Where to Stay in Seoul 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Seoul seamlessly blends 600-year-old palaces with K-pop modernity. The city divides by the Han River - northern Seoul has palaces and traditional neighborhoods, while Gangnam to the south offers glitzy K-pop culture. The exceptional metro makes anywhere accessible, but neighborhood choice dramatically shapes your experience. Many visitors split stays between traditional Bukchon and trendy Hongdae.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Myeongdong
Central location with easy metro access to palaces, shopping, and nightlife areas. Best K-beauty shopping at your doorstep. Walking distance to Namdaemun Market and N Seoul Tower cable car.
Myeongdong
Hongdae
Insadong / Bukchon
Gangnam
Itaewon
Jongno / City Hall
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Very cheap goshiwons (study rooms) are tiny and lack windows - not suitable for tourists
- • Some love motels near train stations may feel uncomfortable for Western travelers
- • Hotels near Seoul Station are convenient but lack neighborhood character
- • Outer Gangnam areas can be far from tourist attractions
Understanding Seoul Geography
The Han River divides Seoul into northern (older Seoul with palaces) and southern (Gangnam, modern development). Northern Seoul has Jongno (historic), Myeongdong (shopping), Hongdae (university), and Itaewon (international). Gangnam and surrounding districts represent modern K-pop Seoul.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Seoul
Myeongdong
Best for: K-beauty shopping, street food, central location, first-timer base
"Neon-lit shopping paradise with K-beauty flagship stores"
Pros
- Best shopping
- Central location
- Great street food
Cons
- Very crowded
- Touristy
- Expensive for location
Hongdae
Best for: Youth culture, nightlife, indie music, street performances
"University district with legendary nightlife and street art"
Pros
- Best nightlife
- Young energy
- Affordable eats
Cons
- Far from palaces
- Very loud weekends
- Can feel chaotic
Insadong / Bukchon
Best for: Traditional culture, hanbok photos, tea houses, Gyeongbokgung Palace
"Traditional Korea with hanok houses and royal palaces"
Pros
- Most atmospheric
- Palace access
- Traditional tea houses
Cons
- Touristy
- Hills in Bukchon
- Limited nightlife
Gangnam
Best for: K-pop landmarks, upscale shopping, COEX Mall, business
"Glitzy South Seoul with K-pop agency headquarters"
Pros
- K-pop landmarks
- Upscale dining
- Modern Seoul
Cons
- Far from palaces
- Corporate feel
- Less traditional
Itaewon
Best for: International dining, LGBTQ+ scene, diverse nightlife, expat area
"International enclave with diverse dining and nightlife"
Pros
- Best international food
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- English widely spoken
Cons
- Less Korean feel
- Hilly terrain
- Some areas pricey
Jongno / City Hall
Best for: Historic center, Cheonggyecheon Stream, central business district
"Historic and modern Seoul meeting at the city's heart"
Pros
- Most central
- Historic sites
- Excellent transport
Cons
- Business-oriented
- Less atmospheric
- Expensive hotels
Accommodation Budget in Seoul
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Bunk Guesthouse Hongdae
Hongdae
A highly-rated, stylish hostel in the heart of Hongdae featuring a rooftop garden, social shared lounge, and a very friendly atmosphere with free DIY breakfast.
Bukchon Guesthouse
Bukchon
Traditional hanok guesthouse in Bukchon Hanok Village with ondol heated floors and authentic Korean breakfast.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong 2
Myeongdong
Modern hotel with comfortable rooms, excellent location steps from Myeongdong shopping, and good breakfast.
Hotel Cappuccino
Gangnam
An urban-chic boutique hotel in Gangnam known for its eco-conscious philosophy, pet-friendly 'Bark Rooms', and a trendy rooftop bar with city views.
Glad Live Gangnam
Gangnam
Trendy hotel with Instagram-worthy interiors, great bar, and young K-pop energy.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
The Shilla Seoul
Jangchung
Korea's most prestigious hotel with traditional gardens, duty-free shopping, and K-beauty spa.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Gwanghwamun
Contemporary luxury near Gyeongbokgung Palace with excellent Korean and international dining.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Rakkojae Seoul
Bukchon
Restored 130-year-old hanok with traditional Korean experience, tea ceremonies, and intimate atmosphere.
Hotel28 Myeongdong
Myeongdong
Stylish modern boutique hotel blending contemporary design with Korean cultural touches, featuring a rooftop terrace, art-filled spaces, and superb central location steps from shopping and attractions.
Smart Booking Tips for Seoul
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for cherry blossom season (early April), autumn foliage (Oct-Nov)
- 2 K-pop concert weekends can fill nearby hotels quickly
- 3 Korean holidays (Chuseok, Lunar New Year) see price increases and closed shops
- 4 Many boutique hotels offer excellent value compared to international chains
- 5 Hanok (traditional house) stays offer unique experience but basic amenities
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Seoul.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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