Where to Stay in Seoul: Top Accommodation Tips

More about staying in Seoul

When deciding where to stay in Seoul, it is important to remember that the city is gigantic and divided by the majestic Han River. Proximity to a subway station is the golden rule for choosing your South Korean accommodation. The local hotel industry is hyper-efficient, with options ranging from extreme luxury to traditional Korean guesthouses (Hanoks).

For first-time visitors, Myeongdong is the epicenter of shopping and cosmetics tourism. Staying here means being in the city's nerve center, with immediate access to street food, late-night shops, and practical modern business hotels. It is the best logistical area for exploring the historic north side of Seoul.

Travelers seeking pure luxury and exclusivity should cross the river towards Gangnam. Globally famous, this cosmopolitan neighborhood is filled with aesthetic clinics, haute couture boutiques, and the most sophisticated international five-star hotels. It is the preferred region for executives and celebrities seeking high-end nightlife.

For a younger crowd, digital nomads, and nightlife lovers, Hongdae and Itaewon are the best choices. Hongdae is the university zone, filled with street performers and creative boutique hotels. Itaewon is the international district, offering a wide range of diverse accommodation near the city's best Western restaurants and vibrant bars.