Where To Stay In Seoul: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Seoul is massive, fast, and completely relentless in the best way possible. If you are trying to figure out your home base, you have to match the neighborhood to your actual energy. 

Want night markets, cheap street food, and indie live music? Head west toward the university hubs. Looking for high-end cocktail bars, designer boutiques, and pristine streets? Cross the Han River down to the south. Seoul’s public transit is amazing, but nobody wants to spend two hours a day underground just to get back to their bed.

Here is a fun quirk about the city: address systems here can be wildly confusing to outsiders. Many streets do not have traditional names, so locals navigate by major landmarks or neighborhood administrative boundaries called ‘dong’. Finding a hidden basement cafe often feels like a treasure hunt.

Choosing the right spot area to stay gives you a front-row seat to whichever side of Seoul you want to wake up to.

In this travel guide:

Gangnam

Best area for: upscale, shopping, nightlife

You may know the name Gangnam from the song “Gangnam Style”, which was released in 2012 by K-Pop singer Psy. The song made Gangnam a household name in many countries without listeners knowing what, who, or where Gangnam is.

Well, Gangnam is an affluent area of Seoul and a perfect place for first-timers to the city to base their stay.

Although the song was a massive hit, many older Koreans looked down on the song “Gangnam Style” as it was critical of the posh region of the city. Regardless, the hit single made Seoul a city millions of people wanted to learn more about.

The area grew rapidly during Seoul’s postwar development and is now one of the city’s main business, shopping, and entertainment districts.

Let’s start around Gangnam Station. The streets here are packed with stores, restaurants, beauty shops, and cafés. For a calmer break, we head over to Bongeunsa Temple. It feels almost surreal to find a temple founded in 794 surrounded by skyscrapers and busy roads.

Another good stop is Starfield COEX Mall. The huge underground complex has shops, restaurants, an aquarium, and the famous Starfield Library. We can easily lose a few hours here, especially when the weather is bad.

For something a little more polished, we check out Garosu-gil and Apgujeong Rodeo. These streets are known for fashion, beauty stores, galleries, and stylish cafés. Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs offer a completely different experience. The Joseon-era royal tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and give you a glimpse of Gangnam’s older side.

When we need a coffee break near Gangnam Station, First Coffee Lab is a solid pick. For dinner, we might go for Korean barbecue or something casual around the station.

Gangnam is busy, glossy, and definitely not sleepy. But that’s part of the fun.

Best place to stay in Gangnam

Hotel Park Hyatt. Address: 606 Teheran-ro, Daechi-dong, Seoul, South Korea.

Cheaper alternative:

Hotel Le Meridien. Address: 120, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Gangnam-Gu, 06124 Seoel, South Korea.

Hongdae

Best area for:  entertainment, students, nightlife

Hongdae effortlessly blends creative history with non-stop modern entertainment. You get world-class street food, vibrant nightlife, and endless hidden side streets filled with local fashion boutiques, all within a few blocks.

Named after nearby Hongik University, this neighborhood grew from a bohemian art-school enclave in the 1990s into South Korea’s epicenter for youth culture and indie music.

The streets here constantly buzz with energy. You will find live street performers and buskers lining the pedestrian zones every evening, surrounded by crowds of students. Hongdae is also famous for quirky visual spots, interactive photo booths, and indie art markets.

For something interactive, head to the Trick Eye Museum to play around with optical illusion art. Right down the road, KT&G Sangsangmadang offers a great multi-floor complex dedicated to independent cinema, design shops, and art galleries.

When we need a break from the crowds, we walk over to Anthracite Coffee in neighboring Hapjeong. Housed inside a converted shoe factory, this moody cafe roasts its own specialty beans on-site and serves phenomenal pour-over coffee. Sitting upstairs with an espresso and a pastry is our favorite morning ritual.

Best place to stay in Hongdae

Hide & Seek Guesthouse. Address: 14 Jahamun-ro 6-gil, Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Itaewon

Best area for: nightlife, trendy

Itaewon has long had a reputation as an area of Seoul where anything goes. Why is that? The neighborhood is home to the American military base in Seoul and bars line the streets, attracting both military and civilian patrons day and night.

Itaewon is perfect for travelers that love their nights out. The fun doesn’t stop at midnight, and most bars stay open until the sun comes up. In fact, some keep going on even if when the sunrise begins on the eastern side of the city.

The main Itaewon street is busy, colorful, and packed with restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes. We usually head into the smaller side streets, too. That’s where things get more interesting. Antique Furniture Street has around 100 antique stores, many of which originally sold secondhand U.S. Army furniture.

For something quieter, we walk uphill toward Haebangchon. The old neighborhood has a relaxed, slightly scruffy feel, with little cafes, restaurants, and views across Seoul. Café Tajagi is a fun stop for coffee. It has rooftop views and even typewriters on the tables.

Art fans should put the Leeum Museum of Art on the list. It sits just outside the busiest part of Itaewon and mixes traditional Korean art with contemporary work. Afterward, we can keep walking toward Namsan and the N Seoul Tower for some of the best city views.

Best place to stay in Itaewon

Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel. Address: 737-32 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Myeongdong

Best area for: families, shopping

Myeongdong is perfect for families looking for a cool place to stay during a trip to Seoul. Shopping is a favorite pastime in the neighborhood and you will find plenty of exciting places to spend money.

During the Joseon Dynasty, it started as a quiet residential area. Modern commercial development transformed it into Korea’s ultimate shopping powerhouse.

Today, the energy here is unmatched. Skincare shops line every single block, handing out free face masks to lure you inside. Neon signs light up the streets as soon as the sun goes down. Right in the middle of all the noise sits Myeongdong Cathedral, a striking nineteenth-century red-brick Gothic church that offers a surprisingly peaceful getaway.

Nearby, you can explore the Stamp Museum or catch a silent comedy performance at the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre. As evening hits, the central street fills up with street food carts serving sizzling tteokbokki, grilled lobster with cheese, and egg bread.

For an incredible lunch, we always head to Myeongdong Kyoja. They have been serving legendary knife-cut noodle soup (kalguksu) and steamed pork dumplings (mandu) since 1966. The garlic kimchi they serve alongside the noodles packs a serious punch.

Best place to stay in Myeongdong

The Westin Chosun Hotel. Address: 106, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Jung-Gu, 04533 Seoel, South Korea.

Cheaper alternative:

Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong. Address: 78 Namdaemun-ro, Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Insadong

Best area for: culture, history

Insadong has been associated with Korean art, calligraphy, antiques, and crafts since the Joseon Dynasty. Those traditions are still easy to spot today.

Insadong-gil is the neighborhood’s main street. There are small galleries, pottery shops, souvenir stores, and plenty of places selling traditional Korean snacks. Ssamzie-gil is worth a look too. It’s a quirky shopping complex packed with craft shops and little boutiques.

For something quieter, we duck into one of the traditional tea houses. They’re a great place to slow down for a bit and try Korean teas and sweets. If coffee is more your thing, Alto Coffee Bar is a good pick.

There’s plenty of culture nearby, too. The Kyungin Museum of Fine Art sits in a former royal family residence and hosts exhibitions in a peaceful setting. Jogyesa Temple is another highlight. Its colorful lanterns and huge trees make it feel surprisingly calm for such a central part of Seoul. The official Insadong walking route also takes in Tapgol Park, the Central Temple of Cheondogyo, Ssamzie-gil, and Bosingak.

Best place to stay in Insadong

AMASS Hotel Insadong. Address: 11 Yulgok-ro 10-gil, Gwonnong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Where travel critics stay in Seoul

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Seoul, South Korea? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Seoul.

Budget

G Guesthouse Itaewon.

“Owned by the ultra-friendly couple – Shrek and Fiona – this hostel stands above others for its attention to thought and detail. Set in a renovated industrial-chic apartment building, its private rooms and dorms are clean, spacious and have quality thick mattresses.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 14-38 Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Mid-range

GLAD Hotel Yeouido.

“Opened in late 2014, the 319-room GLAD Hotel may be in the Yeouido financial center, but this is no staid business hotel. Built by designer Suyong Joh’s Seoul-based firm, the hotel has a textural brick façade reminiscent of a traditional Korean home, park-like benches in the halls and quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt above the beds.” — New York Times.

Address: 14 Uisadang-daero, Yeoui-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Luxury

Hotel The Shilla.

“One of the fanciest, if not the fanciest hotel in South Korea, The Shilla has the prices and luxurious details to prove it. The luxury hotel is now one of the few in Seoul that actually houses a high-end Korean restaurant, La Yeon.” — CNN.

Address: 249 Dongho-ro, Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

FAQ: Seoul hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Seoul-or maybe your travel plans require an excellent hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Seoul.

Best time to visit Seoul

Spring is the best time to visit Seoul. During this period, the city is beautifully adorned with blooming flowers, including the iconic cherry blossoms, which usually peak around early April.

The weather is also mild and comfortable, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 71.6°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities like sightseeing and hiking. Moreover, spring is also the season when many festivals take place in Seoul, such as the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival and the Lotus Lantern Festival.

Autumn is another good time to visit Seoul. The city experiences pleasant weather conditions similar to spring, with temperatures varying between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Autumn paints Seoul in gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow as trees change their colors, providing a breathtaking backdrop for photos. It’s also a great time to enjoy traditional Korean events like the Seoul International Fireworks Festival and the Korean Folk Village Chuseok Event.

Although summer and winter in Seoul are characterized by extreme weather conditions—hot and humid summers with monsoons, and freezing winters—they also offer unique experiences like ice-skating on the frozen Han River or attending the Boryeong Mud Festival in summer.

Best things to do in Seoul

There are plenty of things to do in Seoul and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Seoul:

Half-Day Korean DMZ Tour from Seoul

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) lies on the border between North and South Korea, and visiting outside of a guided tour is not allowed. On this tour, explore the DMZ with your guide and gain insight into Korean War history. Price: $45. More info.

Everland 1-Day Fast Entry E-Ticket

Visit the largest and the most exciting theme park in Korea, Everland. With this e-ticket, you can explore all 5 zones of Everland: Global Fair, Zoo-Topia, European Adventure, Magic Land and American Adventure. Price: $39. More info.

Full-Day Essential Seoul Tour

Visit Jogye Temple, The Blue House, Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong, Bugak Skyway, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Myeongdong. Your tour is limited to just 15 people for a personalized experience. Price: $76. More info.

More things to do in Seoul

Deciding where to stay in Seoul

To summarize, this travel guide has covered the best areas of Seoul, as well as some hotel tips and things you can do. It’s now up to you to decide which area you prefer.

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Seoul

• Myeongdong
• Insadong
• Itaewon
• Hongdae
• Gangnam

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Seoul is important. Whether you stay in Myeongdong, Insadong, Itaewon, Hongdae or Gangnam, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Seoul.

Seoul overview

More Seoul tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Seoul:

Hotels in Seoul

Hostels in Seoul

Boutique hotels in Seoul

Luxury hotels in Seoul

Cheap hotels in Seoul