Best Places To Stay In Seoul
Top Places to Stay in Seoul for Tourists
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, offers a plethora of accommodation options catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Here are some highly-recommended areas and hotels that you might find useful during your visit:
Myeongdong ( Meyong-dong )
Located in the heart of Seoul, Myeongdong is a famous shopping district with plenty of street food vendors, cosmetic shops, and fashion boutiques. It’s an ideal base for tourists as it is near significant historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Recommended Hotels in Myeongdong:
- Grand Hyatt Seoul: A luxury hotel offering spacious rooms with modern amenities, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. It’s also home to several excellent dining options.
- M Hotel Myeongdong: A mid-range option featuring contemporary rooms, a convenient location close to shopping and dining areas, and free WiFi access.
- Hotel Unique Myeongdong: A budget-friendly hotel with colorful, stylish rooms and friendly service. It’s just a short walk from the main street of Myeongdong.
Hongdae (Hong-dae)
Known for its vibrant youth culture, Hongdae is home to numerous indie music venues, art shops, cafes, and trendy restaurants. It’s also near the Hongik University campus, making it a lively and energetic area to stay in.
Recommended Hotels in Hongdae:
- Mecenatpolis: A unique hotel that features rooms designed by famous Korean artists, as well as an on-site gallery, bar, and café.
- BnB Mini Hotel Hongdae: Offering comfortable and clean rooms at affordable prices, this budget hotel also provides free WiFi access.
- JJ Hotel Hongdae: With a modern design and convenient location, JJ Hotel offers spacious rooms with excellent amenities at reasonable prices.
Gangnam (Gang-nam)
Famous worldwide thanks to Psy’s song “Gangnam Style,” Gangnam is Seoul’s upscale neighborhood with luxury shopping malls, high-end restaurants, and trendy bars. It’s also home to COEX Mall—one of Korea’s largest underground shopping complexes.
Recommended Hotels in Gangnam:
- Park Hyatt Seoul: A luxury hotel offering stunning views of Namsan Mountain, an indoor pool, and a wellness center with a sauna and steam room.
- Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas: Featuring contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, this hotel also offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, and several dining options.
- Motel 19 Gangnam: A budget hotel offering clean, comfortable rooms with free WiFi access and a convenient location close to public transportation.
Itaewon (Ita-eon)
Itaewon is Seoul’s international district, where you can find a mix of embassies, foreign food restaurants, bars, and shops catering to expats and travelers alike. This area is also near N Seoul Tower, offering panoramic views of the city.
Recommended Hotels in Itaewon:
- The Westin Chosun Seoul: A luxury hotel featuring elegant rooms with stunning views, a spa, and an indoor pool.
- Hotel Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun: Offering modern rooms, a fitness center, and a convenient location close to shopping areas like Dongdaemun Market.
- Itaewon M House Guesthouse: A budget-friendly guesthouse with clean rooms and friendly service, located in the heart of Itaewon.