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Seoul totally blew me away but I also came in with little to no expectations and not a ton of research. I visited for the first time a few months ago, and it ended up being one of my favorite cities. The food is amazing, it is clean, there are a ton of activities and things to do, and people are friendly.
As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is also pretty big and spread out so figuring out where to stay in Seoul was a bit confusing to me at first. I ended up staying in various places during 14 days, and about 20 in South Korea in general, so these recommendations are all based on my own experiences figuring out the best spots in Seoul.
🥳 FAVORITE HOTELS AT A GLANCE
Best Overall Value: Lotte City Hotel Mapo: Favorite stay overall. Spacious rooms, excellent service, great amenities, and fantastic subway access. Feels more premium than its price point.
Great Value if You Don’t Mind Being Further Out: IBC Hotel Dongdaemun: Solid option for good hotel in a budget. It’s further from the main sights, but clean, comfortable, and well connected by subway.
Budget Pick for First-Time Visitors: Look Home GuestHouse: A great budget option in a central location. Rooms are small but clean and practical, making it a good choice if you plan to spend most of your time out exploring.
Where to stay in Seoul – My Experience
When I first arrived in Seoul, I had no idea where to stay. I didn’t know which areas were the most convenient or affordable or how transportation would affect distances. For the first 3–4 days, my main requirements were a centrally located, affordable place that was easy to reach.
We ended up staying in a super small (but cute) hotel in Myeongdong that we loved. The street it is on, is just off the main road enough to avoid the super busy crowds, but super close to the main street (Toegye-ro) where the metro stations is.
It’s a fun, if slightly touristy and chaotic, neighborhood that offers everything you need as a first-time visitor.
There were also plenty of shops, cafes and food options nearby since we arrived late, and have been known to need a little treat at all times of the day.
After a few days, we moved to another small budget hotel near Seoul Station. It had great views of N Seoul Tower and gave me the feeling of being part of the city, as so many locals would come in and out of their offices at lunch to grab food.
The third location was the Lotte City Hotel Mapo, a huge change from the more budget accommodations of the start. The location is also more business central but there were a lot of nice markets and restaurants in walking distance. It is closer to the airport and a bit further from some activities, but it is so well-connected I can’t say you notice much of a change.
The same is true for the final area or neighborhood I stayed in Seoul, which is the IBC Hotel. This was the furthest from central Seoul, and closer to Dongdaemun but also the famous Gyeongdong Market for a more authentic Korean experience.
No matter where I stayed, using the Seoul Subway is a must. So the closest you are to a station the easier it will be to explore the city. Of course, that might depend on your needs as for me, finding coffee first thing in the morning is of a bigger priority.
Short on time? Top Korea recommendations
📲 Best eSIM for Korea: Easiest option is the Incheon Airport: Traveler SIM & T-money Transportation Card and full review here.
🚖 Airport Transfers: Book the limousine transfer Airport to Seoul Bus Ticket by Korea Airport Limousine (KAL)
🗺️ Navigation App: Download Naver Map before landing
🛕 For Something Truly Unique: Consider a temple stay at Geumsunsa Temple — a peaceful Buddhist stay inside Seoul that feels worlds away from the city.
The best areas to stay in Seoul
Myeongdong
Myeongdong was where I stayed first, and I think it’s one of the easiest areas for first-time visitors. It’s central, extremely well connected by metro, and packed with shops, cafés, and food options at all hours of the day. Yes, it’s touristy and can feel chaotic, especially in the evenings, but that also means convenience. After arriving late and slightly overwhelmed, being able to walk out and find food, coffee, and transport without thinking too much was a huge plus. If it’s your first time in Seoul and you want something straightforward, Myeongdong is a solid choice.
After my first few weeks in South Korea, I went back to walk around Myeongdong and I was not put off by the chaos at all. Overall, a solid option even if it is “expected”.
Seoul Station Area
in terms of connectivity, it’s hard to beat. If you’re planning to take trains, move around the country, or arrive from the airport, staying near Seoul Station makes things incredibly easy.
It’s also a surprisingly good base if you like walking. From here, you can walk or hike up to N Seoul Tower. I also stumbled a few of my favorite cafe and breakfast food places around here.
One thing to keep in mind is that the area is quite hilly. Depending on where your hotel is, getting around on foot can involve a fair amount of uphill walking, which is either a nice workout or mildly annoying, depending on the day. The evenings are generally more quiet here compared to Hongdae or Myeongdong, which can be good if that’s what you prefer!
Mapo
Mapo felt like a solid middle ground between commercial and residential neighborhoods. It’s much more relaxed than Myeongdong, but still lively, with plenty of restaurants and cafes.
In terms of well-known attractions, Mapo doesn’t really have a single “it” spot. You’ll still be relying on the subway to reach most of the sights you want to see. That said, this is true for most areas in Seoul, and Mapo is very well connected, so getting around will not be an issue at all.
Hotels in this area tend to cater more to business travelers, so you might expected higher prices. It’s a good option if you want something calmer without feeling disconnected from the city.
Very close to Mapo, you’ll also find Hongdae, which is a lively, student-heavy area and popular with expats. Hongdae has a big nightlife reputation and a few stereotypes attached to it, especially on social media. Personally, I loved Hongdae in the mornings, when all the party energy had clearly gone to sleep. I did my color analysis here and a cooking class later on in the trip. This was my favorite one. There are great coffee spots, relaxed streets, and this is also where one of the cooking classes I took was located.
Dongdaemun
This was the area that felt the most different from all others in the city. It’s less polished and far less tourist-focused, which can be a plus or not depending on how you feel. There are also fewer attractions nearby, with the exception of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), the large circular futuristic building designed by Zaha Hadid, and Gyeongdong Market.
I was lucky to get some good weather during the second week (less hot), so walking around to explore the neighborhoods was easier and much more enjoyable. I’d recommend staying here if you want a spacious hotel without a high price tag and don’t mind jumping around the city on the subway (which you’ll do anyway).
Gangnam
I didn’t stay in Gangnam during this trip, but it is one of the most talked-about areas in Seoul, and chances are you will visit it at some point during your stay. Gangnam is modern, polished, and in some parts very business-oriented. It’s also well connected and is known for shopping, offices, and more upscale restaurants.
The area is also home to the Lotte World Tower and Lotte World Mall, one of the largest malls in Seoul, as well as COEX Mall, which includes the famous Starfield Library. I would skip the COEX Aquarium, but you can make up your own mind.
Great Seoul Hotels Around Myeongdong
Myeongdong is busy, bright, and very convenient. If this is your first time in Seoul and you want to step outside your hotel and immediately have food, shops, and subway access, this is it.
It’s especially good if you:
Arrive late at night
Only have 2–3 days
Want street food nearby
Don’t want to think too much about logistics
☕ What to eat or check out in the area
Myeongdong Kyoja (famous handmade noodles)
Isaac Toast (classic Korean breakfast sandwich)
Check out the largest Daiso (12th floors) in Korea
💥 Most important things to see in Myeongdong
Myeongdong Cathedral
N Seoul Tower access (via cable car) Book your tickets here
Street food market at night
Namdaemun Market (walking distance)
🔥 BUSINESS COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
L7 MYEONGDONG
If price was less of an issue on this trip, then I would have booked L7 in Myeongdong. The standard rooms are modern and well sized, with everything you need for your stay, but what makes a difference are the rooftop bar and restaurant.
🔥 BUDGET OPTION
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Look Home GuestHouse
This is one of the budget options we stayed in during the start of the trip, and I can’t fault it. The only issue is space, which means pack smart. The space is clean, and you get hot water, coffee, and tea that you can help yourself to. The bathroom situation is a bit cramped, but the WiFi works and there is space to cook your breakfast downstairs. Myengdong is well-known for these hostel type small hotels, so try to find something similar if you want a budget option.
🔥 BUDGET OPTION
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Voco Seoul by IGB
My mid-range pick for Myeongdong is voco Seoul by IHG. It has standard modern rooms and breakfast, but it also adds two swimming pools and a fitness center. The subway station is literally outside its door as well.
Favorite hotels in Mapo area
Mapo is like a great middle ground between commercial Seoul and quieter residential neighborhoods. It’s less chaotic than Myeongdong but still lively, especially around Hongdae which is the student or party area.
This area works well if you:
Prefer cafés over shopping malls
Like creative, student-heavy neighborhoods
Want good subway access without constant crowds
🔥 BUSINESS COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Lotte City Hotel Mapo
Lotte City Mapo is ranked 3-stars but to me it easily felt like 5 star service and I could not have faulted it. The room was spacious and elegant with great views over the main street and the comfiest duvets and pillows. There is a laundry and iron station you can use and a full fitnesss center plus a pool. Breakfast had tons of options and there is a 7-Eleven open near the reception and a coffee station in the entrance. You can also walk into the station by taking the elevator to the basement, for easy convenience to grab the subway or grab a quick snack from all the different foods. Rooms during midday stays can be as low as $140 which I consider really good value for what you get.
🔥 BUSINESS COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Glad Mapo
Another hotel with a similar price point and amenities in the area is Glad Mapo. The decor and room design here are a bit more modern and minimal and the hotels feel more relaxed than a traditional business style hotels. Super well connected as well via subway access downstairs and sits in a lively part with lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Best places to stay in Seoul Station
This area isn’t the prettiest in Seoul, but it’s one of the most practical.
If you’re:
Arriving by AREX from Incheon Airport
Planning to take KTX trains around Korea
Doing a short 2–3 night stay
Heading out early for a DMZ tour
Traveling with heavy luggage
Then staying near Seoul Station makes life extremely easy.
❤️ Most Important Things to See Near Seoul Station
Seoul Station itself is more functional than scenic, but there are some excellent spots nearby:
N Seoul Tower (hike up from this side or take cable car) Book your tickets here
Namdaemun Market (walking distance)
Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun Gate)
🔥 BUDGET
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Seoul Station R Guesthouse
If you usually go for the almost cheapest accommodation option, this place or soemting similar would suit. I stayed in a similar place (that has closed down) and it was absolutely fine for a day or two. The main issue if you are a couple is navigating the tiny space, with luggage. If you don’t mind, or travel light then these options tend to be clean, affordable and nobody will bother you. Depending on the season, they can be as low as $40 a night.
🔥 BUSINESS COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Four Points by Sheraton Josun
The biggest, flashiest and most expensive hotel in the area is the Four Points by Sheraton. It’s business style hotel with a fitness center and restaurant. Prices here jump quite a lot for weekend stays, but could be a mid-range option for weekday stays if you want to be super centrally located or are flying in through Seoul just for a few days.
Best places in Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun will feel the most different from the other areas mentioned.
It’s less polished, less curated for tourists, and feels more lived-in. That can either be a plus or a downside depending on what you’re looking for.
If you:
Want larger hotel rooms without central prices
Don’t mind using the subway daily
Prefer local markets over shopping malls
Like architecture and design
Then Dongdaemun makes sense.
🎈Most Important Things to See in Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – the futuristic Zaha Hadid building
Gyeongdong Market – more traditional market, you can book a tour to get the most of it. I did one but this is another good option.
🔥 BUSINESS COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
IBC Hotel Dongdaemun
IBC Hotel is a good option if you’re looking for more space without the higher price tag you’ll find in more central neighborhoods. The rooms are larger than average, clean, and practical, and the area feels more local and less touristy. You’ll find rooms here for close to or just under $100 (depending on the season). It’s close to Dongdaemun and Gyeongdong Market and works well if you’re happy using the subway to get around the city. I would totally stay here again and use the subway to visit spots around the city. There is also great breakfast!
🔥 BUSINESS COMFORT
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun
This is much closer to DDP and also a fair bit more expensive but also better connected than IBC Hotel. The rooms are comfortable and tend to be large, and would be a good option for families or bigger groups that don’t mind sharing a room. They have a lot of larger room options available to check out.
Best places in Gangnam
Gangnam is like a completely different city compared to places like Myeongdong or Hongdae.
It’s wider, cleaner, more corporate, and more polished. You’ll see glass buildings, business offices, high-end shopping, and more upscale restaurants. It is also a bit further from the other side of attractions.
But you will love it if you”
Prefer modern neighborhoods over traditional ones
Want easy access to shopping and large malls
Are traveling as a family
Or want a higher-end hotel experience
💠 Most Important Things to See in Gangnam
COEX Mall & Starfield Library
Lotte World Tower & Seokchon Lake (slightly east but nearby)
Apgujeong Rodeo Street (shopping + trend culture)
- Walk and explore K-star road (great for luxury shopping as well)
💠 Tours and Experiences in Gangnam
- Private Tour in Gangnam with Locals
- Best of Seoul Shopping Tour Experience
Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory Ticket (so worth it! Get to the top and go early for pictures)
Seoul: Kpop Dance Class (we also did a dance class which was challenging but so fun with a big group)
🔥 CHIC & TRENDY
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Hotel Cappuccino Seoul
You have to check out Hotel Cappuccino Seoul if you are thinking of staying in Gangnam. It is mid-price ranged, pet-friendly (which is rare in Seoul), and has a super unique and interesting design. It’s a mix of industrial chic and minimal, youthful energy. There are a lot of personal, quirky touches here, and the pet-friendly rooms even have small dog houses.
🔥 LUXURY
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Ananti Gangnam
On the opposite side of the spectrum, both in appearance and price, Ananti is just incredible. Think Moroccan-like warm brick layering around the pool, French, Japanese, and BBQ grill restaurant meals, yoga classes, and tubs with city views. Dramatic architecture, dark tones, and a very curated aesthetic everywhere you look. This would be the ultimate special treat for the beginning or the end of your trip to Korea.
Final thoughts on Best Hotels in Seoul
Seoul is truly an incredible city. It is so busy and spread out, yet most areas feel reachable due to the great transport system in place with the subway. Even if you are traveling and doing a layover for 2-3 nights, you’ll have an amazing time.
Based on my experience, the city can be done within budget as well with some planning. A lot of the hostels or guesthouses are perfectably managable for a few nights and are clean and well taken care of. You can also always find good street food in cheap prices. There are a lot of business hotels that drive prices higher, but the mid-range options a bit outside the centre will be the best option for a solid hotel room with all the amenities.
FAQ for hotels in Seoul
⭐ Should you rent a Hotel vs Apartment in Seoul?
Apartments can work well for longer stays, but hotels in Seoul are efficient, clean, and often better located near metro lines. You also avoid dealing with trash sorting rules and check-in logistics.
⭐ Is Seoul safe?
Seoul is one of the safest major cities in the world. I’ve walked around late at night multiple times and never felt uncomfortable. Of course, use normal travel awareness — but violent crime is very rare.
⭐ How far in advance should you book hotels?
Book as soon as your dates are confirmed, especially in spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn.
⭐ What is the best area if you don’t want to walk too much?
Anywhere near a major metro line.
Seoul’s subway system is excellent, cheap, and very easy to use. If you stay near a central station (Hongdae, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, or City Hall), you won’t need a car at all.
⭐ What are the best and most popular tours in the city?
Seoul has so many fun things to do, I would start with these!
Seoul: Korean Cooking at Seoul Cooking Club! (I loved this!)
- Pre-book your Hanbok Rental with Palace Entry (saves a lot of time!)
⭐ Where to stay in Seoul for foodies?
I would say that different neighborhoods shine for different reasons. Myeongdong is great for street food markets and cheap eats, and Hongdae is the student friendly, cute cafe spot. But Gangnam is also great if you want more upscale restaurants.
⭐ What is the best hotel to stay in Seoul?
The best value for money if you don’t mind staying a little outside the centre is the IBC in Dongdaemun. You can find close to $100 night stays during most of the year, when other non guesthouse style hotels are closer to $180-$200.
⭐ What are the best places to stay in Seoul for families?
I would say Gangnam is a great area since it is close to Lotte World and the Lotte World Tower. There is also Seokchon Lake right there, perfect for walks and a break from the busy streets of the city.
⭐ What are the best cheap Seoul hotels?
A great cheap option for me was the Look House Guesthouse. You can’t beat the location on it and even though the rooms are small it has everything else you need. You’ll spend all your time outside anyway!
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting South Korea
- Emergency: Dial 112 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance services. These lines are available 24/7 and usually offer English-speaking support.
- Language: English is spoken in most tourist areas and by younger Koreans, though it’s less common in rural towns. It’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases like “Annyeonghaseyo” for hello, “Kamsahamnida” for thank you, and “Joesonghamnida” for sorry. For live translation help, download Papago (by Naver).
- Navigation: Google Maps and Apple Maps do not work reliably for directions in Korea. Instead, download Naver Map or KakaoMap. Both offer accurate public transport, driving, and walking directions, and have English-language support built in.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink across South Korea, though many locals still prefer bottled or filtered water. Most hotels and guesthouses will either provide bottled water or have a filtered dispenser available.
- Driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side in Korea, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for tourists. Most traffic signs are in both Korean and English, but city driving can be fast-paced and stressful, especially in Seoul. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com is the most convenient option for finding hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and traditional hanok stays across Korea. Many listings include free cancellation, no prepayment, and access to a reliable rewards system for frequent travelers.
- Islands: South Korea has several beautiful islands to explore, including Jeju, Ulleungdo, and Geoje. Jeju is best reached by domestic flight, while others require ferries from mainland ports. You can use 12Go Asia or check directly with ferry operators to plan your route.
- Activities: There’s no shortage of things to do in Korea, from exploring palaces, to color analysis experiences and traditional markets to joining food tours, hiking, or even staying overnight at a Buddhist temple. For hassle-free bookings with verified reviews, use Get Your Guide to arrange activities in advance.
- Public Transport: Korea’s public transportation is fast, efficient, and easy to use. Major cities like Seoul and Busan have extensive subway networks, while intercity travel is best done using KTX high-speed trains or long-distance buses. As soon as you arrive, get a T-money card for easy access to subways, buses, and even taxis. You can also purchase a SIM card and T-money package online or at the airport to stay connected and ready to travel from the moment you land.
- Domestic Airlines: Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are the main full-service carriers, while Jeju Air, T’way, and Air Seoul offer low-cost domestic flights. Jeju Air is a popular and budget-friendly option, especially for trips to Jeju Island. If you’re collecting points, Korean Air’s SkyPass is the most established loyalty program.
- Taxi: Instead of flagging taxis on the street, use the Kakao T app to book one. It’s reliable, easy to use, shows price estimates, and allows you to pay in-app. While many taxis now accept cards, it’s still a good idea to carry a bit of cash just in case.
- Culture: Korean culture emphasizes respect, quietness, and social harmony. It’s customary to remove your shoes when entering homes or traditional accommodations. Public transport tends to be quiet, and loud talking is generally discouraged. Shops and restaurants usually stay open late and operate seven days a week, but keep in mind that museums, palaces, and some attractions are often closed on Mondays. Major holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year (Seollal) are times when many Koreans travel, and during those days, transportation and services may be limited.
