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

One of the most common questions I get is: “Where should I stay in Seoul?” With so many neighborhoods to choose from in Korea’s largest city, it can feel overwhelming.

My top two recommendations are Myeongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village (with nearby Insadong/Ikseon-dong). Both put you right in the heart of the action—steps away from historic sights, great food, and plenty to do—while also giving you easy access to the subway or a quick taxi when you want to explore further.

Here’s a quick map of some of the best areas:

Key:

• Myeongdong (Black)

• Bukchon Hanok Village (Orange)

• Insadong/Ikseon-dong (Purple)

• Itaewon/Namsan Park (Yellow)

• Seongsu-dong/Seoul Forest (Red)

• Gangnam (Blue)

1. Myeongdong

Why stay here: The biggest draw of Myeongdong is accessibility. From here you can reach most of Seoul’s top spots quickly. The neighborhood itself is lively, full of restaurants, night markets, shopping, and cafés. It’s a hub not just for travelers but also for locals who come to eat, shop, and hang out.

Downsides: The crowds can feel overwhelming on Myeongdong Shopping Street, so I recommend avoiding hotels directly on that strip. Noise can also vary depending on your hotel, but many properties are surprisingly quiet once you’re inside.

Luxury Hotels

• LOTTE Hotel Seoul ($$) – A flagship property with an indoor pool, skyline views, and some of the largest rooms in the area.

• The PLAZA Seoul ($$) – A quieter 5-star option across from Deoksugung Palace, with easy walkability but tucked away from the busiest streets.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel 28 Myeongdong ($$) – Boutique design with spacious rooms and one of the area’s best ratings.

• LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong ($$) – Comfortable, well-located, and ideal if you’re out exploring most of the day.

• L7 Myeongdong ($$) – Steps from Myeongdong Station, with views of Namsan from many rooms.

Budget Hotels

• Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong ($) – Modern, clean, and under $100/night with a convenient location.

• Moxy Seoul Myeongdong ($) – Trendy, budget-friendly, and great for groups or families (some rooms have bunk beds).

2. Bukchon Hanok Village

Why stay here: If you’re after charm and quiet, Bukchon Hanok Village is a beautiful choice. Nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, the area feels like stepping back in time with its winding alleys and preserved hanok houses. It’s a peaceful pocket of the city, full of small coffee shops, art galleries, and museums—perfect if you prefer a slower pace and more local atmosphere.

The Pros of Staying in Bukchon Hanok Village
You’ll likely have a very quiet space to stay since there are no main thoroughfares here. It’s truly a “village” atmosphere, and being so close to the palaces, cafés, and museums is a highlight. Staying here feels like living in Seoul’s history rather than just visiting it.

The Cons of Staying in Bukchon Hanok Village
There are virtually no hotels in this neighborhood—accommodations are mostly hanok guesthouses or private residences. If you want traditional hotel amenities, Insadong (just next door) is a better fit. Public transport is slightly less direct here too, with Anguk Station or Gyeongbokgung (Government Complex-Seoul) Station as your closest metro stops, so you may end up relying more on taxis or Uber.

Hotels in Bukchon Hanok Village

• Rakkojae Seoul Main Hanok ($$) – A traditional hanok home and one of the only “hotel-style” stays in Bukchon. With just five rooms opening onto a serene courtyard, it offers an intimate experience. Breakfast is included (delicious and traditional), and dinner here is worth trying at least once. Michelin Guide listed.

Private Hanoks for Rent
Most stays in Bukchon are private hanok homes available on Airbnb or VRBO. These are perfect if you want the cultural immersion of a hanok stay but with a more private, self-contained setup.

3. Insadong & Ikseon-dong

If you love the idea of Bukchon’s charm but want hotel amenities, Insadong and Ikseon-dong are excellent alternatives. These two neighborhoods sit right across from the main palaces, with Insadong offering a central, walkable location and Ikseon-dong adding a trendy twist with its hanok alleyways filled with cafés, bakeries, and boutique shops.

The Pros of Staying in Insadong/Ikseon-dong

• Centrally located in the heart of Seoul

• Walking distance to the palaces and cultural attractions

• Access to Ikseon-dong’s lively café and restaurant scene

• A great balance between charm and modern hotel comforts

The Cons of Staying in Insadong/Ikseon-dong

• The area is tourist-friendly, so some streets can feel a little crowded.

• Hotels here are more modern, so if you want a fully traditional hanok vibe, Bukchon still wins.

Luxury Hotels

• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul ($$$) — I include this in the Insadong neighborhood portion as it’s just out of the actual boundaries but close enough to be the only real luxury hotel in this part of Seoul. Like every Four Seasons Hotel, expect luxury amenities, incredible service, and stunning suites.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Moxy Seoul Insadong ($$) – A stylish pick with a rooftop bar and some of the best-reviewed service in the city. The team here gets consistently well-reviewed for service and helpfulness.

• Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong ($$) – Sleek design at a fair price, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a prime location.

Budget Hotels

• Hanok Hotel DAAM ($) – An affordable hanok-style hotel right in Insadong, blending tradition with hotel convenience.

• Sunbee Hotel Insadong ($) – Clean, spacious rooms under $100/night; a solid, no-fuss option.

• N285 Hotel Insadong ($) – Compact, simple, and well-reviewed at $50–75/night. The rooms are compact and clean and would work great for a solo traveler or a couple

4. Itaewon & Namsan Park

A mainstay neighborhood for expats, Itaewon is known for its international vibe, happening nightlife, and trendy cafés and shops. Even if you don’t stay here, you’ll probably end up visiting at some point. That said, if one of the hotels catches your eye—especially those tucked by Namsan Park—it can be a great base.

The Pros of Staying in Itaewon
You’ll be near Namsan Park, the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, and it’s a popular pickup spot for DMZ tours. The neighborhood is packed with restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. Choosing a hotel closer to Namsan Park gives you more of a resort-style retreat, offering peace and greenery while staying central.

The Cons of Staying in Itaewon
Itaewon is best known as a nightlife and bar district, which may not appeal to every traveler. Public transportation is also a little less connected here compared to other neighborhoods, so you may rely on taxis or ride-hailing apps more often.

Best Hotels in Itaewon by Budget

Luxury Hotels

• Grand Hyatt Seoul ($$) – Perched on a hill overlooking Itaewon, this large luxury hotel has expansive suites and a pool with city views.

• Banyan Tree Club & Spa ($$$) – A destination-style resort tucked in the forest of Namsan Park, just a 10-minute drive from Itaewon. Perfect if you want a retreat feel within the city.

• The Shilla Seoul ($$) – One of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels, set near Namsan Park with top-tier amenities and an escape-like atmosphere.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Mondrian Seoul Itaewon ($$) – Sleek design, spacious suites, and excellent value for money. One of the best mid-range picks in the city.

Budget Hotels

• Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel Itaewon ($) – Clean, modern, and affordable—your best bet for a budget-friendly stay in this area.

5. Seongsu-dong & Seoul Forest

Known as the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” Seongsu is one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, packed with boutique shops, unique cafés, and stylish restaurants. It’s also home to Seoul Forest, the city’s largest green space, making it a fun mix of urban energy and greenery.

The Pros of Staying in Seongsu-dong & Seoul Forest
You’ll never run out of places to eat, grab coffee, or explore—the neighborhood is buzzing with creativity and cool, local energy. It’s perfect if you want to be in the mix of Seoul’s most up-and-coming scene.

The Cons of Staying in Seongsu-dong & Seoul Forest
Like Brooklyn, it’s a bit out of the way—expect a 25–40 minute train ride to reach central Seoul. Hotel options are also very limited compared to other neighborhoods, so this area works best for a second visit to Seoul or just part of your trip. For more variety, you might consider staying in nearby Gangnam.

Best Hotels in Seongsu-dong & Seoul Forest by Budget

Luxury Hotels

• The Classic 500 Pentaz ($$) – A residence-style hotel with oversized rooms, great for families and groups. It features an outdoor pool with skyline views and an on-site restaurant.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel POCO ($) – A boutique pick right in the heart of Seongsu. Minimalist design, clean and spacious rooms, and a location that puts you right in the trendy scene.

6. Gangnam

Popular with business travelers and luxury seekers, Gangnam is known for its upscale vibe, world-class hotels, and the massive COEX Mall. It’s also packed with top restaurants and stylish neighborhoods, making it one of Seoul’s most polished areas.

The Pros of Staying in Gangnam
You’ll have your pick of high-end hotels, plenty of shopping, and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s also close to trendy Seongsu, so you can easily hop between the two neighborhoods.

The Cons of Staying in Gangnam
There’s little in the way of sightseeing here, so you’ll need to travel across the river to explore Seoul’s main attractions. It’s also one of the farther neighborhoods from Incheon Airport. Overall, Gangnam feels more commercial and business-oriented, which may not suit every traveler.

Best Hotels in Gangnam by Budget

Luxury Hotels

• Josun Palace ($$$) – A sleek, design-forward property that delivers some of the highest levels of luxury and detail in Seoul.

• Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas ($$$) – Adjacent to COEX Convention Center, this is a top choice for business travelers.

• Park Hyatt Seoul ($$$) – Minimalist luxury with Han River views, a Japanese-inspired design, an izakaya vinyl bar, and a beautiful indoor pool.

Mid-Range Hotels

• L7 Gangnam ($$) – A lifestyle-focused, youthful hotel brand with trendy touches that appeal to both tourists and business travelers.

• Shilla Stay Samsung ($$) – A more business-oriented property from Korea’s luxury Shilla brand, offering comfort and quality in a central location.

Why Isn't Hongdae on the list?

Hongdae is one of Seoul’s most famous neighborhoods, especially popular with university students and young travelers thanks to its nightlife, busking, and trendy cafés. While you can find affordable hotels here, I don’t recommend it as a base for most visitors.

Why I Don’t Include Hongdae

• Location: It’s a 25–50 minute train ride to reach many of Seoul’s main sights, which makes it inconvenient if you’re trying to maximize your time.

• Vibe: The area leans heavily toward nightlife and a younger, partygoing crowd. It also feels a bit touristy. I found there are better neighborhoods to stay.