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Where to Stay in Seoul – Best Areas & Hotels with Real Traveler Tips (2025)

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Where to Stay in Seoul – Best Areas & Hotels with Real Traveler Tips (2025)


🛏 Where to Stay in Seoul – Best Areas & Hotels for Every Kind of Traveler (2025)

Planning your first (or next!) trip to Seoul? Yay, so exciting! 🇰🇷 But the big question: Where should you stay?

Seoul is huge and every neighborhood has its own vibe — from neon shopping streets to peaceful lakeside walks. Here’s my guide (with real traveler tips!) to help you find your perfect base for exploring the city.

✨ 1) Myeongdong – Best for First-Time Visitors & Shopping

Perfect for: First-timers, beauty shoppers

Emma says: “When I first visited Seoul, I stayed at Lotte Hotel Seoul Myeongdong. It was so easy to hop on the subway or airport bus, and I loved grabbing street snacks right outside. Next time I want to try Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong II — my friend stayed there and said it was super comfy!”

Tip: Try hotteok and tteokbokki at night — so good! But if you want quiet nights, pick a hotel a few blocks off the main street.

🌟 2) Hongdae – Best for Young Travelers & Nightlife

Perfect for: Night owls, creatives, solo adventurers

Liam says: “I stayed at RYSE, Autograph Collection and wow — the vibe is so Instagrammable! Walk out and you’re in the middle of buskers, indie shops, and cute cafés. If you want easy airport access, Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae is right by the AREX line.”

Note: Hongdae can be noisy at night — pick a room on a higher floor or a block off the main street if you’re a light sleeper.



🏢 3) Gangnam – Best for Business & Luxury

Perfect for: Business trips, fancy city stays

Sophie says: “I treated myself to a weekend at InterContinental Seoul COEX — loved that the mall is connected, and the views were unreal. My friend also stayed at L7 Gangnam by LOTTE and said it’s so convenient for shopping and beauty clinics.”

Tip: It’s pricier than other areas, but worth it if you want city views and a little luxury!

💖 4) Itaewon – Best for Multicultural Vibes

Perfect for: International foodies, solo explorers

Emma says: “Itaewon feels like a tiny world village inside Seoul. I stayed at Hamilton Hotel Itaewon — right in the middle of the action, so easy to hop between bars and restaurants. Next on my list is Mondrian Seoul Itaewon — their rooftop bar looks amazing!”

Note: Some areas are under redevelopment, so double-check your hotel’s location when booking.



🏠 5) Jamsil – Best for Families & Relaxed Stays

Perfect for: Families with kids, calm city trips

Liam says: “I stayed at Lotte Hotel World with my family — so nice to have Lotte World and the lake right there. Kids loved it! Next time, I’m saving up for Signiel Seoul — that sky-high view is on my bucket list.”

  • 🏨 Lotte Hotel World – 5-star, directly connected to Lotte World Mall & theme park
  • 🏨 Signiel Seoul – Ultra-luxury 5-star inside Lotte World Tower, best views in the city

Tip: It’s a bit farther from central hotspots like Myeongdong or Hongdae — plan a bit more travel time!

🌟 Bonus: Jongno/Insadong & Seongsu-dong

Sophie says: “If you love tea houses and traditional alleys, check out Orakai Insadong Suites or Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong. Seongsu-dong is super artsy — I café-hopped all afternoon and it was a vibe!”

Tip: Seongsu is best for day trips — I like to stay in Hongdae or Insadong and hop over!

🚋 Getting Around Seoul

💡 Want to figure out subways, buses, and airport trains? Check out my detailed Seoul transportation guide — super handy for first-timers!

✨ Final Thoughts

Where you stay isn’t just a bed — it sets the vibe for your whole Seoul adventure. Want neon city nights? Chill lake mornings? K-pop clubbing? Seoul’s got it all. 💙

Still can’t decide where to stay? Drop a comment — I’d love to help you plan your perfect trip! Safe travels! 🌟

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