Where to stay in Seoul: the best areas, with a walk through each
6 areas compared. Watch the streets before you book.
Seoul is huge and split by the Han River: the old royal city and its palaces lie north of the river, the glossy business districts of Gangnam to the south. The subway is one of the best in the world, so a hotel near a station on a major line matters more than the neighbourhood name.
These are the six areas most visitors choose between. For each you'll find who it suits, who should look elsewhere, what is on foot, and a walk through its streets so you can see the atmosphere before you book.
The best areas to stay in Seoul at a glance
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | First-timers, Shopping, Street food | Neon shopping streets, cosmetics stores and food stalls | Line 4 at Myeongdong; airport buses stop here |
| Jongno & Insadong | History, Culture, Couples | Royal palaces, hanok houses and traditional tea houses | Lines 1, 3 and 5; walk to the palaces |
| Hongdae | Nightlife, Young travellers, Budget | Street performers, indie music, clubs and cafés | Line 2 and the airport railroad at Hongik University |
| Gangnam | Luxury, Shopping, Business | Glass towers, boutiques, beauty clinics and polished nightlife | Lines 2 and 9; about 30 minutes to the palaces |
| Itaewon | Nightlife, International food, LGBTQ+ travellers | Seoul's most international neighbourhood, with bars and global food | Line 6 at Itaewon; 15 minutes to the centre |
| Dongdaemun | Shopping, Value, Night owls | All-night fashion markets and a futuristic design plaza | Lines 1, 2, 4 and 5; walk to the old city gate |
1.Myeongdong
- First-timers
- Shopping
- Street food
Walk through Myeongdong: video by Walking On on YouTube.
Seoul's most popular area for visitors, a grid of pedestrian shopping streets famous for Korean cosmetics and an evening street-food market. It's central, with the palaces, N Seoul Tower and Namdaemun market close by.
Stay here if
- It's your first visit and you want a central, easy base
- You love shopping, especially K-beauty
- You want street food on your doorstep every evening
Skip it if
- You want a local neighbourhood feel
- Crowds of shoppers and tour groups wear you out
Within a 10-minute walk
Myeongdong shopping street · Myeongdong Cathedral · Namdaemun Market · N Seoul Tower and Namsan cable car · Lotte department store · Cheonggyecheon stream
2.Jongno & Insadong
- History
- Culture
- Couples
Walk through Jongno & Insadong: video by Wind Walk Travel Videos on YouTube.
The historic heart of Seoul, between the great royal palaces and the hanok village of Bukchon. Insadong's lanes are full of tea houses, galleries and craft shops, and some hotels are traditional hanok guesthouses.
Stay here if
- History and culture are your priority
- You'd like to stay in a traditional hanok guesthouse
- You want the palaces and Bukchon on foot
Skip it if
- You want nightlife and clubs nearby
- You'll spend most of your time south of the river
Within a 10-minute walk
Gyeongbokgung Palace · Changdeokgung Palace · Bukchon Hanok Village · Insadong-gil · Ikseon-dong · Gwanghwamun Square
3.Hongdae
- Nightlife
- Young travellers
- Budget
Walk through Hongdae: video by Seoul Walker on YouTube.
The university district famous for buskers, indie music, clubs, quirky cafés and street art. It's young, lively and affordable, and the airport railroad stops right here.
Stay here if
- You want nightlife, live music and a young crowd
- You're on a budget
- You'd like a direct train from Incheon airport
Skip it if
- You need quiet nights, especially at weekends
- History and palaces are your main interest
Within a 10-minute walk
Hongdae Walking Street · Yeonnam-dong and Gyeongui Line Forest Park · Hapjeong · Mangwon Market · Sangsu cafés · Han River parks
4.Gangnam
- Luxury
- Shopping
- Business
Walk through Gangnam: video by Walking OZ on YouTube.
The affluent district south of the river made world-famous by K-pop. It has wide avenues, luxury shopping in Apgujeong and Cheongdam, the COEX mall and the tree-lined cafés of Sinsa-dong.
Stay here if
- You want a modern, upscale base
- Shopping, beauty and K-culture are highlights
- You're in Seoul for business
Skip it if
- You want to walk to historic sights
- You prefer character over glass and steel
Within a 10-minute walk
Gangnam Station area · COEX Mall and Starfield Library · Bongeunsa Temple · Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong · Apgujeong Rodeo Street · Seolleung Royal Tombs
5.Itaewon
- Nightlife
- International food
- LGBTQ+ travellers
Walk through Itaewon: video by Tahseen Raza on YouTube.
A multicultural district on the slopes below Namsan, with food from around the world, rooftop bars and a lively, welcoming nightlife scene. Nearby Hannam-dong adds design shops and galleries.
Stay here if
- You want nightlife and international restaurants
- You'd like an English-friendly, welcoming atmosphere
- You enjoy design shops and galleries
Skip it if
- You want traditional Korea outside your door
- Steep streets and late-night noise would bother you
Within a 10-minute walk
Itaewon-ro · Hannam-dong · Leeum Museum of Art · Gyeongnidan-gil · Namsan Park · Haebangchon
6.Dongdaemun
- Shopping
- Value
- Night owls
Walk through Dongdaemun: video by Seoul Soul Walk on YouTube.
Seoul's wholesale fashion district, where some shopping malls stay open almost all night, around the curving Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Hotels are good value, and the Gwangjang food market is a short walk away.
Stay here if
- You want good value with excellent subway links
- You love markets and late-night shopping
- You'd like to eat at Gwangjang Market
Skip it if
- You want a charming, quiet neighbourhood
- Busy roads and wholesale traffic would bother you
Within a 10-minute walk
Dongdaemun Design Plaza · Gwangjang Market · Heunginjimun Gate · Seoul City Wall trail · Doota Mall · Cheonggyecheon stream
North or south of the river?
North of the Han River, Jongno, Myeongdong and Dongdaemun put the palaces and old Seoul within easy reach, and Hongdae and Itaewon are the nightlife hubs. South of the river, Gangnam is modern, upscale and a longer ride from the historic sights.
For a first visit, Myeongdong or Jongno is the easiest choice. Hongdae suits young travellers and night owls, and Gangnam suits shopping, business and K-culture fans.
Getting around
Buy a T-money card for the subway and buses; it also works in taxis and convenience stores. From Incheon airport, the AREX train runs to Hongdae and Seoul Station, and limousine buses stop at most major hotel areas.
Where to stay in Seoul: common questions
What is the best area to stay in Seoul for first-timers?
Myeongdong, for shopping, street food and central location, or Jongno and Insadong, for the palaces and traditional culture.
Is Gangnam a good place to stay for tourists?
It's great for shopping, nightlife and K-culture, but the main historic sights are 30 minutes or more away by subway. First-timers usually prefer to stay north of the river.
Where should I stay in Seoul for nightlife?
Hongdae for clubs, live music and a student crowd, and Itaewon for international bars and a mixed crowd.
Where can I stay in a traditional hanok in Seoul?
Around Bukchon and Insadong in Jongno, where several traditional houses have been turned into guesthouses.
Where should I stay in Seoul on a budget?
Hongdae and Dongdaemun usually offer the best value, with fast subway links to the rest of the city.
Areas change over time. Check recent reviews and the exact location of your hotel before you book. Hotel links may earn Walking Atlas a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring Seoul
The Seoul city guide has more 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
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