Where to Stay in Seoul first time: 7 Best Areas

Are you planning your first visit to Seoul and wondering where to stay to stay in Seoul for the first time? This area guide covers the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors!

Each area in Seoul has its own atmosphere, and some neighborhoods in the city have significant location advantages; I’ve shared with you all you need to know about each area to help you choose which would best suit you!

I remember planning my first visit to Seoul a while back and debating where to stay for weeks. Luckily, after visiting a few times, I’m well-versed in the city’s neighborhoods today. I hope you find this guide helpful for your Seoul trip planning!

Before we discuss the best areas to stay in Seoul, it’s worth mentioning the excellent public transportation in the city. I’ve also shared hotel recommendations for all budgets in each area!

Here’s a quick overview of the most popular areas in Seoul for first-time visitors. However, I recommend you read about each area further in the article to decide which is best for you!

Insadong

Best Area For: First-time visitors fascinated by Korean culture, enjoy museums, and prefer to be centrally located in the city.

Atmosphere: Insadong is a picturesque district renowned for its abundant cultural legacy and authentic ambiance. It is an essential place for tourists intrigued by traditional Korean art, crafts, and cuisine.

Things to Do: A few top things to do in Insadong are visit the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional village featuring Korean architecture, Changdeokgung Palace, the most famous attraction in Seoul, and many museums.

Food: The neighborhood is famous for its authentic Korean cuisine, with numerous restaurants offering traditional dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi. Moreover, Insadong is also well-known for its abundance of renowned tea houses.

Nightlife: Insadong has dimly lit chic cocktail bars, such as Bar 420 and Bar ZEYA, offering exceptional appetizers and plenty of Korean drinks to try.

Accessibility: Insadong is centrally located and is next to Myeongdong. Insadong and Myeongdong are the most centrally located areas in Seoul; both are very well connected to the city’s public transportation.

Insadong is conveniently located only minutes north of Myeongdong. When in Insadong, make sure to visit the Myeongdong Night Market!

Best Hotels in Insadong

Nine Tree Premier Hotel — Luxury

ibis Ambassador Insadong — Mid Range

Hostel Haru — Budget

Myeongdong

Best Area For: Visitors who love shopping, want to try all the Korean street food, and who prefer to be in the most central area in Seoul, South Korea.

Atmosphere: Myeongdong is famous for its energetic and dynamic setting, offering visitors various shopping and dining choices. The neighborhood is often referred to as the “Times Square of Seoul” because it’s the most central area in Seoul, with plenty of lights.

Things to Do: Those who love shopping will enjoy Myeongdong, the areas has many department stores, cosmetic shops, and delightful boutique stores. Make sure to also visit the Namdaemun Market, a long-standing market in Seoul selling various goods!

There are a few nearby parks, including the famous Namsan Mountain Park and Cheonggyecheon Park.

Food: The area offers a wide variety of traditional Korean food and international cuisine options. Myeongdong is home to several top-ranked restaurants in the city.

Nightlife: Myeongdong’s nightlife centers around its popular Night Market, a few bars, and the Myeongdong NANTA Theatre.

Accessibility: It doesn’t get more central than Myeongdong. The area is near most attractions in the city and many neighboring areas in Seoul. The only slight downside is it’s the most touristy area in Seoul.

Best Hotels in Myeongdong

The Plaza Seoul — Luxury

Moxy Seoul Myeongdong — Mid Range

Myeongdong Sunshine Guesthouse — Budget

Hongdae

Best Area For: Those who appreciate a neighborhood full of arts, shopping, cafes, parks, arcades, and international food.

Atmosphere: Hongdae is a vibrant area in Seoul, best known for its youthful artistic crowd, trendy cafes, and lively nightlife. The area is a trendy and creative hub that attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists.

Things to Do: Hongdae is centered around its bustling main Hongdae Shopping Street, where you’ll find plenty of boutiques, cafes, arcades, karaoke, and bars. Gyeongui Line Forest is a beautiful park in the area. Also, make sure to visit the Saturday day market.

Food: In Hongdae, you’ll find various cuisine types, from Mexican to Italian, and several Korean restaurants. There are also many quaint, trendy cafes along the side streets. I recommend trying Doma, an excellent Korean BBQ restaurant!

Nightlife: Hongdae is the most lively neighborhood in Seoul at night. There are venues playing indie, hip-hop, and electronic music and countless bars to check out; Thursday Party is my favorite bar in the area. By the way, some venues have an under-30 age limit in Hongdae.

Accessibility: Hongdae is located on the city’s western side; it’s not near many main attractions in Seoul and isn’t considered as centrally located as the previous two areas. That said, Hongik University Station will have you anywhere in the city in minutes!

Best Hotels in Hongdae

Mercure Ambassador — Luxury

9 Brick Hotel — Mid Range

Hostel CLEO Guesthouse — Budget

Itaewon

Best Area For: Those who enjoy international cuisine, nightlife, museums, upscale shopping, and a feel for a local neighborhood will enjoy staying in Itaewon.

Atmosphere: Itaewon is a diverse neighborhood that offers a unique blend of culture and multicultural cuisines. Walking around, you’ll notice many picturesque aesthetic streets; Itaewon is also home to many expats.

Things to Do: Itaewon’s main street has many trendy boutiques offering world-famous brand names and local designer labels. Those who enjoy museums will love Itaewon, nearby is the Leeum Museum of Art and the War Memorial of Korea.

For parks in the area, Namsan Mountain Park, one of Seoul’s main attractions, is just minutes from Itaewon.

Food: The food in Itaewon stands out because of its wide variety of international cuisine, including Arabic, Mexican, Indian, and more. There are also many excellent Korean restaurants in the area, of course.

Nightlife: Head over to Itaewon-ro 27, a lively, fun side street where all the bars and nightclubs are next to each other. This is the area’s main nightlife area.

Accessibility: Itaewon is centrally located near many of Seoul’s main attractions. It’s close to Myeongdong and other trendy areas in the city, like Gangnam.

Best Hotels in Itaewon

Grand Hyatt Seoul — Luxury

Imperial Palace — Mid Range

G Guesthouse Itaewon — Budget

Gangnam

Best Area For: Those who enjoy high-end shopping, many entertainment choices, and parks and are fascinated by K Culture, K pop music, shows, and cafes. Gangnam is for you!

Atmosphere: With plenty of modern, stylish skyscrapers, Gangnam embodies a contemporary and cosmopolitan feel. Many of Seoul’s wealthy and affluent live in the Gangnam area, including many K Drama stars!

Things to Do: Gangnam offers many unique shopping options, many parks to explore, beautiful river views, and sports venues to visit. Make sure to visit the Starfield Coex Mall and Bongeunsa Temple, both are top attractions in the area.

Food: Gangnam is a culinary haven with a variety of dining options. From Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy cafes and street food stalls, there’s something for everyone. Whether you crave Korean delicacies or international cuisine, Gangnam has it all.

Nightlife: Gangnam boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with many chic cocktail lounges, beautifully decorated trendy bars, and live performances at concert halls.

Accessibility: Located in the eastern-south part of Seoul, Gangnam is still centrally located but not nearly as centrally located as Insadong, Myeongdong, or Itaewon.

Random Fact: Gangnam was made famous by the global one-hit wonder song “Gangnam Style.” There’s even a dedicated statue in the area. Remember that song kids and teens kept singing along to, blasted on all radio stations?

Best Hotels in Gangnam

Park Hyatt Seoul — Luxury

GLAD Gangnam — Mid Range

YaKorea Hostel — Budget

Dongdaemun

Best Area For: Dongdaemun is an excellent area for travelers keen on shopping and experiencing a more local side of Seoul’s atmosphere. And for those hunting for wholesale deals.

Atmosphere: With a rich history and a blend of old and new, Dongdaemun offers a unique experience for first-time visitors to Seoul. There’s a hustle-and-bustle atmosphere, but with a local feel, you won’t find as many tourists around here during the day.

Things to Do: Shop at Dongdaemun Market for fashion and accessories, explore the Dongdaemun Design Plaza for art and design exhibitions, and visit historical landmarks like Heunginjimun Gate.

Food: The area is most famous for its excellent Korean food stall vendors, who offer teokbokki (spicy rice cakes), mandu (dumplings), Korean pancakes, and more. In addition to the street vendors, you’ll also find a wide range of excellent Korean restaurants in the area.

Nightlife: Dongdaemun doesn’t offer a vibrant nightlife, if you stay here and you’d still like to enjoy yourself at night, you’ll have to head over to Myeongdong, which is nearby by subway!

Accessibility: Dongdaemun is well connected by public transportation, with several subway lines converging in the neighborhood’s vicinity.

Best Hotels in Dongdaemun

JW Marriott Dongdaemun — Luxury

Hotel Skypark Dongdaemun — Mid Range

Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun — Budget

Seongsudong

Best Area For: An ideal neighborhood for visitors looking to experience a local area of Seoul. Seongsudong is home to many spacious parks, cafes, art galleries and is near Gangnam.

Atmosphere: Overall, Sesongsudong is a calmer neighborhood compared to the others in this list. Those who enjoy nature, quieter streets, and arts will enjoy the vibe of Seongsudong.

Things to Do: Explore the vibrant arts scene at galleries and creative spaces, indulge in unique dining experiences at trendy cafes and restaurants, and enjoy the stunning views from Seongsu Bridge, which leads right into Gangnam.

Food: Sesongsudong offers a diverse and exciting food scene, with a wide range of unique cafes and restaurants. The area is known for its Italian restaurants, from cozy coffee shops to themed eateries to many international flavors such as Mexican, American, and Italian.

Nightlife: There are a few lively bars in Sesongsudong serving tasty appetizers, but if you’re looking for nightclubs or concerts, you’ll have to go over one of the bridge to Gangnam!

Accessibility: Located in the southeastern part of Seoul, Sesongsudong isn’t centrally located per se, but subway access allows you to go anywhere in the city from here.

Best Hotels in Seongsudong

The Classic 500 Residence — Luxury

Hotel Poco — Mid Range

Seoul Forest Stay — Budget

Best Time to Visit Seoul

Seoul has four seasons, and depending on the time you visit, it offers a different atmosphere, and each season offers different activities.

Each season has its advantages, but if you don’t favor the heat, you’ll want to visit in the Spring, and if you’re not looking to experience any snow, don’t come in the winter!

Spring: April to June

Spring is an excellent time to visit Seoul, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 Celsius (50 to 68 Fahrenheit). It’s an ideal time to explore Seoul’s many outdoor attractions, like its parks, palaces, and hiking trails.

These ideal midrange temperatures in the city allow for comfortable walks and outdoor activities. Also, Spring in Seoul offers a picturesque and enjoyable experience due to the yearly cherry blossom bloom.

Summer: July to August

In the Summer, Seoul becomes warm with some humidity, and average temperatures range from 23 to 30 Celsius (73 to 86 Fahrenheit). It’s a vibrant season with cultural music festivals, outdoor markets, and lively street performances.

From exploring the historic sites to enjoying the bustling nightlife, there’s always something happening in the city, and Summer is a great time to experience all that Seoul has to offer!

Autumn: September to October

Autumn in Seoul is another favorable season to visit, especially for those who prefer mild and comfortable temperatures between from 17 to 22 Celsius (63 to 72 Fahrenheit).

As the leaves change color, the city transforms into a picturesque landscape with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues. It’s a perfect time to explore parks, gardens, and mountains like Namsan and Bukhansan National Park.

Autumn in Seoul offers a serene and romantic ambiance, making it an ideal season for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and those looking for a romantic gateway!

Winter: December to March

Winter in Seoul can get a tad cold, with average temperatures ranging from -1 to -7 Celsius (30 to 19 Fahrenheit).

Seoul transforms into a winter wonderland as snow blankets the streets and parks. It’s the season for ice skating, skiing, and enjoying hot drinks at cozy cafes around the city.

Popular attractions in the city, such as Namsan Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace, offer stunning views amidst a snowy backdrop.

How to Get From Incheon Airport to Seoul

No matter the area in Seoul you’re staying in, you can get to the city from Seoul’s main international airport in a few different ways.

I always use the AREX Express Train because it’s fast, spacious, and usually empty; it takes you straight to Seoul Station, and from there, you can take the subway to the area you’re staying in!

Navigating Seoul using public transportation can only be done with T-Money cards. These are prepaid cards used for metro, buses, and taxis, and you can purchase them at convenience stores or vending machines. Every time you use it, it deducts money from the balance on the card.

You can reload them at all the subway subway stations and convenience stores, GS25, 711, and others! I recommend you get a T-Money card when visiting; it saves you time, the card offers transfer discounts, and eliminates the idea of holding cash and tickets!

Buy your T-Money card at Terminal 2 at one of the machines in the airport, or buy one in advance; it’s also cheaper to do so!

AREX All-Stops Train:

• Cheapest option at ₩4450 ($3.30)
• Takes about 1 hour to Seoul Station
• Runs every 23 minutes from early morning to almost midnight
• Stops at useful intermediate stations like Hongik University (Hongdae)
• Requires T-Money card for payment
• Located on floor B1 in both terminals

AREX Express Train:

• Costs ₩10,500 ($8.00) plus ₩500 deposit
• Runs directly to Seoul Station, saving about 15 minutes
• Operates every 30 minutes from early morning until around 10:45pm
• More luggage space available
• Located on level B1 of both terminals

K Airport Limousine Bus:

• Costs ₩18,000 ($13.00)
• Stops at major hotels and some metro stations
• Four different routes available, including late-night services
• Plenty of luggage space underneath
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Tickets available at counters in both terminals

City Bus:

• Can be cheaper than limousine service depending on destination
• Multiple routes available (around 30 buses)
• Fare based on distance (e.g., ₩17,000/$12.33 to Gyeongbokgung Palace)
• Luggage compartments available
• Pay with T-Money card or buy tickets at counters

Airport Taxi:

• Most expensive option, around ₩55,000 ($40) for standard taxi to city center
• Deluxe and jumbo taxis available at higher rates
• International taxis with English-speaking drivers cost about ₩75,000 ($55)
• 20% surcharge between midnight and 4 a.m.
• Located at designated ranks between exit doors 4-8 (Terminal 1) or 1-5 (Terminal 2)

Ride-Sharing:

• Traditional ride-sharing services not available
• Apps like Kakao T and UT call standard taxis
• No significant advantage over using regular taxi line at the airport

Tips for Visiting Seoul

• Google Maps doesn’t work in Seoul, download and use Kakao Maps or Naver Map.

• If you want to get around by taxi, use traditional cabs or KakaoT, a ride-sharing app.

• Don’t tip in Korea. It’s considered rude and offensive, and there’s no reason to tip there.

• Google Translate is okay, but Papago offers more accurate translation from English to Korean.

• Don’t point at people if you’re trying to refer to someone, it’s considered rude in South Korea.

• Most places accept credit cards and cashless payments – if you need cash, use ATMs in 711 or GS25.

Final Thoughts

Have you decided which area to stay in Seoul for your first visit? There are many excellent districts to consider in Seoul, I tend to stay in Insadong or Hongdae when I visit.

Choose which area is near most of the attractions you’d like to visit in Seoul. Also, consider areas with the atmosphere you’d appreciate most.

No matter where you stay in Seoul, you can easily explore the many neighborhoods because of the city’s exceptional public transportation. Get a T-Money card and use the subways and buses throughout the city to get around.

However, if you’re visiting for a few short days, I recommend you stay in Insadong or Myeongdong. Both areas are the most centrally located in the city, so you can make the most of your trip!

While all these areas in Seoul are excellent choices for staying, I’ve shared a smaller area list for various traveler types to help you decide which area would be best for you!

Solo or Backpacker Traveler: Insadong, Myegondong, or Hongdae

Families: Itaewon, Insadong, or Gangnam

Nightlife: Itaewon or Hongdae

Happy & Safe Travels

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