Where to stay in Seoul?

The main expense when going on vacation, accommodation is a crucial step to ensure an excellent hassle-free stay. If you've decided to visit South Korea, you're probably wondering where to stay in Seoul! In this case, this guide will help you find the right neighborhood!

As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is a destination that is gaining popularity around the world, particularly in Europe. Rooted in global culture with the rise of K-pop, Seoul also opens its doors to its traditional temples, skyscrapers, architecture, and Korean cuisine.

Which neighborhood to choose to stay in Seoul? Finding the right base is essential for enjoying a stress-free vacation. Starting now, discover my favorite places and the areas to prioritize ☺️

With nearly 10 million inhabitants spread over 605 square kilometers, Seoul is a massive metropolis filled with skyscrapers, temples, palaces, and street markets. When it comes to finding accommodation, the Korean capital has plenty of options, but accurately targeting your neighborhood is an essential step.

Thus, the geographical location of the hotel is the first element to consider in your search. Most of the historical sites, markets, skyscrapers, and temples are concentrated in central Seoul, so choosing a central neighborhood will be the best solution for a practical stay!

Secondly, the budget is another criterion not to be neglected. Seoul is home to many high-quality establishments, but prices can be quite high. If you want to enjoy the downtown area by staying in Insadong or if you're looking for a high-end experience in Gangnam, plan your budget well.

Finding a neighborhood to sleep in Seoul corresponds to your desires and interests! Not all neighborhoods are equal, as some areas like Myeongdong are more suitable for shopping, while travelers looking to party in Seoul will prefer to stay in Hongdae.

Of course, you'll find all types of establishments in Seoul, but I strongly recommend that you book as early as possible. The best places fill up very quickly, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment by settling for a default establishment.

Ideally located in the center of Seoul, the Insadong neighborhood is the perfect spot to discover many monuments while immersing yourself in Korean art and culture. This neighborhood is also known as Hanok and offers a wide variety of available accommodations, including traditional houses.

At the heart of this neighborhood is Ssamziegil, a unique spiral-shaped shopping center housing numerous artisan shops, art galleries, and cafes. This shopping gallery features a beautiful Sky Garden and 4 levels with no less than 70 stores. Around, you can stroll, admire street performers, and even procure traditional ceramics and hanbok items!

The Insadong neighborhood is also home to cultural treasures like Jogyesa Temple, a colorful and peaceful Buddhist place of worship. Founded in 1395, this religious building plays a significant role in Seon Buddhism in South Korea while having endured the country's modern and turbulent history.

Food lovers will find happiness in the many restaurants and street stalls offering traditional dishes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and tteokbokki! Finally, Insadong is also the perfect place to attend concerts, dance performances, and a wide range of cultural presentations!

Amare Hotel Jongno is ideally situated in the heart of Insadong and offers spacious, stylish rooms furnished with modern decor. Available from €79 per night with an American breakfast included, you'll be close to all shops, metro lines, and welcomed by a caring staff!

Yehadoye Guesthouse is an excellent address for budget travelers! This modern guesthouse offers quiet and comfortable nights in double rooms for €43 per night! Located near tourist sites and shops, it is just 400 meters from Jogyesa Temple and the cathedral.

Located south of Insadong in the Jung-gu district, Myeongdong is a true paradise for shoppers in Seoul. It offers a central location near Namsan Mountain Park, home to the iconic and must-see N Seoul Tower!

In terms of landmarks, one of the most remarkable sites is Deoksugung, a historic royal palace also known by the names Gyeongungung or Deoksu Palace. Occupied by various Korean sovereigns until the 20th century, it is a magnificent architectural treasure with its stone-walled pathway.

Myeongdong Cathedral is another historical monument to see. Built in the 19th century, it represents the Catholic community of Seoul, founded by French Catholic missionaries!

Of course, Myeongdong is an ideal place to shop in Seoul! The neighborhood features countless fashion stores, souvenir shops, and particularly cosmetics. You can find both local and international brands, knowing that Korean beauty products are becoming increasingly popular.

Philstay Myeongdong Station provides very comfortable and functional rooms just a 2-minute walk from Myeongdong Station and 300 meters from Noon Square. For €80 per night, you'll enjoy a central location and be taken care of by a thoughtful and helpful team.

57 Myeongdong Hostel boasts a prime location just 150 meters from exit 5 of Myeongdong subway station! For a night, expect to pay around €138 for a double room with a city view and breakfast included. The hotel features a beautiful rooftop terrace and a shared kitchen.

In addition to being the embodiment of glamour for a high-end stay in Seoul, Gangnam has also become popular following the release of the song Gangnam Style by PSY. This district is by far the richest in Seoul, located along the Han River, also featuring some of the country's most ostentatious places!

If you have a considerable budget, then staying in Gangnam will be an excellent way to indulge in the pleasures of life. It is the nerve center of fashion, entertainment, and business in Seoul, where you can find Gangnam Avenue filled with chic restaurants and boutiques.

There are plenty of attractions and activities to do in Gangnam! For example, Teheran Boulevard hosts branches of major international companies like Samsung, Google, and IBM. The streets of Apgujeong and Cheongdam are excellent shopping areas, while Bongeunsa Temple is a must-see as it is located in the center of Gangnam, with the possibility of staying there.

For relaxation, Seolleung and Jeongneung Park is also an important historical site housing the royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty. Overall, Gangnam is an excellent base, offering a pleasant and serene living environment. If you have the necessary budget, I recommend it!

L7 Gangnam is a 4-star establishment located just steps from a subway station and features a fitness center, restaurant, and bar. Starting from €115 per night, this hotel provides luxurious, spacious, and elegant rooms in the heart of Seoul's most upscale district!

Voco Seoul Gangnam is an establishment managed by a caring and very helpful staff, located in the Gangnam area. It features a fitness center, private parking, a terrace, and a bar. For a night, expect to pay €154 with continental and American breakfast included.

Where to stay in Seoul to party? Well, the best neighborhood to settle in is Hongdae! It's one of the most vibrant areas of the Korean capital and a favorite spot for night owls.

This area is filled with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to dance the night away, and many hostels cater to tighter budgets. Due to the wide variety of affordable accommodations available, the Hongdae neighborhood attracts many young travelers.

Located west of central Seoul, this neighborhood is a bit more off-center. However, it does not lack shops or amenities to enjoy a hassle-free stay. Here you will find Hongik University and the famous shopping street, Hongdae Street.

Although historical landmarks are rare in this area, you can still enjoy numerous markets like the 24-hour Hongdae Market, as well as the Hongdae Free Market, the largest art and culture-focused market in South Korea, primarily dedicated to Korean artists.

Dream House is a lovely address located in Hongdae, 700 meters from the University subway station and just steps from Hongdae Street. Starting at €67 per night, the hotel offers twin rooms, a communal kitchen, and laptops for use. The staff is quite charming!

Hotel Baroato allows you to enjoy all the exciting activities of Hongdae while staying on a quiet street. Accessible from €81 per night, this establishment offers comfortable, spacious triple and quadruple rooms equipped with functional amenities. An ideal address for families and groups of friends!

Spring and autumn are definitely the best seasons to visit Seoul! Both offer pleasant and mild temperatures for exploring the Korean capital on foot. Whether it's to see cherry blossoms, visit temples, enjoy parks, hike, or stroll, go for it!

During these seasons, the weather is mild, with moderate temperatures. With low precipitation and stunning landscapes, you can admire all the beauty of South Korea! Between the colorful autumn leaves and the lush views of spring, you will have it all.

If you plan to visit Seoul in the summer, be careful; the climate is very hot and humid. The rate of precipitation significantly increases, which can be uncomfortable for some travelers. However, going to Seoul between August and September guarantees a slightly lower precipitation rate.

The plane is the most practical and fastest means of transportation to get to Seoul! The Korean capital is home to Incheon International Airport, located about 50 kilometers from the city center. From New York, expect between 11 and 12 hours of flight, plus a 45-minute train ride to reach downtown Seoul.

In terms of budget, plan at least $300 to $400 per person for a round-trip ticket. If you have a tighter budget, you might look for a flight with a layover. These options can sometimes be cheaper, although they do extend the travel time. To clarify, use a flight comparator like Ulysse!

And that's it for this article! I hope you've enjoyed it and that you now know where to stay in Seoul. I wish you an excellent trip to South Korea If during your Asian stay, you want to visit Japan and are wondering where to stay in Tokyo, feel free to continue reading!