Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Areas for First-Time Travellers

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Quick Overview of Neighbourhoods in Seoul

If you don’t have time to read the full guide, here’s a quick look at the top areas to stay in Seoul:

• Myeongdong – the bustling shopping and foodie hub.
• Insadong – where traditional charm meets boutique cafés.
• Bukchon Hanok Village – historic streets with hanok stays.
• Itaewon – international vibe, great nightlife and scenic views at Namsan Park.
• Hongdae – youthful, creative and energetic.
• Seongsu – trendy, design-focused and relaxed.
• Gangnam – sleek, modern and super luxurious.
• Incheon Airport Area – practical for late arrivals or early departures.
• Temple Stays – give you a unique cultural experience to learn about Buddhist life.

Where to stay in Seoul and why

Myeongdong – the popular heart of Seoul for first time travellers

Myeongdong is the most popular place to stay in Seoul, and probably what most people picture when they think of the city – bright neon lights, crowds of shoppers and street food stalls on every corner.

I spent two nights at Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II, and it was perfect introduction to Myeongdong. The hotel was close enough to the hustle and bustle to soak up the area’s energy, yet far enough away that I could escape the noise at night.

The location couldn’t have been better. It is a short walk to Namsan Tower, Cheonggyecheon Stream and countless shopping streets. I loved wandering around Myeongdong in the evenings, sampling hotteok (sweet or savoury Korean pancakes) and trying every skincare brand known to humankind.

One thing to be careful of – don’t confuse Nine Tree Myeongdong 2 with the original Nine Tree by Parnas Myeongdong 1. The first is smack bang in the middle of the night market chaos, and judging by photos and reviews, isn’t quite as luxurious. Staying at Nine Tree 2 meant I had a far more restful sleep, which, after a long flight and a busy first day, made all the difference.

Pros of staying in Myeongdong:

• Central location with excellent public transport connections.
• A shopping paradise for skincare, clothing and more.
• Vibrant nightlife, K-pop and street culture.
• Incredible street food scene.
• Diverse range of accommodation options.

Cons of staying in Myeongdong:

• Can be overwhelmingly busy and crowded.
• Street noise might be an issue depending on your hotel’s location.
• Very touristy atmosphere.
• Prices slightly higher than quieter areas.

Where to stay in Myeongdong

MY TOP PICK

Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II

• 4 star hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Prime location, but quiet
• Excellent value for money
• Convenient facilities including a self service laundry room, gym and convenience store

BOOK THIS HOTEL

Luxury Hotels in Myeongdong

• Lotte Hotel Seoul (5★) – a classic, high-end choice with excellent amenities and direct access to the subway and the Lotte Department Store.
• L’Escape Hotel (5★) – a boutique hotel with a grand Parisian feel and top-tier amenities.
• Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong (5★) – a modern, design-focused hotel set right in the heart of Myeongdong.

Mid-Range Hotels in Myeongdong

• Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II (4★) – my personal pick, quiet yet central.
• Hotel28 Myeongdong (3★) – an affordable boutique-style hotel with spacious rooms and a very central location.
• LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong (4★) – well located in Euljiro, just one street away from Myeongdong.

Budget Hotels in Myeongdong

• Nine Tree by Parnas Myeongdong I (3★) – clean, cosy rooms situated in the heart of Myeongdong night market and main walking street. A great base to explore the city from, but it can get noisy at night.
• Moxy Seoul Myeongdong (3★) – a trendy, budget-friendly hotel in a very central location. They also offer bunk bed rooms for families or groups.
• Hotel Drip&Drop Myeongdong (3★) – One of the best rated budget hostels in Myeongdong, just a 3 minute walk from the main walking street. Rooms types are available for up to four people.

Insadong – the cultural heart of Seoul

Insadong offers a completely different vibe. It’s full of traditional charm, with hanok-style cafés, art galleries and boutique shops. I loved wandering its walkable streets, filled with teahouses and souvenirs that feel uniquely Korean.

On my return to Seoul, I stayed at Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun Myeongdong, which is technically in Myeongdong but just a short stroll from Insadong. This hotel turned out to be a perfect base for exploring both areas; making it easy to explore the cultural heart of the city without relying on taxis to reach Myeongdong’s vibrant nightlife – you can just hop on a bus if you don’t want to walk.

It truly felt like the best of both worlds. The hotel itself had a clean, modern aesthetic with moody, dark interiors that felt stylish and calming. The rooms were small and compact, but extremely comfortable. 

The mattress was medium-firm, which I liked, though I struggled with the pillows – they were seemingly filled with air and flattened the second you rest your head on them, not providing any support. I even asked the front desk if they had firmer ones, but unfortunately, they didn’t. Still, this minor inconvenience didn’t overshadow how convenient the location was. 

Multiple metro stations and bus stops nearby meant I rarely needed a taxi, saving both time and money. Being able to wander through Insadong’s charming streets, sample traditional teas and pop into boutique shops was a highlight of my stay. The balance of quiet at the hotel with easy access to cultural sights made this stay feel intentional – exactly what I had hoped for when choosing where to stay in Seoul.

Nearby Ikseon-dong, separated from Insadong by a main street, was a delightful surprise. Hidden cocktail bars and quirky cafés seemed to pop up around every corner, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the city away from the tourist crowds.

Pros of staying in Insadong

• Quieter streets than Myeongdong, ideal for relaxed walks. 
• Traditional Korean charm with cultural and artistic attractions nearby.
• Walkable to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and Jogyesa Temple.
• Ikseon-dong is a short walk away, with some top-rated restaurants and bakeries.
• Two popular vegan restaurants are just off the main walking street.
• Hotels are generally slightly more affordable than in Myeongdong.

Cons of staying in Insadong:

• Limited nightlife options.
• Parts of Insadong can feel touristy, but not nearly as much as Myeongdong.
• Hotels are typically smaller in scale.

Where to stay in Insadong

MY TOP PICK

Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun Myeongdong

• 4 star hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Prime location in central Seoul with multiple metro stations within a 10-minute walk
• Clean, comfortable rooms & an on-site restaurant
• Excellent value for money

BOOK THIS HOTEL

Luxury Hotels in Insadong

• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (5★) – As you would expect from a Four Seasons property, this elegant hotel offers luxurious amenities and beautiful suites – perfect for travellers seeking a high-end stay.

Mid-Range Hotels in Insadong

• Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun Myeongdong (4★) – my personal pick, clean and comfortable with a central location and beautiful views over Jogyesa Temple.
• Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong (4★) – known for its excellent location near Insadong Cultural Street and major subway stations. The rooms are small but clean and comfortable with excellent views.

Budget Hotels in Insadong

• Orakai Insadong Suites (4★) – spacious suites ideal for families, with great amenities like pools and a gym. Located in the heart of Insadong, though reviews are quite mixed though.
• N285 Hotel Insadong (3★) – is highly rated for a budget hotel, with modern, clean rooms and very helpful staff. A great location at an affordable price.

Bukchon Hanok Village

For those dreaming of traditional Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village can be an unforgettable experience. Staying in a hanok feels like stepping back in time, with narrow streets, curved rooftops and quiet mornings.

While I didn’t stay in a hanok myself, I wandered the streets and it truly is as charming and peaceful as I had imagined.

Pros of staying in Bukchon Hanok Village:

• Authentic cultural experience staying in a hanok house. 
• Ideal for a one or two night stay.
• Close to numerous cafes and coffee shops.
• Peaceful walks in the heart of Seoul.

Cons of staying in Bukchon Hanok Village:

• Limited accommodation options, with pretty much no hotels in the area.
• Streets can be steep and challenging when carrying luggage.
• Quiet at night, with fewer restaurants open late.

Where to stay in Bukchon Hanok Village

Luxury Hanoks in Bukchon Hanok Village

• Rakkojae Seoul Main Hanok – a boutique hanok with plenty of modern touches. Breakfast is included as part of your stay which is rare in Seoul.

Mid-Range Hanoks in Bukchon Hanok Village

• Cheong Yeon Jae Hanok Stay Guesthouse – is praised for its traditional atmosphere combined with modern amenities like heated floors and private modern bathrooms. Located in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village.
• Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse – a traditional cosy hanok experience on a budget renowned for an authentic Korean experience, with friendly and hospitable hosts.

Itaewon – an alternative multicultural neighbourhood

Itaewon has an international, alternative vibe, perfect for those who love diverse cuisines and vibrant nightlife. You’ll find plenty of cheap eats, coffee spots by day and craft beer bars by night.

It is one of Seoul’s trendiest dining and shopping districts and is popular with expats living in the city. English is more widely spoken in here, which can be reassuring for first-time visitors. Nearby Namsan Park nearby offers a peaceful escape and beautiful city views from N Seoul Tower.

This lively district is a maze of steep, twisting alleyways on either side of the main road, yet the streets are eerily quiet for Seoul. We spoke to a local who shared that a tragedy Halloween 2022 deeply affected the community, leading many residents to move away and leaving some too upset to return

Pros of staying in Itaewon:

• International and diverse atmosphere.
• Easy access to Namsan Park and scenic spots.
• Lively nightlife with many international dining options.
• Plenty of LGBTQ+ pubs and clubs.
• Affordable accommodation 

Cons of staying in Itaewon:

• Less authentic Korean cultural experience.
• Can be noisy and touristy on weekends.
• Slightly further from historical Seoul attractions.
• No direct metro line to the city centre, requiring a transfer.
• Some of the steep slopes are worse than leg day at the gym, making the area challenging for those with limited mobility.

Where to stay in Itaewon

Luxury Hotels in Itaewon

• Grand Hyatt Seoul (5★) – a timeless and luxurious property that embodies the iconic grandeur of a bygone era, with sweeping views across the city.
• Mondrian Seoul Itaewon (5★) – this luxury hotel has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool, fitness centre and rooftop bar. Really well priced for a luxury hotel.
• Banyan Tree Club & Spa (5★) – set in the forest of Namsan Park, this hotel is a short 10 minute drive from Itaewon, A great place to stay if you want to escape the feeling of being in a city.

Budget Hotels in Itaewon

• Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel (3★)– stylish, quiet and accessible hotel that won’t break the bank without feeling too much like a budget hotel. This is your best choice for a modern stay in the neighbourhood.
• Hamilton Hotel (3★) – slightly dated rooms, but located in a prime location that is central and convenient.

Seongsu – known as the Brooklyn of Seoul

This factory district turned fashion hub is Seoul’s trendiest up-and-coming area. Think converted warehouses, stylish cafés and boutique stores – all in keeping with the neighbourhood’s concrete, industrial vibe.

While there are no historical sites nearby to visit, Seongsu is perfect for those chasing contemporary art and bougie coffee spots. Hotels are few and far between, with more private rentals and Airbnb style accommodation for longer stays in the city.

Seoul Forest adds a calm, green space, ideal for a morning stroll or picnic.

Pros of staying in Seongsu:

• Trendy and creative neighbourhood.
• Relaxed vibes in a quieter atmosphere.
• More authentic Korean culture.
• Easy metro access to other parts of Seoul.
• Very few tourists here.
• Plenty of creative spaces to explore in converted warehouses.

Cons of staying in Seongsu:

• Less central for sightseeing.
• Fewer traditional attractions nearby.

Where to stay in Seongsu

Luxury Hotels in Seongsu

• The Classic 500 Pentaz Executive Residence (5★) – is a residence style, spacious hotel with modern suites – ideal for groups of travellers. Located a 3-minute walk from Lotte Department Store, amenities include a fitness centre, an expansive outdoor pool, sauna, on-site restaurants and karaoke.

Mid-Range Hotels in Seongsu

• Hotel Poco Seongsu (3★) – is a light and airy boutique hotel located within walking distance of many shops and cafes has minimal aesthetics with clean and spacious rooms. Some rooms include an outdoor terrace with city views and spa bath. This is a very well reviewed budget hotel for its excellent location in a trendy neighbourhood.

Budget Hotels in Seongsu

• Hotel The Designers Kondae (3★) – stylish and cosy hotel with small rooms. Conveniently located near Konkuk University and a metro station.

Gangnam – the luxury business and shopping district

Gangnam is an upmarket fashionable neighbourhood in Seoul, known for its excellent nightlife, high-end dining and designer shopping. It’s where K-pop stars and their fans often congregate, giving the area a glamorous, celebrity-infused vibe.

Outside of Seoul, most people have probably only heard of Gangnam from Psy’s global hit, Gangnam Style, but the neighbourhood has a unique identity of its own. Sleek, modern and luxurious, it offers a very different side of Seoul compared with the historic and traditional districts.

Pros of staying in Gangnam:

• Modern, safe and well-connected.
• Excellent shopping and dining options.
• Metro connections to central Seoul.

Cons of staying in Gangnam:

• Lacks historical charm.
• Can be expensive.
• Traffic can be heavy.

Where to stay in Gangnam

Luxury Hotels in Gangnam

• Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection, Seoul Gangnam (5★) – this is the best known hotel in Seoul, where no design detail has been overlooked. This super stylish hotel is high-end in terms of design, amenities and service – very popular with celebrities and overseas dignitaries too.
• Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas by IHG (5★) – is opulent, with top facilities. Located inside the World Trade Centre, this hotel has several restaurants and bars, including the Westin Club Lounge with a skyline view. There is a casino, golf practice room and a pool too – but I’d say this is geared more towards business travellers.
• Park Hyatt Seoul (5★) – is all about luxury and location with stunning views of the Han River. The Park Hyatt has a Japanese-inspired interiors with minimal luxury rooms, several restaurants including Timber House and a Vinyl LP bar and an indoor pool.
• Andaz Seoul Gangnam, by Hyatt (5★) – a luxury hotel with rooms designed by Dutch designers who were inspired by traditional Korean wrapping cloths – this is reflected in the beautiful indoor pool.

Mid-Range Hotels in Gangnam

• L7 Gangnam by Lotte Hotels (4★) – is a trendy, lifestyle-focused hotel, part of the signature lifestyle brand of the famous Lotte hotel group. This brand is known for offering a modern, stylish, and youthful atmosphere. Great location next to a subway station, and COEX mall is a short walk away too.
• Hotel Cappuccino (4★) – a quirky mid-range hotel in Gangnam that is often praised for its stylish design and convenient Gangnam location near Eonju Station. There is an artisan grocery store in the lobby selling wines and groceries, and though some of the rooms are small, they are very quirky

Budget Hotels in Gangnam

• Upflo Hostel (2★) – Budget hostel with 19 individually decorated guest rooms. Each room has a private bathroom.

Hongdae – the hipster student area

Hongdae is young, vibrant and endlessly creative. Street performances, themed cafés and quirky shops define the neighbourhood.

It’s perfect for those seeking nightlife and a lively, hipster, artsy vibe. However, you’ll struggle to find a luxury hotel here.

Budget hotels are guaranteed but you’ll pay for it in travel time, as it can take 25–45 minutes to reach other parts of Seoul by metro. The area can be chaotic, but that’s part of its charm. 

I’d definitely recommend visiting Hongdae – especially the Thanks, Nature Cafe, where you can enjoy coffee with two baby lambs – but I wouldn’t advise staying here.

Pros of staying in Hongdae:

• Energetic, youthful and full of creativity.
• Great for nightlife, shopping and street performances.
• Good value hotels and hostels.
• Home to one of the best themed cafes in Seoul.

Cons of staying in Hongdae:

• Can be noisy, especially at night with students and tourists.
• Crowded and touristy.
• Inconvenient location for all of the attractions in central Seoul.

Where to stay in Hongdae

Mid-Range Hotels in Hongdae

• RYSE, Autograph Collection (4★) – has  great facilities and contemporary rooms with great views. There is a Blue Bottle coffee shop in the lobby and a cool rooftop bar on the 15th floor.
• L7 Hongdae by Lotte (4★) – modern and stylish hotel in a great location, close to Hongik University Station (exit 1). Amenities include an adult’s only rooftop pool, but you must ensure to book a hotel package that includes pool access in order to use it.
• Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae (4★) – excellent location in the heart of Hongdae, making it ideal for shopping and nightlife. The rooms are what you would expect from a chain hotel.

Budget Hotels in Hongdae

• Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae (3★) – is everything you would expect from a basic Holiday Inn Express property. Located in prime location opposite Hongik University station, the rooms are clean and comfortable, with friendly service.
• Twin Rabbit Guesthouse (2★) – is budget accommodation that is praised for their location, laundry facilities and great WiFi. The rooms are basic and can be uncomfortable for those expecting a full-service hotel experience.

Incheon Airport Area

If you’re landing at Incheon Airport late at night, the Best Western Premier Incheon Airport Hotel is a lifesaver. We arrived at 10pm after an 18-hour journey, and it was the perfect way to start our trip. Staying close to the airport saved us the stress of figuring out Seoul’s metro system after a long flight – not to mention the nearly two-hour train ride to a hotel in central Seoul.

Having a decent night’s sleep at the right time helped us to adjust to the time zone and set us up well for the rest of our trip. While it’s not a particularly luxurious hotel to stay in, it’s proximity to the airport is unbeatable.

The bed was comfortable, and breakfast offered surprisingly good vegetarian options. It wasn’t a huge buffet, but there were more choices than I had anticipated. Spending one night here was one of the best decisions we made for our trip.

Pros of staying near Incheon Airport:

• Super convenient for late arrivals or early departures.
• Quick access to the airport terminals.
• Comfortable and practical for rest.

Cons of staying near Incheon Airport:

• Far from Seoul’s main attractions.
• Area is functional rather than scenic or luxurious.

Where to stay near Incheon Airport

MY TOP PICK

Best Western Premier Incheon Airport Hotel

• 4 star hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Unbeatable proximity to Incheon international airport – they offer a complimentary shuttle
• Ideal for a short stay or layover if you have a late night flight
• Very spacious, comfortable rooms

BOOK THIS HOTEL

Luxury Hotels near Incheon Airport

• Grand Hyatt Incheon (5★) – is an upscale hotel near the airport with spacious rooms and high quality amenities. Situated a short shuttle or walk from Incheon International Airport (ICN), making it ideal for layovers or early/late flights.

Mid-Range Hotels near Incheon Airport

• Best Western Premier Incheon Airport Hotel (4★) – my personal pick, ideal for resting after a late night or early morning flight. The room was dark and dingy, but clean – the bed was comfortable and the breakfast was good. I would stay here again for one night.

Temple Stays in Seoul

Temple stays in South Korea offer a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to learn about Buddhist life through activities like meditation and tea ceremonies. If you’re looking for something truly memorable and different, this could be one of the most enriching experiences in Seoul.

Admiring the city’s temples from the outside is one thing, but staying overnight in one – waking up to the sound of a wooden moktak drum and joining morning meditation with the monks – is entirely another experience.

A temple stay is a programme run by Buddhist temples across South Korea, giving visitors to experience aspects of monastic life firsthand. Activities typically include meditation, tea ceremonies, chanting, and sometimes a simple communal meal known as barugongyang. It’s not just about religion – it’s about slowing down, reflecting, and connecting with Korean culture in a completely different way.

In Seoul, there are several temple stay options depending on the experience you want.

Jogyesa Temple, located in the heart of the city near Insadong, is ideal if you want a temple stay without leaving central Seoul. It’s one of the most important temples in Korean Buddhism and surprisingly peaceful despite its downtown location. For those short on time, it’s a convenient and accessible option.

If you’d rather escape the city noise, head to Jingwansa Temple or Geumseonsa Temple, nestled in the hills surrounding Seoul, offer a more immersive, nature-focused experience. Wake up to birdsong, wander forested trails, and breathe in the crisp mountain air before breakfast. The tranquillity here is unmatched by the city centre. 

Bongeunsa Temple, located in Gangnam, provides a striking contrast: a centuries-old temple surrounded by skyscrapers. The temple stay here is slightly more contemporary but still peaceful – perfect for travellers who want a spiritual retreat without leaving modern comforts behind.

Booking is straightforward, the official Templestay website lists all participating temples and programmes, including options in English.

Whether you join for a night or just an afternoon programme, a temple stay offers a side of Seoul that most tourists miss. It’s a chance to disconnect from the noise, reflect on your travels, and experience Korean spirituality up close.

Pros of a temple stay in Seoul:

• Offers a unique and immersive cultural experience.
• Opportunity to learn meditation and traditional tea ceremonies.
• Peaceful environment for reflection and rest.
• Options available both in central Seoul and in natural surroundings.
• All of your meals will be vegetarian or vegan – this is a pro if you have any dietary restrictions.

Cons of a temple stay in Seoul:

• Simple accommodation – not a luxury experience.
• Strict schedules (early mornings and quiet hours).
• English may be limited at smaller temples.

Tips on Finding Where to Stay in Seoul

For first-timers, I think a stay in Myeongdong or Insadong is perfect – you have all the convenience and attractions close by – and a taste of Seoul’s vibrant energy without feeling lost. My biggest tip would be to mix up your hotel styles: a practical airport hotel plus a more central, comfortable stay in the city works beautifully.

• Prioritise location. Think about the must-see sights on your itinerary and how close you want to be to them.
• Balance convenience and experience. A quiet hotel in a central area is often better than a fancy one far from everything. 
• Read recent reviews. Photos and reviews often reveal noise levels and comfort details that matter most. I always filter reviews from the worst to the best to see what people didn’t like about the hotel first.
• Search social media. Often photos on sites like TripAdvisor are outdated, but people often upload room tours and real feedback about hotels on their social media platforms. This is a great way to get a picture of the look and feel of the place you will be staying at.
• Consider your arrival time. Late-night arrivals often justify a night near the airport. This is something I will definitely be doing again after a long haul flight.
• Mix up hotel types. One night in a practical spot, a couple of nights in a traditional hanok and a few nights in your perfect neighbourhood can be ideal. I love switching up locations if I am in a city for a long time, even if packing and moving is a pain – I think it’s worth it.

Choosing where to stay in Seoul can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you crave the energy of Myeongdong, the charm of Insadong or the luxury of Gangnam, there’s a neighbourhood to suit every style and pace. For me, the mix of convenience and central city stays struck the perfect balance.

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