Where to Stay in Seoul (And the Neighborhood You Should Avoid)
Good thing I have a travel blog and not a fashion one! hahaha
If you want to avoid booking a hotel in a bad neighborhood, or one with good reviews that’s actually just… meh, I recommend spending the next 5 minutes reading this guide. It covers the best places to stay in Seoul, packed with essential tips to help you plan your trip better.
After exploring Seoul for 10 days and personally staying in different hotels and guesthouses across 3 areas, I realized that many blogs recommend neighborhoods that just don’t make sense for a short trip. Here, based on my real, on-the-ground experience, I’ll tell you what the best areas are to stay in Seoul and which ones you should probably avoid.
The goal isn’t to overwhelm you with a thousand options, but to help you figure out the best area for you in just a few minutes.
Here's something you should know...Unlike other blogs that talk about hotels they've never actually been to, here at DescubriendoViajes, we visit the hotels ourselves. In Seoul, we paid for every single stay to provide real reviews, honest advice, and original content. You can support us by bookmarking our blog and following us on social media. It helps us continue creating valuable content for travelers like you.
P.S. At the end of the article, feel free to ask me anything in the comments, and I'll be happy to help!
Read This First: Save Money, Avoid Mistakes, and Even Find Squid Game Spots 🦑
Quick Summary: The Best Areas to Stay
Traveling as a couple on a chill trip? Go for Myeongdong (1) or the palace area, Hwa-dong (2).
Traveling with family? Myeongdong (1) or Hwa-dong (2) are your best bets.
Traveling solo or with friends? Choose Myeongdong (1) or Hongdae Street (3).
Looking for nightlife and a lively atmosphere? It's got to be Hongdae Street (3).
I don't recommend the Gangnam (4) area unless you're coming for a specific event or some serious shopping.
Best Areas to Stay in Seoul
1. Myeongdong: In My Opinion, the Best Area to Stay in Seoul
As you can see on the map, within a 30-minute walk you’ve got palaces, markets, and historic areas. Plus, the subway connects you directly to almost anywhere in the city. 2.5km = 1.5miles
(1). Memorial War of Korea (2). National Museum of Korea (3). Night Market (4). Insa-dong Culture Street (5) Ch’angdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces (6) Hanok Village
If I had to choose just one place to stay in Seoul, it would be Myeongdong. I’ve stayed in three different areas of Seoul, and for me, this was by far the best in terms of the hotel’s value for money, as well as the services and attractions in the area.
However, if you’re staying for more than 3 days, you could do what I did and combine your stays: a few days in Myeongdong + 1 night in a traditional guesthouse in Hwa-dong (the neighborhood where the palaces are).
In Myeongdong, you’ll find tons of cafes, restaurants, and bars of all kinds and for all budgets.
I’m going to list a few that I visited and really liked, so you know they’re a safe bet. But I definitely recommend wandering the streets and using Google Maps to find places that catch your eye.
Best Hotels in Myeongdong
The hotel where I stayed. Good location, good price, and comfortable.
Other Great Value Hotels in Seoul with a Perfect Location
Hotel Prince Seoul - Great location and value for money.
If you’re looking for other options, check out the Hotel Prince. It’s right next to the Ibis where I stayed, has fantastic reviews, a perfect 10/10 location, and a similar price point. Sometimes it’s a bit more expensive, and other times it’s a bit cheaper.
*If you want a safe bet, book the ibis Style Ambassador. I always do a ton of research on where to stay, and this hotel is a classic good and a great price (bueno-bonito-barato in Spanish hehe).
Quick review of the ibis Style Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
Double room - Ibis
Ibis Ambassador Seoul - Entrance
Rooftop - Ibis Ambassador
ibis Ambassador - Elevator
The best Caffee near ibis - it's sooooo good and "instagrammable"
I’ll keep this brief, but if you want a more detailed review, you can read it here.
Would I stay here again? Yes. But only if there wasn’t another hotel in the same area with better ratings, more amenities, and a lower price.
The hotel is a great deal compared to others in the neighborhood. It’s officially a 3-star, but in my opinion, the facilities are 4-star (though the room itself does feel more like a 3-star). You get a 24-hour front desk, a terrace on the 21st floor with both outdoor and indoor seating, a buffet breakfast (26,000 KRW, about $18), brunch for 40,000 KRW, an à la carte dinner menu, and cocktails.
The rooms are standard. They aren’t very spacious, at around 16m² (about 172 sq ft). The superior double is larger, but it costs more, so I didn’t book that one, haha.
The beds are comfortable, and the pillow is just okay (I’ve gotten used to hotels providing two pillows, but here you only get one per bed).
I didn’t try the breakfast because I prefer exploring local cafes in the area like Cafe Les Parisiens (AMAZING!!!!) or The Buttons. Usually, hotel breakfasts—unless you’re paying €200+ a night—tend to be pretty basic with just scrambled eggs, some cold cuts, toast, and not much else. So, I prefer to book «room only» and have a cheaper, nicer, and tastier breakfast somewhere else.
Overall, I think it’s the best option in the most central area, and it’s perfect for both families and couples.
What to See Near Myeongdong
War Memorial Soeul
Hanok Village - Seoul
Night Market Myeongdong
Hanok Village
Gyeongbokgung Palace
National Museum of Korea
Within a 30-minute walk, you can reach most of the main tourist attractions, like the War Memorial of Korea (point 1 on the map above), the night market (3) which is literally a 5-minute walk away, Insa-dong Culture Street (4), Ch’angdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces (5), and Bukchon Hanok Village (6) (the famous street with traditional houses).
In other words, almost everything recommended to see in Seoul is just a 30-minute walk from this area. That’s why I highly recommend it if you’re traveling to Seoul for tourism.
Some Cafes and Restaurants I Loved in Myeongdong
Myeongdong Kyoja - A great, cheap restaurant that's been in the Michelin Guide for 7 years running.
Knowing where to stay is great, but knowing truly good places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that offer great value and service is even better.
So, since I tried a lot of places, I’ll share the ones I liked the most (I won’t even mention the others to keep things simple).
Cafe les Parisiens
The Buttons (breakfast and brunch)
Dashan Uygur Helal Restaurant (great food, nice atmosphere, and cheap)
And my absolute favorite: Myeongdong Kyoja. I discovered it on my last day, and it was hands-down the place I enjoyed the most. On top of that, a meal for two people only cost me $16 USD.
You only have 4 dishes to choose from: 2 hot and 2 cold. Around 10,000 KRW ($7) each main dish.
2. Hwa-dong Palace Area: A Great Idea for a Traditional Guesthouse Stay (1-2 Nights Max)
Map so you know that if you stay in Hwa-dong or Songhyeon-dong, the palaces will be really close.
When I was planning my trip to Seoul, one thing that really caught my eye was the traditional Korean guesthouses. So, I wanted to try one out to tell you all the pros and cons of staying in one.
Because while they might look beautiful in photos, my experience trying out hotels tells me that’s not always the full story.
Map Guide (See the map a bit further up to understand the numbers):
(4) Insa-dong Culture Street: A street full of galleries, craft shops, and a cosmetics outlet, hehe.
(5) Gyeongbokgung and Ch’angdeokgung Palaces
(6) Bukchon Hanok Village & Bukchon Yukgyeong Street: The neighborhood with the traditional houses and its most famous street.
What to See in the Palace Area
Before we get to the hotels, it’s good to know what you can visit in this area to see if it’s worth staying here for you.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Ch’angdeokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village (the neighborhood with the traditional little houses that you see in all the Korean movies, haha)
Lots of local art shops (I bought a backpack in one of these shop-galleries; I’ll show you photos later).
Many cafes with traditional-meets-minimalist decor.
If this guesthouse isn’t your style and you’d prefer other options, here are a few more at different price points. Although, for me, this is the best value in the area (unless you want to spend over €200, in which case you’ll find better options, hehe).
Quick Review of Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse (A Traditional Korean House)
Sleeping in a traditional Hanok! A great experience which I recommend.
Would I stay here again? Yes. But only for one night.
This is a small traditional Korean guesthouse with four rooms run by a Korean family. The service is very good, and they are very kind, but also strict, like most Koreans, hehe.
Unlike the Ibis hotel, they didn’t let us do an early check-in, even though the room was ready. (I don’t know, maybe it’s a Korean mindset thing. Rules are rules, I guess…)
You’ll sleep on a futon, which I found comfortable enough, but the blankets are also traditional and a bit uncomfortable because you can get quite warm, and they aren’t very breathable. The room has both air conditioning and heating.
As for the bathroom, it’s small but functional. And the cleanliness of the room is excellent.
The breakfast has little variety: toast, instant coffee packets, cheese, bananas, and some Asian food (the typical cup noodles).
Overall, the experience is good because it’s a very beautiful and peaceful place with a small garden (don’t worry, they have stuff to protect you from mosquitos), and it’s just 5 minutes from the main tourist spots.
I recommend it whether you’re traveling with kids or as a couple, as it’s something different that you’ll enjoy and remember. But I wouldn’t recommend it for more than 1 or 2 nights.
And if you do book it, don’t save it for your last day. Book it for your first night or somewhere in the middle so you can rest well before your flight back and have time to visit the palaces and traditional houses in the area. Imagine the futon isn’t comfortable for you and you sleep poorly… that return trip will feel endless.
Some Cafes and Shops I Liked in the Palace Area
Shop 315 Small Wonders. A handicraft store in the area between the palaces – the owner designs and makes everything in his workshop.
To make your trip easier and ensure every place you visit is a hit, I’m going to list the spots I liked for both coffee and shopping. I ate in this area twice, but the restaurants were just okay, nothing special, so I won’t even mention them.
For coffee, ice cream, or sweets:
Cafe Cordialement
Cafe Changdeokgung
Local artisan shop:
315 Small Wonders. It’s new and not on Google Maps yet, but the address is 149-8 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno District, Seoul. It’s a leather craft shop where the owner is also the designer and creator. I bought a backpack for 200,000 KRW (about $140), and besides being gorgeous, the quality is top-notch. They also have handmade leather cardholders for $7 or more luxurious bags for $400. I highly recommend visiting because there’s something for every budget.
Besides this shop, you’ll find many others offering hand-drawn portraits on the spot, hanbok dress shops, private photographers, etc.
3. Hongdae: Nightlife, Fun, and Youth Culture......
Map of Hongdae so you know where it is.
Hongdae is the ultimate university neighborhood, and you can feel it the moment you arrive: tons of young people, live music on the streets, K-pop groups dancing, bars everywhere, and a super lively and cool atmosphere.
Every afternoon, around 7:00 PM, the street shows and concerts begin, but it’s at night when the area truly comes alive. I even found a salsa and bachata club where I hung out for a bit, though I didn’t dance since I was still recovering from my shoulder accident in Lombok. (You can check out my guide on where to stay in Lombok, Indonesia if you want to know why they say it’s the new Bali).
That said, I only recommend sleeping here if you’re traveling with friends or looking for cheaper hotels.
My recommendation is to stay in Myeongdong and then, when coming back from a night out, take the subway (very efficient and safe) or a taxi/Uber (approx. €5-7). Further down, I’ll tell you how much a taxi costs and answer other frequently asked questions that will help you on your trip.
The Best Parts (Pros):
Hotel prices are cheaper (about 20-30% less).
A young and lively atmosphere.
Live music and dancing in the streets.
Countless bars, clubs, and creative cafes.
The Worst Parts (Cons):
Can be noisy for sleeping.
It’s not central for cultural sightseeing.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it’s better to stay in another area.
Hongdae area so you know it’s full of young vibes
Best Hotels in Hongdae
Although I didn’t book a hotel in this area, I did visit it on two separate occasions and got to know the main streets, the party areas, and some of the clubs. So, I’m going to give you a list of places where I would stay if my goal was nightlife, with some daytime sightseeing in the city center via the subway.
Hongdae area
List of good, well-priced hotels in Hongdae
Price: Mid-range (approx. €65/night). Remember to book a place with a rating of at least 8+.
If you’re looking for something more specific, these are the best value-for-money hotels in Hongdae:
DW Design Residence: Around €55 per night, it offers solid quality and great online reviews. Breakfast isn’t anything fancy, but it does the job.
Holiday Inn Express Seoul: While the price is usually around €150, it’s a safe bet thanks to the hotel’s facilities and room quality. Plus, it’s super convenient—right next to the subway station that takes you straight to downtown or the airport.
4. Gangnam: The neighborhood some bloggers recommend, but as a tourist, I say NO.
Gangnam map
One of the neighborhoods that disappointed me the most in Seoul was Gangnam. Many blogs describe it as a vibrant area, full of life and things to do.
But for me, the reality is that it’s an area of offices, shopping malls, a few clubs, and little else.
In short: unless you have a specific reason to sleep here (business, an event, or just plain curiosity), I would not recommend it. If you only have a few days in Seoul, your time is much better spent in Myeongdong, Hongdae or the palace area.
The Good:
Plenty of shopping options (malls and luxury stores).
Good subway connections, like the rest of Seoul.
Nightlife with some large Korean music clubs and even Latin dance halls.
The Bad:
Little of interest for tourists.
Far from the main monuments and attractions.
A very corporate atmosphere, lacking any special charm.
Although the online rating for Gangnam Suncity is an 8.5, personally, I felt it was inflated. The only thing saving it is the price.
The bed is small for two people, the room has extremely high humidity (so much so that the floorboards were warped and coming up), and to top it all off, there’s a building under construction right in front, so it’s noisy from 8 am, Monday to Friday.
In short, if you were thinking of staying at this hotel for its «value,» save yourself the trouble and skip it. I’m going to list some better hotels in the Gangnam area for you instead.
That said, my advice is that if you do stay in this area, you’ll need to book an expensive hotel, because the prices here are high.
Barrio de Gangnam
The best value for money hotels in Gangnam
Price: All price ranges. Budget and luxury.
Recommendation: Choose something with a rating of 8+.
The Dance Under the Bridge (1:33): This scene was shot in a pedestrian underpass beneath the Apgujeong Bridge, near the Han River.
🦑Bonus #2: Follow the Footsteps of "Squid Game"!
A Chinese restaurant where was filmed Squid Game
The Chinese restaurant from above. I did not realize but I saw many stores and restaurantes with that poster. Just the last day I realized that was filmed there haha.
Sang-woo’s Market (Ep. 2): Sang-woo’s mother’s fish stall is located within Baegun Market, also in the Ssangmun-dong neighborhood.
The Subway (Ep. 1): The station where Gi-hun is first recruited is Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station.
The Final Meeting Park (Ep. 9): The emotional final scene between Gi-hun and Oh Il-nam was filmed in Namsan Park, one of Seoul’s most beautiful and famous parks.
For fans of the first season, this is a must-visit spot. Tapgol Parkis where one of the most crucial conversations in the series takes place, when Gi-hun learns the truth about the old man, Oh Il-nam (Player 001).
It’s a real and historically significant park in the heart of Seoul, located in the Jongno district (actually, it’s in Myeongdong and I walked near the park at least 2 times, but I realized when I came back home and started writing the post…). It provides a quiet, reflective atmosphere, perfect for fans who want to sit on a bench and relive one of the show’s biggest plot twists.
5. ℹ️ Essential Info that Will Save You Money and Hassle
E-sim en aeropuerto o app
10 days of unlimited internet at the airport costs $25.
10 days of unlimited internet through apps costs $32
Quick Answer: It’s cheaper to buy your e-SIM at the airport than through travel apps. Plus, they give you a free T-Money card for public transport.
Long Answer: I recommend buying the e-SIM directly at the airport. The price is better, and you don’t have to deal with swapping out your physical SIM card like in some countries. Not all airports sell e-SIMs, but Seoul’s does.
The best part is that along with the e-SIM, they give you the T-Money card, which you can use to pay for the subway, buses, and even in convenience stores like 7-Eleven. That card normally costs about €2, so it’s a win-win.
T-Money Card for Public Transport
The card is super easy to use: you top it up and tap it when you enter the subway, bus, or train.
Important: It’s one card per person. You can’t just tap it twice for two people like you might in Madrid or any other city. If you tap it twice, the machine thinks you’ve exited, not that another person is entering, and you won’t be able to make transfers without an extra charge. You can also pay with cash on the buses.
You can recharge it at any 7-Eleven, CU, or GS25 store. There’s usually one on every corner.
The Best Way to Get to Seoul's City Center
Seoul subway – fast and clean.
For me, the most comfortable way to get to the center of Seoul from the airport is the AREX Express Train. (You get an assigned seat, Wi-Fi, it’s clean…)
Time: 43 minutes to the city center.
Price: About 7$.
A taxi costs around $50 and takes between 1h and 1h:15m depending on traffic.
The train drops you off at Seoul Station (the central station). From there, the most practical thing to do is take a taxi to your hotel (about $5) and avoid the hassle of carrying your luggage around trying to figure out the local bus lines on your first day.
Oh, by the way: you can’t eat or drink on public transport. If you do, someone will tell you off.
Museums and Main Attractions
War Memorial of Korea - descubriendo viajes
Something that surprised me is that most museums are either free or very cheap. For example:
Gyeongbokgung Palace: €2.
War Memorial of Korea: Free.
National Museum of Korea: Free.
So you can see a lot without spending much at all.
Apps That Will Help You Get Around
Google Maps doesn’t work 100% in Korea due to legal restrictions. Still, it can pinpoint your location and is useful as a reference to see where you’re going and what’s around you.
However, if you have trouble navigating, the apps the locals use are Naver Map and Kakao Metro. I didn’t download them because I’m good with directions, but if you prefer more precision, install them.
Quick Trick to Convert Won to USD
One USD is roughly 1,400 won, but I simplified it like this:
Divide by 2 and add a little bit.
Example:
5,000 won → divide by 2 = 2.5 → add a little bit → 3.5 → $3.5 (exact = $3.60)
160,000 won → divide by 2 = 80 → add a little bit → $110. (exact = $115)
It’s not exact, but it works really well for quick mental calculations.
Doing Laundry During Your Trip
Self-service laundry at the Ibis hotel in Seoul.
The Ibis hotel where I stayed had a self-service laundry: $3 for the washer + $3 for the dryer.
It was a lifesaver, because on long stays, the laundry really piles up. My advice: if you’re traveling for several days, choose a hotel with a laundry room. Finding laundromats on the street isn’t that easy, and you end up wasting time looking for one, going there and back…etc.
Here’s what I did: I put a load in the washer before dinner, moved it to the dryer after dinner, and by the time I finished my beer on the rooftop, I just had to pick it up and take it to the room. Total time invested = 5 minutes.
Take the Opportunity to Buy Cosmetics
Olive Young cosmetics store in Seoul.
Believe it or not, cosmetics are much cheaper here than in Europe or USA. It’s a huge thing, and they have tons of brands and stores on every corner.
Creams that cost €25 in Spain can be found for €10–12 there. Plus, there are cosmetic outlets for both women and men. It’s definitely worth picking up a few things.
Meal Prices in Seoul
I spent an average of about $30 per day on food:
Breakfast: from $8.
Lunch: from $12.
Dinner: from $10.
Snacks: from $2.
Obviously, you can spend less or more, but this was my budget eating at places that were good, nice, and affordable.
Taxi and Uber Prices in Seoul
Ride from the train station to the first hotel in Gangnam. Price: $8 (11,600 WON).
Compared to Europe or the USA, taxis in Seoul are waaay cheaper.
A 15-minute ride costs about ($8). So, it’s definitely worth using a taxi on days when you have to move around with your luggage.
We have already been there and can help you personally (at no cost and sometimes with private discounts).
Leave us a comment with what you need and we’ll get back to you. Remember: the more information you give us, the better we can help. It’s best if you share as many details as possible—travel dates, exact vacation days, what you’d like to do, how many people… etc.
If you know of another accommodation you liked and it’s not on our list, feel free to share a short experience you had there and we’ll add it so other users can learn about it.
Avísame
0 Comments
Oldest
NewestMost Voted
Sugerencias
Ver todos los comentarios
🫶🏻 Comparte nuestro blog con tu pareja y familia 👇
Where to Stay in Seoul (And the Neighborhood You Should Avoid)
If you want to avoid booking a hotel in a bad neighborhood, or one with good reviews that’s actually just… meh, I recommend spending the next 5 minutes reading this guide. It covers the best places to stay in Seoul, packed with essential tips to help you plan your trip better.
After exploring Seoul for 10 days and personally staying in different hotels and guesthouses across 3 areas, I realized that many blogs recommend neighborhoods that just don’t make sense for a short trip. Here, based on my real, on-the-ground experience, I’ll tell you what the best areas are to stay in Seoul and which ones you should probably avoid.
The goal isn’t to overwhelm you with a thousand options, but to help you figure out the best area for you in just a few minutes.
P.S. At the end of the article, feel free to ask me anything in the comments, and I'll be happy to help!
Read This First: Save Money, Avoid Mistakes, and Even Find Squid Game Spots 🦑
Quick Summary: The Best Areas to Stay
Best Areas to Stay in Seoul
1. Myeongdong: In My Opinion, the Best Area to Stay in Seoul
(1). Memorial War of Korea (2). National Museum of Korea (3). Night Market (4). Insa-dong Culture Street (5) Ch’angdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces (6) Hanok Village
Best Hotels in Myeongdong
ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
Price: Mid-range (approx. $110/night)
Rating: 8.3/10
Personal Rating: 8.3/10
Other Great Value Hotels in Seoul with a Perfect Location
If you’re looking for other options, check out the Hotel Prince. It’s right next to the Ibis where I stayed, has fantastic reviews, a perfect 10/10 location, and a similar price point. Sometimes it’s a bit more expensive, and other times it’s a bit cheaper.
Summary of places to stay in Myeongdong:
Quick review of the ibis Style Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
I’ll keep this brief, but if you want a more detailed review, you can read it here.
Would I stay here again? Yes. But only if there wasn’t another hotel in the same area with better ratings, more amenities, and a lower price.
The hotel is a great deal compared to others in the neighborhood. It’s officially a 3-star, but in my opinion, the facilities are 4-star (though the room itself does feel more like a 3-star). You get a 24-hour front desk, a terrace on the 21st floor with both outdoor and indoor seating, a buffet breakfast (26,000 KRW, about $18), brunch for 40,000 KRW, an à la carte dinner menu, and cocktails.
The rooms are standard. They aren’t very spacious, at around 16m² (about 172 sq ft). The superior double is larger, but it costs more, so I didn’t book that one, haha.
The beds are comfortable, and the pillow is just okay (I’ve gotten used to hotels providing two pillows, but here you only get one per bed).
I didn’t try the breakfast because I prefer exploring local cafes in the area like Cafe Les Parisiens (AMAZING!!!!) or The Buttons. Usually, hotel breakfasts—unless you’re paying €200+ a night—tend to be pretty basic with just scrambled eggs, some cold cuts, toast, and not much else. So, I prefer to book «room only» and have a cheaper, nicer, and tastier breakfast somewhere else.
Overall, I think it’s the best option in the most central area, and it’s perfect for both families and couples.
What to See Near Myeongdong
Within a 30-minute walk, you can reach most of the main tourist attractions, like the War Memorial of Korea (point 1 on the map above), the night market (3) which is literally a 5-minute walk away, Insa-dong Culture Street (4), Ch’angdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces (5), and Bukchon Hanok Village (6) (the famous street with traditional houses).
In other words, almost everything recommended to see in Seoul is just a 30-minute walk from this area. That’s why I highly recommend it if you’re traveling to Seoul for tourism.
Some Cafes and Restaurants I Loved in Myeongdong
Knowing where to stay is great, but knowing truly good places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that offer great value and service is even better.
So, since I tried a lot of places, I’ll share the ones I liked the most (I won’t even mention the others to keep things simple).
Cafe les Parisiens
The Buttons (breakfast and brunch)
Dashan Uygur Helal Restaurant (great food, nice atmosphere, and cheap)
And my absolute favorite: Myeongdong Kyoja. I discovered it on my last day, and it was hands-down the place I enjoyed the most. On top of that, a meal for two people only cost me $16 USD.
2. Hwa-dong Palace Area: A Great Idea for a Traditional Guesthouse Stay (1-2 Nights Max)
When I was planning my trip to Seoul, one thing that really caught my eye was the traditional Korean guesthouses. So, I wanted to try one out to tell you all the pros and cons of staying in one.
Because while they might look beautiful in photos, my experience trying out hotels tells me that’s not always the full story.
Map Guide (See the map a bit further up to understand the numbers):
(4) Insa-dong Culture Street: A street full of galleries, craft shops, and a cosmetics outlet, hehe.
(5) Gyeongbokgung and Ch’angdeokgung Palaces
(6) Bukchon Hanok Village & Bukchon Yukgyeong Street: The neighborhood with the traditional houses and its most famous street.
What to See in the Palace Area
Before we get to the hotels, it’s good to know what you can visit in this area to see if it’s worth staying here for you.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Ch’angdeokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village (the neighborhood with the traditional little houses that you see in all the Korean movies, haha)
Lots of local art shops (I bought a backpack in one of these shop-galleries; I’ll show you photos later).
Many cafes with traditional-meets-minimalist decor.
Best Hotels Near the Palaces and Hanok Village
Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse
Price: (80€/night)
Rating: 8.5/10
My personal rating: 8.0/10
If this guesthouse isn’t your style and you’d prefer other options, here are a few more at different price points. Although, for me, this is the best value in the area (unless you want to spend over €200, in which case you’ll find better options, hehe).
High-End: Private Hanok Luxury Live (9.3/10)
Budget-Friendly: Yeon Dang (7.0/10).
Quick Review of Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse (A Traditional Korean House)
Would I stay here again? Yes. But only for one night.
This is a small traditional Korean guesthouse with four rooms run by a Korean family. The service is very good, and they are very kind, but also strict, like most Koreans, hehe.
Unlike the Ibis hotel, they didn’t let us do an early check-in, even though the room was ready. (I don’t know, maybe it’s a Korean mindset thing. Rules are rules, I guess…)
You’ll sleep on a futon, which I found comfortable enough, but the blankets are also traditional and a bit uncomfortable because you can get quite warm, and they aren’t very breathable. The room has both air conditioning and heating.
As for the bathroom, it’s small but functional. And the cleanliness of the room is excellent.
The breakfast has little variety: toast, instant coffee packets, cheese, bananas, and some Asian food (the typical cup noodles).
Overall, the experience is good because it’s a very beautiful and peaceful place with a small garden (don’t worry, they have stuff to protect you from mosquitos), and it’s just 5 minutes from the main tourist spots.
I recommend it whether you’re traveling with kids or as a couple, as it’s something different that you’ll enjoy and remember. But I wouldn’t recommend it for more than 1 or 2 nights.
And if you do book it, don’t save it for your last day. Book it for your first night or somewhere in the middle so you can rest well before your flight back and have time to visit the palaces and traditional houses in the area. Imagine the futon isn’t comfortable for you and you sleep poorly… that return trip will feel endless.
Some Cafes and Shops I Liked in the Palace Area
To make your trip easier and ensure every place you visit is a hit, I’m going to list the spots I liked for both coffee and shopping. I ate in this area twice, but the restaurants were just okay, nothing special, so I won’t even mention them.
For coffee, ice cream, or sweets:
Cafe Cordialement
Cafe Changdeokgung
Local artisan shop:
315 Small Wonders. It’s new and not on Google Maps yet, but the address is 149-8 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno District, Seoul. It’s a leather craft shop where the owner is also the designer and creator. I bought a backpack for 200,000 KRW (about $140), and besides being gorgeous, the quality is top-notch. They also have handmade leather cardholders for $7 or more luxurious bags for $400. I highly recommend visiting because there’s something for every budget.
Besides this shop, you’ll find many others offering hand-drawn portraits on the spot, hanbok dress shops, private photographers, etc.
3. Hongdae: Nightlife, Fun, and Youth Culture......
Hongdae is the ultimate university neighborhood, and you can feel it the moment you arrive: tons of young people, live music on the streets, K-pop groups dancing, bars everywhere, and a super lively and cool atmosphere.
Every afternoon, around 7:00 PM, the street shows and concerts begin, but it’s at night when the area truly comes alive. I even found a salsa and bachata club where I hung out for a bit, though I didn’t dance since I was still recovering from my shoulder accident in Lombok. (You can check out my guide on where to stay in Lombok, Indonesia if you want to know why they say it’s the new Bali).
That said, I only recommend sleeping here if you’re traveling with friends or looking for cheaper hotels.
My recommendation is to stay in Myeongdong and then, when coming back from a night out, take the subway (very efficient and safe) or a taxi/Uber (approx. €5-7). Further down, I’ll tell you how much a taxi costs and answer other frequently asked questions that will help you on your trip.
The Best Parts (Pros):
Hotel prices are cheaper (about 20-30% less).
A young and lively atmosphere.
Live music and dancing in the streets.
Countless bars, clubs, and creative cafes.
The Worst Parts (Cons):
Can be noisy for sleeping.
It’s not central for cultural sightseeing.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it’s better to stay in another area.
Best Hotels in Hongdae
Although I didn’t book a hotel in this area, I did visit it on two separate occasions and got to know the main streets, the party areas, and some of the clubs. So, I’m going to give you a list of places where I would stay if my goal was nightlife, with some daytime sightseeing in the city center via the subway.
List of good, well-priced hotels in Hongdae
Price: Mid-range (approx. €65/night). Remember to book a place with a rating of at least 8+.
If you’re looking for something more specific, these are the best value-for-money hotels in Hongdae:
4. Gangnam: The neighborhood some bloggers recommend, but as a tourist, I say NO.
One of the neighborhoods that disappointed me the most in Seoul was Gangnam. Many blogs describe it as a vibrant area, full of life and things to do.
But for me, the reality is that it’s an area of offices, shopping malls, a few clubs, and little else.
In short: unless you have a specific reason to sleep here (business, an event, or just plain curiosity), I would not recommend it. If you only have a few days in Seoul, your time is much better spent in Myeongdong, Hongdae or the palace area.
The Good:
Plenty of shopping options (malls and luxury stores).
Good subway connections, like the rest of Seoul.
Nightlife with some large Korean music clubs and even Latin dance halls.
The Bad:
Little of interest for tourists.
Far from the main monuments and attractions.
A very corporate atmosphere, lacking any special charm.
Best Hotels in Gangnam
Gangnam Suncity Guesthouse
Price: Mid-range (approx. €60/night)
Online Rating: 8.5/10
My Personal Rating: 6.5/10
Although the online rating for Gangnam Suncity is an 8.5, personally, I felt it was inflated. The only thing saving it is the price.
The bed is small for two people, the room has extremely high humidity (so much so that the floorboards were warped and coming up), and to top it all off, there’s a building under construction right in front, so it’s noisy from 8 am, Monday to Friday.
In short, if you were thinking of staying at this hotel for its «value,» save yourself the trouble and skip it. I’m going to list some better hotels in the Gangnam area for you instead.
That said, my advice is that if you do stay in this area, you’ll need to book an expensive hotel, because the prices here are high.
The best value for money hotels in Gangnam
Price: All price ranges. Budget and luxury.
Recommendation: Choose something with a rating of 8+.
🎥 Bonus #1: Find the "Gangnam Style" Filming Locations!
🦑Bonus #2: Follow the Footsteps of "Squid Game"!
For fans of the first season, this is a must-visit spot. Tapgol Park is where one of the most crucial conversations in the series takes place, when Gi-hun learns the truth about the old man, Oh Il-nam (Player 001).
It’s a real and historically significant park in the heart of Seoul, located in the Jongno district (actually, it’s in Myeongdong and I walked near the park at least 2 times, but I realized when I came back home and started writing the post…). It provides a quiet, reflective atmosphere, perfect for fans who want to sit on a bench and relive one of the show’s biggest plot twists.
5. ℹ️ Essential Info that Will Save You Money and Hassle
E-sim en aeropuerto o app
Quick Answer: It’s cheaper to buy your e-SIM at the airport than through travel apps. Plus, they give you a free T-Money card for public transport.
Long Answer: I recommend buying the e-SIM directly at the airport. The price is better, and you don’t have to deal with swapping out your physical SIM card like in some countries. Not all airports sell e-SIMs, but Seoul’s does.
The best part is that along with the e-SIM, they give you the T-Money card, which you can use to pay for the subway, buses, and even in convenience stores like 7-Eleven. That card normally costs about €2, so it’s a win-win.
T-Money Card for Public Transport
The card is super easy to use: you top it up and tap it when you enter the subway, bus, or train.
Important: It’s one card per person. You can’t just tap it twice for two people like you might in Madrid or any other city. If you tap it twice, the machine thinks you’ve exited, not that another person is entering, and you won’t be able to make transfers without an extra charge. You can also pay with cash on the buses.
You can recharge it at any 7-Eleven, CU, or GS25 store. There’s usually one on every corner.
The Best Way to Get to Seoul's City Center
For me, the most comfortable way to get to the center of Seoul from the airport is the AREX Express Train. (You get an assigned seat, Wi-Fi, it’s clean…)
Time: 43 minutes to the city center.
Price: About 7$.
A taxi costs around $50 and takes between 1h and 1h:15m depending on traffic.
The train drops you off at Seoul Station (the central station). From there, the most practical thing to do is take a taxi to your hotel (about $5) and avoid the hassle of carrying your luggage around trying to figure out the local bus lines on your first day.
Oh, by the way: you can’t eat or drink on public transport. If you do, someone will tell you off.
Museums and Main Attractions
Something that surprised me is that most museums are either free or very cheap. For example:
Gyeongbokgung Palace: €2.
War Memorial of Korea: Free.
National Museum of Korea: Free.
So you can see a lot without spending much at all.
Apps That Will Help You Get Around
Google Maps doesn’t work 100% in Korea due to legal restrictions. Still, it can pinpoint your location and is useful as a reference to see where you’re going and what’s around you.
However, if you have trouble navigating, the apps the locals use are Naver Map and Kakao Metro. I didn’t download them because I’m good with directions, but if you prefer more precision, install them.
Quick Trick to Convert Won to USD
One USD is roughly 1,400 won, but I simplified it like this:
Divide by 2 and add a little bit.
Example:
5,000 won → divide by 2 = 2.5 → add a little bit → 3.5 → $3.5 (exact = $3.60)
160,000 won → divide by 2 = 80 → add a little bit → $110. (exact = $115)
It’s not exact, but it works really well for quick mental calculations.
Doing Laundry During Your Trip
The Ibis hotel where I stayed had a self-service laundry: $3 for the washer + $3 for the dryer.
It was a lifesaver, because on long stays, the laundry really piles up. My advice: if you’re traveling for several days, choose a hotel with a laundry room. Finding laundromats on the street isn’t that easy, and you end up wasting time looking for one, going there and back…etc.
Here’s what I did: I put a load in the washer before dinner, moved it to the dryer after dinner, and by the time I finished my beer on the rooftop, I just had to pick it up and take it to the room. Total time invested = 5 minutes.
Take the Opportunity to Buy Cosmetics
Believe it or not, cosmetics are much cheaper here than in Europe or USA. It’s a huge thing, and they have tons of brands and stores on every corner.
Creams that cost €25 in Spain can be found for €10–12 there. Plus, there are cosmetic outlets for both women and men. It’s definitely worth picking up a few things.
Meal Prices in Seoul
I spent an average of about $30 per day on food:
Breakfast: from $8.
Lunch: from $12.
Dinner: from $10.
Snacks: from $2.
Obviously, you can spend less or more, but this was my budget eating at places that were good, nice, and affordable.
Taxi and Uber Prices in Seoul
Compared to Europe or the USA, taxis in Seoul are waaay cheaper.
A 15-minute ride costs about ($8). So, it’s definitely worth using a taxi on days when you have to move around with your luggage.
We can help you!
We have already been there and can help you personally (at no cost and sometimes with private discounts).
Leave us a comment with what you need and we’ll get back to you. Remember: the more information you give us, the better we can help. It’s best if you share as many details as possible—travel dates, exact vacation days, what you’d like to do, how many people… etc.
If you know of another accommodation you liked and it’s not on our list, feel free to share a short experience you had there and we’ll add it so other users can learn about it.