WHERE TO STAY YOUR FIRST TIME IN SEOUL
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Planning a first trip to Seoul and no idea where to stay? You have come to the right place! Not long ago I was in the same position and – more by luck than anything else – I managed to book the perfect area (and a great hidden gem hotel!).
Find out which Seoul neighborhood is my top recommendation – as well as a couple of alternative districts that may work for you. Aside from the hotel I actually stayed at (a true hidden gem!) I also recommend a couple good options in each area.
Some basic Background about Seoul
Seoul is a large, wide-spread city and I am sure that there are many areas that would make a great base, especially if you are visiting for longer. However, the five areas I recommend below will be your best bet if it is your first trip and you plan to see the regular sights for three to five days!
They combine a location close to main attractions (saving you travel time), excellent public transit, a great vibe, and plenty of amenities, like restaurants and shops. You can’t go wrong if you choose one of these!
Best Areas and Hotels to stay in Seoul
My trip to Seoul was fairly short but I can honestly say that I absolutely loved the area I stayed in (my #1 below). During my time there I pretty much visited all the main sights (it was a very busy stay!) so I have a good idea of which locations work best for easy access to the main attractions.
1. Gwanghwamun Area
Neighborhood Vibe Gwanghwamun
My personal top recommendation for a regular, short (3-4 day) stay in Seoul as a regular tourist is the area just to the South or West of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
This area has several distinct advantages. First, you are very close to several of Seoul’s main attractions. Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, and the National Folk Museum of Korea are right there. The other palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Jogyesa Temple are just a short ride (or longer walk) away.
There are great transit options with a subway stop and many bus lines. It is easy to get to/from both Seoul and Incheon airports.
This is not the actual name of this area as it stretches over a couple of different neighborhoods. However, I am talking about the area from just to the left/west of Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seochon Hanok Village) down to Gwanghwamun Square.
Gwanghwamun Square offers a cool international vibe, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a happening nighttime atmosphere. It doesn’t just offer historical significance (Gyeongbokgung Palace is right there) but is also a modern center of power with many government offices and major corporations nearby.
The only real negative I can come up with is that there aren’t many hotels nearby so you may have a hard time finding one. But if you find a decent place in your price range I absolutely recommend staying here for a first visit!
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very close to several sights | Not very many hotels |
| Excellent public transit connection | Less scenic/charming than Bukchon Hanok |
| Plenty of restaurants and shops | |
| International atmosphere | |
My personal opinion: My absolute top recommendation for a first stay as a tourist if you can find availability!
My hotel recommendations for Gwanghwamun
If the Gwanghwamun area sounds like the place for you, here my recommended hotels:
Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has an excellent location at the southern end of Gwanghwamun Square, very close to Gwanghwamun Metro Station. As can be expected of a Four Seasons it is highly rated with great service. The rooms are airy, modern, and great views (depending on room type).
This hotel is definitely out of my price range but if I had the money I would stay here as I love the location!
Mid-priced: Hanok Hanok Boutique Stay
I stayed at Hanok Hanok Boutique Stay and absolutely recommend this hidden gem if you are looking for a more authentic stay in the perfect location. This Hanok offers just a small number of rooms located around a small courtyard.
The location was ideal (just minutes from Gyeongbokgung Palace), the airport buses stopped right across the street, and there were plenty of convenience stores and restaurants around. I loved the service – one day I returned to the hotel while they were still cleaning my room and they offered me a free cup of plum tea while I waited!
I would absolutely stay here again though it is not ideal for a longer stay if you need to work. The style is traditional so there is a futon on the floor and you also sit on the ground. In addition, due to the building’s nature there are a number of rules to follow so it may not be for you if you prefer a more streamlined, international atmosphere.
All in all, Hanok Hanok is not for everyone but if you want an affordable, cute, and authentic stay in Seoul’s best location, this is the hidden gem for you!
2. Myeongdong
Neighborhood Vibe Myeongdong
Myeongdong is of course Seoul’s modern and hip neighborhood which you have probably seen on TikTok or YouTube. You will likely visit there if you want to do any shopping, get a color analysis, or some other beauty treatment.
Myeongdong basically starts slightly south of Gwanghwamun Square so the palaces, museums, and Bukchon Hanok Village are just a short metro ride (or longish walk) away.
The vibe here is definitely young, hip, modern, and international. You will see lots of tourists shopping at what seems like dozens of Olive Youngs and various department stores.
There are a decent number of hotels in various price ranges around here. You can find many international chains as well as more local accomodation.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| A hip and trendy area | Rather busy |
| Excellent public transit | Potentially noisy |
| Lots of stores and restaurants | Not as atmospheric as some areas |
| Geared well for tourists | |
My personal opinion: This is a great option if you want to be in the middle of the action, with a great location for seeing the sights.
My hotel recommendation in Myeongdong:
Luxury: Grand Lotte Seoul
My choice for luxury accomodation in Myeongdong would be the Grand Lotte Seoul. If you are like me, you probably have never heard about Lotte prior to visiting Korea, but once there it is everywhere – from hotels to grocery stores and amusement parks.
The Lotte Hotel is right next to the subway station and in the middle of busy Myeongdong. The public areas definitely have that marble-and-gold-luxury vibe and the rooms are spacious with a modern and relaxing atmosphere.
Don’t expect too much from the pool (Korean pools are infamous for their restrictions) but if you are looking for a luxurious haven in the busy center of Seoul this is the hotel for you!
Mid-priced: Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong
The Ibis Ambassador is a great choice if you are looking for a convenient, reliable hotel that offers all the basic amenities. The biggest plus is once again the location: close to a metro station and right next to shopping and dining of all kinds.
I would not hesitate to book this if I was looking for an affordable hotel in Myeongdong!
3. Insadong
Neighborhood Vibe Insadong
Insadong is yet another nearby neighborhood that would make a good base. It is a bit more artsy/scenic than the cosmopolitan Myeongdong (think Brooklyn, not Manhattan).
Again, you will find plenty of tourists as well as locals strolling in the evening, shopping for souvenirs, and eating out. Insadong has a somewhat upscale vibe and seems more pedestrianized and less busy than Myeongdong. It borders Jongno-3 that has recently been voted the “coolest neighborhood in the world” by Time Out.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Hip and artsy | Rather touristy |
| Plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby | |
| Good public transit | |
My personal opinion: This is a great choice in a convenient location with a buzzy atmosphere.
My hotel recommendation for Insadong
Mid-Priced: Ibis Ambassador Insadong
Ibis Ambassador Insadong is quite close to Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Palace as well as Jongmyo Shrine. Jongno 3-ga Metro station is just minutes away.
Aside from a great location you will get a pleasant, serviceable, but fairly generic room and the usual amenities of an international chain.
4. Bukchon Hanok Village
Neighborhood Vibe Bukchon Hanok Village
Sandwiched between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, this is the area for you if you are looking for the cutest, most Old Korea and Instagram-worthy location.
Here you won’t find modern high-rises or budget chains but various boutique hotels in traditional Korean cottages. This area is a lot more touristy/curated than Seochon Hanok Village (under number one above). On the plus side, it is absolutely charming. On the negative side, it does appear a bit fake and over-tourism is an issue.
Bukchon Hanok Village is definitely the prettiest of the areas I recommend and the location is very central. However, it is hilly and the public transit options are slightly less convenient than for the previous areas (which is why it lands only on number 4).
Extra-bonus: Due to the large number of tourists it is very difficult to take photos without crowds in Bukchon Hanok Village. The area is closed for random visitors from 5 pm to 10 am. However, this does not apply for anyone staying there so booking your accommodation here will give you the opportunity to experience the neighborhood like a local (and get a coveted photo without strangers in it!)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very pretty and charming | Can seem a bit fake/touristy |
| Undeniably Korean | Hotels mostly limited to boutique hanok stays |
| Great views | Hilly |
| Close to sights | Slightly less convenient |
My personal opinion: This is a great area if you dislike generic modern hotels and want an authentic hanok stay in a charming neighborhood.
My hotel recommendation for Bukchon Hanok
Here you will mostly find hanok stays. These vary quite a bit in price and comfort. Many of the offered accomodation are private residences but there are some that offer just a room.
Luxury: Nostalgia Hanok Hotel
This Nostalgia Hanok Hotel is located right in the middle of Bukchon Hanok Village, halfway between the famous palaces. It has outstanding reviews and looks amazing but does not come cheap.
Tourist-Class: Bukchon Daon Hanok Guesthouse
Bukchon Daon Hanok Guesthouse is one of few more affordable options in Bukchon Hanok. Options range from single rooms to a whole house.
5. Gangnam Area
Neighborhood Vibe Gangnam
Located south of the river this area is famous for its shopping and night-life. There are some major sights here (like the COEX mall with Starfield library, the royal tombs, and Bongeunsa Temple) but realistically you will spend most of your time on a first visit north of the river.
Gangnam is further from the main sights than all the other areas on this list (which is why it only made it to #5). However, it does have several advantages. There is a good variety of hotels, prices are generally a bit lower than in the other areas, and public transportation is excellent.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Good shopping and nightlife | Further from Seoul’s main sights |
| Good range of hotels | |
| More affordable than some other options | |
My personal opinion: Stay here if you are looking for a fairly westernized experience with hip stores, modern hotels, and a cool nightlife.
My hotel recommendation for Gangnam
Luxury: Westin Seoul Parnas
The Westin Seoul Parnas offers airy, modern rooms right next to COEX. This hotel is quite new, with great facilities and service. An excellent choice in this area.
Mid-Tier: L7 GANGNAM by Lotte Hotels
L7 GANGNAM is a good alternative if you are looking for a stylish hotel at a fair price in a convenient location. Just minutes from Seolleung station, L7 Gangnam is in easy walking distance to COEX and very close to the Royal Tombs Park.
Where to stay in Seoul in a nutshell
- For a first regular sight-seeing trip stay close to Gwanghwamun Square as it is the ideal combo of nearby sights, buzzy atmosphere, and convenience
- Myeongdong and Insadong make a great base if you enjoy shopping and a trendy vibe
- If you are looking for a charming and authentic stay, Bukchon Hanok Village is a good option
- Gangnam is a good alternative if you enjoy nightlife and shopping and don’t mind travelling a bit more to see Seoul’s main sights
My thoughts for a future stay
I absolutely loved, loved, loved the area I stayed in! It would be my first choice on a second visit. My hotel, Hanok Hanok, was the ideal combination of perfect location, affordable price, and charming authenticity so I would stay there again for a shorter visit.
On a longer visit I would probably prefer some Western conveniences (like a desk) but I would still try to stay as close to Gwanghwamun Square as I can find. Insadong or Myeongdong would likely be my second option as they offer a central location as well as shopping convenience. But given the excellent public transit, I would consider hotels in other areas as long as they are affordable, well-rated and above all close to a metro station.
