The best areas to stay in Seoul are Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon, Jamsil, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Yeouido.
While Myeongdong and Insadong are the most popular tourist areas, there are so many alternatives that come with their own charm and unique features.
And there are also more budget-friendly areas like Maps Gu.
This might be an overwhelming answer to your question about where to stay in Seoul.
But don’t worry, because, in this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Seoul, regarding the type of traveller you are.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, simply tap on the following button.
Or just continue reading if you want to know just a bit more about Seoul.
It’s fair to say that Seoul is one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.
Seoul is an extremely modern city, it’s among the largest cities in the world, it’s located sixty kilometers from the DMZ, it has a rich history, it’s the birthplace of K-Pop and the food is out of this world.
Just to name a few things why it’s such an amazing destination.
Now, as this city is so incredibly large, picking the best area to stay for first-time visitors is a bit challenging as you have quite the options.
Especially when you take into consideration that the metro system is among the best in the world, so you have quite the alternatives as you can easily travel around the city without much hassle.
To make things easy, we’ve come up with recommended areas that are perfect for first-time visitors.
Each area comes with its advantages and disadvantages and certain areas are more suitable for different types of travelers, for example, families, budget travelers, and couples.
After each recommended area, you’ll find a summary of the pros and cons and what kind of travelers would appreciate the area the most.
At the bottom of this article, you can find a map with all the recommended areas including the highlights of Seoul.
But first, we give you a straight answer to your question about where to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors.
Where to stay in Seoul first time? Keep reading!
Overview of best areas to stay in Seoul
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Seoul first time | What’s so special about the area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Myeongdong | Central location, amazing access to public transport, phenomenal street food scene, huge variety of hotels, but no nightlife. |
| 2. Insadong |
Bustling area with lots of food, great access to iconic landmarks, great to explore traditional and typical Korean culture. |
| 3. Hongdae |
Proper nightlife scene, lively and youthful environment, affordable hotels and restaurants. |
| 4. Gangnam |
Among the most popular nightlife and shopping areas in the city, the luxury area of Seoul. |
| 5. Itaewon | Exciting nightlife scene, great international food scene, the comfort of being able to communicate in English everywhere. |
| Great access to kid-friendly activities including the hugely popular Lotte World, ideal for families. | |
| 7. Bukchon Hanok Village | Unique area where you can experience Korean traditions, traditional food scene, located close to major attractions. |
| 8. Yeouido |
Great hotels, riverside and panoramic views, modern part of the city. Business district of Seoul. |
Districts
Seoul can be divided into twenty-five different districts, known as a “Gu”. So for example, the previously mentioned Mapo Gu is one of these districts.
To give you an idea of how huge Seoul is, know that each Gu has its own major and its own legislative council.
A Gu can then be divided into a Dong, which is a neighborhood.
Some areas that we recommend are a Gu (for example, Mapo Gu) while others are part of a Gu (Itaewon, for example, is in fact a Dong).
How to move around in Seoul?
There are at least twenty-two different metro lines and hundreds of different metro stations and these numbers seem to increase yearly.
When you visit Seoul, you will most definitely take advantage of this sophisticated system.
It’s always useful to stay near a metro station, but with so many different stations, the popular areas that we recommend are always provided with metro stations.
Make sure to get a T-Money card.
These cards are available at metro stations and supermarkets and can be used for both the metro and the busses.
Discover Seoul Pass
The most convenient way to explore the city is by buying a Discover Seoul Pass.
These passes are available for 24, 48, and 72 hours and allow you to visit the most important tourist attractions “for free” and enjoy a variety of benefits in those areas including transport but also when you purchase goods in stores.
For more information, check out the Official Website of the Seoul Pass.
The best areas to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors are:
1. Myeongdong
Arguably the best area to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors is Myeongdong, although the next recommended area, Insadong, is among the most popular ones as well.
What makes Myeongdong so special is the fact that you’re located in the most central part of the city close to the iconic landmarks Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Myeong–Dong Walking Street, and Cheonggyecheon.
Although it’s not as vibrant in the evening as Insadong, during the day it’s as bustling as it can get.
And here is the best part: you’re located close to Seoul Station, which means that you can benefit from Seoul’s public transport to the fullest.
There are two more benefits that you can enjoy when picking Myeongdong as the area. First of all, there is an abundance of shopping facilities, while this might not be attractive to every type of traveler.
But the second thing is exciting for everyone: Myeongdong is one of the best parts of Seoul for food. From traditional Korean BBQ and Korean Fried Chicken to local dishes and street food, everything that you can possibly think of is available here.
When it comes to hotels, Myeongdong has a lot to offer. As it’s such a popular part of the city, the variety of hotels and accommodations is huge. That means that you can find a hotel in every budget class.
Is there anything not to like?
Well, it’s the area of mass tourism.
And there is not much nightlife.
So, for more authenticity or a vibrant evening, check out other areas.
But for sightseeing purposes and convenience, it’s among the best areas the city has to offer!
For who: sightseeing tourists who don’t need nightlife.
Advantages: central location, amazing access to public transport, phenomenal street food scene, huge variety of hotels.
Disadvantage: no nightlife, mass tourism.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Insadong
Insadong is a neighborhood located right in the heart of Seoul and is known for its traditional Korean culture, arts, and crafts.
It’s among the most popular areas for tourists.
Insadong is located near several important historical landmarks, including the Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace.
These landmarks are a great way to experience Korea’s rich cultural heritage.
But most importantly, to witness and experience the typical Korean culture, you have quite some great options when staying in Insadong.
This area is namely home to many art galleries featuring traditional Korean artwork.
It’s also an area that is famous for its shops and galleries selling traditional Korean crafts, such as hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), pottery, folk art, and calligraphy supplies.
Foodies can eat their hearts out as Insadong is a great place to sample some of Korea’s most popular street food.
Some of the local delicacies include hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Make sure to visit one of the traditional Korean tea shops that offer tea ceremonies too.
Insadong is a bustling neighborhood with many restaurants, cafes, shops, and street vendors, making it a convenient place to stay.
The neighborhood is also well-connected to public transportation, with subway stations and bus stops nearby.
But for those seeking nightlife, Insadong is as quiet as the previously recommended Myeong-Dong.
For who: those who want to witness traditional and typical Korean culture.
Advantages: bustling area with lots of food, great access to iconic landmarks, great to explore traditional and typical Korean culture.
Disadvantages: busy area, no nightlife available.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Hongdae
Hongdae is a vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of Seoul.
One of the unique characteristics of this area is that Hongdae is known for its youthful energy and trendy vibe.
It’s a popular spot for college students and young people, which gives it a unique character that sets it apart from other areas in Seoul.
Many students live or often visit this area, so Hongdae caters to the younger citizen.
So, as you can expect, this area is home to plenty of entertainment options, such as live music venues, clubs, and karaoke bars.
Visitors can experience the lively nightlife scene and enjoy performances by local artists.
Especially around Hongdae Walking Street, you can enjoy quite the party until the early hours.
The area is also known for its shopping and dining options, including loads of street food.
There are plenty of trendy boutiques, street vendors, and restaurants offering a variety of Korean and international cuisine.
Overall, Hongdae is considered a budget-friendly area, something that is common when the area mainly attracts students.
You can also find an interesting street art scene, with murals and graffiti covering the walls of buildings throughout the neighborhood.
You can explore these murals on your own but there are also walking tours available.
As you’re located in the heart of the city, you are located near other popular attractions in Seoul, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, although you do have to travel a bit to reach these attractions.
Luckily, you have easy access to public transportation in order to reach other parts of the city.
For who: budget-minded, young traveller.
Advantages: proper nightlife scene, lively and youthful environment, affordable hotels and restaurants.
Disadvantages: loud, crowded and you have to travel a bit in order to reach city highlights.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Gangnam
While the previously recommended area was mainly an area for the budget-minded traveller, when you choose to stay in Gangnam, you should definitely make sure to bring a big wallet.
This area, known from the song by singer Psy, caters mainly to the rich and famous.
It’s one of the most popular nightlife areas in the city, but fashionistas should get excited too as many of the top brands but also designer clothes are on display in one of the many shopping malls.
The largest underground shopping mall is called COEX and this building is an attraction on its own.
Other popular attractions are Bongeunsa Temple and the Garosu-gil, a trendy shopping and dining area.
Although most of the nightlife venues are upscale, and some of the best cocktail and rooftop bars are located here, it’s still possible to find affordable bars here as well.
So even if you don’t stay in Gangnam, it’s most definitely worth checking out the nightlife scene.
But if your budget allows it, and you want to indulge yourself in luxury and comfort, then Gangnam is the perfect area to stay at!
For who: luxury traveller.
Advantages: among the most popular nightlife and shopping areas in the city, luxury area.
Disadvantages: extremely pricy.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Itaewon
Itaewon is an area located relatively close to the War Memorial of Korea and the Seoul Tower and is known for its cultural diversity, making it an excellent place for first-time visitors who want to experience different cultures.
The reason why this area, in particular, is so diverse is that it’s a foreigner district with many migrant workers, international soldiers, and diplomats living here.
Many locals and businesses in Itaewon are fluent in English, making it an easy place for English-speaking visitors to communicate.
You can find a variety of international restaurants, bars, and shops as well.
As many foreigners live here, it’s obvious that they want to socialize with each other, and over all the years, Itaewon is now among the most popular nightlife spots in Seoul, with plenty of bars, clubs, and lounges that stay open late into the night.
And contrary to the previously recommended Gangnam, prices here are far more reasonable.
Itaewon is considered a convenient location with a few highlights nearby, but it’s impossible to pick an area with many major attractions nearby as the city is so large and highlights are spread all over the city.
The metro line that runs through Itaewon will take you without much hassle to these other highlights though.
When you combine the wide variety of hotels in all budget classes, good access to public transport, an exciting nightlife scene, and a multicultural area together, you have an area that offers a bit of everything.
For who: this area offers a bit of everything.
Advantages: exciting nightlife scene, great international food scene, the comfort of being able to communicate in English everywhere.
Disadvantage: not ideal for those seeking authenticity.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Jamsil
Jamsil is located in the southeastern part of Seoul and is easily accessible by public transportation.
It’s close to major attractions like Lotte World, the Olympic Park, and the Han River.
Lotte World is the largest indoor theme park in the world, making Jamsil instantly a great area to stay at when visiting with family.
You can find several other entertainment options including an aquarium. Jamsil is also known for its shopping, with many large malls like Lotte Department Store and Lotte World Mall.
There are also street markets like Bangi Market and Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Market.
At Seokchon Lake Park itself, also known as Songpa Naru Park, you can witness the beautiful blossom around the months of May and June.
So far, Jamsil sounds perfect.
There is only one catch.
It’s located quite a bit from the tourist epicenter of the city.
While the facilities in this – mostly residential – area are optimized for families, getting to the sightseeing parts of the city does require quite a bit of travelling.
That is the compromise you have to make.
If you’re not interested in these kid-friendly activities, then pick an area closer to the city center.
For who: families.
Advantages: great access to kid-friendly activities including the hugely popular Lotte World.
Disadvantages: you’re located quite far away from the tourist epicenter.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Bukchon Hanok Village
For a more traditional Korean experience, stay over at Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood in Seoul that is popular among tourists.
Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the few places in Seoul where visitors can see traditional Korean hanok houses.
These houses are made of wood and clay, and they have distinct architectural features, such as sloping roofs and tiled courtyards.
Visitors can also participate in various cultural experiences, such as trying on traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) and taking cooking classes.
Bukchon Hanok Village is located in the heart of Seoul, making it a convenient base for exploring the city’s top attractions.
It is close to other popular neighborhoods, such as Insadong, Myeong-dong, and Jongno, and is within walking distance of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
As the village is situated on a hill, you can experience breathtaking views of the city.
During the day, you can walk along the narrow streets and alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village and enjoy the serene atmosphere and stunning scenery.
The area is home to many traditional Korean restaurants and cafes, where visitors can sample authentic Korean cuisine and drinks.
As you can expect, there is an abundance of street food as well.
This area is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture and explore the city’s top attractions.
As you can expect, there is basically no nightlife scene.
For that, you have to visit other parts of the city.
Note: it is possible to sleep in one of these traditional hanok houses. Perhaps it’s possible to sleep one night there just for the experience if you plan accordingly.
For who: culture-geeks, those who want to experience the traditional Korean way of life.
Advantages: unique area where you can experience Korean traditions, traditional food scene, located close to major attractions.
Disadvantages: not bustling, no nightlife scene.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Yeouido
Yeouido is the financial district of Seoul and home to modern skyscrapers.
When staying in this part of the city, you have great access to parks, public transport, shopping malls, and a great riverside view towards the part of Seoul that has the majority of the city highlights.
As you can expect from a financial district, some of the top brands in the hotel industry have a hotel here and you can expect high-quality rooms but these come with a hefty price ticket.
Yeouido is not per se the first choice for first-time visitors as it’s less vibrant than other parts, but if you don’t care about nightlife, and want to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view from your hotel room, it’s definitely worth considering staying here.
There are a few bars to find though, but this area is nothing when it comes to nightlife when compared to Gangnam or Itaewon.
Besides, the hotels here come with all the comforts and offer excellent dining experiences.
Without much hassle, you can reach the touristy areas by public transport.
For who: those seeking comfortable rooms and don’t care much about nightlife.
Advantages: great hotels, riverside and panoramic views, modern part of the city.
Disadvantages: not as vibrant as others, this area caters mostly to businesses.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of the best areas to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors
The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
There you have it, our recommendations for where to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors.