Travel guides › Where to Stay in Seoul: Choosing a Neighborhood by Travel Style
Where to Stay in Seoul: Choosing a Neighborhood by Travel Style
Seoul is a big city, so where you stay greatly changes how long you spend getting around each day. You cannot say one neighborhood is best; the answer depends on what matters most to you. This article compares the character and pros and cons of the main areas to help you choose.
Myeongdong, Jongno and Seoul Station: a solid choice for first-timers
Myeongdong and Jongno are close to palaces, traditional markets and shopping streets, so you can cover many sights on foot and by subway alone. The Seoul Station area is where AREX and KTX meet, so it is easy to come and go from the airport and convenient for trips to other regions. There is a wide range of accommodation types, and many foreign travelers, so guidance is well developed. On the other hand, it is a busy district that can be noisy at night, and some say rooms are small.
Hongdae, Yeonnam and Hapjeong: young energy and airport access
Hongik Univ. Station is on AREX, so it is easy to arrive from the airport without a transfer. Cafes, performances, street food and shopping are close, and it is very popular with younger travelers. It is lively at night and good for staying out late, but the noise comes with that, so it is worth checking the room location. Central sights such as Gyeongbokgung or Namsan often take 20 to 30 minutes by subway.
Gangnam and Jamsil: shopping and modern Seoul
Gangnam has many shopping malls, cafes and beauty-related businesses, and Jamsil has sights such as Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake. Facilities tend to be newer and more spacious, but it takes time to get to the downtown core where the traditional sights are. It is worth considering if shopping or business is your main focus.
Seongsu and Dongdaemun: neighborhoods with character
Seongsu has many cafes and pop-up stores that give a feel of Seoul right now, and Dongdaemun has a fashion district and Dongdaemun Design Plaza that stay lively late into the night. There may be fewer lodging choices than downtown, so check which places are available first.
What to base your choice on
- How you get from the airport: check whether you are near an AREX station or whether an airport bus stop is close.
- Distance to a subway station: a walk of 10 minutes or less makes each day much easier. Seoul has many hills, so do not trust a short distance on the map and read reviews.
- Luggage storage and check-in: many places have check-in in the early afternoon, so if you arrive early, check whether they can store your bags.
- Noise and safety: read reviews on night-time atmosphere, room orientation and soundproofing.
- Cancellation rules and extra charges: before booking, check the refund deadline and whether taxes, service charges and cleaning fees are included.
Compare accommodation types too
Hotels offer stable service and facilities, while guesthouses are cheap and good for meeting other travelers. A hanok stay lets you experience traditional living, but check drawbacks such as soundproofing, heating and stairs in advance. Residence-style or Airbnb-style lodging has a kitchen and suits long stays, but check whether the host is registered as a lodging business and the house rules. Prices and terms differ by booking site, so I recommend re-checking the final payment amount and cancellation rules before you confirm.
Official sources
Rules, fares and opening hours change often. Check the latest details on the official sites below.