Planning a trip to South Korea? Seoul, the colorful and fascinating capital of South Korea, is a city that perfectly blends ancient tradition with advanced modernity. Ancient temples stand next to futuristic skyscrapers, traditional street markets are a few minutes’ walk from luxurious shopping centers, and the whole city pulses with a unique energy like nowhere else in the world. And when you travel to Seoul, as anywhere, one of the most important questions is where to stay. Seoul has a huge range of accommodation, from luxury hotels with amazing city views, through boutique hotels in the historic areas, to hostels and budget hotels with warm, friendly Korean service. So in this article we’ve gathered the key information about the best areas to stay in Seoul, so you can choose the perfect place for you! Here are all our recommended hotels in Seoul.
To prepare this article, I went through hundreds of hotel listings to find the best for every price range, and gathered the top-rated hotels that I’d choose for myself! So come with me on a journey through the hotels of unique, special Seoul.
To prepare this article, I went through hundreds of hotel listings to find the best for every price range, and gathered the top-rated hotels that I’d choose for myself! So come with me on a journey through the hotels of unique, special Seoul.
In this article
Recommended Hotels at a Glance
There are lots of hotel options in this article, but before we set off, for those who want to get straight to the point, here are the two hotels I recommend most:
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
A very popular 4-star hotel in an excellent location right in central Seoul, a 3-minute walk from the metro station, with a 27th-floor restaurant with city views and a fitness center. The rooms aren’t very large, but they’re well equipped with air conditioning and a fridge, and the bathroom has bathrobes and slippers. The staff are professional and helpful, and the breakfast is rich and varied, even by Western standards.
Click here for details and bookings.
Hotel Lemong
A 3-star hotel with excellent value for money. It’s a short walk from Myeongdong Cathedral and close to two major metro stations. The rooms are air-conditioned and clean, with a kettle and comfortable beds. Breakfast is a buffet with American and Asian options, and the lobby has free tea and coffee throughout the day. The staff are always happy to help with anything, so it really is a winning hotel.
Click here for details and bookings.
A Short Introduction to Seoul
Seoul is a huge, diverse city of about 10 million people, divided into many neighborhoods that each offer a completely different experience, so it’s very important to choose the neighborhood that suits you best. The city lies along the Han River, and its public transport system, especially the metro, is one of the most developed and efficient in the world! That means that whichever area you choose to stay in, you can easily get anywhere else in the city.
The choice of area depends mainly on the kind of trip you’re planning. Is it your first visit and you want to see the main attractions? Are you into shopping and nightlife? Looking for an authentic cultural experience? Or maybe you’re on a tight budget? Every kind of traveler has a perfect area.
It’s good to know that whichever area you choose, Seoul is a very safe city for tourists. The many cameras, the respectful local culture and the visible police presence create an environment where you can feel safe at any hour of the day or night.
City Center (Myeongdong) The Recommended Choice for First-Time Visitors to Seoul
Myeongdong is the beating heart of tourism in Seoul and the most popular choice for first-time visitors. The area is full of Korean cosmetics shops, fashion stores, tempting street-food stalls and restaurants of every kind. Here, of course, you’ll find the city’s main shopping street, which turns into a bustling pedestrian street in the evening, with street performers and vendors selling tasty snacks.
Why Stay in Myeongdong
The location is perfect! Myeongdong is in the geographic center of Seoul and is very well connected to the metro network. From here you can easily reach all the main attractions, such as the palaces, N Seoul Tower and the traditional markets. It’s also where most organized tours start and end, including the popular day trips to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea (the DMZ).
The area is perfect for shopping lovers! Here you’ll find all the popular Korean cosmetics brands at good prices, fashion stores of every kind and, of course, the colorful tourist atmosphere that characterizes the area.
Things to Consider
The area can be very crowded, especially at weekends and in the evenings. If you’re sensitive to bustle, you may prefer quieter areas. Prices here also tend to be higher than in other parts of the city.
Recommended Hotels in the City Center: Myeongdong
Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong
A luxurious 5-star hotel in a perfect location in the heart of Myeongdong, with an indoor pool, 3 restaurants and spacious rooms with city views. The service is outstanding, the staff kind and professional, and the breakfast is highly praised.
Click here for details and bookings.
Aloft Seoul Myeongdong
A modern 4-star hotel in an excellent location, within walking distance of Myeongdong’s shopping street and Namdaemun Market, with a restaurant, fitness center and bar. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a fridge and a smart TV, and the multilingual staff are available 24 hours a day. Bonus, the hotel offers free popcorn and coffee in the lobby!
Click here for details and bookings.
L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE
Another modern 4-star hotel, a few minutes’ walk from exit 9 of Myeongdong metro station, so the location is perfect for reaching attractions on foot and by public transport. The hotel has a rooftop bar, a free Nespresso machine in the lobby and kind staff. The rooms are air-conditioned and clean and include a fridge and satellite TV.
Click here for details and bookings.
Royal Hotel Seoul
A grand 4-star hotel with pampering rooms and suites, close to the Myeongdong shopping area and 10 minutes’ drive from Dongdaemun. The hotel has an Italian restaurant, a spa and fitness center, and a bar serving coffee and cakes, and even free parking! The breakfast is also praised.
Click here for details and bookings.
Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
A relatively affordable 3-star hotel in the heart of Myeongdong market, a 2-minute walk from the metro station and 800 meters from Insadong. The hotel has a restaurant, an 11th-floor lounge with free tea and coffee, and rooms with quality beds and a coffee machine. The location is fantastic, close to all the attractions, and the staff are very kind, just avoid the smallest rooms.
Click here for details and bookings.
Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong
A winning 3-star hotel just 160 meters from exit 6 of the metro station, with rooms that have large windows and city views. The hotel has a fitness center, a restaurant and a bar, and a breakfast that combines Western and Asian dishes.
Click here for details and bookings.
Hotel28 Myeongdong
A unique boutique hotel a 7-minute walk from the metro station. The hotel has a rooftop garden, a restaurant, a library and a fitness center, and every floor is decorated with cinema-inspired art! The staff are friendly and the rooms are spacious (!), which is rare in this city. And despite being in the heart of the bustle, the hotel is quiet and the atmosphere relaxed.
Click here for details and bookings.
Hongdae: For the Night Owls Among Us
Hongdae, short for “Hongik University”, is the youngest and most dynamic area in Seoul. It’s in the west of the city, about 6 kilometers from central Seoul, but public transport is excellent, just 8 to 12 minutes by metro from the center. It’s the city’s hub of nightlife, live music and alternative culture, full of unique bars, nightclubs, cafés, young fashion shops and street artists. It’s the perfect place for those who want to experience the dynamic, creative side of Seoul.
Why Stay in Hongdae
Endless nightlife: Hongdae is the heart of Seoul’s nightlife, with a huge range of bars, nightclubs and karaoke! The area comes alive in the evening and doesn’t go to sleep until the small hours.
Young, creative culture, the area is full of alternative art galleries, original design shops, student cafés and affordable restaurants. In short, the atmosphere is young, energetic and international.
Convenient transport: Hongdae is very well connected to the metro network, and from there you can easily reach every part of the city.
Things to Consider
The area can be very noisy at night, especially at weekends. Prices are usually more reasonable than in other areas, but the atmosphere is very young and may be less suitable for those looking for quiet.
Recommended Hotels in Hongdae
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae
A 4-star Holiday Inn hotel in an excellent location right next to Hongik University station, with clean, spacious rooms and breakfast included. The rooms include a fridge, a kettle and satellite TV, and the hotel has a fitness center and a restaurant serving American food. Advantage, it’s easy to get to the hotel directly from the airport by train.
Click here for details and bookings.
Amanti Hotel Seoul
A clean, modern 4-star hotel 500 meters from Hongik University station. The hotel has a pool, a fitness center and a rooftop garden with a view of the Seoul skyline. The rooms have natural wood floors and panoramic windows, and guests are offered bathrobes and slippers. What more do you need?
Click here for details and bookings.
9 Brick Hotel
A beautifully designed boutique hotel a 6-minute walk from Hongik University station, with a restaurant and a bar. The rooms are spacious and clean and include a living room, a fridge and air conditioning, and bathrobes and slippers await you in the bathrooms. The staff are efficient and kind and praised by guests. And if you need it, there’s free parking!
Click here for details and bookings.
Lotte City Hotel Mapo
A 3-star hotel connected directly to Gongdeok station (lines 5 and 6 and the airport railroad), 15 minutes by metro from Hongdae and Myeongdong. The hotel has an indoor pool with natural light, a modern restaurant, a fitness center and even a shopping center with a supermarket in the basement! And the rooms, for a change, are spacious! In short, nothing’s missing here. Just note that the pool costs extra…
Click here for details and bookings.
Batwo Stay Hostel
For those on a very tight budget who still want to visit expensive Seoul, this is a quality hostel a 10-minute walk from Hongik University station, with clean, comfortable dorm rooms with 4 to 6 beds, a shared kitchen, free washing machines and breakfast. The hostel has a homey atmosphere for the young and young at heart, and it’s a great place to meet like-minded travelers.
Click here for details and bookings.
Gangnam: Seoul’s Modern, Upscale Face
Gangnam, which won worldwide fame thanks to the famous song “Gangnam Style” that we all remember, is Seoul’s business and upscale district. Here you’ll find the most luxurious shopping centers, chef restaurants, exclusive nightclubs and the big technology companies. This is the modern, successful side of Korea, with impressive skyscrapers and advanced infrastructure.
Why Stay in Gangnam
Everything is polished and upscale! If you’re looking for luxury brands, design shops and a pampering shopping experience, Gangnam’s shopping centers are the right place. The COEX complex, home to Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, is here! Gangnam is also the center of the K-pop and entertainment industry, with many production companies and lively nightlife. So the area offers a dynamic, modern atmosphere that combines business by day with wild entertainment at night.
Things to Consider
The area can feel a bit sterile and less authentic than other areas. And prices here are the highest in the city, for accommodation as well as food and entertainment.
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam
A 5-star hotel 340 meters from Sinnonhyeon station (line 9), offering a heated indoor pool, a fitness center with a running track, 5 restaurants with a range of cuisines and even a sauna, all at a relatively reasonable price for the level and the area. The varied, rich breakfast with Western food is praised, and the rooms are relatively spacious by local standards.
Click here for details and bookings.
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
Here we’re talking much higher prices, as befits a 5-star luxury hotel with all the most pampering facilities and services! If you have no budget limits, you can enjoy a convenient location a 5-minute walk from Samseong station (line 2) and next to the huge mall, an indoor pool and spacious, elegantly furnished rooms. The hotel also has 4 restaurants serving international cuisine, from contemporary French to Japanese gourmet, an excellent breakfast and friendly staff.
Click here for details and bookings.
Ananti at Gangnam
A 4-star boutique hotel at a 5-star price… but worth every penny! The hotel is beautifully designed, with 2 swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), an advanced fitness center and 7 restaurants. The rooms are very spacious (!) and stunningly designed. Just note that there are no TVs in the rooms, as part of the hotel’s unique concept. But who needs TV in such a fascinating city?
Click here for details and bookings.
voco Seoul Gangnam, an IHG Hotel
A new, modern 4-star hotel in a perfect location, a 5-minute walk from the train station, with comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a fitness center. Pay attention to the size of the room you book and choose a larger one. The staff are friendly and professional, but the real highlight is the exceptionally good breakfast with fresh croissants and salmon.
Click here for details and bookings.
Aiden by Best Western Cheongdam
A 3-star hotel from the Best Western chain, known for its good-value hotels. The hotel is in Gangnam’s Cheongdam area and has a fitness center and a top-floor whisky lounge, an excellent breakfast and clean, spacious rooms with an electric kettle. The staff speak English and Japanese. And although the hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the metro station, there’s a bus stop next to it and it’s easy to get to the airport from here.
Click here for details and bookings.
Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam
A Japanese 3-star hotel 500 meters from the popular Gangnam area, with a pampering onsen (Japanese bathhouse). The price is very reasonable, and the hotel gives you an authentic Japanese experience. The rooms are furnished in wood, with air conditioning, heating and a work corner, and the hotel offers Japanese treats such as free ramen at night, free ice cream in the bathing area and a probiotic drink in the morning. The hotel is on a hill with a nice view, but getting there on foot requires an uphill walk. In short, a unique experience for those who like to get to know local life.
Click here for details and bookings.
Insadong: The Traditional Heart of Seoul
Insadong is one of the most enchanting and unique areas in Seoul! It’s called “a museum without walls” thanks to its unique concentration of traditional Korean culture, and its location in the city center makes it a perfect bridge between past and future. Here you’ll find traditional teahouses alongside contemporary art galleries, and antique shops next to young artists.
Why Stay in Insadong
It’s Korea’s cultural center, with 40% of all the country’s antique shops and art galleries and 90% of its traditional stationery shops! Here you can discover authentic Korean art, traditional ceramics and antique writing implements you won’t find anywhere else.
The neighborhood is famous for its traditional teahouses, serving traditional Korean tea alongside desserts such as patbingsu (sweet shaved ice) and tteok (rice cakes), so an authentic culinary experience awaits you.
Insadong is in central Seoul, within walking distance of the royal palaces and close to Bukchon, the traditional hanok village. Public transport is excellent, with several subway stations nearby.
Unlike Seoul’s other noisy commercial areas, Insadong keeps a calm, pleasant character, with pedestrian streets, pleasant seating corners and an atmosphere that encourages strolling without pressure.
Things to Consider
The neighborhood can be crowded with tourists at weekends and on holidays, and prices can be higher because of the area’s touristy character.
Recommended Hotels in Insadong
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
A 5-star hotel from the famous chain, offering a luxurious stay a few minutes’ walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square. The hotel boasts panoramic views of the historic center through its huge windows, and has 5 gourmet restaurants and two bars, a 3D golf simulator and a traditional Korean sauna on the ninth floor. The central location lets you walk to major sites such as the royal palaces, and the exceptional service and rich breakfast complete the pampering experience. For those with no budget limits, this is the place!
Click here for details and bookings.
AMID HOTEL SEOUL
A 4-star hotel in an ideal location, close to the palaces, Myeongdong and the metro. The rooms are simple but pleasant, and the hotel has a fitness center and 3 restaurants (including Korean and Japanese). Suits those looking for a central location at a reasonable price.
Click here for details and bookings.
Orakai Insadong Suites
A 4-star apartment hotel with apartments of different sizes, including some suitable for large families. Each apartment has wooden floors, a washing machine, central cooling and heating and a fully equipped kitchenette. The hotel has an indoor pool, an equipped, air-conditioned gym and a sauna. It’s close to public transport and a range of restaurants, and suits families and anyone who likes independence at an excellent price.
Click here for details and bookings.
The Prima Hotel Jongno
A 3-star hotel near Insadong and Myeongdong (20 to 30 minutes’ walk) and the royal palaces. The hotel is clean and modern, with beautiful art in the public spaces. The air-conditioned, especially clean rooms include a kettle and a fridge, and there’s a shared kitchen for guests. There’s also a fitness center, a laundry room and a lobby with free water, and a buffet breakfast with a range of Korean and Western options. Suits anyone looking for a modern, comfortable hotel in an excellent location at a good price.
Click here for details and bookings.
Itaewon: Seoul’s International, Multicultural Hub
Itaewon is Seoul’s international area, where many of the city’s foreign residents live. The area developed around the former US military base, so it has a unique multicultural atmosphere. Here you’ll find restaurants serving dishes from all over the world, bars and nightclubs with an international vibe, and shops specializing in imported products.
Why Stay in Itaewon
It’s a foreigner-friendly area, and most places speak English. So if you don’t like dealing with language barriers or are looking for a taste of home, this is the place for you.
You can also enjoy the culinary variety: from Italian and Mexican restaurants to Indian and Thai, there’s everything here, alongside places serving quality Korean food, of course.
Things to Consider
The area can be quite noisy at night. If you’re looking for quiet or a more authentic Korean experience, consider other areas.
Recommended Hotels in Itaewon
Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel
A 3-star hotel in an excellent location on Itaewon’s main street, just a 3-minute walk from Itaewon station. The hotel has ultra-modern rooms in contemporary design, a compact fitness center and parking at an extra charge. Breakfast includes continental and American options. Besides being close to the neighborhood’s nightlife, the hotel is also near the Chabad House, and the staff are familiar with the needs of observant Jewish guests. Just note that the bathroom walls are transparent toward the room (!), but the excellent price makes up for it.
Click here for details and bookings.
H HOSTEL Itaewon
It’s a hostel, but with private double or family rooms alongside the dorms. The rooms are air-conditioned, and the hostel has comfortable, pleasant common areas, a balcony and breakfast for those who want it. There’s private parking if you’ve come by car. The location is convenient (a few minutes’ walk from the subway station) and despite being close to the nightlife, it’s quiet. A double room is very cheap, so if you’re on a tight budget, consider this hostel even if you’re only young at heart…
Click here for details and bookings.
Still Looking for Where to Stay in Seoul?
3 short steps, and we’ll take it from there
We hope you’ve found the hotel that suits you best in Seoul, and we invite you to tell us in the comments how it was!
For our Seoul travel guide, click here.
