Best Places to Stay in Seoul: 2025 Travel Area Guide
Planning your first trip to Seoul and wondering where to book your hotel or Airbnb? Choosing the right neighborhood can shape your entire travel experience. Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam are three of the most popular areas to stay in Seoul—but each offers a very different vibe.
Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you pick the best area to stay based on your travel style, itinerary, and interests.
🛍️ Myeongdong: Best for First-Time Visitors & Shopaholics
Vibe: Busy, tourist-friendly, central
If it’s your first time in Seoul, Myeongdong is one of the most convenient places to stay. It’s a shopping paradise filled with cosmetic stores, street food vendors, and global brands. You’re also well-connected to major sights like Namsan Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Cheonggyecheon stream.
Why stay here?
- Easy access to public transportation (Myeongdong Station Line 4)
- Walking distance to many tourist spots
- Countless budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels
- Great for beauty shopping and food
Recommended for: Tourists who want to be in the middle of the action, K-beauty lovers, and foodies.
🎨 Hongdae: Best for Nightlife, Art & Youth Culture
Vibe: Trendy, creative, energetic
Looking for a younger, more laid-back atmosphere? Stay in Hongdae. Centered around Hongik University, this area is packed with live music bars, dance clubs, street performances, and quirky cafes. If you enjoy vibrant nightlife and artsy corners, this is your spot.
Why stay here?
- Endless restaurants, bars, and clubs
- Affordable guesthouses, boutique hotels, and hostels
- Close to Incheon Airport via AREX (airport express train)
- Great place for solo travelers and friend groups
Recommended for: Young travelers, creatives, nightlife seekers, and budget-conscious explorers.
🏙️ Gangnam: Best for Business, Luxury & Local Life
Vibe: Sleek, upscale, cosmopolitan
If you’re into modern architecture, luxury shopping, and polished city life, Gangnam is where you’ll want to base yourself. It’s more business-oriented but also offers stylish cafés, fine dining, and Korea’s trendiest fashion streets.
Why stay here?
- Upscale hotels and business-friendly stays
- Near COEX Mall, Starfield Library, and Apgujeong’s luxury streets
- Direct subway access (Line 2, Shinbundang Line)
- Quieter at night compared to Hongdae or Myeongdong
Recommended for: Business travelers, digital nomads, upscale tourists, and return visitors.
🧳 Summary: Which Area Should You Stay In?
| Area | Best For | Accommodation Range | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | First-timers, shopping, sightseeing | Mid-range to upscale | Central & touristy |
| Hongdae | Youth culture, nightlife, budget travel | Budget to mid-range | Trendy & fun |
| Gangnam | Business, luxury, local vibe | Mid-range to luxury | Sleek & sophisticated |
✨ Our Tip?
If it’s your first time in Korea, start with Myeongdong. For a more youthful, vibrant experience, go with Hongdae. And if you want comfort and a taste of modern Seoul, book in Gangnam.
Still unsure? Seoul’s subway system is excellent—so no matter where you stay, the entire city is within reach.