where to stay in seoul
Where to Stay in Seoul – A Guide to the City’s Best Neighborhoods, Hotels, and Hostels
Seoul is a city of contradictions that can feel both ancient and hyper‑modern at the same time. Knowing where to stay lets you decide what kind of experience you want: a chic, Instagram‑ready rooftop view, a family‑friendly comfort zone, an off‑the‑beaten, budget‑friendly alley, or a stylish boutique house that feels like a home away from home. Below is a city‑wide guide of neighborhoods, types of accommodation, and key points that will help you pick the perfect spot for your trip.
1. The Pulse of Seoul – Gangnam
Why you’ll love it
- Affluent cosmopolitan vibe – high‑end fashion, nightclubs, global cafés.
- Iconic architecture – COEX Mall, Lotte World Tower, Cheongdam‑dong (designer boutiques).
- Easy transit – Subway Line 2, Line 3, and the metro’s “Gangnam‑station” connect you to the rest of the city.
Where to stay
| Type | Hotel | Approx. Price (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Four Seasons Seoul (Jongno‑gu, but close to Gangnam via subway) | $350+ | Rooftop bar, spa, 5‑star service. |
| Boutique | saam 3-gil | $180–$220 | Intimate rooms, Korean interior design. |
| Budget | Motel 105 | $70–$120 | Shared bathrooms but clean and well‑located. |
Best for
- Business travelers, fashion lovers, nightlife seekers.
2. Trendy Seoul – Hong dae (Hongdae)
Why you’ll love it
- Vibrant youth culture – graffiti, street performers, live clubs.
- Creative arts – galleries, indie theaters, avant‑garde coffee shops.
- 24‑hour openings – arcade halls, rooftop diners, 24‑hour convenience stores.
Where to stay
| Type | Hostel | Approx. Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel | Hi Seoul Noksap | $25–$45 (shared) | Nightly party hostels, tours to the TikTok, streaming hotel. |
| Hotel | Luna Hotel | $120–$160 (private) | Modern design, great views of Olympic Park. |
| Guesthouse | The Royal Hotel | $60–$95 | Local service, helpful hosts, shared kitchen. |
Best for
- Backpackers, solo travelers, music and art devotees.
3. Bohemian Seoul – Itaewon
Why you’ll love it
- International flair – multinational restaurants, English helpful staff.
- Shopping – luxury boutiques, vintage shops, the Itaewon Antique Furniture Street.
- Nightlife – salsa bars, speakeasies, DJ lounges.
Where to stay
| Type | Hotel | Approx. Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Grand Hyatt Seoul | $200–$280 | Top‑tier food, 24‑hour concierge. |
| Mid‑range | Lotte Hotel World | $130–$170 | Near Lotte World amusement park. |
| Budget | Itaewon4th Guesthouse | $45–$80 | Friendly, close to the station. |
Best for
- Expat families, couples, wine and culture enthusiasts.
4. Historical Charm – Myeong‑dong
Why you’ll love it
- Shopping haven – K‑beauty, skincare, street food stalls.
- Accessibility – Located on the 7th, 3rd, 9th Lines + City Hall.
- Nightlife & food – From Korean barbecue to international cuisine.
Where to stay
| Type | Hotel | Approx. Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boutique | Hotel Habit | $140–$190 | Modern, story‑tell design. |
| Mid‑range | Shilla Hotel Seoul | $110–$160 | Classic Korean experience. |
| Budget | The Kimchi House | $65–$90 | Cozy rooms, great location. |
Best for
- Shoppers, first‑time Korean food explorers, convenience lovers.
5. Classic Serenity – Bukchon & Samcheong‑dong
Why you’ll love it
- Traditional Korean villages – fortified peaks, hanok houses.
- Art cafes & galleries – hidden around Samcheong‑dong.
- Peaceful stroll – rivers of history next to modern urban life.
Where to stay
| Type | Accommodation | Approx. Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanok Stay | Jongmyo Korean House | $150–$210 | Authentic hanok experience, baby or pet‑friendly. |
| Boutique Hotel | Hotel Royal Lounge | $180–$250 | Contemporary luxury with traditional elements. |
| Budget | Komachi Guesthouse | $55–$80 | Friendly, comfortable, near Gyeongbokgung. |
Best for
- Culture lovers, those wanting a “zen” getaway, couples.
6. Shopping & Ultra‑Modern – Gangbuk (Seongsu‑dong)
Why you’ll love it
- Former rail yard turned creative hub – cafés, design studios, artistic graffiti.
- Seoul’s “Brooklyn” – perfect for creatives & design enthusiasts.
- Unique & artisanal – handmade goods, craft beer, small indie music bars.
Where to stay
| Type | Hotel | Approx. Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boutique | Yanamart Hotel | $115–$165 | Factory‑to‑table design, eco‑friendly. |
| Hostel | Seongsu Guesthouse | $35–$55 (shared) | Artistic décor, neon 친절. |
| Mid‑range | Litel Hotel | $120–$155 | Newest in the area, rooftop pool. |
Best for
- Designers, foodies, people looking for “hip” vibes.
7. Family‑Friendly – Gangbuk (Jongno‑gu)
Why you’ll love it
The Jongno District houses Seoul’s major sights for families: the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong Cultural Market, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Where to stay
| Type | Hotel | Approx. Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family‑Friendly | Lotte Hotel Seoul | $200–$260 | Kids’ club, 24‑hour dining. |
| Budget | Hub Hotel Korea | $80–$100 | Free Wi‑Fi, close to N Seoul Tower. |
| Luxury | Shilla Seoul | $210–$280 | Traditional Korean service, spa. |
Best for
- Families, travelers with kids, access to landmarks.
8. Tips & Tricks for Booking
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Book Early | Hotel rates climb sharply around festivals, Seollal & Chuseok. |
| Use Seat 22 or Naver Hotels | Often feature user‑reviews in Korean, special rates for locals. |
| Consider Staying Near a Station | Seoul’s well‑connected metro saves time and reduces commutes. |
| Check for “Mid‑Week” Discounts | Wednesday through Friday can be cheaper than weekends. |
| Look for “Package Deals” | Exclusive transit passes, breakfast, or City Box (hotel & parking) for convenience. |
9. Making the Decision – Quick Checklist
| Traveler type | Best neighborhood? | Accommodation type? | Budget | Must‑have? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo / Backpacker | Hong dae, Itaewon | Hostel | <$100/night | Hostels with a guide board. |
| Couple in love | Bukchon/Seongsu‑dong | Boutique hotel | $130–$250/night | Rooftop or hanok view. |
| Business | Gangnam | Luxury hotel | $250+ | Conference rooms, concierge. |
| Family | Jongno‑gu | Family‑friendly hotel | $200–$260/night | Kids’ program, easy public transport. |
| Budget traveler | Myeong‑dong | Guesthouse | $50–$90/night | Free breakfast, proximity to subway. |
Ready to book?
- Hotel → Booking.com or Hotels.com for best guarantees.
- Boutique → Airbnb’s “Unique Stays” or “B&B.”
- Hostel → Hostelworld or Hostelbookers for verified reviews.
No matter which neighborhood you choose, remember that Seoul’s subway system is a world‑class, punctual, and Chinese‑funcinated. Approaching a location by combining a friendly street walk with an efficient rail ride creates an unforgettable, hassle‑free travel experience.
Enjoy your stay in Seoul—your adventure is just a metro line or a stroll’s distance!
