Seoul travel guide

Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Areas & Hotels

First-time visitors should stay in Myeongdong or Jongno/Insadong — walkable to Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon, direct airport-rail links, and Seoul’s best street food outside the door. Choose Hongdae if nightlife is the priority. Mid-range hotels run ₩130,000–230,000 ($95–170).

Where to stay in Seoul — N Seoul Tower above the city skyline at dusk, South Korea
where to stay in Seoul — updated 24 September 2026 | original AmazingAsia artwork

Choosing your base in Seoul

First-timers should anchor in Myeongdong or Insadong/Jongno for walkable palaces and food; Hongdae for nightlife-first trips. Seoul’s subway makes every base workable.

The best areas to stay in Seoul

  1. Myeongdong · $$

    Best for: First-timers, shopping and street food

    The vibe: Bright, busy, central; direct airport train

    Hotel pick: L7 Myeongdong — Design hotel with rooftop bar, approx ₩150,000–230,000/night

  2. Insadong & Jongno · $$

    Best for: Palace access and traditional atmosphere

    The vibe: Tea houses, calligraphy shops, hanok lanes

    Hotel pick: Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun — Reliable modern mid-range, approx ₩130,000–200,000/night

  3. Hongdae · $

    Best for: Nightlife and younger travellers

    The vibe: Buskers, clubs, 24-hour everything

    Hotel pick: Ryo-ka-style guesthouses & hostels — Design hostels from, approx ₩40,000–90,000/night

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where to stay in Seoul — FAQs

Where should first-time visitors stay in Seoul?

First-time visitors should stay in Myeongdong or Jongno/Insadong — walkable to Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon, direct airport-rail links, and Seoul’s best street food outside the door. Choose Hongdae if nightlife is the priority. Mid-range hotels run ₩130,000–230,000 ($95–170).

Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.