Best Place to Stay in Seoul | 5 Best Neighbourhoods in Seoul

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Searching for the best place to stay in Seoul? Keep reading!

Seoul is the vibrant capital city of South Korea that offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and needs. Whether you’re seeking luxury, convenience, cultural immersion, or budget-friendly options, Seoul has it all. From modern high-rise hotels to traditional hanok guesthouses, the city provides a wide array of choices for where to stay.

Choosing where to stay in Seoul depends on your preferences, budget, and the type of experience you’re seeking. Whether you want to be at the heart of the action or prefer a more serene atmosphere, Seoul offers a wide range of options to ensure a memorable stay in this dynamic city.

Find the best place to stay in Seoul below based on your travel needs.

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Overall Best Place to Stay in Seoul

Here are some of the best neighborhoods to consider when choosing where to stay in Seoul:

  1. Myeongdong: Located in the heart of the city, Myeongdong is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood known for its shopping, street food, and lively atmosphere. It offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, and provides easy access to major attractions like N Seoul Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
  2. Gangnam: Situated in the southern part of Seoul, Gangnam is a modern and upscale district known for its fashion, entertainment, and business centers. It offers a wide selection of luxury hotels, stylish boutiques, and gourmet dining options. Gangnam is also well-connected by public transportation, making it convenient for exploring other parts of the city.
  3. Hongdae: Hongdae, short for Hongik University, is a vibrant and youthful neighborhood known for its arts, indie music scene, and lively nightlife. It is home to numerous trendy cafes, street performances, and unique shops. Hongdae is a popular choice for budget travelers, as it offers affordable guesthouses and hostels. The neighborhood is also well-known for its proximity to Hongik University, making it a hub for creativity and youthful energy.
  4. Insadong: Located in the heart of Seoul, Insadong is a neighborhood famous for its traditional Korean culture and arts. It is home to numerous art galleries, antique shops, tea houses, and traditional restaurants. Staying in Insadong allows you to immerse yourself in Korean traditions and experience the charm of its historic streets.
  5. Itaewon: Known for its international vibe and diverse dining scene, Itaewon is a multicultural neighborhood that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. It offers a mix of international cuisines, trendy bars, and unique shops. Itaewon is a popular choice for expats and visitors seeking a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a lively nightlife.

These are just a few of the many neighborhoods Seoul has to offer. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character, attractions, and accommodations, so take into account your preferences and interests when choosing where to stay in Seoul to ensure an enjoyable and memorable visit.

Where to stay in Seoul
Where to stay in Seoul

Best Place to Stay in Seoul for Families

The best place to stay in Seoul for families is Myeongdong.

Located in the heart of the city, Myeongdong offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with a wide range of family-friendly activities, accommodations, and amenities.

This area is known for its shopping streets offering a great variety of products and experiences for all family members. It is also famous for its street food stalls, where you can taste delicious Korean snacks and dishes that are sure to please everyone’s taste buds.

Families will find a range of accommodation options in Myeongdong, including hotels and guesthouses that cater to different budgets and preferences. Many of these accommodations offer family rooms or suites, ensuring a comfortable stay for families of all sizes.

Myeongdong is also conveniently located near major tourist attractions, such as N Seoul Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace. These landmarks provide opportunities for family-friendly sightseeing and exploration. Myeongdong is also well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to navigate and access other parts of Seoul.

Best Places to Stay in Myeongdong

Best Place to Stay in Seoul for Solo Travelers

The best place to stay in Seoul for solo travelers is Insadong.

Known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, Insadong offers a unique and immersive experience for solo adventurers. This is a neighborhood filled with traditional tea houses, antique shops, art galleries, and cultural attractions. Solo travelers can wander through its narrow streets, exploring the unique shops and markets that showcase traditional Korean crafts, art, and souvenirs.

The neighborhood also offers a variety of cozy cafes and restaurants where solo travelers can relax, people-watch, and enjoy delicious Korean cuisine. The traditional tea houses in Insadong provide a tranquil space to savor a cup of tea and engage in contemplation or simply unwind after a day of exploration.

Best Places to Stay in Insadong

Where to stay in Seoul
Where to stay in Seoul

Best Place to Stay in Seoul for First Time Visitors

The best place to stay in Seoul for first time visitors Insadong and Itaewon.

Insadong is a cultural hub, known for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and craft shops. Staying in Insadong allows first-time visitors to immerse themselves in Korean traditions, explore local markets, try traditional cuisine, and visit nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Best Places to Stay in Insadong

Itaewon is a lively and cosmopolitan neighborhood that is popular among international travelers. It offers a diverse range of international cuisines, trendy shops, and vibrant nightlife. Staying in Itaewon allows first-time visitors to experience a more modern and global side of Seoul. The neighborhood is also known for its street food stalls, shopping streets like Itaewon Street and Namsan Market, and the iconic N Seoul Tower.

Best Places to Stay in Itaewon

Best Place to Stay in Seoul for Couples

The best place to stay in Seoul for couples is Insadong.

Insadong is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a romantic ambiance, rich cultural experiences, and a variety of attractions that make it an ideal choice for couples looking to create unforgettable memories.

Insadong’s charming streets lined with traditional tea houses, art galleries, and boutiques provide a romantic setting for couples to stroll hand in hand and immerse themselves in the cultural atmosphere. The neighborhood is known for its traditional crafts and arts, making it an excellent place to find unique and meaningful souvenirs or gifts for each other.

Best Places to Stay in Insadong

Where to stay in Seoul
Where to stay in Seoul

Best Place to Stay in Seoul for Nightlife

The best place to stay in Seoul for nightlife is Hongdae and Gangnam.

Hongdae is a vibrant neighborhood known for its youthful energy, artistic atmosphere, and thriving nightlife. Staying in Hongdae allows visitors to immerse themselves in the lively music and art scene, explore quirky shops, and indulge in a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls. The area also offers a range of entertainment options, including live performances, clubs, and karaoke rooms.

Best Places to Stay in Hongdae

Gangnam represents the modern and upscale side of Seoul. It’s a bustling district filled with high-end shopping malls, luxury boutiques, and trendy restaurants. Gangnam is famous for its stylish atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. The neighborhood is also known for its beautiful parks and cultural attractions, such as Bongeunsa Temple and COEX Mall. Staying in Gangnam allows visitors to experience the chic and sophisticated side of Seoul, with ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Best Places to Stay in Gangnam

Best Place to Stay in Seoul for Shopping

The best place to stay in Seoul for shopping is Myeongdong.

Myeongdong is renowned for its diverse mix of local and international fashion brands, cosmetics shops, and street vendors. It’s a haven for fashion enthusiasts and beauty lovers, with endless options for clothing, accessories, skincare, and makeup products. From department stores to boutique shops and street markets, Myeongdong has it all.

Best Places to Stay in Myeongdong

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Best Place to Stay in Seoul
Best Place to Stay in Seoul

Love,

SSW

Samantha Karen

Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world's most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full time traveler she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.