Where to Stay in Seoul: 5 Areas Actually Worth Staying In
Seoul can be an incredibly fascinating place to visit — but it’s also HUGE, and figuring out where to stay isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Every time I searched for where to stay in Seoul, I ran into the same problem: guides listing too many neighborhoods, too many hotels, and way too many “best” options. Instead of clarity, I walked away more confused.
This guide is different because it’s based on experience, not just research. I used to live about an hour south of Seoul, and I spent countless weekends staying overnight in the city. Over time, I learned which neighborhoods actually work well as a base — and which ones sound great on paper but don’t feel as practical once you’re there. There was one area I consistently preferred, and I’ll explain why below.
The goal of this article is simple: to make the decision easier for you. To help aid in your research! Instead of presenting endless options, I’ll share clear, realistic recommendations and explain who each area is best suited for. That way, you can book your hotel with confidence and move on to planning the fun part of your Seoul trip.
This Post Pairs Well With:
- Check out my South Korea Blog Posts
- Best Things To Do in Seoul, South Korea
At A Glance: Top Hotels to Stay at in Seoul
The Westin Seoul Parnas (Gangnam)
Spacious rooms, upscale amenities, quiet neighborhood, excellent sleep quality
Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole
Contemporary design, reliable service, ideal for longer stays
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong
Central location, walkable streets, close to palaces and subway lines
Traditional hanok stay in Seoul: Rakkojae Hanok Hotel
Korean hanok experience, peaceful setting, cultural immersion
How to Navigate Seoul (Important Before Choosing a Hotel)
If you’re planning where to stay in Seoul, it’s important to know that Google Maps does not work well in South Korea for walking directions, transit routes, or turn-by-turn navigation.
Instead, locals and travelers use KakaoMap or Naver Map. These apps provide accurate walking routes, subway directions, exit numbers, and real-time transit updates — all of which matter when choosing a hotel location.
Before booking accommodation, I recommend:
- Downloading KakaoMap or Naver Map
- Saving your hotel and nearby subway stations
- Checking walking distance to the nearest station (5–7 minutes is ideal)
This small step makes a huge difference once you’re on the ground in Seoul.
Where to Stay in Seoul for First-Timers: My Advice
If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time and trying to figure out where to stay, my biggest piece of advice is simple: location matters more than anything else. Seoul is an incredible city; it can absolutely be overwhelming. It’s massive, and choosing the right area can completely shape your experience.
The advice I am giving you comes from experience. I used to live about an hour south of Seoul in a city called Pyeongtaek, and made a point to stay overnight in the city often on weekends. Over time, I stayed in different areas, tested different bases, and learned which neighborhoods actually work best for first-time visitors — not just on paper, but in real life.
For most first-time travelers, the best area to stay in Seoul is Insadong / Jongno.
This part of Seoul offers the best balance of walkability, cultural sights, and transportation access. You’re close to palaces, traditional streets, museums, cafés, and multiple subway lines, which makes it easy to explore the city without feeling overwhelmed. My favorite temple is in this area, and positioning yourself here means you’ll have close access to the Lotus Lantern Festival that happens every year. You can spend full days walking, then hop on the subway to reach other neighborhoods without long or complicated commutes.
Insadong and Jongno are also ideal for first-timers because they feel comfortable and manageable in the evenings. The area is well lit, active without being chaotic, and well-suited for solo travelers who want to explore confidently. If you love hiking, you’re not too far off from Inwangsan, which offers GORGEOUS views of the city (sunset hikes here are the best). Bukhansan is also a metro ride away; this gorgeous park is well worth a visit!
If shopping and convenience are your top priorities, Myeongdong is another good option, especially if you want to stay somewhere extremely central. That said, if I had to recommend just one area for a first visit, Insadong and Jongno consistently stand out as the most practical and rewarding base.
Bottom line: if you’re wondering where to stay in Seoul for the first time, choose a central neighborhood with strong subway access and walkability. Starting in the right area makes exploring Seoul easier, more enjoyable, and far less stressful
Use this interactive map to search for hotels in Seoul. You can search based on dates and filter as needed to suit your needs.
Best Areas to Stay in Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a city of neighborhoods, and where you stay matters because it changes how you experience the city day to day. If you’re searching for the best area to stay in Seoul, this is the simplest way to think about it:
- Want palaces, traditional streets, and walkability? Stay in Insadong / Jongno.
- Want convenience and shopping right outside your door? Stay in Myeongdong.
- Want modern, polished, and comfort-focused? Stay in Gangnam.
- Want cafés, creative energy, and younger nightlife? Stay near Hongdae (but pick your hotel carefully if you value sleep).
- Want a more local, low-key base that still connects easily? Consider Mapo.
When I lived about an hour south of Seoul and came into the city for weekend stays, I learned quickly that “best” really means “best for your travel style.” The neighborhoods below are the ones I’d actually recommend because they work in real life, not just on a map.
Neighborhoods and Hotels in Seoul
Here you’ll find information on different neighborhoods in Seoul. I’ve added a few hotels to the mix, but this blog post is designed to inform and not overwhelm. I’ve been to a few of these hotels myself, like Nine Trees and the Westin, and Dragon Hill Lodge (which not everyone has access to unfortunately)
Insadong / Jongno
The best area to stay in Seoul for first-timers (in my humble opinion, anyway!)
If it’s your first time visiting Seoul, this is the area I’d recommend most confidently.
Because I used to live about an hour south of Seoul, I spent a lot of weekends staying overnight in the city, and Insadong/Jongno consistently felt like the easiest and most enjoyable base. This part of the city has that balance so many travelers are looking for: traditional streets, palaces, cafés, and museums, without feeling overwhelmed.
When I stayed here, I found myself walking far more than I expected. I could wander through Insadong’s side streets, explore nearby palaces, grab coffee, and only hop on the subway when I wanted to head farther out. Multiple subway lines run through the area, which makes getting around the rest of Seoul straightforward.
For a comfortable, central stay, Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong is an excellent option. It’s right in the heart of Insadong, walkable to major sights, and easy to use as a home base without constant planning. I loved how comfortable their rooms were and how updated they were.
Traditional Hanok Stays near Insadong
If you want something more traditional, Bukchon Binkwan by Rakkojae offers a rare chance to stay in a historic hanok setting while still being central. Hanoks are beautiful, and Rakkojae Hahoe is beautiful!
If traditional hanoks have piqued your interest, here is a roundup of Hanok stays in Seoul.
Notable Hanok Stays in Seoul
Bukchonae
Sohyundang Guesthouse
Nostalgia Hanok Hotel
Luxury Hanok Stay Blue Dot
Myeongdong
Central, convenient, and very easy — with tradeoffs
Myeongdong is one of the most popular places to stay in Seoul, especially for first-time visitors, and it makes sense logistically. You’re surrounded by food, shopping, and transit, and it’s incredibly easy to get around from here.
When I stayed in or near Myeongdong, everything felt efficient. It’s a great base if you’re only in Seoul for a few days and want to maximize sightseeing without thinking too hard about transportation. I’d spend so much money here. That said, this area is busy and heavily touristed, especially in the evenings.
If convenience is your priority, a hotel like Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong is a solid choice. It offers reliable comfort, good soundproofing, and an easy location — exactly what you want in such a central area.
Gangnam
Polished, comfortable, and noticeably calmer
Gagnam always surprised me.
Instead of feeling flashy, it felt calm, spacious, and comfortable and this is all things LUXURY in Seoul. Streets are wider, hotels are larger, and after long days exploring Seoul, coming back here felt restorative rather than draining.
You’re farther from historic sights, but subway connections are excellent, and the quality of accommodation is noticeably higher. So it will be more money out of pocket. If you’re staying longer, working remotely, or simply value sleep and comfort, Gangnam is a very smart base.
For an upscale stay, The Westin Seoul Parnas stands out for its spacious rooms, excellent service, and overall comfort. It’s the kind of hotel that makes a big city feel easier. I honestly felt like the Westin Seoul Parnas is the perfect place for travellers to relax.
Notable Hotels in Gagnam
Best Western Premier Gangnam Hotel
L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELS
Shilla Stay Gangnam Yeoksam
Hongdae
Creative, energetic, and fun — if you choose carefully
Hongdae is one of Seoul’s most energetic neighborhoods. It’s full of cafés, indie shops, street performances, and late-night food. I loved spending time here — staying here just requires a bit more intention.
During the day and early evening, Hongdae is great for wandering and people-watching. At night, certain streets get loud and chaotic. When I stayed too close to the busiest areas, sleep became the compromise.
If Hongdae’s vibe appeals to you, look for a hotel that’s close enough to enjoy the area but far enough removed to stay quiet at night. Picking the right spot makes all the difference here because of the party vibe.
Choosing the Right Place to Stay in Seoul
Where you stay in Seoul shapes how the entire trip feels. Because the city is so large, choosing the right neighborhood can be the difference between feeling energized and feeling worn out by constant transit and decision-making.
If this is your first time visiting Seoul, staying somewhere central — especially Insadong or Jongno — makes the city easier to navigate and more enjoyable from day one. These areas let you explore on foot, reach major sights without long commutes, and return to a hotel that feels comfortable in the evenings. If comfort and quieter nights matter most, Gangnam is a strong alternative, while Myeongdong works well for short, convenience-focused trips.
The goal isn’t to stay in the “trendiest” part of Seoul — it’s to choose a base that fits how you travel. When your hotel is well located, well connected, and comfortable, everything else falls into place. Book your stay, get settled, and spend your time enjoying Seoul instead of overthinking logistics.
Commonly Asked Questions About Traveling to Seoul, South Korea
Yes. Seoul is one of the safest large cities in the world for solo female travelers. Violent crime is rare, public transportation is secure, and central neighborhoods like Insadong, Jongno, and Gangnam feel comfortable even in the evenings. Staying in a well-reviewed, centrally located hotel adds an extra layer of peace of mind.
If you’re over 30 and value sleep, privacy, and comfort, a hotel or private guesthouse is the better choice. Seoul involves long walking days, and having a quiet place to recharge matters. Hotels offer better soundproofing, private bathrooms, and more reliable rest than most hostels.
A good mid-range hotel in Seoul typically costs between $80 and $150 per night. This price range covers clean, comfortable hotels in central areas with strong subway access, especially in Insadong, Jongno, and Myeongdong.
For first-time visitors, Insadong and Jongno are the best areas to stay in Seoul. They are centrally located, walkable, close to palaces and cultural sights, and well connected by multiple subway lines, making the city easier to navigate.
Yes. Gangnam is an excellent place to stay if you prioritize comfort, space, and quieter evenings. Hotels in Gangnam tend to be larger and more polished, and the area feels calmer at night while still offering excellent subway connections to the rest of Seoul.
Yes, especially for travelers interested in Korean culture. Staying in a hanok offers a quieter, more traditional experience than modern hotels. Central hanok stays allow you to experience historic architecture without sacrificing location or convenience.
Subway access is essential. Staying within a 5–7 minute walk of a subway station makes getting around Seoul significantly easier, especially after long sightseeing days. Most central neighborhoods recommended for visitors have excellent subway coverage.
