Where To Stay In Seoul, South Korea

Seoul was a stopover between my visit to Jeju and Busan.

Unlike finding where to stay in Busan, figuring out where to stay in Seoul was harder than I thought! There are so many neighbourhoods to choose from, all of which with their own unique characteristics and attractions.

I hope this post can help you make that decision – to choose the best area to stay in Seoul for you.

As usual, I have sorted the accommodation according to district and given you a couple of options from top hotels in Seoul to unique boutique hotels and of course, not forgetting the best hostels in Seoul that wouldn’t break the budget.

Note that in Seoul, many hostels are commonly referred to as guesthouses. Many of them are not the typical hostels we are familiar with – some do offer a private room with your own bathroom. They are fairly small and simple but gets the job done.

Recommended Places to Stay in Seoul, South Korea

Scouting for best place to stay in Seoul. #Korea? Whether it is near Seoul station, a boutique hotel or a hostel in #Seoul, we got it all covered! #travel

Pin for later!

Where to stay in Seoul for Convenience

Travelling around Seoul is simple with the subway so if this is your first time to Seoul, make sure to stay near a subway station for easy, fuss-free travel.

I recommend the following 3 stations: Seoul Station, Dongdaemun and Myeongdong.

Seoul Station is Seoul’s Central station and a simple 45-minute ride on the Airport Railroad Express Train (AREX) from Incheon International Airport. From there, it is just a few stops to Myeongdong station and a couple more to Dongdaemun on the Line 4 (light blue).

Seoul Station

I would recommend staying in hotels near Seoul Station only if you are travelling out of Seoul and going to other parts of Seoul – for example catching a train to Busan or a bus from Seoul to the outskirts.

If not, choose a hotel closer to Dongdaemun or Myeongdong station.

Boutique Hotels near Seoul Station (Less than 10min walk):

Hostels/ Guesthouses near Seoul Station:

Dongdaemun

A shopping and dining haven for many youngsters, Dongdaemun is an obvious popular area to stay in Seoul.

Lined with so many shops, you can shop till you drop as some places open even till the wee morning.

Other than shopping, do check out these other attractions that are nearby: Naksan Park, Ihwa Mural Village, Dongdaemun Gate and Cheonggyecheon stream. The last two attractions are particularly beautiful at night!

Seoul Hotels in Dongdaemun:

Seoul Hostels/ Guesthouse in Dongdaemun:

Read this:

7 Incredible Photography Locations In Busan, South Korea

Myeongdong

Seomyeon|What to to Do, See and Eat in Busan

Street food

Similar to Dongdaemun, Myeongdong is another place with obvious appeal to shoppers. There is Myeongdong street for more affordable clothing and a whole array of the most trusted Korean cosmetics and Shinsegae Department Store for more upmarket items.

For those who aren’t keen on shopping, check out the street food – Dakgangjung (a sweet and sour chicken), ojingeo twigim (fried giant squid) and eomuk tang (fish cakes with soup), just to list a few.

After, be sure to check out Lottemart to stock up on all the Korean snacks you love. Other attractions in the area include N Seoul Tower and the Myeongdong Cathedral.

Seoul Hotels in Myeongdong:

Seoul Hostels/ Guesthouse in Myeongdong:

Where to stay in Seoul for Nightlife

Hongdae

Did you know that Koreans has one of the highest alcohol intake on average in the world?

Not surprising because who doesn’t enjoy a Soju, especially in the cold winter. Thus, for those who enjoy the night scene, Hongdae is one of the best places to stay in Seoul. It is the area outside Hongik University station.

Located close to Hongik University, you’ll be sure to find throngs of young people here at night drinking and partying at the hottest clubs in town.

Even if you decide not to stay here, I still recommend to take a trip down to have a meal at one of their hippy cafes and check out the street art. It certainly provides a different vibe from the rest of the city.

Seoul Hotels in Hongdae:

Seoul Hostels/ Guesthouse in Hongdae:

Hanbok, things to do Bukchon Hanok Village, seoul korea

Read this:

Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea – What To Expect?

Itaewon

Similar to Hongdae but more foreigner-friendly due to the U.S army base nearby, Itaewon is packed with bars and clubs that known to have the best DJs in town.

Itaewon also has a larger variety of international food compared to the rest of Seoul. I’m sure my fellow Singaporeans know about the famous cafe – Paris Baguette. The same company opened Passion 5 and it is located in Itaewon.

Seoul Hotels in Itaewon:

Seoul Hostels/ Guesthouse in Itaewon:

Where to stay in Seoul for Culture

Rent your own Hanbok for the day.

Bukchon

If staying in an ordinary hotel is just too ordinary for you, why not try staying in a traditional Korean house, also known as a Hanok place.

Bukchon is a favourite neighbourhood to stay in Seoul for many travellers, simply because it transports you back to Korea in the past with its quaint wooden houses. Luckily for you, many hotels in Bukchon offer the Hanok experience.

If you visit in the winter, these wooden houses are dusted with glistening white snow – indeed a sight to behold. The streets of Bukchon is sprinkled with cafes, restaurants and shops, so be sure to take your time and explore.

Hanok in Bukchon:

Seomyeon|What to to Do, See and Eat in Busan Korea

Read this:

Where to Stay in Busan, South Korea

Where to stay in Seoul for Families

Insadong

If you’re looking for where to stay in Seoul with family, I recommend staying no other than in Insadong. Insadong is one of the most customary and social locales in Seoul. On the off chance that you are staying in Insadong, know that not only are you close to many Seoul attractions, you’re staying in the core of Seoul inside the walking range of most royal residences – the Bukchon Hanok Village, the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and Gwanghwamum Square.

It’s a touristy locale with heaps of tea houses, art galleries, eateries, and souvenir shops, hence why it’s one of the best places to stay in Seoul. You can find a lot of interesting sights by walking, including having plenty of cafés to browse.

Insadong likewise houses some fascinating historical centres, for example the Kimchi Museum, where you can master everything about the quintessential Korean dish.

Seoul Hotels in Insadong:

Where to stay in Seoul for Couples

Jamsil

Jamsil is extraordinary for any individuals who adore carnivals throughout the entire year. Staying in Jamsil, Lotte World is directly in front of you. Lotte World Amusement Park has both indoor and open-air rides, so you can take you and your partner on some of their thrilling rides. Most of the roller coasters are indoors, making it attractive to visit in any event, even during the winter months. There’s also a large indoor ice arena and a shopping centre at Lotte World, so you and your partner will never run out of things to do!

Stroll around Lake Park in the spring to watch dazzling cherry blossoms fall – as if that’s not the most romantic thing in the world?

The most current expansion to Seoul’s horizon is the Lotte World Tower. This tremendous structure towers far beyond some other structures in Seoul; it obviously stands out even miles away. Inside Lotte World Tower is Seoul’s freshest shopping centre with an extraordinary choice of stores, cafes and eateries.

Seokchon Lake Park is another nearby spot that’s ideal for strolling with a delightful view. You can also visit Jamsil Stadium, which is the home of the LG Twins; Seoul’s chief baseball club. In Korea, baseball isn’t only a game, it’s a festival. Each group has its own personal interesting melody and move.

Seoul Hotels In Jamsil:

(From USD 180/night)

Where to stay in Seoul for Solo Travellers

Gangnam

Truly, this is home to the renowned Gangnam Style, yet it’s not in any way dorky as you’d suspect. Indeed, Gangnam is Seoul’s most current locale with COEX, the biggest underground shopping centre in Asia, with the most costly elevated structures and the best plastic specialists around. Shopaholics, you can go through a whole day in Gangnam and not get exhausted nor feel lonely from visiting Seoul as a solo traveller. This is why I recommend Gangnam as one of the best areas to stay in Seoul for solo travellers.

Seoul Hotels In Gangnam:

(From USD 55/night)

Seoul Hostels/ Guesthouse in Gangnam:

(From USD 39/night)

For those who are tired of mainstream tourist areas

Wangsimni

If this is not your first time to Seoul and you are not too keen of crowd downtown, maybe give Wangsimi a go!

I would describe it as a quieter residential area where you can see locals go about their daily life. Don’t worry about being far away from the main city areas though, because Dongdaemun and Myeongdong are within 15 minutes by train.

If you are familiar with the traditional Korean food, Gopchang (intestines of a pig or cow), check out Gopchang Alley in Wangsimi.

Seoul Hotels in Wangsimi:

And that’s the end of it!

In my humble opinion, with the efficient transportation in Seoul, if you stay in hotels near a train station, you’re all set to explore this city!

Hopefully this post gives you a better idea of the places to stay in Seoul and helps you narrow down the top hotels in Seoul – whether you prefer boutique hotels or affordable hostels.

Travel safe everyone! 🙂

Pin this:

Read other useful Korea posts!

Korea Asia Travel

Tags:

Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea

Recommended Places to Stay in Seoul, South Korea