Hotel Seoul
Distance from Myeongdong to…
- Hongdae: 11 minutes on the green line 2
- Gangnam: 30 minutes on line 4 + line 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 40-minutes on line 7 and 1, and then a 21 minute walk
2. Hongdae (홍대)
For the best place to stay in Seoul for nightlife, it’s gotta be Hongdae(홍대). Vibrant, trendy and youthful, Hongdae is a fun area to base yourself while in Seoul.
Hongdae is one of my favourite areas in Seoul, if you love cafes like me, there are countless incredible ones to visit (Pie In The Shop is a must), a popular thing to do here is cafe hop which allows you to visit many in a short space of time. Then at night, Hongdae turns into an energetic scene, twinkling neon signs invite you into bars, performers take to the streets and everyone is here to have a good time. Moreover, it is very central, with many popular attractions just a few subway stops away.
Things to do in Hongdae
- Cafe hopping (check out my post on the best cafes in Seoul)
- Shopping – from vintage to department stores like AK& plaza
- Hongdae Free Market – a weekend market with products from local artists
- Experience the Korean club scene
Sound too good to be true
If you are not fussed about nightlife then you might not like Hongdae, I prefer a more chilled-out evening so choose to visit Hongdae during the day rather than staying here. It is considered one of Seoul’s most “dangerous” areas. However, it felt very safe to me, but due to the number of nightclubs you will encounter some drunk people, but compared to cities in the West I wouldn’t consider Hongdae dangerous.
Recommended hotels in Hongdae
Budget: The Blossom Yeonnam Guesthouse
Mid-range: Hotel Baroato 2nd
Luxury: Mercure Ambassador
Distance from Hongdae to…
- Myeongdong: 11 minutes on line 2
- Gangnam: 40 minutes on line 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 20-minutes on lines 2 and 3
You might also like: 10 Day Seoul Itinerary
3. Sinchon (신촌)
Hongdae’s neighbour, Sinchon (신촌) is a lesser-known place to stay in Seoul for first time visitors. Located close to 3 universities, Ewha Woman’s University, Sogang University, and Yeonsei University, Sinchon has a lot of college students and benefits from its young vibe.
It is less touristy so you get a more authentic experience than if you were to stay in Myeongdong or Hongdae. It is also on the green line making it easy to get around with fewer transfers.
Sinchon is also a budget friendly place to stay in Seoul with plenty of affordable restaurants, bars and accommodations.
Things to do in Sinchon
- U-Plex Shopping Mall
- Ansan Mountain
- Changcheon Green Park + Changcheon Culture Park
Sound too good to be true
The university crowd may not suit all travellers but with a young crowd comes more affordable food and drink establishments. Sinchon’s nightlife is not as good as Hongdaes but you should not have trouble moving between the two neighbourhoods as they are so close.
Recommended hotels in Sinchon
Budget: Sinchon S Hotel
Mid-range: Hygge
Luxury: H Avenue Hotel Idae
Distance from Sinchon to…
- Hongdae: 3 minutes on line 2 or 15 minute walk
- Myeongdong: 9 minutes on line 2
- Gangnam: 42 minutes on line 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 25-minutes on lines 2 and 3
4. Insadong (인사동)
First time visitors to Seoul seeking traditional food and art should consider staying in Insadong (인사동). This Seoul neighbourhood is known for traditional architecture, tea rooms and craft boutiques. You also walk to the landmark Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple.
Additionally, Insadong’s quiet and relaxed vibe makes it the best place to stay in Seoul for families.
Things to do in Insadong
- Gyeongbokgung Palace + Jogyesa Temple
- Take part in a Tea Ceremony
- Ssamziegil craft mall
- Explore the many shops and restaurants of Jonggak Avenue of Youth
- Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
- Eujliro 3 for drinks and local bars
Sound too good to be true
Insadong doesn’t have much nightlife however, it is just a short walk from Eujliro 3 where you will find plenty of trendy and local bars. Additionally, it can be difficult to find a hotel here as there are just not many options, so make sure you book early if you want to secure good accommodation here.
Recommended hotels in Insadong
Budget: Hotel Kuretakeso
Midrange: Hanok Hotel DAAM
Splurge: Moxy Insadong
Distance from Insadong to…
- Hongdae: 15 minutes on lines 1 + 2
- Myeongdong: 10 minutes lines 3 + 4
- Gangnam: 25 minutes on lines 3 + 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 17-minute walk
You might also like: 28 Best Things To Do In Haeundae
5. Dongdaemun (동대문)
If you would like to experience Korean shopping then Dongdaemun (동대문) is an excellent pick and a budget friendly place to stay in Seoul. Here you will find a combination of traditional Korean markets, modern malls and a few food stalls, Dongdaemun is certainly a shopper’s haven.
Additionally, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will like Dongdaemun due to the city wall trail that starts at Dongdaemun Gate, stretching 19km across Seoul’s 4 mountains, it offers an escape from the hustle of the city. On this route is Ihwa Mural Village, a colourful area to explore and take photos.
As well as shopping and hiking, Dongdaemun is an excellent location to stay for first time visitors to Seoul with 2 subway stations serving lines 1, 2, 4 and 5 making it convenient for exploring other parts of the city.
Things to do in Dongdaemun
- City wall trail
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Dongdaemun Gate + Heunginjimun Gate
- Ihwa Mural Village
- Gwangjang Market
Sound too good to be true
Dongdaemun lacks a good nightlife scene compared to Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam, however, it is worth noting that you are just two stops from Euljiro Nogari Alley which has many trendy local bars. Anyone not bothered by shopping may find Dongdaemun a bit boring as it lacks many cultural activities, additionally, parts of this area can feel quite sterile as it’s very commercialised.
Recommended hotels in Dongdaemun
Budget: The Phase Boutique Hotel
Mid-range: Hotel DM
Luxury: Nine Tree Hotel Dongdaemun
Distance from Dongdaemun to…
- Hongdae: 16 minutes on line 2
- Myeongdong: 4 minutes on line 4 or 40-minute walk
- Gangnam: 30 minutes on line 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 6-minute purple line + 12-minute walk
6. Gangnam (강남)
Gangnam (강남) is an affluent area with luxury shopping, high-end dining and upscale bars and clubs. Additionally, there are a number of cultural sites like Bongeunsa Temple and the UNESCO Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs.
Gangnam is located South East of Seoul, it is quite far from other main tourist areas like Hongdae and Itaewon but with everything it has to offer and an excellent transport line, it still makes it one of the best places to stay in Seoul for first time visitors.
However, Gangnam is a large area and I would suggest staying close to Gangnam Station for the best vibes and proximity to the subway.
Things to do in Gangnam
- COEX Mall and Library
- Shopping on Apgujeong Rodeo Street, and Cheongdam Fashion Street
- Gangnam Style Statue
- Bongeunsa Temple
- Lotte World Tower
- Jamsil Stadium
- Nightlife
Sounds too good to be true
Gangnam is not a central location, it will take over 40 minutes to reach Hongdae and Myeongdong. Another downside to staying in Gangnam is that it is a business district, with tall skyscrapers and a commercial feel to it, in some parts, you could be in any other city in the world.
Recommended hotels in Gangnam
Budget: Ryu Guest House Gangnam
Midrange: L7 Gangnam
Luxury: LYJ SUITE
Distance from Gangnam to…
- Hongdae: 40 minutes on line 2
- Myeongdong: 30 minutes on lines 2 + 4
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 30 minutes on lines 2 + 3
7. Itaewon (이태원)
Itaewon (이태원) is Seoul’s most diverse neighbourhood, there is a strong expat community which is reflected in the area’s wide variety of international cuisine. Similar to Hongdae, Itaewon is also another popular choice for travellers seeking some nightlife with many bars and clubs that both tourists and locals visit.
Moreover, Itaewon is a convenient place to stay for exploring other parts of Seoul, it is on the subway line 6.
Things to do in Itaewon
- Food Street
- Namsan Park
- War Memorial Museum
- Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
- Nightlife (I recommend Fountain)
- Antique street
Sound too good to be true
An international community, might not excite people wanting a more authentic neighbourhood and unfortunately, with such a large selection of international restaurants, you will be sacrificing immersing yourself fully in Korean cuisine. Due to the nightlife, it can get loud and crowded at night which may not suit families or anyone looking to relax. Finally, it’s a very hilly area and therefore might not suit those with accessibility needs.
Recommended hotels in Itaewon
Budget: H HOSTEL
Mid-range: Nouvelle Hotel
Luxury: Mondrian
Distance from Itaewon to…
- Hongdae: 13 minutes on the line 2 + 10 minute walk
- Myeongdong: 10 minutes on lines 6 + 4 / 2
- Gangnam: 30 minutes on lines 6, 3/4 + 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 15 minute on lines 6 + 3
8. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
Immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture by staying in a Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을). Home to hundreds of wooden buildings with tiled sloping roofs called hanoks. Undoubtedly, Bukchon is one of Seoul’s most touristy areas. Let me paint the scene, everyday large number of tourists rent traditional Korean clothing called hanboks and take photos along the popular streets and temples. Everyone else has to wait while these photos are being taken. However, Bukchon is still a residential area where locals live and go about their day, there are many side streets that are much quieter, therefore your accommodation will likely be undisturbed.
Bukhon culture village is one of the best places to stay in Seoul due to the number of attractions in the area, historical significance and the unique experience of staying in a hanok.
Things to do in Bukchon Culture Village
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Take part in a tea ceremony
- Rent a hanbok
- Attend a kimchi masterclass
- Explore the cafes along Bukchon-ro. I recommend Cafe Onion Anguk,
Sound too good to be true
Bukchon is a hilly area which may not be suitable for travellers with accessibility needs. Due to heavy tourism it might get frustrating when people block off paths and entrances for a photo. This was my main gripe when I would visit Bukchon. However, the area is beautiful and one of the best places to stay in Seoul, if you set your expectations on crowds you should enjoy staying here.
Recommended hotels in Bukchon Culture Village
Budget: Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse
Midrange: Seoul STAY Bukchon
Luxury: Private Hanok House
Distance from Bukchon Culture Village to…
- Hongdae: 16 minutes on lines 3 + 2
- Myeongdong: 6 minutes lines 3 + 4 or 40-minute walk
- Gangnam: 25 minutes on lines 3 + 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 20 minute walk
9. Sadang (사당)
I have to mention Sadang (사당) on this list, the area where we stayed for 4 weeks and interestingly saw no other tourists, which we actually liked! Sadang is a bustling local area with shops, restaurants, bars, as well as being well connected to other areas of Seoul. It is most suitable for those staying in Seoul for a few weeks.
Sadang in the Dongjak district is a budget-friendly area where you can find some accommodation gems, especially on AirBnb. It is close to Gwanaksan Mountain which has some excellent hiking trails and due to Isu University Sadang has a youthful vibe.
Things to do in Sadang
- Gwanaksan Mountain
- Seoul Land
- National Science Museum
- Saeuch’on-gongwon Park
Sounds too good to be true
I will be honest, the distance between Sadang and Hongdae or Myeongdong is likely not going to appeal to everybody, if you are ok with chilling on the subway for over 40 minutes then this could be perfect for you. Moreover, it’s a local area which means many restaurants you visit will not have an English menu also you are more likely to find it difficult to communicate in English.
Recommended hotels in Sadang
Budget: Seven Hostel
Midrange: SR Hotel Sadang
Splurge: ISU Stay
Distance from Sadang to…
- Hongdae: 30 minutes on line 2
- Myeongdong: 20 minutes on line 4
- Gangnam: 10 minutes on line 2
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 30 minutes on lines 4 / 2 +3
Summary Of Where To Stay In Seoul
Where to stay in Seoul for…
- Nightlife: Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam
- Culture: Insadong and Bukchon
- Couples: Hongdae and Gangnam
- Families: Myeongdong and Insadong
- Convenience: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun and Insadong
- Budget: Sinchon
Frequently Asked Questions
Seoul has excellent infrastructure for pedestrians with wide footpaths and pedestrian crossings. Walking around Seoul is not only easy but incredibly enjoyable with lots of alleyways to discover new cafes or just soak up the culture. Although it is easy to walk, Seoul is large and very spread out, there isn’t one main centre, but rather multiple centres in different districts.
There is no official centre of Seoul but downtown Seoul is often described as the Central Business District of Gwanghwamun.
To get the most out of your time in Seoul I suggest between 5 and 7 days. There is so much to see in the city along with interesting day trips to DMZ or Seoraksan National Park.
