Whenever I travel abroad, I try to book accommodation that's reasonably close to the places I want to visit. After all, who wants to spend half their holiday just getting around?
But during a trip to Brussels, Belgium, I learned that lesson the hard way.
I'd booked accommodation thinking it wouldn't be too far from the major attractions I wanted to explore. But once I got there, I realised they were about a 30-minute walk away.
Now, 30 minutes might not sound like much. But when you're already spending hours walking around, exploring the city, and taking in the sights, that extra distance really adds up.
By the end of the day, I was physically worn out. Instead of looking forward to heading back to my accommodation, I found myself dreading the walk. It was frustrating, especially knowing I could have avoided it by choosing a better location.
That experience taught me one thing: where you stay can make or break your trip.
And Seoul is no exception.
Seoul has an excellent public transportation system, but it's also a sprawling city. Two places that look close on a map aren't necessarily convenient to travel between.
So, as a Korean who's learned this lesson firsthand, I'd like to help you choose where to stay in Seoul based on what you actually want to see and do.
Because the last thing you want after a wonderful day of sightseeing is another exhausting journey back to your hotel.
Where Should You Stay in Seoul?
Your travel priority | Recommended area |
|---|---|
First-time sightseeing and shopping | Myeongdong |
Palaces and traditional culture | Jongno / Insadong |
Nightlife, music and shopping | Hongdae |
Trendy cafés and fashion | Seongsu |
Luxury shopping and modern Seoul | Gangnam |
Theme parks and family attractions | Jamsil |
KTX trains and intercity travel | Seoul Station |
1. Myeongdong: Best for First-Time Visitors
If it's your first trip to Seoul and you want to see a little bit of everything, Myeongdong is a sensible starting point.
You'll find countless beauty shops, fashion stores, restaurants and street food stalls. Namdaemun Market is nearby, and N Seoul Tower is accessible by local transport.
My local tip: Look for accommodation near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) or Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2). The two stations serve different routes, so check which works better for your itinerary.
One drawback? Myeongdong's main shopping streets can get extremely crowded, especially in the evenings.
2. Jongno and Insadong: Best for History Lovers
If royal palaces, hanok houses and traditional Korean culture are high on your list, this is where I'd look first.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong are all in this general area. You can explore several attractions on foot without constantly hopping on the subway.
My local tip: Accommodation around Anguk Station (Line 3) is particularly convenient for Bukchon, Insadong and Changdeokgung.
If you've dreamed of staying in a traditional Korean hanok, this area is worth exploring. Just check the facilities carefully, as some traditional properties have stairs, floor bedding or shared spaces.
3. Hongdae: Best for Nightlife and Youthful Energy
Love music, fashion, cafés and lively streets? Hongdae might be right up your alley.
The area around Hongik University is known for street performances, independent boutiques, restaurants and nightlife.
Nearby Yeonnam-dong offers a somewhat different atmosphere, with charming cafés and quieter residential streets.
My local tip: Hongik University Station connects to Subway Line 2, the Airport Railroad (AREX) and the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. That's particularly handy if you're arriving through Incheon Airport.
However, if you're a light sleeper, avoid accommodation directly above or beside the busiest nightlife streets.
And while you're exploring the neighbourhood, don't forget to check out my guide to must-try Korean convenience store foods. They're perfect for a quick snack between sightseeing stops.
4. Seongsu: Best for Trendy Cafés and Fashion
Seongsu has become one of Seoul's trendiest neighbourhoods.
Former factories and workshops have been transformed into cafés, boutiques, galleries and pop-up stores. It's a fascinating mix of old industrial Seoul and contemporary Korean culture.
My local tip: Staying near Seongsu Station (Line 2) makes it easier to explore the neighbourhood, but don't assume every trendy café is just around the corner. Some are quite spread out.
If your main sightseeing plans involve palaces and traditional markets, I'd suggest visiting Seongsu for the day rather than necessarily staying here.
5. Gangnam: Best for Modern Seoul and Upscale Shopping
Thanks to Gangnam Style, almost everyone has heard of Gangnam.
But there's much more to this part of Seoul than the famous song.
You'll find modern shopping centres, upscale restaurants, beauty clinics and business hotels. The wider Gangnam area also includes places such as Apgujeong and Samseong.
My local tip: If COEX and Starfield Library are on your itinerary, look around Samseong Station (Line 2) or Bongeunsa Station (Line 9), rather than assuming anywhere labelled “Gangnam” will be nearby.
And remember, Gangnam is south of the Han River. If most of your plans involve historical attractions in northern Seoul, you may end up spending considerable time commuting.
6. Jamsil: Best for Families and Theme Park Lovers
Travelling with children or planning a visit to Lotte World?
Jamsil could be an excellent choice.
This neighbourhood is home to Lotte World, Lotte World Tower, Seoul Sky and Seokchon Lake. There's enough here to keep families entertained for an entire day or longer.
My local tip: Look for accommodation around Jamsil Station, where Lines 2 and 8 meet.
After a long day at Lotte World, being able to return to your hotel without a lengthy subway journey can make a real difference.
7. Seoul Station: Best for Train Travel and Day Trips
Not everyone visiting Seoul plans to stay in the city throughout their trip.
If you're travelling to Busan or other Korean cities by KTX, staying near Seoul Station can be convenient.
The station also connects to the Airport Railroad and several subway services.
My local tip: Check which station your train actually departs from. Not all KTX services leave from Seoul Station; some use Yongsan or other terminals. SRT services generally use Suseo Station.
This isn't necessarily the most atmospheric neighbourhood for a holiday, but it can be a practical base for travellers with early departures.
Planning a road trip beyond Seoul? You might be surprised by what Korean highway rest stops have to offer.
Three Things I'd Check Before Booking Accommodation in Seoul
Remember my unfortunate experience in Brussels? The accommodation itself wasn't the problem. I simply hadn't worked out how much time I'd spend getting to the places I wanted to visit.
Here are three things I'd check before booking.
1. Actual travel time, not just distance
Two places might look close on a map but involve several subway transfers or a surprisingly long journey. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap to check the route from your hotel to your main attractions.
2. Walking distance from the subway
A hotel described as “near a subway station” might still be a 10-minute walk away. Some Seoul stations also have numerous exits and long underground passages. This matters particularly when you're carrying luggage.
3. Where you'll spend most of your time
If your itinerary revolves around Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Insadong, why stay all the way in Gangnam?
Likewise, if you're mainly interested in COEX, Lotte World and southern Seoul, staying near the palaces might not be the smartest choice.
The best location isn't necessarily the most famous one. It's the one that works for your itinerary.
If you're new to getting around Seoul, check out my guide to Korean public transportation before planning your daily routes; How to Get Around Seoul: A Korean's Guide to Subways, Buses & T-Money
So, Where Would I Stay in Seoul?
For a first-time visitor who wants to explore Seoul's major attractions, I'd start by looking at Myeongdong or Jongno.
For nightlife and cafés, Hongdae would be high on my list. And for a family planning to spend time at Lotte World, I'd seriously consider Jamsil.
There's no single perfect neighbourhood for everyone.
My advice? Work out where you want to go before deciding where to stay.
After all, you didn't come all the way to Seoul just to spend half your holiday travelling back and forth.
A little planning can go a long way.
And I hope Irenesque helps you pick up a few useful tips along the way!😄
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