Whether you are looking for shopping, culture, food, or nightlife, Seoul has something to offer everyone. Because the city is so vast and diverse, choosing the right neighborhood to stay in can be challenging. That’s why I’ve selected a shortlist of the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The areas I will highlight are excellent in terms of transportation, entertainment, food, and nearby attractions. Each, however, has its own unique vibe depending on what you’re looking for during your trip.
In general, I don’t recommend staying in less central neighborhoods: the Seoul subway closes around midnight to 1:00 a.m. depending on the line, so if you book accommodation in the suburbs, you’ll have to return earlier each night.
By choosing one of the central neighborhoods instead, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of things to do—even in the evening—without having to move far from your hotel. For each area, I’ll suggest three of the best hotels across different price ranges, from budget to high-end. These hotels are selected based on price, proximity to the nearest subway station, verified reviews, personal experience, and extensive research. You’ll also find dedicated pages with even more recommendations for each neighborhood.
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Hongdae, located in the district of Mapo-gu, is one of Seoul’s most famous university neighborhoods. It’s also where I stayed the first time I visited Korea, so I have a special connection to it. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Hongdae is one of the best areas to stay in Seoul if you enjoy music, culture, and entertainment. Along the famous Hongdae Street (Eoulmadang-ro), you’ll find live musicians, dancers, street performers, and even aspiring K-pop groups hoping to make their debut in the entertainment industry. This is perhaps the top neighborhood for nightlife lovers, thanks to the wide range of clubs, bars, and late-night venues. However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, don’t worry: apart from Hongdae Street and Yanghwa-ro (the two busiest streets), most of the neighborhood is calm and peaceful. Although Hongdae is not right next to downtown Seoul, it is very well connected by public transportation. The Hongik University Station is especially convenient, as it offers a direct train to Incheon International Airport. In Hongdae you’ll find accommodations for every budget — from affordable guesthouses to modern hotels. Below, you can check out my top hotel recommendations, and by clicking the button, you’ll access the full selection.
Hi There Guesthouse is a cozy, recently renovated guesthouse in the heart of Hongdae. It’s especially popular with younger travelers, as the staff often organizes dinners and social events for guests. You can choose between private rooms or shared dorms if you want to further reduce your travel costs, so make sure to check the room type carefully when booking. Breakfast is simple but satisfying, making it a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a comfortable stay in Seoul.
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae is a modern 4-star hotel that offers excellent value for money—I have personally stayed here and highly recommend it. The property is located directly above the Hongik University Station and the AK Plaza shopping mall, making it extremely convenient for both transportation and shopping. There are also two 24-hour convenience stores within steps of the hotel, one of which is on the ground floor of the same building. Many rooms feature large windows with pleasant views over Seoul, adding extra comfort to your stay.
The Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae is a stylish 4-star hotel offering superior comfort. The common areas feature a distinctive design, while the rooms are elegantly furnished. Located less than a 10-minute walk from Hongik University Station, it is very convenient for moving around the city. Upon arrival, you’ll find complimentary water bottles, drinks, beer, and snacks waiting in your room. Some rooms also offer a beautiful view of Seoul’s skyline.
This is probably the most popular neighborhood to stay in Seoul. Myeongdong is famous for its countless cosmetic stores, shopping malls, and the lively Myeongdong Night Market, which hosts around 200 street food vendors. The area is also packed with clothing and accessory shops, as well as restaurants and cafes. Because of its popularity with tourists, Myeongdong offers a wide choice of hotels with excellent value for money. Its proximity to Seoul’s historic districts and its great public transport connections make it one of the best areas to stay in Seoul. On this page, you will find a selection of the three best hotels ranging from budget to higher-end options, but if you want to discover them all, click the button below.
The Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong, part of the famous French Accor chain, is in a great location, within walking distance of the Euljiro 1(il)-ga subway stop and the street food street. This Ibis offers excellent value for money in this range, making it one of the best options in the area. It’s hard to find a similar hotel for less than €100 per night.
The Moxy Seoul Myeongdong is a brand-new hotel from the Marriott group and offers excellent value for money compared to what it provides. It is located near the Myeongdong subway stop, within walking distance of the Myeongdong Night Market. The hotel features a bar and restaurant, and there is a very convenient convenience store located right below. With its youthful style and modern design, this hotel is suitable for everyone thanks to its comfort and affordability.
The Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Myeongdong is a superior 4-star hotel with an elegant and modern style. Located just a short walk from the Euljiro 3(sam)-ga subway stop, it offers very spacious rooms with wonderful views of the city. Guests can enjoy a varied and plentiful breakfast as well as attentive room service. It feels like a true luxury hotel, but at a surprisingly affordable price.
Jongno-gu is the district located north of Myeongdong, and within it lies Insadong, one of the most historic areas of Seoul. Nearby you will find some of the city’s major attractions, including the Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, the Jogyesa Temple, and four of Seoul’s royal palaces. This neighborhood is ideal for travelers who love traditional Korean architecture and want to experience the most historic part of Seoul. Insadong is full of cultural heritage sites, traditional restaurants, tea houses, and cozy cafés housed in old-style buildings. It is also known as the artistic heart of Seoul, home to numerous art galleries, tourist attractions, and shops selling traditional souvenirs. Choosing a hotel in Insadong means staying within walking distance of many of the city’s top landmarks, making it one of the best areas to stay in Seoul. Below are some of the best hotels for every budget range.
Grid Inn Hotel is just a short walk from Jongno 3-ga Station, conveniently served by three subway lines. It offers an excellent price compared to the quality and location. Only 600 meters from Jongmyo Shrine and very close to Insadong Street, this hotel features new and comfortable rooms. Breakfast is not included (understandable given the price), but there are plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby. The hotel also has a terrace with city views, perfect for relaxing in the evening.
Moxy Seoul Insadong is a stylish Marriott hotel with an informal atmosphere and outstanding value for money. Located just 3 minutes from Insadong Street and close to Jongno 3-ga Station and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, it features a fantastic bar with a rooftop terrace. Rooms are slightly larger than the Seoul average in this price range. Prices can be surprisingly affordable depending on the season—highly recommended.
Probably one of the best hotels in Seoul. The Four Seasons offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic city views, swimming pool, five different restaurants with Korean, Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, and international cuisines, two bars, 24-hour room service, and Korean sauna. The hotel is a stone's throw from Gwanghwamun Square, less than a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheonggyecheon Canal. Spoiler: it is the most expensive hotel on this page 🙂
Dongdaemun is one of the few neighborhoods slightly outside the city center where it is still convenient to stay. If the hotel prices in the more central areas are too high, Dongdaemun offers excellent quality accommodations at slightly lower rates, just a few subway stops away. For example, the highest-priced hotel I recommend here is comparable to mid-range hotels in central districts, while 3- and 4-star options are only a few euros cheaper than downtown. The area is famous for the historic Heunginjimun Gate, the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and especially the Dongdaemun Market, a massive shopping district with malls and markets open until late at night. If you’re looking to save a bit while still enjoying plenty of attractions, Dongdaemun is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Seoul.
The Acube Hotel Dongdaemun is less than a five-minute walk from the Euljiro 4(sa)-ga subway stop and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The rooms are spacious despite the affordable price, and there are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby. To give you an idea of its location, you can reach Gwanghwamun Square in just 16 minutes by subway.
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Dongdaemun offers a minimalist and modern style. It is less than a one-minute walk from the subway station and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The location is among the best in the area, with the Cheonggyecheon Canal just 10 minutes away for relaxing evening walks. A 7-Eleven is conveniently located right below the hotel.
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is a 5-star Accor hotel that comes at a much lower price compared to other similar hotels. It is also close to the DDP and the nearby metro station. In addition to standard rooms, apartments are available. The hotel features two swimming pools: an indoor pool and an infinity pool on the rooftop with incredible views. Prices are very competitive, so availability is limited—if you find a room, don’t hesitate to book.
The fame of this district precedes it: Gangnam is one of the most popular areas to stay in Seoul, and the reason is clear. In addition to becoming world-famous thanks to the song Gangnam Style by PSY, this district is known for its luxury lifestyle and the many celebrities who live here. Travelers who love modern and “pop” Korea will definitely enjoy staying in Gangnam. What are the highlights if you decide to book a hotel in Gangnam? Gangnam-daero is the main street, full of stores and restaurants—you’ll even find the famous Spontini pizzeria, recognizable to anyone who has been to Milan. Another must-see is the Coex Mall, the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, home to the iconic Starfield Library and the Coex Aquarium. For those who want a taste of traditional Korea, the Bongeunsa Temple offers a peaceful cultural escape right in the heart of Gangnam.
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