Where to Stay in Seoul: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Seoul? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Seoul very well, I have created this guide of:

• Seoul’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Seoul

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Seoul, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Seoul for sightseeing: Henn na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong, in the central Myeongdong district
• Best area and hotel in Seoul for nightlife: Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae, in Hongdae district
• The best 5-star hotel in Seoul: Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam and Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower
• Where to stay in Seoul on a budget: Hotel Lemong
• Best family-friendly hotel in Seoul: ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
• My favorite hotel in Seoul for a romantic stay: Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong or RYSE, Autograph Collection, Seoul

In Myeongdong District

Myeongdong district is located in the heart of the Korean capital.

Particularly vibrant and lively, it’s the perfect choice for a first stay in Seoul!

The district is home to some of the city’s must see attractions, and you will also be able to easily reach the other districts by public transport.

Of course, in Myeongdong, you will find numerous shops, restaurants, and get lots of occasions to try the famous Korean street food!

This district is ideal for your stay in Seoul:

• If you’re looking for a lively area
• If you love shopping
• To easily explore the rest of the city.

Myeongdong district is perfect for discovering:

• Myeongdong Shopping Street: a street lined with clothing and cosmetics stores that comes alive in the evening with numerous street food stalls
• Myeongdong Cathedral, a Gothic brick building in the middle of high-rise buildings
• Myeongdong NANTA Theatre to enjoy a fantastic and amusing show. And don’t worry, you don’t need to understand Korean to have fun!
• Namdaemun Market to stock up on souvenirs
• Deoksugung Palace, featuring several palaces from different eras surrounded by a large park. Don’t miss the changing of the guard!
• LOTTE Department Store: a large 14-story mall with high-end boutiques
• Namsan Tower: Seoul’s iconic tower offering panoramic views over the city
• Namsangol Hanok Village: a beautiful park featuring a reconstructed traditional Korean village with several traditional houses.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Myeongdong district

• Hotel Midcity Myeongdong: Located 10 minutes on foot from Deoksugung Palace. Enjoy a comfortable double room with city view from 110$, breakfast for 10$. Strong points: great location for sightseeing, calm environment, rooftop access, friendly staff.
• Henn na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong: Situated 800 meters from the cathedral. Double room with a view of Namsan Mountain starting at 135$, breakfast included. Strong points: unique reception and room service with robots, ideal location, hearty breakfast, laundry facilities. A great choice for its excellent value for money in Myeongdong!
• LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong: Located 500 meters from Myeongdong Shopping Street. Bright double room with a large window starting at 160$, breakfast for 20$. Strong points: friendly staff, close to transport and attractions, stunning breakfast room view.
• Hotel28 Myeongdong: Situated right in the heart of Myeongdong. Cozy double room starting at 200$, breakfast for 16$. Strong points: perfect service, generous breakfast, free mini bar.
• Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong: A 5-star hotel located in the center of Seoul. Rooms with contemporary and colorful decor featuring large bay windows, starting at 330$, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor pool with city view, comfort, club lounge. An excellent choice for a romantic stay in the heart of Seoul!
• Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower: This luxury hotel is right next to Namdaemun Market. You will stay in elegantly decorated rooms, starting at 470$, breakfast for 40$. Strong points: indoor pool, 3-star Michelin Guide restaurant, golf practice range, execeptional staff. Simply the best hotel for a luxury stay in Myeongdong (Seoul)!

In Insadong district

Insadong is the traditional district of Seoul. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in authentic Korean culture!

The picturesque alleys are lined with traditional houses, art galleries, craft shops as well as numerous traditional tea houses.

The neighborhood offers an excellent balance between tranquility and liveliness, while remaining close to the center.

I recommend this area for accommodation in Seoul:

• For a cultural immersion in traditional Korea
• If you want to stay in a hanok (traditional Korean house)
• To be close to historical sites
• If you’re looking for a more authentic atmosphere

Insadong district is the ideal place to discover:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: the largest and most important royal palace in Seoul. There, you can also watch the changing of the guard ceremony.
• Changdeokgung Palace, another beautiful palace, renowned for its gardens.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: a typical village, featuring traditional Korean houses (“Hanok”) and small boutiques.
• Insadong Street, lined with tea houses, local craft shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
• Cheonggyecheon Stream, a riverside promenade.
• Jogyesa Temple: this Buddhist temple is beautifully arranged with lanterns and flowers. It’s also worth seeing at night when everything is illuminated!
• Ikseon-dong Hanok Village: a small area full of cafés and restaurants housed in old buildings.
• Gwangjang Market: a large covered market with lots of street food stalls. You can also stock up on souvenirs here.
• National Museum of Korean Contemporary History: the largest museum in Korea is the perfect place to learn more about the history of the country

Where to Stay in Insadong District

• Orakai Daehakro Hotel, BW Signature Collection: Located 800 meters from Changdeok Palace. Cozy and comfortable double room starting at 110$, breakfast at 16$. Strong points: friendly staff, comfortable beds. An excellent choice for a stay in Seoul’s historic center!
• Moxy Seoul Insadong: Located 2 minutes walk from Insadong Street. Modern double room with a sleek design starting at 145$, breakfast at 20$. Strong points: great location with subway right in front, good breakfast, quality bedding.
• Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong: Situated right next to Jogyesa Temple. Spacious and well-equipped double room starting at 150$, breakfast at 22$. Strong points: 10 min walk from the palaces, the view, complete breakfast, lots of good restaurants around.
• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul: A 5-star hotel less than a 10-minute walk from the royal palace. Stay in luxurious rooms starting at 450$, breakfast at 51$. Strong points: indoor pool, several excellent restaurants in the hotel, excellent breakfast. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Insadong!

In Hongdae District

Hongdae, located around Hongik University, is Seoul’s trendy district.

In this lively and bustling neighborhood, you’ll find bars, clubs, restaurants, and of course karaoke bars (a favorite activity for Koreans!)

As you might guess, it’s the best place to stay in Seoul for partying.

However, it’s a bit more out of the way than the other two districts, so you’ll need to use public transportation to reach the main attractions.

You will love this district of Seoul: 

• If you’re looking for a festive district
• For a trip with friends
• To enjoy Seoul’s nightlife
• If you want to try one of the must-do activities in Korea: a karaoke (“Noraebang” in Korean!)
• If you want to go shopping.

In Hongdae district, you shouldn’t miss:

• Hongdae Shopping Street: a lively street lined with lots of small shops and themed cafes.
• Street musicians, singers, bands, and artists performing everywhere
• 943 King’s Cross Cafe, a Harry Potter theme cafe!
• Shopping in the underground boutiques and vintage stores
• Hongdae Free Market: a market offering only handmade items
• The street art on the district’s walls.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Hongdae District

• Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel: Located just a 2-minute walk from Hongdae Street. Well-equipped double room starting at 145$, breakfast included. Strong points: the well-stocked breakfast buffet, prime location, metro station and mall right below the hotel.
• Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae: Only 50 meters from the main street. Cozy double room, some with a balcony, starting at 150$, breakfast at 18$. Strong points: beautiful city views, nice decoration, knowledgeable and helpful staff.
• L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE: Centrally located in Hongdae. Spacious and cozy double room starting at 160$, breakfast at 17$. Strong points: rooftop pool with stunning views, excellent restaurant, prime location, really nice staff. A perfect hotel for a romantic stay in Seoul!
• RYSE, Autograph Collection, Seoul: Also very close to the district’s busiest street. Elegantly designed double room starting at 235$, breakfast at 28$. Strong points: rooftop bar, beautiful establishment, attentive staff. This is my favorite hotel for a luxury stay in Hongdae (Seoul)!

In Gangnam District

Gangnam district reprensents modern and sophisticated Seoul.

It’s the neighborhood that inspired the famous song “Gangnam Style”!

Here, you’ll find impressive skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and trendy restaurants. It’s also home to Seoul’s top aesthetic clinics (perfect for those interested!).

You should stay in this district if:

• You’re looking for luxury accommodation
• You love luxury shopping
• You want to enjoy gourmet restaurants.

In Gangnam district, you can discover:

• COEX Mall, the largest underground shopping center in Asia, known for its stunning library
• Lotte World Tower and its breathtaking views
• Bongeunsa Temple
• Garosu-gil Street, lined with designer boutiques
• Lotte World amusement park
  
• K-Star Road, dedicated to K-pop.

The Best Accommodations in Gangnam District

• L7 Gangnam by Lotte: Just a 2-minute walk from COEX Mall. Spacious double rooms with large windows starting at 125$, breakfast at 25$. Strong points: the bar, stunning view, self-service laundry.
• Ananti at Gangnam: Located next to Garosu Gil Street. Classy and chic rooms with a sitting area, balcony, and bathtub from 310$, breakfast at 37$. Strong points: superb indoor and outdoor pools, room design, beautiful bathroom.
• Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, an IHG Hotel: A 5-star hotel centrally located in Gangnam. Enjoy spacious and comfortable suites from 350$, breakfast at 53$. Strong points: the length of the indoor pool, spa, beautiful breakfast buffet, attentive staff. One of the best hotels with a pool in Seoul!
• Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam: This luxury hotel offers stunning rooms with breathtaking views of Seoul, starting from 365$, breakfast at 46$. Strong points: beautiful indoor pool, excellent breakfast, carefully decorated spaces. One of the most beautiful luxury hotels to stay in Seoul!
• Park Hyatt Seoul: Another luxury hotel offering beautifully decorated rooms with a natural theme including oak and stone furniture. Starting from 400$. Strong points: indoor pool with a view, superb bathroom with bathtub, refined ambiance.

Where to Stay in Seoul on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here is a selection of affordable hotels in Seoul:

• Philstay Myeongdong Station: Located in Myeongdong district. Double room from 80$ or dorm bed from 55$. Strong points: very central location, cleanliness, next to the metro.
• Hithere guesthouse: Located in Hongdae district. Double room from 90$, breakfast included. Strong points: well-equipped common kitchen, very friendly staff, rooftop.
• Hotel Lemong: Located in Insadong district. Double room from 90$, breakfast included. Strong points: right in the center of Seoul, very quiet, varied and tasty breakfast, cozy atmosphere.
• Aiden by West Western Cheongdam: Located in Gangnam district. Double room from 90$, breakfast at 18$. Strong points: welcoming staff, room size.

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Seoul

• The Stay Classic Hotel Myeongdong: Located in Myeongdong. Room for 4 with 1 double bed and 2 single beds, starting from 125$. Strong points: perfect location, spacious and well-equipped room (washer), friendly staff.
• ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun: Located not far from Myeongdong. Family room from 170$, breakfast at 16$. Strong points: the pool, attentive staff, room size.
• Crown Park Hotel Seoul Myeongdong: Also located in the center of Seoul. Family room from 200$, breakfast at 16$. Strong points: comfort, quality of beds, very well located.

What is the best hotel in Seoul?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Seoul, I recommend you the Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at RYSE – Autograph Collection Seoul.

Where to stay in Seoul: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Seoul, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Hotel Midcity Myeongdong	Myeongdong	110$
Henn na Hotel Seoul	Myeongdong	135$
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong	Myeongdong	160$
Hotel28 Myeongdong	Myeongdong	200$
Le Meridien Seoul	Myeongdong	330$
Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower	Myeongdong	470$
Orakai Daehakro Hotel	Insadong	110$
Moxy Seoul Insadong	Insadong	145$
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong	Insadong	150$
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul	Insadong	450$
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae	Hongdae	145$
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae	Hongdae	150$
L7 Hongdae by Lotte	Hongdae	160$
RYSE Autograph Collection	Hongdae	235$
L7 Gangnam by Lotte	Gangnam	125$
Ananti at Gangnam	Gangnam	310$
GrandInter Continental Seoul Parnas	Gangnam	350$
Josun Palace, a luxury collection Hotel	Gangnam	365$
Park Hyatt Seoul	Gangnam	400$
Philstay Myeongdong Station	Cheap Hotel	80$
HithereGuesthouse	Cheap Hotel	90$
Hotel Lemong	Cheap Hotel	90$
Aiden by West Western Cheongdam	Cheap Hotel	90$
The Stay Classic Hotel Myeongdong	Hotel for families	125$
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun	Hotel for families	170$
Crown Park Hotel Seoul	Hotel for families	200$

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