Wondering where to stay in Seoul? This ultimate local’s guide breaks down the best neighborhoods, offering tips for every type of traveler.
Living in Seoul gave me unique insights into this diverse and vibrant city.
Many websites will tell you about the same areas, but having spent several years in South Korea gave me other insights I didn’t know before (and I did not find anywhere else).
Seoul is a great and very safe city filled with many things to do, including Korean culture, delicious food, malls, pop-up stores, temples, markets, you name it.
Finding the right place to stay can make all the difference in fully experiencing this fantastic destination.
Finding the right area is particularly important in Seoul because taking the subway to other areas can take quite a long time and traffic can be busy.
So, if you’re staying in an area that suits your needs, you’ll have more time to explore instead of taking the subway daily to go out.
Moreover, each district truly has its own unique vibe, which is one of the reasons why I love this city so much!
With some practical tips and local insights I gained over the years, this (kinda huge) guide will help you find the best areas to stay in Seoul for an enjoyable Trip. Gamsahamnida! (Thank you in Korean), let’s go!
Where to Stay in Seoul – Key Takeaways
- Different neighborhoods in Seoul have totally different vibes
- Choosing the right area will save you a lot of time from taking the subway.
- Useful tips can help you navigate the city and enhance your stay
My Favorite Areas To Stay in Seoul
Choosing the right district in Seoul can make all the difference. Each area has its own unique vibe and attractions, catering to a variety of tastes.
From glitz and glamour to cultural hotspots, there’s a neighborhood for every traveler. In this first chapter, I will share my favorite areas and explain why I love them. After that, I will share tips on where to stay for specific travelers.
1. Seongsu-dong
Seongsu-dong wasn’t always the cool place it is now. Back in the days, young creatives started moving in, because of the cheap rent. Fast forward to today, and their influence has completely transformed the neighborhood. Now, it’s packed with trendy cafes and unique boutiques with a cool vibe. Rising rents might eventually change things again as in many neighborhoods, but right now, Seongsu-dong is where it’s happening.
There are so many cafes and local stores in this part of Seoul that it’s hard to name them all. And the area is changing fast as well, what might be hot today might not be next month.
Why I like Seongsu-dong:
- Not as crowded and touristy as other areas in the city center
- The ‘brick’ style of how the houses are built has a certain Brooklyn vibe.
- Loads of exclusive and limited-time pop-up stores.
- Locals go here a lot.
- Close to Seoul Forest Park
Open in Google Maps - Common Ground (cool place!)
Open in Google Maps
Pros and Cons of staying in Seongsu-dong
| Pros | Cons |
| Lots of stuff to do. | It’s a bit further away from the city center than other areas. |
| Not touristy and not too crowded. | There are so many streets and alleys that it’s easy to get lost, but that’s also kind of fun. |
Hotels in Seongsu-dong
2. Itaewon
I’ve lived several years in Itaewon, and while it is known as the area where most foreign tourists and expats come, Itaewon is, in my opinion, a fantastic place.
Itaewon is the melting pot of Seoul. Travelers from all around the world come here, creating a diverse and international atmosphere.
The area is known for its international restaurants with cuisines from all over the globe.
Itaewon also features a huge nightlife scene. Visitors will find everything from pubs to clubs.
It’s an excellent place to connect with people from different backgrounds.
And in my experience, locals tend to be even more open to foreigners. It’s great to mix and connect with Koreans and foreigners.
Check out my full guide to Itaewon.
Where to stay in Itaewon
Hamilton Hotel is an affordable hotel at the center of Itaewon next to the subway station. Nothing too fancy, nothing too crazy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Mixing and connecting with Koreans is much easier as a foreigner. | The main street feels a bit outdated. with graffiti on the wall and several shops being closed or empty. |
| Close to the cozy and fancy streets of Hannam-Dong. | The subway connection is ok; you’ll likely have to transfer every time you want to go somewhere else. |
| Lots of clubs and bars. | Lots of clubs and bars so it will be more crowded and noisy at night. |
| Lots of different cuisines. | The hills! In the summer, the hills are quite tough. |
| Many streets north of the subway station are beautiful on the way to Namsam Park. | Some streets are small, if your’e driving yourself, be prepared for incoming traffic even when it’s a super small street (How can this road be two way traffic?!) |
Seoul Hotel Map
Where to Stay in Seoul for Specific Travelers
During my years in Seoul, I’ve explored the city with my son and wife and discovered that each area has specific pros and cons when it comes to staying in Seoul.
Visiting the city with a kid, as a couple, and with friends who came over from the Netherlands, each has their own needs.
The following recommendations are based on my personal preferences and are tailored to suit all travelers.
Where to Stay with a Toddler, Kids, or a Family
Staying with your kids in Seoul, as I did with my young son, is an exciting adventure. Traveling, in general, with your kid is just amazing (it can be tough as well! But it is very rewarding).
Seoul can be a crowded city, much more so than cities like Shanghai, for instance (and there are twice as many people there!).
When traveling with a toddler in Seoul, you’ll want an area that’s easy to reach, stroller-friendly, has much to do, and can be accessed inside in case it rains.
Traveling with a stroller in Seoul is manageable, but navigating the subway can be a hassle. The subway stations are pretty big, and when you have a stroller, you’ll have to find an elevator every time you go down. Sometimes, you need to take three elevators to reach the platform.
This takes a lot of time. Using a carrier will be easier, but you’ll have to carry your toddler all day, which might not be an option for you. The subway with a stroller is not a great way to get around the city. Going from one place to another will be ok, but more than that, it is quite a task.
This is why it is extra important to choose the right area to avoid having to take the subway every time!
So, where to stay in Seoul with a family?
Meyongdong
This area has loads of activities. Subway stations are right at the center, several shopping malls are nearby in case it rains, and pop-up stores sell fun stuff for kids.
It can be a crowded place, especially later in the day, but like all areas in Seoul, it is safe.
- Close to Deoksugung Palace: Nice park to walk with a stroller and the changing of the guard’s ceremony is actually more fun than the one at the big Palace! It’s a great show for kids. Changing of the guards ceremony is every day at: 11:00 / 14:00 / 15:30. There is no show on Mondays.
Open in Google Maps – More info. - Seoul Plaza: There are many activities all year round. In the winter there’s an ice skating track, in the summer it’s an outdoor library with pillows where you can lay around and relax and kids can play in the grass.
More info - What’s also great about Meyongdong is that it is flat, unlike some areas such as Itaewon that have steep hills.
Tip for families: Check out Gwanghwamun Square for kids events. They often have an enormous inflatable water track for kids in the summer.
Where to Stay in Seoul for Shopping
If you’re looking to go shopping, Seoul is a great city.
Namdaemun
One of my favorite areas in Seoul! Mainly because the Namdaemun market is an amazing area for street photography. The market has everything you can imagine, from quality stuff to fake brands.
- Namdaemun Market
Open in Google Maps - Huge indoor baby/kids clothes market
Open in Google Maps - Camera equipment stores, new and second-hand
Open in Google Maps) - Close to Sungnyemun Gate (Nice to visit)
- Close to Seoul Station (Easy to reach Incheon International Airport)
- Lotte Outlets at Seoul Station
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a shopper’s paradise. This district bustles with shops offering everything from cosmetics to fashion.
In the streets, you’ll see international brands and local favorites, making it easy to find a nice souvenir. In the middle of the street, there will be lots of local street food. Myeongdong is great for those who want to shop and have a local snack.
The Apple Store and Lotte Department Store are on the other side of the main street.
The Lotte Department Store mainly has expensive brands such as Prada and Gucci, but there is also the Lotte Youth Department Store next to it that has more affordable things for kids.
You’ll probably find most shops here. On the main street, there are lots of affordable shops. Lotte Department has the more expensive brands.
- Myeongdong Shopping Street (That’s what it’s actually called!)
- Apple Store has more clothing stores next to it.
- Lotte Department Store and Lotte Youth Department
- At the subway station underground, you’ll also find lots of stores selling more affordable items.
Yeouido/Gangnam
Yeouido is an area on the other side of the Han River. It’s next to Gangnam. The location is not as vibrant as most other areas, but the Hyundai Mall can be found there, which is one of my favorite malls in Seoul.
There are lots of pop-up stores, and every week, there’s something new. So if you want to shop, definitely visit Hyundai Mall
Open in Google Maps
Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam
This mall has a mix of expensive brands and more affordable ones, but mostly expensive stuff. Overall, it’s a nice mall.
Central City
Next to the Shinsegae Mall, there is another mall with an indoor market for plants.
I Park Mall
This mall is great, but it isn’t in an area where I would stay. It’s best to take a taxi when you want to go shopping in this mall.
Coex Mall
The mall itself is fine, nothing too crazy (I prefer the other malls I mentioned). You might have heard of the Starfield Library, an indoor area with bookshelves reaching the ceiling. I’ve been there, and it is not worth it.
The library area is quite small, and to me, it was a complete disappointment. I would not go to the mall just for the Starfield Library.
Where to Stay in Seoul with a Group of Friends
Traveling with friends in Seoul can be a blast! The city has fantastic areas to choose from that fit different interests. Here are my choices for staying with a group of friends in Seoul to enjoy your trip.
Gangnam District
Known for its trendy vibe, Gangnam is perfect for groups looking for nightlife. It’s home to fancy clubs and bars. Plus, no one can resist a good K-pop party.
Hongdae
If your crew loves art and music, Hongdae is a must-visit. This area has a young crowd and is famous for street performances. There are also many affordable dining options, ideal for a group budget. The number of bars is enormous. However, in my experience, most of them are mainly bars/dance bars, not huge clubs.
Itaewon District
Itaewon is another lively area. The nightlife here is diverse, from hip bars to international restaurants. It’s a great spot to enjoy delicious food and drinks with friends.
Insadong
Insadong isn’t the most exciting area, but the main street is quite fun with some street artists, art, and restaurants. The area is close to:
- The Palace and the Bukchon Hanok Village (Walking distance of 20 minutes)
- Ikseon-dong Hanok Village has lots of small streets (a really fun area!)
- Jonggak Avenue of Youth is an area with an incredible number of bars and restaurants!
So, Insadong is an area where you can easily go to places that suit everyone’s needs.
Where to Stay in Seoul as a Couple
Seongsu-dong
Seongsu is often named as the Brooklyn of Seoul. It has this Brooklyn/New York vibe with its industrial style and brick-built houses, combined with lots of (hidden)stores, pop-up stores, garages that have changed into stores, and just cool stuff!
As for a couple, Seongsu is an excellent area to stay at. It’s the perfect mix between shopping, dining, getting coffee, and just strolling around.
- It is not as hectic as other areas, such as Myeongdong, some parts of Itaewon, or Namdaemun
- Broader sidewalks make it easier for us to walk together as a couple!
- The Brooklyn vibe has a certain romantic feeling to it.
- Close to Seoul Forest Park for a romantic walk.
Open in Google Maps - Common Ground (cool place!) –
Open in Google Maps
Seongsu is a bit further away from the city center than areas such as Insadong, Myeongdong, and Namdaemun, but the vibe and things to do in the area definitely make up for that.
Insadong
- Near Bukchon Hanok Village
- Near traditional houses in Bukchon
- Ikseon-dong Hanok Village (lots of cozy places to drink and eat)
Gwanghwamun Square
This area is right at the center of the city. It’s a bit hectic with traffic but the square is enormous so it’s easy to walk around.
- Close to the Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Close to Cheonggyecheon Park. This is a long beautiful river that runs through the city, super nice to walk!
- Kukbingwan: Next to the palace there is a Korean BBQ restaurant which I highly recommend. A lovely place to go as a couple. Make a reservation through the app Catch Table.
Open in Google Maps
Tip: Go take a ride in the Moon of Seoul in Yeouido, a hot air ballon 150 meter above the city!
Where To Stay In Seoul For A Romantic Getaway
Seoul has various romantic spots that are perfect for couples. Here are my top choices to set the mood just right with your Seoul-mate.
Grand Hyatt Seoul – South Korea
Now I know I said that choosing the right hotel doesn’t really matter because you’ll be exploring outside. But this hotel is not only superb, but it’s also in a great and romantic location.
The location is just between the edge of Itaewon and Namsan Park. This part of Itaewon is quiet and in my opinion the most beautiful part of Itaewon. Streets swirl up and down, you’ll find many local coffee shops and a beautiful view on the Namsan Tower.
Namsan Park is a forest on a hill with many paths and trails you can walk. During autumn (mid and end of October), the colors of the trees turn yellow, which is just such a beautiful sight.
And during wintertime, when it’s snowing, it doesn’t get any better and more romantic than this.
The Grand Hyatt has an outdoor and indoor pool, lovely gardens, a spa, and an ice skating area in the winter(!), making it a perfect place for romance. The breakfast is superb, and they have a special brunch on the weekend that is just amazing.
My wife and I went here for a romantic Christmas lunch, and I highly recommend it.
Open in Google Maps ➚
Bukchon Hanok Village
This area is one of the most authentic and Korean areas in Seoul. It’s perfect for a romantic time with your loved one.
Not only are the streets cozy and authentic, but there are lots of local coffee places. It’s also close to the Palace, the modern art museum, and many authentic Korean BBQ restaurants.
While the area is beautiful, it’s a bit further away from most known areas, and there is a bit less to do in Bukchon Hanok Village.
Open in Google Maps ➚
- Restaurant Kukbingwan: Next to the palace there is a Korean BBQ restaurant which I highly recommend. Make a reservation through the app Catch Table.
Open in Google Maps
Visiting one of the most popular streets in Bukchon Hanok Village at the right time can make all the difference! Early in the morning or later around 5pm it will be less crowded.
Where to Stay in Seoul for LGBTQIA+ people
Itaewon
The best place to stay in Seoul for LGBTQIA+ folks is Itaewon. Itaewon is the most diverse area in Seoul. Not only that, there are many gay and trans bars that I haven’t seen anywhere else in Seoul.
If you’re LGBTQIA+ and visiting Seoul, know that South Korea has a large Christian population, and sometimes you might see protests against LGBTQIA+ rights. Don’t let it ruin your experience! It’s usually older people with ancient views.
Seoul has a lively and supportive LGBTQIA+ community, especially around Itaewon! My brother actually performed as a DJ once in one of those bars, and the vibe was super chill and friendly.
Where to Stay in Seoul for a Weekend
When spending a weekend in Seoul, it’s key to see lots of things without having to spend too much time traveling. Even tho the subway comes every few minutes, taking the subway can still take quite some time out of your day.
Insadong
Insadong truly offers a peek into Korea’s rich culture and history.
- Near Bukchon Hanok Village
- Near traditional houses in Bukchon and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Where to Stay in Seoul for One Night
Got just one night in Seoul? Picking the right spot to stay is key to making the most of it. Your best bet is near Seoul Station. With limited time, you’ll want easy access to the airport without having to take the subway too long or transfer to another line with your luggage. From Seoul Station, you can take a direct subway or bus to the Airport.
The area around Seoul Station isn’t my favorite area. You’ll see homeless people, some people protesting, and overall, it’s just not a great place. But it is within walking distance of other places, which are great! Such as:
- Namsan Cable Car: (A cable car that takes you up the hill, to another cable car that goes way up. Costs for one adult about 12.000 Won (10 dollars)
Open in Google Maps - Deoksugung Palace: Nice small Palace. Changing of the guards ceremony is actually more fun than the one at the big Palace! Changing of the guards ceremony is every day at: 11:00am / 2:pm / 3:30pm. There is no show on Mondays.
Open in Google Maps - Namdaemun Market: (Everything from quality stuff to fake clothes)
Open in Google Maps
Where to Stay in Seoul in the Summer
Summer is not the best time to visit Seoul. It’s hot, and that’s mainly because it’s so humid! If you are staying in Seoul in the summer, the best place to stay is in an area thats flat.
Many areas have quite steep hills, such as Itaewon, Gangnam, and Hannam-Dong, but some areas are flatter. In the summer, the hills are tough for me personally. Moreover, it also rains a lot in the summer, so it’s smart to stay where you can avoid the rain and go inside.
Insadong
Insadong would be a great choice; it is flat and within walking distance of many things to do and see. The narrow streets offer lots of shade.
- Close to the Palace and the Bukchon Hanok Village (Walking distance of 20 minutes) Keep in mind that the Hanok Village is built on a hill mostly.
- Ikseon-dong Hanok Village has lots of small streets, coffee shops and restaurants, and some fancy clothing stores (a fun area!)
- Jonggak Avenue of Youth is an area with an incredible number of bars and restaurants!
Where to Stay in Seoul in Autumn
During autumn the trees turn red and yellow in Seoul. So, staying in a nature-rich area would be a great choice!
Itaewon
During autumn, when the weather is mild and nice and the steep hills aren’t that big of an issue. The area is full of trees and close to Namsan Park which is a huge forest. It’s a lovely area to stay in autumn.
I would advice to stay on the upside of the hill in Itaewon on the north of the subway station, that’s where most trees are and you can more easily reach Namsan park.
Seongsu-dong
Close to Seoul Forest, which is quite nice during autumn! Other than that, it is a great area to stay that features:
- Not as touristy as other areas such as Myeongdong, some parts of Itaewon, or Namdaemun
- The area has a Brooklyn/New York kind of vibe, which is awesome
- There are lots of things to do and see
- Common Ground Open in Google Maps
- Great for street and travel photography
Yeouido park is beautiful in autumn as well.
Where to Stay in Seoul for a Month
If you’re one of the lucky few who can stay in Seoul for a month, finding the right area is crucial; you’re a local now!
If you’re staying a month in Seoul, the area you choose will matter a bit less because you’ll have more time to explore the city.
Seongsu-dong
If you want to feel like a local and not stand out as a foreign tourist, Seongsu-dong is a great place.
- Not as touristy as other areas such as Myeongdong, some parts of Itaewon, or Namdaemun
- The Brooklyn vibe is awesome
- Pop-up stores.
- There are lots of things to do and see
- Common Ground (cool place!) Open in Google Maps
A good friend of mine stayed in this area for 2,5 months, and he loved it.
Understanding the Local Lifestyle
Life in Seoul is a mix of modern convenience and deep-rooted culture.
Locals enjoy easily navigating the city using public transport, indulging in delicious food, hunting for bargains, and experiencing lively nightlife. Here’s a closer look at what makes living in Seoul so unique.
Public Transport: Navigating the City
Seoul has one of the most advanced public transport systems in the world.
With a vast network of subways and buses, getting around is easy. The subway has numerous lines, each marked clearly, and announcements in both Korean and English.
You can buy rechargeable transport cards to save on fares at every station.
Riding the subway can be an adventure, especially during rush hour when the cars are packed. It’s a great way to see local life in action.
Tip: When taking the subway you'll encounter many stairs and sometimes have to walk long distances to transfer to another line.
If you’re traveling with kids or have trouble walking, this is something to keep in mind. A taxi might be a better option.
Dining Out: Korean Cuisine at Its Best
Eating out in Seoul is a delicious experience; Korean barbecue, kimchi, noodles, Japanese, Vietnamese, you’ll find lots of different things. Seoul has a real “dining outside the house” culture.
Tip: It's not common to give a tip after dinner in South
Korea, or at any occasion basically, and it's not expected.
You’ll notice that many areas become much more crowded during lunchtime. Lunchtime is usually between 12 and 2 p.m. Chances are you’ll have to wait in line to get a table.
Seoul and Safety
Seoul is a very safe place with only a few things to keep in mind. Read my full article on Seoul’s safety.
Nightlife: Where the Party Never Stops
Once the sun sets, Seoul becomes even more alive with a vibrant nightlife.
Areas like Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam are popular for their clubs and bars. Locals enjoying karaoke with their favorite songs is standard practice.
There are many places to choose from, whether you prefer chill lounges or high-energy nightclubs.
Tip: The subway service stops usually between 11 and 12 am so you'll have to get a taxi or walk back at night. But don't worry even at night Seoul is a very safe place.
Which hotel to stay in Seoul?
I’ve stayed in several hotels in Seoul and concluded that the hotel doesn’t really matter! When traveling to Seoul, will you stay in the hotel or explore the city outside?
I could name lots of hotels to stay at, but you can find those at booking.com
One thing I did notice at hotels in Seoul is that the quality of breakfast vastly differs. I stayed at a hotel that said ‘breakfast included!’ I thought, nice! When I entered the breakfast room, the breakfast was (no joke) a plastic container with packages of instant noodles and a water boiler, that’s it!
While also at a more expensive hotel, breakfast consisted only of white bread, cereal, coffee, and bananas. And this was not a cheap hotel!
Why is this important? Well, it’s just a waste of time to first find something to eat in the city before you can start sightseeing.
My advice is to focus on the area you’ll be staying in, and you’ll have a much better time in Seoul than focusing on a hotel room with a view, for instance.
Tip: The only tip I can give, when booking a hotel in Seoul, check the reviews of the breakfast!
How accessible is public transport in Seoul?
Seoul provides easy access to public transport, including subways and buses. The only issue with the accessibility of public transport is when you need an elevator.
Elevators are at all stations, but there will often be only one on one side of the street. Then, when you get down, you’ll have to find the next elevator, and after that, sometimes the following one before you end up at the right subway track.
Moreover, the elevators are pretty narrow and not all too clean. It also happens that sometimes you’ll have to wait in line. I’ve been traveling a lot with a stroller through Seoul by public transport, which was quite a hassle.
Tip: You'll see street names ending with certain words. Here's what they mean: -aero (Blvd), -ro (Road), or -gil (Street). -Dong means area.
Getting Around
When visiting Seoul, a few tips and tricks can enhance your travel experience. First, download essential apps for navigating the city, such as subway maps and translation tools. This makes getting around and communicating much easier, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.
Tip: Unlike in China, there aren't any apps or websites blocked so you will not need a VPN in South Korea.
The Best Apps to Get Around in Seoul
When you’re staying in Seoul, having the right apps makes things a lot easier. To my surprise, Google Maps and Apple Maps are not the best apps for navigation in Seoul. It surprised me because South Korea is very American and Western-minded, so I thought these apps would work well. Also, Waze isn’t perfect.
The best apps for navigation and to get around in Seoul are:
Naver Map
Most Koreans do almost everything with Naver and Naver Maps, it’s like their Google. You can use it to navigate in the car, navigate the subway, or find places of interest. It works pretty ok in English.
In my experience, the app can drain your battery. If you turn off your mobile internet, navigation will still work through GPS, saving you some battery.
K.Ride
It is a straightforward app where you can connect your credit card and order a local taxi. You can choose between regular or fancier cars.
Seoul Subway
The official app to get around in the subway. Although Naver Maps will be sufficient.
Papago
Google Translate is not good at translating Korean, so you’ll get the weirdest translations! Papago does the job much better. It’s super convenient when you need to ask something to just show them the Korean translation or play the audio.
Catch Table
Some restaurants require you to make a reservation. Catch Table is the go-to app for English-speaking folks to make reservations at Korean restaurants.
Tourist Traps: The Inside Scoop
During my time in Seoul and South Korea, I have never heard of a tourist trap. I’ve only read about a taxi driver asking for too much money. I would advise you always to book a taxi through an app and not get one on the street.
Stay Connected: Wi-Fi and SIM Cards
Staying connected in Seoul is easier than you might think. Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes, restaurants, and public transport such as the subway (but it isn’t perfect).
For full connectivity, getting a local SIM card is a good idea. You can find these at major airports or convenience stores such as the 7 Eleven (not every store has them).
Look for options that fit your needs, whether it’s data-heavy streaming or simply texting. They sell SIM Cards for 5 or 10 days, but they aren’t super cheap, probably around 30.000 won (20 dollars).
Money Matters: Currency and Payments
Korean Won (KRW) is the currency in Seoul. You should exchange some money before arriving, but ATMs are widely available.
Most accept international cards, so withdrawing cash is easy.
Using a credit card is common in many places, but small shops and street vendors may only take cash. Always have some Korean Won on hand.
Mobile payment options like Apple Pay, KakaoPay, and Naver Pay are gaining popularity.
Tip: Use the ATM's at the bank, not the one at convenience stores, they charge a much higher fee.
Final Thoughts & Tips
And there you have it: your ultimate guide to picking the perfect spot in Seoul! Whether you’re looking for nightlife, family-friendly vibes, shopping, or local vibes, Seoul’s got a neighborhood just for you.
So, pack your bags, grab your map (or just your phone), and get ready to dive into the magic of Seoul.
If you have any questions or would like more insights or tips about where to stay in Seoul, please comment below, and I will respond as soon as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most foreigners stay in Seoul?
Itaewon is known as the area where most foreigners stay in Seoul. Itaewon is a diverse mix of Korean culture and various foreign cultures.
Is it better to stay near Seoul Station or Myeongdong?
Myeongdon is much more lively than Seoul Station. Seoul Station, while at the center of the city, is not a great area as you’ll notice it’s a bit dirtier, there’s not much to do in the area, and there are protests. You’ll have to walk a bit or take a subway to other more fun places.
What are the best areas to stay in Seoul for nightlife?
If you’re planning to stay in Seoul for nightlife, areas like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam are great for travelers. Both neighborhoods are known for their cool bar scenes.
Is Yeouido a good place to stay for a trip to Seoul?
Yes, Yeouido is a great choice for a trip to Seoul. It has a beautiful park like Yeouido Hangang Park, financial districts, and is close to Gangnam and attractions like the Seoul Moon.
What can I find in the Hongdae area?
Hongdae is known for its youthful vibe, filled with art galleries, bars and cafes, and a great nightlife scene. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and fashion in Korea.
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Are there any upscale accommodations in Gangnam?
Yes, Gangnam offers many upscale hotels and boutique accommodations. But I can highly recommend the Grand Hyatt in Itaewon.
How far is Seoul Station from the main attractions?
Seoul Station is centrally located, which means it won’t take long to reach many sites in Seoul. But, Seoul Station is not the best area to stay in my opinion.
What’s the hippest neighborhood in Seoul?
If you’re looking for the most happening scene, you should check out Hannam-dong or Seongsu-dong. Hannam-dong is more fashionable, while Seongsu-dong is a bit more “Amsterdam” or “New York” hip.
What is the best area to stay in Seoul for a traditional experience?
For a traditional experience, Bukchon Hanok Village is the best area to stay in Seoul. This neighborhood features traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty, and it offers a look into Korea’s cultural heritage.
