Finding the perfect place to stay in Seoul is like choosing a portal into a different world each neighborhood hums with its own rhythm, from neon-lit shopping meccas to serene palace grounds and hidden alleyways packed with sizzling street food. After countless visits, I can tell you: in Seoul, where you stay can completely transform how you experience the city.
Each district tells a different story some buzz with nightlife and fashion, others unfold into tranquil parks, centuries-old temples, or trendy cafes perfect for people-watching. Picking the right base isn’t just smart it’ll save you hours in transit, keep your itinerary flowing, and help you fall in love with the Seoul that suits you best.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best neighborhoods in Seoul depending on your travel style, whether you're hunting for vibrant shopping streets, historical gems, luxury hotels, or budget-friendly hideaways. Let’s find your perfect match!
1. Myeongdong – Shopper’s Paradise Meets City Buzz 🛍️
If you dream of being surrounded by endless shopping streets, beauty stores, street food stalls, and the pulse of the city, Myeongdong is your spot. This area is pure energy from morning till late at night.
Who Should Stay in Myeongdong
✔️ First-time visitors – Central, safe, easy to navigate.
✔️ Shoppers – Heaven for K-beauty lovers and fashionistas.
✔️ Night owls – Late-night eats and lights everywhere.
❌ Avoid if you dislike crowds—Myeongdong is always packed.
Best Hotels in Myeongdong
- Luxury: L7 Myeongdong by Lotte – Trendy rooftop bar and stylish rooms.
- Mid-Range: Hotel28 Myeongdong – Art-lover’s dream with cinematic design.
- Budget: Philstay Myeongdong Boutique – Small but clean rooms right by the action.
What to Do in Myeongdong
- ⛪Myeongdong Cathedral – Iconic Gothic architecture.
- 🛍️Myeongdong Shopping Street – Shop till you drop.
- 👜Namdaemun Market (nearby) – Traditional market vibes.
Food & Dining in Myeongdong
You’ll never go hungry here! Try Myeongdong Kyoja for handmade kalguksu noodles or snack your way through the street food stalls hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tornado potatoes are musts.
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Myeongdong Station (Line 4)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 1 hour by taxi (₩65,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Myeongdong
- ✅ Shopping, food, and sightseeing at your doorstep
- ✅ Super central and well-connected
- ❌ Very busy and touristy, especially on weekends
- ❌ Hotels can be pricier for smaller rooms
2. Hongdae – Youthful, Artsy, and Full of Life 🎶
Hongdae isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a vibe. Think indie music, street performances, late-night cafes, and a creative energy that never seems to sleep.
Who Should Stay in Hongdae
✔️ Nightlife lovers – Clubs, bars, live music venues everywhere.
✔️ Budget travelers – Many hostels and affordable guesthouses.
✔️ Trendy travelers – Hip cafes, vintage shops, cool galleries.
❌ Skip if you prefer peace and quiet.
Best Hotels in Hongdae
- Luxury: RYSE, Autograph Collection – Ultra-cool boutique hotel perfect for design lovers.
- Mid-Range: Mercure Ambassador Hongdae – Sleek, modern, close to everything.
- Budget: Zzzip Guesthouse – Friendly, social, and affordable.
What to Do in Hongdae
- 🛍️Hongdae Free Market – Art and handmade goods.
- 🛝Hongdae Playground – Nightly performances.
- 🖼️Trick Eye Museum – Interactive 3D art fun.
Food & Dining in Hongdae
Foodies, rejoice! Try BBQ Olive Chicken (yes, the K-drama one) and Yeonnam-dong 223 Cafe Street for coffee-lovers.
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX Airport Line)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 45 minutes by taxi (₩55,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Hongdae
- ✅ Vibrant nightlife and youthful energy
- ✅ Affordable places to stay and eat
- ❌ Can be noisy late at night
- ❌ Less family-friendly
3. Gangnam – Chic, Modern, and High-Energy 💎
Made famous by the song, Gangnam is Seoul’s upscale playground. Luxury shopping, K-pop agencies, and skyscrapers set the scene.
Who Should Stay in Gangnam
✔️ Business travelers – Lots of corporate offices and convention centers.
✔️ Luxury seekers – Upscale hotels and shopping malls.
✔️ Nightlife fans – Posh clubs and rooftop bars.
❌ Budget travelers should probably look elsewhere.
Best Hotels in Gangnam
- Luxury: Andaz Seoul Gangnam – Five-star glam with stunning city views.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Cappuccino – Trendy, eco-friendly, and stylish.
- Budget: Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam – Great value with hot springs spa!
What to Do in Gangnam
- 🛍️COEX Mall – Asia’s largest underground mall.
- 🕍Bongeunsa Temple – A calm oasis among skyscrapers.
- 👛Apgujeong Rodeo Street – Luxury shopping at its finest.
Food & Dining in Gangnam
Gangnam is foodie heaven if you love Korean BBQ and trendy brunch cafes. Check out Samwon Garden for upscale BBQ.
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Gangnam Station (Line 2, Shinbundang Line)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 1 hour by taxi (₩70,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Gangnam
- ✅ Modern, stylish, and lots of amenities
- ✅ Excellent for business trips
- ❌ Traffic jams are legendary
- ❌ Expensive nightlife and hotels
4. Insadong – Tradition Meets Tranquility 🍵
Insadong is Seoul's cultural soul—a place where centuries-old tea houses, antique shops, and art galleries line peaceful alleyways. It’s the perfect mix of history and serenity.
Who Should Stay in Insadong
✔️ Culture lovers – Close to temples, palaces, and museums.
✔️ First-time visitors – Great intro to traditional Korea.
✔️ Families – Calm, walkable, and full of heritage.
❌ Not ideal for party-seekers or night owls.
Best Hotels in Insadong
- Luxury: Nine Tree Premier Insadong – Elegant stay with traditional vibes and modern touches.
- Mid-Range: Orakai Insadong Suites – Spacious serviced apartments, perfect for longer stays.
- Budget: Mini Hotel Insa – Affordable and full of Korean charm.
What to Do in Insadong
- 🛕Jogyesa Temple – Peaceful Buddhist temple in the heart of the city.
- 🛒Ssamziegil Mall – Quirky, artsy shopping complex.
- 👑Gyeongbokgung Palace – Just a short walk away.
Food & Dining in Insadong
Expect traditional Korean dishes here! Try mandu (dumplings) at Gaesung Mandu Koong or sip a bowl of ssuktteok (mugwort rice cake soup) in a hanok-style tea house. 🍵
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 1 hour by taxi (₩65,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Insadong
- ✅ Peaceful, traditional, and scenic
- ✅ Easy access to historical attractions
- ❌ Quiet after dark
- ❌ Fewer nightlife options
5. Itaewon – Global, Gritty, and Always Awake 🌍
This is Seoul’s most international neighborhood, where you can eat falafel for lunch, sip makgeolli for dinner, and hit a rooftop club after midnight. Diverse and open-minded, it’s where cultures mix.
Who Should Stay in Itaewon
✔️ Nightlife lovers – This is the place for bars, clubs, and late-night eats.
✔️ Foodies – Amazing international cuisine.
❌ Not great for quiet seekers or early sleepers.
Best Hotels in Itaewon
- Luxury: Mondrian Seoul Itaewon – Chic and lively with a gorgeous pool deck.
- Mid-Range: Hamilton Hotel – Classic, affordable, and right in the heart of the action.
- Budget: G Guesthouse – Cozy rooftop terrace and welcoming vibe.
What to Do in Itaewon
- 📻Itaewon Antique Street – Hunt for vintage treasures.
- 🖼️Leeum Samsung Museum of Art – World-class contemporary and traditional exhibits.
- 🚠Namsan Park & Seoul Tower – A short hike or cable car away.
Food & Dining in Itaewon
Craving variety? This is your zone. From halal kebabs to Mexican tacos to Korean BBQ, you’ll find it all. Head to Vatos Urban Tacos or Braai Republic for expat-favorite eats.
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Itaewon Station (Line 6)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 55 minutes by taxi (₩65,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Itaewon
- ✅ International dining, nightlife, and vibes
- ✅ Inclusive and vibrant
- ❌ Can get loud and rowdy at night
- ❌ Steep hills and uneven sidewalks
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6. Dongdaemun – All-Night Shopping & Futuristic Design 🛒
A district where you can shop at 3AM and admire Zaha Hadid’s space-age architecture during the day. Dongdaemun never sleeps.
Who Should Stay in Dongdaemun
✔️ Fashion lovers – Endless wholesale markets and retail shops.
✔️ Night owls – 24/7 shopping centers are a thing here.
✔️ Budget travelers – Affordable stays and eats.
❌ Not ideal for those seeking cultural or quiet vibes.
Best Hotels in Dongdaemun
- Luxury: JW Marriott Hotel Dongdaemun Square – Sophisticated with unbeatable views of the old city gate.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Skypark Kingstown – Close to malls and comfy.
- Budget: Hostel Vanilla 2 Dongdaemun – Cute, clean, and super friendly.
What to Do in Dongdaemun
- 📷Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – Instagram-famous architecture.
- 🌃Heunginjimun Gate – Historic landmark by day, lit up at night.
- 👗Night markets – Clothes, accessories, and street food galore.
Food & Dining in Dongdaemun
Great for quick Korean bites like tteokbokki, gimbap, and hotteok from local stalls. Or hit Jinokhwa Halmae Dakhanmari for old-school chicken hot pot.
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Dongdaemun or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Lines 1, 2, 4, 5)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 1 hour by taxi (₩65,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Dongdaemun
- ✅ Epic shopping experience—day or night
- ✅ Central location and great subway access
- ❌ Not much nightlife beyond shopping
- ❌ Crowded during sales seasons
7. Jamsil – Family-Friendly with Lakeside Views 🎡
Home to Lotte World, a massive amusement complex, and peaceful Seokchon Lake, Jamsil is a dream for families and leisure travelers.
Who Should Stay in Jamsil
✔️ Families – Theme parks, lakes, malls.
✔️ Travelers seeking relaxation – Scenic walks and quieter vibes.
✔️ Sports fans – Baseball and Olympic venues nearby.
❌ Nightlife fans might feel a little bored.
Best Hotels in Jamsil
- Luxury: Signiel Seoul – Ultra-luxury in the Lotte World Tower.
- Mid-Range: Lotte Hotel World – Direct access to theme park!
- Budget: Rosana Boutique Hotel – Quiet and comfortable with lake views.
What to Do in Jamsil
- 🏢Lotte World & Lotte World Tower – Adventure park + the tallest building in Korea.
- 🌸Seokchon Lake Park – Cherry blossoms in spring 🌸.
- 🚴Olympic Park – Ideal for cycling and long strolls.
Food & Dining in Jamsil
Lots of family-friendly restaurants in Lotte Mall. Try Kyochon Chicken or Korean buffet-style eateries in the area.
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Jamsil Station (Line 2, Line 8)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 1 hour 10 minutes by taxi (₩70,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Jamsil
- ✅ Family-oriented with great attractions
- ✅ Scenic and relaxed
- ❌ Limited nightlife
- ❌ Slightly far from central Seoul
8. Yeouido – Seoul’s Business Island with Han River Views 🌇
Nicknamed “Seoul’s Wall Street,” Yeouido offers skyline views, riverside parks, and a peaceful, corporate-chic vibe.
Who Should Stay in Yeouido
✔️ Business travelers – Near finance hubs and the National Assembly.
✔️ Joggers & cyclists – Best river paths in the city.
✔️ Spring travelers – Cherry blossom central!
❌ Not for nightlife or cultural immersion.
Best Hotels in Yeouido
- Luxury: Conrad Seoul – 5-star elegance with river views.
- Mid-Range: Glad Hotel Yeouido – Sleek design and solid value.
- Budget: Kensington Hotel Yeouido – Old-school glam, great prices.
What to Do in Yeouido
- 🧺Yeouido Hangang Park – Bike rides, picnics, and skyline sunsets.
- 🐠63 Building – Observatory, aquarium, and art gallery.
- 🛍️IFC Mall – High-end shopping + restaurants.
Food & Dining in Yeouido
Mostly business-friendly restaurants and cafes. Try convenience-store picnics by the Han River or splurge on fine dining inside IFC.
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Yeouido Station (Lines 5 & 9)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 50 minutes by taxi (₩60,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Yeouido
- ✅ Clean, organized, and scenic
- ✅ Ideal for business and riverside strolls
- ❌ Feels corporate and quiet at night
- ❌ Fewer cultural attractions
9. Seongsu – Seoul’s Trendy "Brooklyn" 🎨☕
Once filled with old factories, Seongsu has transformed into Seoul’s ultimate hipster zone with industrial-chic cafés, indie boutiques, and street art everywhere.
Who Should Stay in Seongsu
✔️ Creatives & photographers – Endless cool backdrops.
✔️ Café hoppers – Home to the best coffee shops in Seoul.
✔️ Trend seekers – Pop-up stores and artisan markets galore.
❌ Luxury seekers may find it too gritty.
Best Hotels in Seongsu
- Luxury: Andaz Seoul Gangnam (Nearby) – Bold design and rooftop pool vibes.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Poco Seongsu – Boutique, artsy, and affordable.
- Budget: H Avenue Hotel Kondae Seongsu – Industrial flair at wallet-friendly prices.
What to Do in Seongsu
- ☕Seongsu Café Street – Instagrammable cafés in converted warehouses.
- 🖼️Daelim Changgo Gallery – Art exhibitions in a reimagined rice warehouse.
- 🌉Ttukseom Hangang Park – Chill by the river with a coffee or bike.
Food & Dining in Seongsu
You’ll love the artisanal bakeries, third-wave coffee, and hidden speakeasies. Must-visit: Onion Seongsu (legendary bakery-café inside an old factory).
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Seongsu Station (Line 2)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 1 hour by taxi (₩65,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Seongsu
- ✅ Super trendy, artsy atmosphere
- ✅ Great for foodies and café lovers
- ❌ Limited hotel selection
- ❌ Can feel industrial and quiet at night
10. Bukchon Hanok Village – Step into Living History 🏡🎎
Imagine waking up surrounded by ancient Korean hanok houses while still being in the heart of Seoul, Bukchon is like a living museum, blending tradition and modernity.
Who Should Stay in Bukchon
✔️ Culture & history buffs – Authentic old Seoul vibes.
✔️ Photographers – Iconic traditional backdrops.
✔️ Couples – Romantic, timeless scenery.
❌ Not for partygoers or those who want nightlife.
Best Hotels in Bukchon
- Luxury: Rakkojae Seoul – Authentic hanok experience with luxury service.
- Mid-Range: AMID Hotel Seoul – Gorgeous blend of tradition and comfort.
- Budget: Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse – Warm, friendly hanok stay on a budget.
What to Do in Bukchon
- 🚶Hanok walking tour – Explore centuries-old alleyways.
- 🏰Changdeokgung Palace – UNESCO site just a stroll away.
- 🖼️Gahoe Museum – Dive deep into Korean folk art.
Food & Dining in Bukchon
Traditional tea houses, classic Korean restaurants, and small dessert cafés line the area. Try Dooreyoo for an upscale twist on Korean flavors.
Transportation & Accessibility
🚇 Nearest Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3)
🚕 From Incheon Airport: 1 hour by taxi (₩65,000)
Pros & Cons of Staying in Bukchon
- ✅ Stunning, traditional atmosphere
- ✅ Perfect for culture-focused trips
- ❌ Crowded with tourists during peak hours
- ❌ Fewer modern conveniences nearby
🌸Ready For a Perfect Stay In Seoul
Seoul has a neighborhood for every type of traveler—whether you're after high-end shopping in Gangnam, a traditional experience in Insadong, or nightlife in Itaewon. Each area offers a unique vibe, so choosing the right one can really elevate your trip.
Now that you know the best places to stay in Seoul, it’s time to book your hotel and start planning your adventure. Be sure to book early to secure the best deals!
Planning your trip? Compare options for your flight to Seoul from Singapore and check out the latest travel promotions. Not sure when to visit? Our Best Time to Visit Seoul guide helps you plan the perfect getaway.