If you are looking for one of the best areas to stay in Seoul during your trip, Myeongdong should be one of the first places you check for hotels.
Myeongdong is a true hub of experiences: street food stalls on every corner, countless shops and malls, and the highest concentration of cosmetic stores in Seoul. It is also close to some of the city’s most important attractions.
Thanks to its famous Night Market, you can try almost every Korean street food imaginable at the hundreds of stalls open in the evening.
Staying in a hotel in Myeongdong is not only convenient because of its central location—making the rest of Seoul easily accessible by public transportation—but also because the area offers plenty of budget-friendly hotels. As one of Seoul’s designated special tourist districts, it also hosts rooftop venues with stunning views of Namsan Tower (Seoul Tower). In fact, many of the recommended hotels feature beautiful rooftop terraces.
This area is very popular with tourists, which is why you will also find many currency exchange offices with good rates, sometimes even inside hotels. You’ll also come across plenty of souvenir shops, local products at affordable prices, and countless cafés and restaurants. Because of its popularity, Myeongdong is one of those areas that truly "never sleeps," with constant activity day and night.
Myeongdong is close to several major attractions and points of interest, including Namsan Seoul Tower, Myeongdong Cathedral, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsangol Hanok Village, and Namdaemun Market.
The criteria I used to select the best hotels in Myeongdong are very strict. You will find them organized by price range: starting with luxury hotels offering 5-star services and amenities, then affordable mid-range options, and finally budget hostels perfect for younger travelers.
The Hotel The Plaza Seoul is located just 2 minutes from City Hall Station, and most rooms overlook Seoul Plaza itself. A special touch: when you enter your room, automated curtains will open to welcome you. Spa, pool, and gym are of course included.
The Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong is a brand-new hotel conveniently located near Myeongdong Station and the Night Market. Rooms are modern and stylish, fully equipped with everything you need. Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, work desks in every room, and, something Italians will especially appreciate, an Illy coffee machine.
The Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower, completely renovated in 2018, is located next to the skyscraper of the Lotte Hotel Seoul but offers an even higher level of luxury and amenities compared to its “neighbor.” The rooms are designed to exceed expectations, and a unique fragrance created exclusively for the hotel will accompany your stay.
The Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong, part of the Accor group, is the most affordable option among the 4-star hotels—and on some days, it can even be cheaper than 3-star hotels. With an excellent price-to-quality ratio, it also features a stunning panoramic rooftop bar.
The G2 Hotel Myeongdong is modern and stylish, located about 7 minutes from the metro station in a quieter area that is still full of restaurants and cafés. Rooms are spacious, and the hotel offers a rooftop terrace with views of N Seoul Tower. A currency exchange service is also available on site.
Just two minutes from Euljiro 3-ga Station, the Nine Tree Premier Hotel is an elegant choice, well known for its rich breakfast buffet, larger-than-average rooms, and very comfortable beds. The property even has a GS25 convenience store inside, making it easy to buy whatever you need without leaving the hotel.
The Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong is a hotel I have already recommended in the article “Where to Sleep in Seoul.” It is located very close to Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station and the Myeongdong Night Market. Considering its location, the value for money is excellent. The limousine bus to the airport also stops right in front of the hotel.
The Moxy Seoul Myeongdong, part of the Marriott chain, is a brand-new hotel with outstanding value for money. Just a short walk from Myeongdong Station and the street food Night Market, it offers a youthful and distinctive style. Inside, you’ll also find a bar and a currency exchange service if needed.
A few minutes’ walk from Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, the Metro Hotel Myeongdong has a modern, minimalist style. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by free massage chairs, a real treat at the end of a long day. The direct access to a 7-Eleven convenience store is very handy, and the hotel also features a terrace overlooking the streets of Myeongdong.
A quick note about hostels in Korea, especially if it’s your first time: bathrooms are usually the traditional Korean style, meaning the shower is integrated into the entire bathroom area. You will rarely find the separate shower stalls that are common in Europe or the United States.
Just minutes from the Myeongdong subway station, the OYO Hostel Myeongdong 5 offers both shared dorms with bunk beds and private rooms. Guests can enjoy a common lounge area and a lovely rooftop terrace, perfect for relaxing or having a drink with friends among the rooftops of Seoul. A free continental breakfast is included in the rate.
Also near the subway station, the OYO Myeongdong 5 Lodge is housed in a very modern villa. This hostel also features lounge areas and a cozy little terrace in front of the building, ideal for relaxing at the end of the day during warmer months. Each room comes with a refrigerator, and a continental breakfast is included in the rate.
Another property under the same management, the OYO Hostel Myeongdong 3 is located very close to Myeongdong Cathedral as well as the subway. Like the others, it offers both shared and private rooms at very affordable prices. Each room has its own private bathroom, and breakfast is included here as well.
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