Where to Stay in Seoul: A Local's Guide

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Choosing the perfect place to stay in Seoul will set you up for a comfortable, convenient, and immersive adventure. Seoul offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to every preference and budget, with choices as diverse as the city itself. From the bustling energy of districts like Myeongdong and Hongdae to the historic charm of Insadong, each neighborhood offers a unique Seoul experience. Whether you seek the energy of the city center, the cultural richness of historic districts, or late-night vibes, Seoul has a neighborhood for every traveler. In this guide to where to stay in Seoul, I’ll take you through the best neighborhoods for an unforgettable Seoul adventure.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Seoul: Summary

The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Korea is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Seoul is no exception. Book your Seoul accommodation on Agoda today:

Don’t want to search for the best option, or just don’t have time? That’s what I’m here for! As a professional travel advisor, I’ve vetted or personally stayed at the suggested properties below.

Seoul neighborhood	Why stay in this neighborhood?	Best affordable hotel
Myeongdong	Shopping, street food, good location	Philstay Myeongdong Station
Hongdae	Nightlife, shopping, budget	Nabi Hostel Hongdae
Insadong	Culture, history	Grid Inn

Where to stay in Seoul: Shopping, street food, & good location

Myeongdong

Why stay in Myeongdong?

Myeongdong is a bustling shopping area known for its K-beauty shops, luxury department stores, and street food market. Staying in Myeongdong puts you at the heart of the city’s center, with its vibrant energy and central location. Because of its accessibility to major attractions, shops, street vendors, and an array of accommodation options, Myeongdong is one of the best places to base yourself during your Seoul adventures.

Myeongdong is great for:

First-time visitors
K-beauty and K-fashion shoppers
Street market foodies
Central location

Myeongdong Highlights

Shopping street
Street food market
K-beauty shopping
Luxury shopping
Myeongdong Cathedral
Bank of Korea Money Museum
NANTA cooking show

Myeongdong Accommodation

4-star: L7 Myeongdong ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3-star: Stanford Hotel Myeongdong ⭐⭐⭐

2-star: Philstay Myeongdong Station ⭐⭐

Where to stay in Seoul: Nightlife, shopping, & budget

Hongdae

Why stay in Hongdae?

Choosing to stay in Hongdae puts you on the eclectic and vibrant side of Seoul, overflowing with youthful and artistic energy. Hongdae, short for Hongik University, is a neighborhood around the university that is known for its art scene, indie music, trendy boutiques, and nightlife. The area comes alive at night, with an array of hip bars and clubs hosting live music and showcasing the city’s vibrant nightlife. Hongdae offers lots of budget options since it’s a college area.

Hongdae is great for:

Solo or budget travelers
Young travelers
Late night partiers

Hongdae Highlights

Cafe hopping in Yeonnam-dong
Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Street performers
Karaoke rooms (noraebangs)
Arcades
Affordable shopping
Street food
NANTA cooking show
Clubs and bars

Hongdae Accommodation

4-star: Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3-star: Nine Brick Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

2-star: Nabi Hostel Hongdae ⭐⭐

Hostel: Jin’s Paradise ⭐

Where to stay in Seoul: Culture & history

Insadong

Why stay in Insadong?

Staying in Insadong immerses you in the heart of traditional Korean culture. This quaint, historic neighborhood features cobblestone streets, antique shops, and art galleries. Insadong is a cultural hub with charming tea houses, artisanal craft shops, and proximity to other major Seoul highlights such as the palaces. From local guesthouses to boutique hotels, staying in Insadong promises not just accommodation but an immersive experience of Seoul’s history and culture.

Insadong is great for:

First-time visitors
Culture and history lovers
Families

Insadong Highlights

Insadong Cultural Street
Ssamzigil Shopping Mall
Traditional tea houses
Artisanal craft shops
Art galleries
Museum Kimchikan
Jogyesa Temple
Ikseondong Hanok Village

Insadong Accommodation

4-star: Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3-star: Sunbee Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

2-star: Grid Inn ⭐⭐

Hostel: Seoul Cube Jongro ⭐

With Seoul’s many diverse neighborhoods, the decision of where to stay can shape your experience in this huge city. Whether you choose the downtown energy of Myeongdong, the artistic and youthful energy of Hongdae, or the cultural richness of Insadong, each neighborhood offers a unique gateway to exploring the city. Whichever neighborhood becomes your home base in Seoul, rest assured that with this guide to where to stay in Seoul, your trip will be immersive, comfortable, and convenient.

Book Your Seoul Excursions

Now that you have your Seoul accommodation sorted, what about your tours and activities? The best activity and excursion booking platforms for South Korea are Klook and GetYourGuide. Both websites have thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Klook and GetYourGuide to book almost all my excursions in Asia.

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Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea: A local’s guide

Where to stay in Seoul: Summary