Where to Stay in Seoul: Top Areas & Hotels [2025]

You don’t just visit Seoul—you choose your version of it. Maybe it’s the neon-lit nights of Hongdae pulsing with music and street art, or the slow, poetic charm of Bukchon Hanok Village where tiled rooftops whisper centuries-old stories. From cutting-edge skyscrapers to peaceful temples tucked behind alleyways, Seoul is a city of contrast—and your experience changes completely depending on where you stay.

Each neighborhood offers a different rhythm: some perfect for first-timers eager to see it all, others ideal for night owls, shopaholics, foodies, or families with strollers in tow. Getting your base right means less commuting, better eats, and a trip that feels just right for you.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Seoul, based on your travel style—whether you're here for shopping sprees, temple hopping, business meetings, or late-night BBQ runs. By the end, you'll know exactly where to book your stay.

🛍️ Myeongdong – Shopaholic’s Paradise with Tourist-Friendly Perks

If there’s one place in Seoul where your suitcase is guaranteed to leave heavier than it arrived, it’s Myeongdong. Packed with global brands, Korean skincare giants, and street food stalls on every corner, Myeongdong buzzes with energy day and night. For first-time visitors, it’s like diving straight into the heartbeat of modern Seoul.

Who Should Stay in Myeongdong?

• ✔ First-time visitors – Super central, walkable, and English-friendly.
  
• ✔ Shopaholics – Home to Seoul’s most famous shopping streets.
  
• ✔ Foodies – From tteokbokki to grilled lobster tails, the street food here is unbeatable.
  
• ✔ Business travelers – Close to major hotels, banks, and conference centers.
  
• ❌ Looking for peace and quiet? Myeongdong can be very crowded and noisy.
  

Best Hotels in Myeongdong

• Luxury: Lotte Hotel Seoul – Elegant, full-service hotel with city views and an unbeatable location.
  
• Mid-Range: Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2 – Trendy, modern, and just steps from the shopping chaos.
  
• Budget: Philstay Myeongdong Boutique Famale – Cozy, affordable stay for solo female travelers in the heart of Myeongdong. Steps from the subway, shopping, and street food!
  

Best Things to Do in Myeongdong

• 🛍 Myeongdong Shopping Street – Explore cosmetics shops, fashion boutiques, and K-pop merch.
  
• 🙏 Myeongdong Cathedral – A serene Gothic landmark tucked amidst retail frenzy.
  
• 🧴 Olive Young Flagship Store – A haven for Korean beauty lovers.
  
• 🍢 Street Food Market – Try hotteok, tornado potato, or grilled cheese lobster.
  

Food & Dining in Myeongdong

This district is a street food heaven. Don’t miss:

• Gyeranppang (egg bread) from night stalls.
  
• Tteokgalbi burgers at Isaac Toast.
  
• Traditional Korean BBQ at Wangbijib—perfect for meat lovers.

For café lovers, there are dozens of IG-worthy dessert cafés and rooftop lounges to chill out between shopping sprees.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Myeongdong Station (Line 4)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: ~60 mins by taxi (Approx ₩60,000); direct Airport Limousine bus also available.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Myeongdong

✅ Ultra-central and tourist-friendly
✅ Amazing street food & shopping
✅ Easy access to public transport
❌ Noisy and crowded, especially in the evening
❌ Fewer local/hidden-gem experiences

🎨 Hongdae Street – Seoul’s Creative Playground & Nightlife Mecca

Want to feel the pulse of Seoul’s youth culture? Head to Hongdae. This neighborhood is where art students, indie musicians, and digital nomads collide in a whirl of creativity. Known for its free-spirited vibe, busking performers, themed cafés, and underground clubs, Hongdae doesn’t sleep—it evolves, night after night.

Who Should Stay in Hongdae Street?

• ✔ Nightlife lovers – Dance clubs, live music, and soju bars open till sunrise.
  
• ✔ Young travelers & creatives – A hotbed for arts, fashion, and Instagrammable spots.
  
• ✔ Budget travelers – Great value hostels, guesthouses, and street eats.
  
• ✔ Digital nomads – Tons of cool cafés with strong Wi-Fi and chill atmospheres.
  
• ❌ Families or light sleepers – The energy doesn’t stop, especially on weekends.
  

Best Hotels in Hongdae

• Luxury: RYSE, Autograph Collection – Art-filled design hotel with a rooftop bar and fashion-forward vibes.
  
• Mid-Range: 9 Brick Hotel – Stylish, boutique interiors right by the nightlife strip.
  
• Budget: BB Hongdae Line Hotel – Clean, affordable, and steps from Hongdae Station.
  

Best Things to Do in Hongdae Street

• 🎤 Hongdae Street Performers – Watch dance crews and musicians take over the main plaza.
  
• 🛍 Hongdae Free Market (weekends) – Local artists selling handmade crafts in a park setting.
  
• 🎮 Themed Cafés – Try a K-pop café, board game bar, or even a raccoon café.
  
• 🎨 Trick Eye Museum & Ice Museum – Fun and quirky photo ops.
  

Food & Dining in Hongdae Street

Hongdae is a foodie playground, especially if you like late-night snacks. Try:

• Bingsu (shaved ice) at Sulbing Dessert Café.
  
• Spicy cheese dakgalbi at Yoogane.
  
• Fried chicken & beer combos in dozens of basement joints.
  

Don't miss the Hongdae Street Food Alley after dark—it’s full of Korean fusion eats you won’t find elsewhere.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX Airport Line)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: ~50 mins by AREX train (direct); ~₩50,000 by taxi

Pros & Cons of Staying in Hongdae Street

✅ Incredible nightlife and street culture
✅ Perfect for younger or solo travelers
✅ Direct train access to Incheon Airport
❌ Can get noisy, crowded, and rowdy at night
❌ Not ideal for families or business trips

💼 Gangnam – Sleek, Stylish & Built for Business (and Botox)

Gangnam isn’t just a viral dance—it’s Seoul’s answer to Beverly Hills. Think luxury malls, plastic surgery clinics, skyscrapers, and sleek cafés where locals sip $10 lattes in designer sneakers. It’s polished, powerful, and pulsating with K-pop glam and finance-world ambition.

Who Should Stay in Gangnam?

• ✔ Business travelers – Major headquarters, convention centers, and 5-star hotels.
  
• ✔ Luxury lovers – High-end shopping and premium beauty clinics galore.
  
• ✔ K-pop fans – Some agencies have HQs here. Idol sightings? Possible.
  
• ❌ Budget travelers – Prices can be steep, both for hotels and meals.
  
• ❌ Culture seekers – Less tradition, more glitz.
  

Best Hotels in Gangnam

• Luxury: Andaz Seoul Gangnam – Artsy, upscale, and perfectly located.
  
• Mid-Range: Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam – Clean, compact, with a free onsen bath.
  
• Budget: Hostel KW Gangnam – Affordable and within walking distance to the action.
  

Best Things to Do in Gangnam

• 🛍 COEX Mall & Starfield Library – Massive underground mall with a stunning open library.
  
• 💄 Beauty Clinics – Get a facial or full-on makeover.
  
• 🕺 K-Star Road – Street full of idol-themed bears and entertainment offices.
  

Food & Dining in Gangnam

High-end fusion dominates here, but don’t miss:

• Gogung (Jeonju Bibimbap) – Traditional meal in a sleek setting.
  
• Samwon Garden – One of Seoul’s best-known spots for upscale Korean BBQ.
  

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Gangnam Station (Line 2)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 70 mins by taxi (₩65,000) or via AREX + transfer

Pros & Cons

✅ Upscale and cosmopolitan
✅ Tons of restaurants and beauty clinics
❌ Pricey and can feel a bit corporate
❌ Lacks traditional Seoul charm

🎎 Insadong – Seoul’s Cultural Core & Artisan Alleyways

Insadong feels like stepping into a more poetic version of Seoul. Antique shops, tea houses, and art galleries line cobblestone alleys where calligraphy artists still practice their craft. It’s traditional, tranquil, and perfect for slowing down.

Who Should Stay in Insadong?

• ✔ Culture lovers – Museums, palaces, and Korean craft stores at every turn.
  
• ✔ Couples & slow travelers – Quiet, walkable, romantic.
  
• ✔ First-timers – Easy access to must-see sights.
  
• ❌ Nightlife seekers – It gets sleepy after 9 p.m.
  

Best Hotels in Insadong

• Luxury: Orakai Insadong Suites – Spacious, apartment-style stay with hotel service.
  
• Mid-Range: Sunbee Hotel – Hidden gem right in the cultural zone.
  
• Budget: Insadong Hostel – Great location and value for money.
  

Best Things to Do in Insadong

• 🖌 Ssamziegil Mall – Unique spiral-shaped art mall with indie shops.
  
• 🏯 Jogyesa Temple – Peaceful Buddhist temple, especially magical at night.
  
• 🖼 National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art – Steps from Gyeongbokgung.
  

Food & Dining in Insadong

Expect traditional dishes like:

• Jeon (Korean pancakes) at Insadong Hangari Sujebi.
  
• Royal-style tteok at dessert cafés.
  
• Lots of vegetarian hanjeongsik options.
  

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Anguk Station (Line 3)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: ~55 mins via Airport Limousine bus or taxi

Pros & Cons

✅ Deep cultural roots and peaceful vibe
✅ Easy walking to major palaces
❌ Not great for nightlife
❌ Limited big-brand hotels

🌍 Itaewon – Diverse, Dynamic & Delicious

Itaewon is Seoul’s international melting pot. Whether it’s halal street food, gay bars, African groceries, or vintage denim stores, this neighborhood embraces every walk of life. It’s gritty, real, and full of flavor.

Who Should Stay in Itaewon?

• ✔ LGBTQ+ travelers – Seoul’s most inclusive nightlife and social scene.
  
• ✔ Foodies – Global cuisine and street eats from every continent.
  
• ✔ Expats & English speakers – Lots of English signage, expat bars, and cafes.
  
• ❌ Families – Nightlife can be wild and rowdy.
  
• ❌ Luxury seekers – Fewer upscale hotel options.
  

Best Hotels in Itaewon

• Luxury: Mondrian Seoul Itaewon – Chic, stylish, and party-ready.
  
• Mid-Range: Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel – Funky décor, great location.
  
• Budget: G Guesthouse Itaewon – Laid-back hostel with rooftop hangout.
  

Best Things to Do in Itaewon

• 🛍 Vintage Shopping Streets – Hunt for rare denim and Korean hipster brands.
  
• 🕌 Seoul Central Mosque – The heart of Korea’s Muslim community.
  
• 🎭 Drag Shows & Open Mics – Live performance scene is electric.
  

Food & Dining in Itaewon

You’ll find:

• Authentic Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican, and vegan eats.
  
• Braai Republic for South African BBQ.
  
• Plant Café for delicious vegan bowls.
  

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Itaewon Station (Line 6)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 60 mins by taxi (₩60,000)

Pros & Cons

✅ Globally diverse and inclusive
✅ Amazing food variety
❌ Can be chaotic and loud
❌ Some areas feel less “Korean” in character

🏯 Bukchon Hanok Village – Live Inside a Piece of Korean History

Staying in Bukchon feels like pressing pause on modern life. Nestled between two major palaces, this area is packed with centuries-old hanok houses, narrow stone lanes, and breathtaking views of tiled rooftops against the city skyline. It’s Seoul’s most photogenic throwback.

Who Should Stay in Bukchon?

• ✔ Culture seekers – You’re literally surrounded by living history.
  
• ✔ Romantic couples – The hanoks, sunsets, and tea houses are pure magic.
  
• ✔ Solo travelers who love quiet reflection
  
• ❌ Night owls – Very quiet after dark.
  
• ❌ Accessibility concerns – Lots of steep slopes and uneven paths.
  

Best Hotels in Bukchon

• Luxury: RakKoJae Hanok Hotel – Authentic hanok with luxurious touches and a courtyard you’ll never forget.
  
• Mid-Range: Hanok 24 Guesthouse Gyeongbokgung – Modern comfort in traditional design.
  
• Budget: Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse – Sleep on a heated floor in a charming, family-run hanok.
  

Best Things to Do in Bukchon

• 🏠 Hanok Strolling – Wander the maze-like alleys and spot preserved houses.
  
• 📸 Gahoe-dong Viewpoint – Iconic skyline-meets-tradition photo spot.
  
• 🎨 Craft Experiences – Join a painting or calligraphy class in a hanok.
  

Food & Dining in Bukchon

Quiet cafés and refined eats are the vibe:

• Tea Therapy – Traditional teas in a minimalist hanok setting.
  
• Tosokchon Samgyetang – Just nearby and famous for ginseng chicken soup.
  
• Artisanal rice cakes and royal cuisine restaurants are hidden in back alleys.
  

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Anguk Station (Line 3)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 60 mins by taxi (₩60,000)

Pros & Cons

✅ Deep immersion in Korean heritage
✅ Quiet, peaceful, and scenic
❌ Not ideal for party people
❌ Terrain can be tough with luggage

🌿 Samcheong-dong – Artsy Charm Next to the Palaces

Right next to Bukchon, Samcheong-dong blends traditional architecture with Seoul’s indie art scene. Expect boutique galleries, stylish cafés, and locals wearing hanboks posing under gingko trees. It’s like a curated Korean Pinterest board come to life.

Who Should Stay in Samcheong-dong?

• ✔ Design lovers & creatives – Art galleries, museums, and handmade everything.
  
• ✔ Couples or friends – Super walkable and romantic.
  
• ✔ First-timers – Easy access to Gyeongbokgung and the Blue House.
  
• ❌ Clubbers or nightlife seekers
  

Best Hotels in Samcheong-dong

• Luxury: Four Seasons Seoul (10 min walk away) – Pure indulgence near the palaces.
  
• Mid-Range: Stay256 Hanok Guesthouse – Cozy hanok stay near Bukchon with traditional charm and modern comfort.
  
• Budget: Hanok Guesthouse 201 – Cozy stay in a traditional setting.
  

Best Things to Do in Samcheong-dong

• 🖼 Gallery Hopping – Tons of small art galleries tucked between cafés.
  
• 🏛 National Folk Museum of Korea
  
• 🛍 Independent Designer Shops – Jewelry, hanbok, prints, and quirky souvenirs.
  

Food & Dining in Samcheong-dong

• Café Breezin – Tea with rooftop palace views.
  
• Sanchon – Buddhist temple food in a serene setting.
  
• Small bakeries and bingsu cafés are everywhere.
  

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Anguk Station (Line 3)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: ~60 mins

Pros & Cons

✅ Peaceful, artsy, and visually stunning
✅ Ideal for creative travelers
❌ More daytime charm than nightlife
❌ Somewhat hidden transport-wise

🛍 Dongdaemun – Night Market Buzz Meets Historic Seoul

Dongdaemun is Seoul’s original 24-hour shopping mecca, where department stores glow at 2 a.m. and street food sizzles under neon lights. Fashion-forward, hectic, and historical, it’s part mall, part museum, part rave.

Who Should Stay in Dongdaemun?

• ✔ Shopaholics – You’re steps from the biggest wholesale markets in Korea.
  
• ✔ Night owls – This area thrives after dark.
  
• ✔ Budget travelers – Tons of wallet-friendly options.
  
• ❌ Peace seekers – It’s always buzzing.
  

Best Hotels in Dongdaemun

• Luxury: JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square – Sleek luxury with views of the historic gate.
  
• Mid-Range: Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun – Great value and shopping access.
  
• Budget: Philstay Dongdaemun – Clean and comfortable dorms.
  

Best Things to Do in Dongdaemun

• 🛍 Doota Mall & Migliore – Fashion, accessories, and souvenirs till 5 a.m.
  
• 🏯 Heunginjimun Gate – One of Seoul’s original fortress gates.
  
• ✂️ Custom Tailoring Shops – Get clothes made same-day.
  

Food & Dining in Dongdaemun

• Late-night tteokbokki stalls
  
• Jinokhwa Halmae Dakhanmari – Iconic one-chicken stew
  
• Korean-Chinese spots and snack bars for post-shopping bites
  

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Lines 2, 4, 5)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: ~55 mins

Pros & Cons

✅ Shop-until-you-drop paradise
✅ Always lively
❌ Crowded and chaotic
❌ Less of a “local neighborhood” feel

🏙 Yongsan – Central, Convenient, and Surprisingly Diverse

Yongsan is Seoul’s cosmopolitan core, located right in the middle of everything. It’s where business meets history, with quick access to Itaewon, Myeongdong, and the Han River. With the massive Yongsan Station and a blend of cultures, it’s perfect for convenience-focused travelers.

Who Should Stay in Yongsan?

• ✔ Business travelers – Major companies, embassies, and hotels here.
• ✔ Transit lovers – It’s one of Seoul’s most connected hubs.
• ✔ Museum and history buffs – The War Memorial and more.
• ❌ Budget travelers – Not many low-cost stays.

Best Hotels in Yongsan

• Luxury: Grand Hyatt Seoul – Gorgeous hilltop views, spa, and dining.
• Mid-Range: Novotel Suites Ambassador – Walkable to major stations.
• Budget: Seoul Cube Guesthouse (a bit outside but accessible)

Best Things to Do in Yongsan

• 🧭 War Memorial of Korea – One of Seoul’s most powerful museums.
• 🛍 I’Park Mall – Shopping, food, and cinema all in one.
• 🎮 Electronics Market – Paradise for tech fans.

Food & Dining in Yongsan

• Tons of chain restaurants and upscale dining near hotels.
• Korean BBQ and pubs around Noksapyeong.
• International food in adjacent Itaewon.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Yongsan Station (Line 1 + KTX)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: ~60 mins

Pros & Cons

✅ Central and super convenient
✅ Easy train access to everywhere
❌ Can feel more business-like than charming
❌ Limited budget accommodations

🌸 Yeouido – Seoul’s Riverside Skyline & Cherry Blossom Heaven

Nicknamed the “Manhattan of Seoul,” Yeouido is sleek, scenic, and surprisingly serene. Nestled along the Han River, it’s home to political powerhouses, skyscrapers, and Seoul’s most iconic springtime cherry blossoms.

Who Should Stay in Yeouido?

• ✔ Business travelers – Close to major finance and government buildings.
• ✔ Couples & photographers – Stunning river views and seasonal cherry blossoms.
• ✔ Joggers & nature lovers – Endless riverside parks.
• ❌ Nightlife seekers – Much quieter after business hours.
• ❌ Budget travelers – Mid-to-upscale dominates here.

Best Hotels in Yeouido

• Luxury: Conrad Seoul – Five-star with Han River views and executive flair.
• Mid-Range: GLAD Hotel Yeouido – Modern and efficient, perfect for business or leisure.
• Budget: Kobos Hotel – Quirky, artistic rooms at a lower price point.

Best Things to Do in Yeouido

• 🌸 Yeouido Hangang Park – Iconic cherry blossom paths in spring.
• 🏛 National Assembly Building – The political heart of Korea.
• 🚴‍♂️ Han River biking & picnics – Rent a bike or order fried chicken riverside.

Food & Dining in Yeouido

• Great options for business lunches and cafés with views.
• Visit IFC Mall food court for variety.
• Not a foodie destination per se—head to nearby Mapo for street food.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚇 Nearest MRT: Yeouido Station (Lines 5 & 9)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: ~55–60 mins

Pros & Cons

✅ Beautiful riverside walks & cherry blossoms
✅ Ideal for business and calm stays
❌ Quiet at night
❌ Limited budget options

🏁 Find Your Seoul Sweet Spot

Seoul is a city of vibrant contrasts. Whether you're drawn to the lively nightlife of Hongdae, the upscale shopping in Gangnam, or the traditional charm of Bukchon Hanok Village, each neighborhood in Seoul offers a unique glimpse into the city’s soul.

Now that you have a better idea of where to stay in Seoul, it’s time to pick the perfect base for your adventure. Book your hotel in Seoul early to get the best deals and enjoy a hassle-free trip!

Planning your trip? Compare your options for flights from Manila to Seoul and don’t miss out on the latest travel promos. Stay connected the moment you land by grabbing a eSIM for South Korea, and make sure to check out the best time to visit Seoul and the top things to do in Seoul to make the most of your South Korean getaway!