Where to Stay in Seoul: A Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood in Seoul can transform your trip from good to unforgettable. Each area has its own personality, price range, and set of advantages. Whether you are a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic escape, or a family with young kids, there is a perfect base waiting for you.

This guide walks you through Seoul's key neighborhoods so you can book with confidence.

Neighborhood Overview

1. Myeongdong — K-beauty shops and street food stalls

Best for: First-time visitors, easy access to top sights

This is the most popular area for tourists, and for good reason. You are walking distance from Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and transport links nearby.

• Vibe: Bustling, convenient, tourist-friendly
• Budget: $42–$140 per night
• Drawback: Can feel crowded during Cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage (October)

2. Gangnam — upscale shopping and K-pop entertainment

Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, budget travelers

A more authentic feel with local eateries serving dishes like Korean BBQ — tabletop grilled beef and pork with banchan sides at genuinely local prices. This area rewards wandering — every side street holds a surprise.

• Vibe: Authentic, walkable, slightly gritty in the best way
• Budget: $14–$42 per night
• Drawback: Fewer high-end accommodation options

3. Itaewon — international restaurants and diverse nightlife

Best for: Couples, nightlife seekers, luxury travelers

The upscale side of Seoul. Expect sleek hotels, rooftop bars, and proximity to Hongdae — live music clubs and dance bars near the university. If you want Hanbok couple photoshoot at Gyeongbokgung Palace within walking distance, this is your spot.

• Vibe: Modern, polished, lively after dark
• Budget: $48–$175 per night
• Drawback: Higher prices across the board

4. Insadong — traditional art galleries and teahouses

Best for: Families, long-stay travelers, peace and quiet

Spacious accommodation, parks, and a slower pace of life. Lotte World indoor and outdoor amusement park are easily accessible, and you will find vacation rentals with kitchens — a game-changer for families.

• Vibe: Residential, relaxed, spacious
• Budget: $12–$36 per night
• Drawback: Requires transport to reach the center

5. Hongdae — university district with indie music and nightlife

Best for: Repeat visitors, off-the-beaten-path seekers

A neighborhood most tourists never discover. Staying here puts you closer to Bukchon Hanok Village and gives you bragging rights among well-traveled friends.

• Vibe: Local, undiscovered, rewarding
• Budget: $12–$36 per night
• Drawback: Limited English signage and fewer tourist amenities

Best Area by Traveler Type

Traveler Type	Recommended Area	Why
Solo traveler	Gangnam — upscale shopping and K-pop entertainment	Social hostels, walkable, affordable eats
Couple	Itaewon — international restaurants and diverse nightlife	Han River evening cruise with city lights, great dining
Family	Insadong — traditional art galleries and teahouses	Coex Aquarium under the COEX Mall complex
Budget	Gangnam — upscale shopping and K-pop entertainment	Lowest accommodation prices, local food deals
Luxury	Itaewon — international restaurants and diverse nightlife	Premium hotels, fine dining, nightlife

Accommodation Tips

1. Book early for peak season (Cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage (October)) — the best places fill up 2–3 months ahead.
2. Read recent reviews — a hotel from 2023 might be under new management now.
3. Check the walk score — staying near a transit stop saves you taxi money every day.
4. Consider vacation rentals for stays of 4+ nights, especially for families or groups.

Pro Tips

• Currency: The local currency is South Korean Won (₩). Many places accept cards, but carry some cash for small purchases.
• Safety: Seoul is very safe with low crime rates even at night
• Transport: Seoul Metro is extensive, clean, and runs until midnight

Our Recommendation

For most first-time visitors, Myeongdong — K-beauty shops and street food stalls offers the best balance of convenience, value, and atmosphere. If you are on a tight budget, look at Gangnam — upscale shopping and K-pop entertainment instead — you will save on accommodation without sacrificing the experience.

---

Planning a trip to Seoul? Let TripGenie create your perfect itinerary — it's free and takes just 60 seconds.