A common question for visitors is where to stay in Seoul, which is understandable given that greater Seoul is a very large city with a population of over 25 million people!
Below we will provide an overview of the main Seoul neighborhoods for tourists, including recommended accommodation options for each district ranging from Seoul luxury hotels, to mid level and cheap hotels in Seoul. Each area has a unique vibe and surrounds, so pick the area which best connects with you!
A key aspect to choosing your place to stay in Seoul is to ensure you have close access to a Subway Station – that will enable you to easily get around and avoid the traffic – which can be heavy from time to time…
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Best Area to Stay in Seoul for Tourists
Fortunately the main tourist attractions in Seoul are mostly in the central city area, and there are several main areas for tourists to stay in Seoul where you will have easy access to the Seoul Subway system.
Check out the below map of Seoul attractions to get a better understanding of where they are located. You can easily zoom in and out, and click on each attraction to see more details without leaving this page.
Districts in Seoul for Tourists
Below is a map where I have shown the central areas of Seoul, with an overlay of the major districts of interest to tourists. Below I will go into detail to explain the best places to stay in Seoul as well as our recommended accommodation options for each district.
Our recommended best area to stay in Seoul for tourists is in a central location and close to a subway station. Our top picks in the central Jung and Jongno areas include near Seoul Station, Myeongdong Station and City Hall Station. Slightly further afield there are great options in Gangnam and Itaewon which are located south from the city center, Hongdae which is located west from the city center and Dongdaemun which is located east from the city center. There are many other locations where you can stay, and as long as you are close to a subway station you will find it easy to get around.
Seoul’s Historic Centre Jung
The historic centre of Seoul is the Jung district – there are many things to see and do across the district! Seoul Station is just on the edge of Jung District, other key areas are the City Hall, Myeongdong, access to N Seoul Tower, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Namdaemun Market and much more.
Three train lines (Lines 1, 2 and 4) travel in parallel from west to east across the Jung District, with other lines enabling you to easily transfer to other subway lines, making it very easy to find accommodation within a short distance from a Subway Station. Most popular areas to stay include near Seoul Station, near City Hall and near Myeongdong Station.
Hotels Near Seoul Station
Staying near Seoul Station makes a lot of sense to be able to get around Seoul easily on the Subway system. This location in Seoul also makes it easy on arrival or departure from Incheon or Gimpo Airport, or if you are catching KTX Bullet Trains or other trains to other parts of South Korea.
Click here to check out our detailed article about where to stay near Seoul Station
Our top luxury, mid level and budget hotel picks are as follows:
Hotel Name | Stars | Rating | Price | Top Features | Book |
8.1 | $$$ | Indoor pool, fitness centre, golf driving range, spa, beauty salon, free on site parking and five dining options | |||
8.5 | $$ | On site amenities include an indoor pool, fitness centre, on site parking and cafe | |||
7.8 | $ | Private bathrooms and free wifi |
The Millennium Hilton Seoul is a 5 star rated luxury hotel with amazing views and excellent reviews with king, twin and family rooms with private bathrooms and free wifi able to accommodate up to three people and many great amenities. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Fraser Place Central Seoul is a 4 star rated mid level hotel with excellent reviews with both rooms and one and two bedroom suites with private bathrooms and free wifi able to accommodate up to four people and many great amenities. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Hotel Stay Inn Seoul Station is a 2 star rated cheap hotel with excellent reviews with single, double, twin and family rooms with private bathrooms and free wifi able to accommodate up to four people and basic amenities. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Hotels near City Hall Station
Staying near City Hall Station is a great option to get around Seoul easily on the Subway system. This location in Seoul has lots of shopping and restaurants to explore, as well as easy access to the five Josean Palaces and Namdaemun Market.
Our top luxury, mid level and budget hotel picks are as follows:
Hotel Name | Stars | Rating | Price | Top Features | Book |
8.7 | $$$ | Indoor pool, airport shuttle, free parking and an onsite bar and spa. | |||
9.3 | $$ | Free Wifi, rooftop garden, restaurant, library and fitness centre. | |||
8.5 | $ | Free wifi and 24 hour reception |
The Westin Josun Seoul Hotel
The Westin Josun Seoul Hotel is a 5 star rated luxury hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. It is located 250m from City Hall Station and is also close to Myeongdong Station. The hotel has twin, king and family rooms and suites able to accommodate up to five people. Amenities include indoor pool, airport shuttle, free parking and an onsite bar and spa. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Hotel28 Myeongdong
Hotel28 Myeongdong is a 3 star rated mid-level cinematically themed hotel with excellent reviews. It is located a 600m walk to City Hall Station. It is a beautifully themed hotel with double, twin, queen and family rooms with private bathrooms able to accommodate up to five people. Amenities include Free Wifi, a rooftop garden, restaurant, library and fitness centre. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 2
Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 2 is a 2 star rated budget hotel with excellent reviews. It is located 700m from City Hall Station and 300m from Uljiro 1-ga Subway Station (Line 2). It is a modern hotel with double, twin, triple, quadruple and family rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included. Amenities include free wifi and 24 hour reception. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Hotels near Myeongdong Station
Staying near Myeongdong Station is a great option to get around Seoul easily on the Subway system. This location in Seoul has lots of shopping and restaurants to explore, and easy access to N Seoul Tower and Namdaemun Market. Our top luxury, mid level and budget hotel picks are as follows.
Hotel Name | Stars | Rating | Price | Top Features | Book |
9.2 | $$$ | Pool, free parking, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre and a 3-star Michelin French restaurant. | |||
8.9 | $$ | Amenities include the rooftop terrace, onsite restaurant, free wifi and 24 hour reception. | |||
8.5 | $ | Amenities include airport transfers, shared kitchen, free wifi and a 24 hour front desk. |
Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower
Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower is a 5 star rated luxury hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has double, twin and family rooms and suites with private bathrooms and free wifi able to accommodate up to three people. Amenities include a swimming pool, free parking, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre and a 3-star Michelin French restaurant. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Creto Hotel Myeongdong
Creto Hotel Myeongdong is a 3 star rated mid level hotel with an amazing rooftop terrace with views over Seoul and excellent reviews. The hotel has double, twin and family rooms with private bathrooms and free wifi able to accommodate up to four people. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, onsite restaurant, free wifi and 24 hour reception. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Step Inn Myeongdong 2
Step Inn Myeongdong 2 is a 2 star rated budget hostel with excellent reviews. The hostel has single, double, twin, dormitory and family rooms able to accommodate up to five people. Amenities include airport transfers, shared kitchen, free wifi and a 24 hour front desk. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Seoul’s Palace District Jongno
The Jongno district is to the north of the Jung district, and contains most of Seoul’s historic Josean era palaces, and the tourist centre of Insadong, which has many shopping and cultural experiences. It also has the Bukchon Hanok Village located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Bukchon Hanok Village contains hundreds of traditional hanok houses, which are mostly people’s homes. Many of the hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses.
Two train lines (Lines 1 and 3) enable easy access to Jongno, Line 1 travels north and then east from Seoul Station, and Line 3 travels north west and enables direct access to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Other subway lines also criss cross this area, making it quite easy to get around.
Hotels in Insadong
Staying in Insadong is a great option to get around Seoul easily on the Subway system and explore more traditional culture and experiences. This location in Seoul also has lots of shopping and restaurants to explore. Our top luxury, mid level and budget hotel picks are as follows.
Hotel Name | Stars | Rating | Price | Top Features | Book |
8.7 | $$$ | Fitness center, airport shuttle, parking and a 24 hour front reception | |||
9.1 | $$ | A rooftop terrace, onsite restaurant, free wifi and 24 hour reception. | |||
8.2 | $ | Washing machines and fridges in each room and an outside terrace |
Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong
Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong is a 4 star rated luxury hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has double, twin, triple and family rooms and suites with private bathrooms and free wifi able to accommodate up to four people. Amenities include a fitness center, airport shuttle, parking and a 24 hour front reception. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Sunbee Hotel Insadong Seoul
Sunbee Hotel Insadong Seoul is a 3 star rated mid level hotel with excellent reviews. The hotel has double and twin rooms with private bathrooms and free wifi to accommodate up to three people. Amenities include family rooms, free secure parking, an outdoor terrace and a 24 hour front reception. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Hotel Factory Insadong
Hotel Factory Insadong is a 2 star rated budget friendly hotel with excellent reviews. The hotel has single, double, twin and triple rooms with private bathrooms and free wifi to accommodate up to four people. Amenities include washing machines and fridges in each room and an outside terrace. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Seoul’s Nightlife and Shopping District Gangnam
Gangnam is world famous due to the success of the song ‘Gangnam Style’ by Psy. Gangnam is located south of the Han River, and is south east from the central Jung District. Gangnam is well known for its clubbing and shopping culture, and also provides easy access to the Express and Intercity Bus terminals if you plan to use this form of transport to get around South Korea. Gangnam also provides easier access to Lotte World and Everland Theme Parks which are located close by.
Subway Line 2, the loop line around downtown Seoul provides easy access to Gangnam, with many other subway lines crossing to enable you to get around Seoul easily.
Hotels in Gangnam
Staying in Gangnam is a great option to get around Seoul easily on the Subway system. Our top luxury, mid level and budget hotel picks are as follows.
Hotel Name | Stars | Rating | Price | Top Features | Book |
8.8 | $$$ | Indoor pool, indoor screen golf, fitness center, airport shuttle and onsite restaurant | |||
8.1 | $$ | Free parking, easy access to two major subway lines and a 24 hour front reception | |||
8.1 | $ | Free nearby parking, luggage storage and a 24 hour front reception |
Oakwood Premier Coex Center
The Oakwood Premier Coex Center is a 5 star rated luxury apartment hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has one, two, three and four bedroom apartments able to accommodate up to nine people. Each apartment includes a full kitchen and washing machine. Amenities include an indoor pool, indoor screen golf, fitness center, airport shuttle and onsite restaurant. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Gangnam Family Hotel
Gangnam Family Hotel is a 3 star rated mid level hotel with great city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has double, twin, triple and family rooms with private bathrooms and free wifi able to accommodate up to five people. Amenities include free parking, easy access to two major subway lines and a 24 hour front reception. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Princess Hotel
The Princess Hotel is a 2 star rated budget friendly hotel with excellent reviews. The hotel has double and twin rooms and suites with private bathrooms and free wifi to accommodate up to three people. Amenities include free nearby parking, luggage storage and a 24 hour front reception. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Seoul’s Nightlife and Shopping District Itaewon
Itaewon is another major clubbing and shopping area in Seoul, and is located south of N Seoul Tower, with great hiking options to get to the tower at the top. In the area is the Samsung Museum of Art, Itaewon Antique Street for European and Asian antiques, The War Museum of Korea and experience a Korean Spa at either Itaewon Land or Dragon Hill.
Subway Line 6 and many other bus lines provide easy access to Itaewon, with many other subway lines crossing to enable you to get around Seoul easily.
Hotels in Itaewon
Staying in Itaewon is a great option to get around Seoul easily on the Subway system. Our top luxury, mid level and budget hotel picks are as follows.
Hotel Name | Stars | Rating | Price | Top Features | Book |
8.3 | $$$ | Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, free nearby secure parking, spa and wellness centre, bar and onsite restaurant | |||
8.1 | $$ | Seasonal outdoor pool, free parking, fitness center, right beside Itaewon Station and a 24 hour front reception. Several Muslim restaurants are nearby. | |||
8.7 | $ | Free wifi, an outdoor terrace, laundry facilities, and a shared kitchen and lounge |
Mondrian Seoul Itaewon
The Mondrian Seoul Itaewon Hotel is a 5 star rated luxury apartment hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has single, double, twin and king rooms and suites able to accommodate up to three people with free wifi. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, free nearby secure parking, spa and wellness centre, bar and onsite restaurant. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Hamilton Hotel
The Hamilton Hotel is a 4 star rated mid level hotel with great city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has double, twin and triple rooms and suites with private bathrooms and free wifi able to accommodate up to four people. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, free parking, fitness center, right beside Itaewon Station and a 24 hour front reception. Several Muslim restaurants are closeby. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Seoul Cube Itaewon
Seoul Cube Itaewon is a 2 star rated budget hostel with excellent reviews. The hostel has male and female dormitory rooms with their own bathroom and family rooms with private bathrooms able to accommodate up to five people. Amenities include free wifi, an outdoor terrace, laundry facilities, and a shared kitchen and lounge. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Seoul’s Nightlife and Youthful Shopping District Hongdae
Hongdae is another major clubbing and shopping area in Seoul located west from Seoul Station, and because Hongdik University is nearby the area is well know for its youthful culture and style. The main area to check out is Hongdae Walking Street, with many restaurants, bars, cafes, street food, live music, street buskers and the latest hip fashions. Other attractions include the street art on Hongdae Mural Street, local handmade craft at the Hongdae Free Market on Saturdays (seasonal),
Subway Line 2 provides easy access to Hongik University Station, with many other subway lines crossing to enable you to get around Seoul easily.
Hotels in Hongdae
Staying in Hongdae is a great option to get around Seoul easily on the Subway system. Our top luxury, mid level and budget hotel picks are as follows.
Hotel Name | Stars | Rating | Price | Top Features | Book |
8.9 | $$$ | Fitness center, garden, outdoor terrace, bar and lounge, free parking and onsite restaurant | |||
8.1 | $$ | Seasonal outdoor pool, free parking, fitness center, right beside Itaewon Station and a 24 hour front reception. Several Muslim restaurants are nearby. | |||
8.7 | $ | Free wifi, a rooftop terrace, laundry facilities, and a shared kitchen and lounge |
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
The Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae is a 4 star rated luxury hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has double, twin, triple and king rooms able to accommodate up to five people with free wifi. Amenities include a fitness center, garden, outdoor terrace, bar and lounge, free parking and onsite restaurant. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
9 Brick Hotel
The 9 Brick Hotel is a 3 star rated mid-level hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has double and twin rooms able to accommodate up to three people with free wifi. Amenities include free valet parking, 24 hour reception, and onsite bar and a restaurant with outdoor seating. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Daol Guesthouse
Daol Guesthouse is a 1 star rated budget guesthouse with excellent reviews. The guesthouse has single, twin, double, triple, quadruple and family rooms with their own bathroom and family rooms with private bathrooms able to accommodate up to seven people. Amenities include free wifi, a rooftop terrace, laundry facilities, and a shared kitchen and lounge. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Seoul’s Shopping and Market District Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun is best known for the massive Dongdaemun Markets, but there are many other things to do and see in the area. Attractions include the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which is amazing to wander around and see the art installations. Also nearby is Heunginjimun, the Dongdaemun Gate, a remnant of the Seoul Fortress Walls. The walk to Naksan Mountain is great to take in the views over Seoul and enjoy the old fortress wall, and also to visit Ihwa Mural Village. There are also many foodie options, including Gwangjang food markets. You can also head to the Jung District by walking along the relaxing Cheonggyecheon stream.
Subway Lines 2 and 4 provide easy access to Dongdaemun, with many other subway lines crossing to enable you to get around Seoul easily.
Hotels in Dongdaemun
Staying in Dongdaemun is a great option to get around Seoul easily on the Subway system. Our top luxury, mid level and budget hotel picks are as follows.
Hotel Name | Stars | Rating | Price | Top Features | Book |
8.3 | $$$ | Executive lounge, fitness center, indoor pool, rooftop terrace, bars and restaurants and free parking | |||
8.4 | $$ | 24 hour reception, rooftop terrace and an onsite cafe | |||
8.7 | $ | Free wifi, free parking, 24 hour reception and a free sauna for guests |
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is a 5 star rated luxury hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has double, twin and king rooms and suites able to accommodate up to five people with free wifi. Amenities include an executive lounge, fitness center, indoor pool, rooftop terrace, bars and restaurants and free parking. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Glue Hotel
The Glue Hotel is a 3 star rated mid-level hotel with amazing city views and excellent reviews. The hotel has double and twin rooms and suites able to accommodate up to three people with free wifi. Amenities include 24 hour reception, rooftop terrace and an onsite cafe. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
Youngbin Hotel
Youngbin Hotel is a 2 star rated budget hotel with excellent reviews. The hotel has single, twin and double rooms with their own bathroom able to accommodate up to four people. Amenities include free wifi, free parking, 24 hour reception and a free sauna for guest. Click here to check out the latest pricing and make your booking through Booking.com.
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Anne Sutherland-Smith is a seasoned travel writer and a passionate explorer of South Korea’s vibrant culture, history, and landscapes. With decades of travel experience, Anne deeply understands what makes Korea a unique and captivating destination for travelers worldwide. As the lead author for koreatravelplanning.com, Anne’s work is based on thorough research and firsthand experiences. Her insights are regularly sought after in the travel community, and she has been featured in various travel forums and publications. Her expertise extends to Korean destinations, transportation, cuisine and the latest trends in Seoul’s bustling city life.
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