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Wondering where to stay in Seoul? In this neighborhood guide, I’m sharing all the best areas to stay in Seoul, South Korea for all types of travelers.
South Korea is easily one of my top countries I’ve visited in Asia. If you love exploring new cities, immersing yourself in the local culture, and traveling to eat, you’ll love Seoul as much as I do.
The food scene alone was a huge draw for me. The cafe culture is thriving. There are also tons of delicious local foods and dishes to try. Late-night eats are always available. And the traditional markets have every Korean food you can think of.
Located on the Han River in the northwest part of the country, I also love that Seoul blends ancient palaces with modern skyscrapers and traditional hanok style homes with neon-lit shopping districts. In short, you’ll always find something to fit your mood.
With that said, Seoul is massive, and it can be overwhelming for first-timers, even for someone like me who travels for a living. Deciding where to base yourself in the city can feel near-impossible. Luckily, I’ve done the research for you!
I’m sharing this detailed guide on where to stay in Seoul, South Korea because with so much to explore, choosing the best area to stay can impact your comfort and overall trip experience. Your choice can affect your commuting time, how easily you can access places you want to visit, and what kind of vibe surrounds you.
I ended up splitting my 5 day trip between Bukchon Hanok Village and Myeongdong which I’ll get more into below. Keep reading to see why I loved mixing it up and what each neighborhood in Seoul has to offer.

Short on Time? Here’s Where to Stay in Seoul at a Glance:
- Best Area for Traditional Korean Charm: Bukchon Hanok Village
- Where to Book: Rakkojae Seoul Main Hanok ($$$), Luxury Hanok Stay Onyou ($$$), AWIK Hanok Stay ($$)
- Best Area for Shopping and Convenience: Myeongdong
- Where to Book: Myeongdong L’Escape Hotel ($$$), Hotel 28Myeongdong ($$$), Moxy Seoul Myeongdong ($$), or The Stay Classic Hotel Myeongdong ($)
- Best Area for Quaint Cafes and Restaurants: Insadong
- Where to Book: Four Seasons Hotel ($$$), NINE TREE by Parnas Seoul Insadong ($$), Hanok Hotel DAAM Seoul ($$), or Dormy Inn EXPRESS ($)
- Best Area for Luxury Shopping, Business Travel and Modern Architecture: Gangnam
- Where to Book: Park Hyatt Seoul ($$$), Andaz Seoul Gangnam ($$$), Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam ($$), or L7 Gangnam by LOTTE ($)
- Best Area for International Vibes, High End Shopping, and Nightlife: Itaewon
- Where to Book: Grand Hyatt Seoul ($$$), Mondrian Seoul Itaewon ($$), Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel ($), or Reeve Itaewon Airbnb ($)
- Best Up-and-Coming Area for Hip Shopping and Trendy Cafes: Seongsu-dong
- Where to Book: Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole ($$$), The Classic 500 Pentaz Executive Residence ($$$), Emotional Terrace Airbnb Stay ($)
🌟 More Helpful Guides for Your South Korea Adventures 🌟
If you’re exploring Seoul, don’t miss my guides on the best things to do in Seoul and the best cafes in Seoul. If you’re exploring beyond South Korea’s capital to Busan, make sure to check out my posts on the the best things to do in Busan, my 3 day Busan itinerary, and my complete guide to planning a visit to Busan’s popular Sky Capsules at Haeundae Blueline Park.
Where to Stay in Seoul Korea: A Complete Guide for Your First Visit

As you’re planning a trip to Seoul, understanding the city’s layout and atmosphere in each neighborhood will help set expectations. To have the best overall experience on your trip, familiarize yourself with the most popular areas to stay before choosing which is best for you.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What Seoul is like
- How big the city is (and why that matters)
- The best neighborhoods in Seoul based on your travel style
- Where to stay in Seoul as a tourist
- My specific recommendations in each area
What is Seoul Korea Like?
Seoul is a city that’s always alive. It has a vibrant energy and there’s always something to do, even late at night. The city is a beautiful mix of trendy and modern vibes with ancient and traditional culture.
I also love how different each neighborhood feels. Some areas are peaceful and traditional. Others are bustling with locals and tourists alike, packed with shopping, bright lights and street food. While other areas are hip, trendy, upscale, and modern.
The vastness of the city can make it overwhelming to plan a trip (to say the least). It can feel crowded in many places, especially around popular tourist spots. And there’s a huge number of choices for everything between food, cafes, landmarks, markets, art galleries, and places to stay in Seoul.
You’re definitely going to want to check out my guide to the most fun things to do in Seoul to help you narrow down everything to do here—especially if it’s your first trip!
How Big Is Seoul Korea?

Seoul is a sprawling city made up of 25 districts (named by “-gu”) with hundreds of neighborhoods (named by “-dong”). While not as widespread as Los Angeles or London, Seoul has a denser population and crossing the city can take 45 minutes to an hour by subway.
This is why choosing where to stay in Seoul for first-timers is so important based on what you want to do on your trip. Staying in a central location can save hours of commuting, but the city is also quite walkable if you’re in the right spot.
Seoul’s public transport system is well-connected with typical modes of transport like subways/metro, buses, and taxis. We ended up using Uber frequently because they were cheap and most efficient for our trip. Once you’re in a specific area, many neighborhoods with popular sites are close enough to explore on foot.
What to Expect from Accommodations in Seoul
Given that Seoul is a major city with a population close to 10 million, you can really find a little bit of everything here. In Bukchon Hanok Village you’ll find more traditional home-style stays with historic architecture while many neighborhoods also have modern high-rise hotels.
In terms of affordability, I found that Seoul was a nice middle ground compared to other destinations in Asia. It’s definitely not as pricey as Japan but also not necessarily super budget like going to Thailand or Vietnam.
Still, since there are so many options throughout the city, you can find ultra luxury accommodations as well as plenty of cheaper stays to fit your budget.
What to Consider When Choosing Seoul Accommodation

When choosing the best area to stay in Seoul, here are some key factors to consider:
- How close it is to a subway station or other public transportation
- If it’s walking distance to the places on your itinerary
- Whether you want to prioritize shopping, sightseeing, food, or nightlife
- Your budget for luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, or budget hotels
- Your general travel style
No matter where you choose to stay, I highly recommend having travel insurance for your trip to make sure you’re covered should anything go wrong.
Where We Stayed for Our Trip to Seoul
We chose to stay inside the Bukchon Hanok Village for the first part of our trip at Rakkojae Seoul, a traditional b&b which I can’t recommend enough. It felt like stepping back in time! Then for the second part of our trip, we moved to Myeongdong and checked into the ornate Parisian-inspired hotel, L’escape.
Myeongdong has a much livelier vibe full of bright lights and shopping. We loved mixing it up between the two different areas that are completely opposite in ambiance.
Would I stay here again? Yes, I still think we chose the best two areas to stay in for first time visitors as we got to experience both the historic and modern aspects of Seoul while being able to walk to so many things from our accommodation.
I’ll get into more neighborhood options below, but I think splitting time between Myeongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village (or nearby Insadong) is a great way to go.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Seoul, South Korea
BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE

If you’re wondering where to stay in Seoul for first-timers who want something unique, Bukchon Hanok Village is one of my top recommendations. What makes this area stand out are the hanoks (traditional Korean homes). This Seoul neighborhood has a quiet vibe and if you want cultural experiences and peaceful evenings, I’d choose to stay here.
In the area you’ll find some of the city’s top palaces to explore and also plenty of fun galleries and cafes. In addition, the accommodations here are less like traditional hotels—you’ll find more b&b and guest house style places to stay with historic architecture. I’ll include my top recommendations below, but you won’t want to skip checking out all the options on Airbnb in the area as they are plentiful.
All that said, if you’re seeking more luxurious and extensive hotel amenities, this area is probably not for you.


Reasons to Stay in Bukchon Hanok Village
- Located in the heart of the city
- Easy access to some of Seoul’s top historic sites and major palaces
- Walkable streets full of traditional architecture
- Peaceful evenings away from the busiest parts of Seoul
- The opportunity to stay in a hanok, which is the most unique type of accommodation in Seoul
Best Things to do Near the Bukchon Hanok Village
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Jongmyo Shrine
- Insadong shop streets
- Popular cafes including Dotori Garden, Cafe Onion and Nuldam Space
- Samcheong-dong art galleries
Where to Stay in Bukchon Hanok Village

🌟 Rakkojae Seoul ($$$): This traditional hanok is where we decided to kick off our trip for a few nights. Rakkojae is a luxury, high-design hanok stay that balances traditional Korean architecture with elevated hospitality. It has heated floors (ondol), courtyard views, and beautifully minimalist designed decor.
You’ll get a traditional Korean breakfast each morning and access to a yellow mud sauna during your stay. This hanok was incredibly charming and where I’d recommend staying for a real feel of authentic Korean culture.
🌟 Luxury Hanok Stay Onyou ($$$): Luxury Hanok Stay Onyou offers a private hanok stay just 1/2 a mile from Changdeokgung Palace. The villa offers a separate bedroom, living room, kitchen, and even a washing machine. It has a tranquil garden and private entrance with the closest subway station less than a 10-minute walk away. This hanok is also great for couples and those who like spacious accommodations in a quiet neighborhood.
🌟 SeouluiHaru Hanok Stay ($$): This private home in Seoul offers the best of both worlds—traditional exterior architecture located near the Bukchon Hanok Village with a more renovated feel inside. The home is suited best for two travelers and also boasts a kitchen, eco-friendly mattress, a smart TV and washer/dryer.
🌟 AWIK Hanok Stay ($$): This cozy hanok stay blends modern and traditional design in spacious suites and villas. Each suite has its own dining area and kitchen which makes it practical for families or longer stays. The lovely garden views offer a relaxing environment and some villas even include hot tubs. You’ll love AWIK Hanok Stay if you want a hanok aesthetic with updated comforts.
🌟 Inwoo Guesthouse ($): This hanok is a more budget-friendly stay that still preserves the traditional Korean charm. Rooms are simple and homey while still allowing you to experience a private hanok stay. It’s not a high-design accommodation, but includes breakfast and has a wonderful host with walkable access to shops, restaurants, and various landmarks.
MYEONGDONG

With bright lights and lots of shopping, and markets open until late night, Myeongdong feels like the liveliest part of the city. It’s especially great for first-timers because of how central it is. Multiple subway lines are nearby, it’s close to Seoul Station, and many major landmarks are within easy reach.
Staying in this neighborhood makes navigating the big city feel more manageable.
In the evenings, you’ll find some of the most iconic Korean street foods at the food stalls lining the main shopping street. You can try foods like the viral lobster tails with cheese or tanghulu fruit skewers as well as traditional foods like tteokbokki.
In fact, we stayed here for the second half of our trip at L’escape Hotel, a Parisian-inspired hotel, close to Seoul Station and it was a total 180 from staying in Bukchon Hanok Village. This neighborhood is where I’d stay for convenience, shopping, and hotel options for every budget because of its proximity to everything.


Reasons to Stay in Myeongdong
- Tons of shopping for K-beauty, fashion, and great restaurants
- Many of the top salons and skincare clinics in this area
- Always something to do no matter what time of day
- Close to famous landmarks and markets
- Many options for affordable and mid-priced hotels
- Centrally located with great subway stations so you can scoot around to any part of the city
Best Things to do Near Myeongdong
- Deoksugung Palace
- Myeongdong Shopping Street
- Namdaemun Market
- N Seoul Tower and the Namsan Cable Car
- Myeongdong Night Market
- Gwangjang Market (for street food)
Where to Stay in Myeongdong

🌟 L’escape Hotel ($$$): We chose to stay in L’escape Hotel, one of the most popular hotels in Seoul for its central location. The Parisian theme was the complete opposite from our hanok stay in Bukchon Hanok Village and so fun.


The rooms at L’escape feature bold decor that mixes Belle Époque elegance with modern-day comforts. The hotel has a spa and four restaurants on-site, including a Michelin-starred French restaurant with stunning views over the city. This hotel will make an impression if you love luxurious hotel stays that will immerse you in a fun design.
🌟 LOTTE Hotel Seoul ($$$): This is a 5-star hotel with a sophisticated upscale design. It’s an elegant hotel with full-service amenities, spacious rooms, and exceptional service. You’ll love this hotel if you want classic luxury in the heart of Myeongdong with easy access to top sites and landmarks.
🌟 Hotel28 Myeongdong ($$$): Hotel28 is Korea’s first Small Luxury Hotels of the World property. Inspired by Korean cinema, it has a boutique and creative feel. The hotel also has a rooftop bar and Butler Service that offers personalized tours. It’s a smaller hotel, so it’s perfect for luxury that feels more intimate while still being in a central location.
🌟 L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE ($$): L7 blends trendy design with local culture and is only a few minutes walking distance from Myeongdong Station. The contemporary interiors feature colorful furniture accents in both the rooms and common spaces. The hotel has a rooftop bar, foot spa, and coffee station. This is also a great option for individuals, couples, or families looking for ultimate convenience in Myeongdong.
🌟 Stanford Hotel ($$): If you’re looking for a more polished mid-range hotel in Myeongdong, the Stanford Hotel is a great option. Rooms are classically furnished and have large bright windows with clean design that makes the space feel open. Then on-site, there is a fitness center, garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar. It’s near Euljiro 1-ga Station while still being close to everything in Myeongdong as well.
🌟 Moxy Seoul Myeongdong ($$): For those wanting something that matches the Myeongdong vibe in a futuristic way, Moxy Seoul is for you. Rooms have bold art, voice controlled lighting, and delivery robots. There’s also a bar on-site and it’s located close to Myeongdong Shopping Street for the ultimate hustle and bustle.
🌟 Pacific Hotel ($): Across the street from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, Pacific Hotel offers rooms and suites with a minimalist modern design. Common spaces include a restaurant, cafe, terrace, and fitness center. This Seoul hotel is a great central base if you’re looking for a more affordable stay in Myeongdong.
🌟 The Stay Classic Hotel Myeongdong ($): Stay here for comfortable, cozy rooms and suites with modern design and furnishings. If you don’t mind smaller, but still nice, rooms and a lack of amenities, this is a great choice for travelers who don’t want to splurge while staying near the central sites.
INSADONG

Insadong is a lovely neighborhood known for its traditional tea houses, souvenir and antique shops, and art galleries. One of Seoul’s oldest and most historic areas, it features traditional Korean restaurants and a quaint, photogenic neighborhood. This area is quieter than Myeongdong, but still central and full of life.
What I like about Insadong is that it has a beautiful balance of old and new. You can see it in the architecture of the traditional storefronts next to contemporary cafes, and quiet side streets next to lively main roads. Insadong is good for travelers who want to explore multiple neighborhoods on foot as Bukchon, Ikseon-dong, and parts of Jongno are all within walking distance.
The calmer atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for where to stay in Seoul with family.


Reasons to Stay in Insadong
- Traditional Korean restaurants and tea houses nearby
- Cultural and artistic hub in Seoul
- Picturesque streets and photo spots
- Less chaos than the always busy Myeongdong
- Central location makes it easy to walk to other neighborhoods or take public transportation to other parts of Seoul
Best Things to do Near Insadong
- Insadong shops street
- Jogyesa Temple
- Ikseon-dong cafes
- Ihwa Mural Village
- Naksan Park
- Gwangjang Market
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
Where to Stay in Insadong
🌟 Four Seasons Hotel Seoul ($$$): The Four Seasons brings sophisticated luxury to a traditionally rooted part of the city, next to Gwanghwamun Square. The 29-story hotel looks like an ancient Korean palace with a 21st century design. In addition, the hotel features art from over 100 Korean artists, has an Executive Club Lounge, Golf Experience, indoor pool, spa, and several restaurants. For full-service luxury in a central cultural location, this is where I’d stay.
🌟 Orakai Insadong Suites ($$): Orakai offers apartment-style accommodations that have up to 4 bedrooms as well as a luxury penthouse. The spacious apartments have all the comforts of home with modern furnishings including a washing machine. The building has an indoor pool and fitness center and is close to both Anguk Station and Jongno Stations. Travelers who need more space in the center of the city or are staying in Seoul longer will love it here.
🌟 AMID Hotel Seoul ($$): This one is a popular choice to stay in Insadong. It has a clean and contemporary aesthetic with neutral tones. All rooms are comfortable and not overly decorated, and the suites feature extra amenities like separate living areas and private hot tubs. You’ll love this hotel for modern luxury in a cultural neighborhood.
🌟 NINE TREE by Parnas Seoul Insadong ($$): This understated modern hotel is right next to Jogyesa Temple making it a great location to explore historic sites. NINE TREE has a fitness center, business center, lounge, and also a shopping area connected to the hotel and the rooms are simple and contemporary with a touch of Korean culture and art.
🌟 Hanok Hotel DAAM Seoul ($$): This spot offers a boutique-hotel feel in a hanok setting. It has minimalist interiors that stay true to a traditional Korean experience with contemporary features. All rooms have comfortable beds and the triple private rooms also include a bathtub which is great for soaking after a long day of sightseeing. This hotel is also a good option for solo travelers on a budget as they offer single private rooms with shared bathrooms without skimping on the comfort.
🌟 Dormy Inn Express ($): This is a value stay that’s highly rated in the heart of Insadong. Rooms are simple and compact with options for single travelers or families. There is a spa with water from a hot-spring, dry saunas, and cold baths, and a buffet restaurant on-site.
GANGNAM

Gangnam is a high-end polished area of Seoul. For luxury or business travelers who want ultimate comfort, elevated dining, and stylish architecture, this is the area for you.
Compared to the historic charm of Bukchon or Insadong, Gangnam is sleek and upscale. Like Itaewon, it also offers an international feel but on an elevated level. This is where to stay in Seoul for luxury shopping and nightlife, Korean beauty clinics and spas, and forward-thinking design. And if you’re a K-pop lover, this where the heart of K-pop lives.
Keep in mind that Gangnam is a more cosmopolitan area of Seoul. You won’t find as many temples and cultural landmarks here as other neighborhoods, but it’s still connected to the more traditional parts of the city by subway. For this reason we didn’t really spend a ton of time in Gangnam because we wanted to focus on more of the cultural areas and experiences for our first trip.


Reasons to Stay in Gangnam
- Luxury, high-end shopping, dining, and nightlife
- Modern architecture and infrastructure
- Epicenter of K-pop and entertainment culture
- Hub for K-beauty and wellness
- Diverse dining options from traditional foods to Michelin-starred restaurants
Best Things to do Near Gangnam
- COEX Mall with Starfield Library & K-pop Square
- Bongeunsa Temple
- Shopping and trendy cafes in Garosu-gil
- Apgujeong Rodeo Street (aka Seoul’s Beverly Hills)
- Gangnam Underground Shopping for more affordable shopping
- Sea Life COEX Aquarium
- LOTTE Tower and Seoul Sky Observatory
- K-Star Road
Where to Stay in Gangnam
🌟 Park Hyatt Seoul ($$$): This is one of the most design-forward luxury stays in Gangnam. The rooms are designed as modern residences with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping city views. The architecture is minimalist but intentional featuring a mix of wood and stone. On-site, you’ll find an indoor infinity pool and sauna, gourmet dining spaces, and a hidden whisky and cocktail bar. If modern luxury next to one of Seoul’s best shopping malls sounds like your speed this is an excellent choice.
🌟 Josun Palace ($$$): This elegant hotel is relatively new but pays homage to the heritage of the century-old Chosun Hotel that came before it. The rooms have chic decor and statement lighting. From the multiple restaurants to indoor pool and fitness center, everything feels polished and indulgent. If you want full-service luxury in a sophisticated, contemporary atmosphere, this is where I’d stay.
🌟 Andaz Seoul Gangnam ($$$): If you’re familiar with Andaz hotels, you’ll love the luxury and hospitality at Andaz Seoul Gangnam. Its prime location connected to the Apgujeong Metro Station puts you close to the best fashion, beauty, and shopping of the neighborhood, while being able to enjoy amenities like a fitness center, pool, spa, and restaurants on-site.
🌟 Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam ($$): The Novotel is a modern hotel that offers tons of amenities for a good price. The hotel has six upscale restaurants and bars. Fitness lovers will enjoy a well-equipped gym, jogging track, pool, sauna, and golf range. What makes this hotel stand out even more is the range of rooms to choose from depending on your budget.
🌟L7 Gangnam by LOTTE HOTELS ($): L7 is a top choice for anyone looking to experience the Gangnam luxury at an affordable price. The interiors are modern and streamlined with an aesthetic that still feels intentional. It doesn’t offer full luxury, but still delivers in style and comfort. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center, and a location close to Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tomb.
ITAEWON

Itaewon has been a cultural melting pot for years and is Seoul’s most international neighborhood. This is where you go when you want variety. You’ll find the city’s most diverse dining, different languages, and a liveliness different from Myeongdong.
The main road can feel more Westernized, busy, and crowded, but if you wander through the side streets you’ll find more hidden gems. One block might have Korean fried chicken, American brunch, and cocktail bars all on one street. And another might have Mexican tacos, Middle Eastern kebabs, and LGBTQ+ friendly spaces right next to each other.
This high-energy area is ideal for travelers who want a more global vibe. Itaewon is also a top choice for where to stay in Seoul for nightlife and first-timers who want to center their trip around food and international atmosphere.
With that said, it’s a bit further from the more historic sites and hotel options are a bit limited. I’ll get into your best options of where to stay below.

Reasons to Stay in Itaewon
- More international crowd so more people speak English
- International and global cuisines open any time of day or night
- Nightlife and bars
- Great high-end shopping
- Not too far from city central areas like Myeongdong and Insadong
Best Things to do Near Itaewon
- Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
- War Memorial of Korea
- Statue of Peace
- Gyeongnidan-gil road
- Amazing Korean fried chicken at Kyochon Pilbang
- Itaewon Antique Furniture Street
Where to Stay in Itaewon
🌟 Grand Hyatt Hotel Seoul ($$$): Located a 15-20 minute walk away, the Grand Hyatt is the closest true luxury hotel to Itaewon. Because of its location on Namsan Hill and excellent amenities, it’s also probably the closest thing you can find to a resort-like feel in Seoul. This iconic hotel features on-site dining options like an upscale steak house and unique sushi and Korean experiences. There’s also a jazz bar inspired by Paris and a stylish bar with live bands and DJs. The outdoor pool overlooks the Han River, and in the winter they even have an ice skating rink!
🌟 Mondrian Seoul Itaewon ($$): With its bold, creative atmosphere, and great location close to Itaewon, the Mondrian is a nice option for those that want to be close to the action without being right in the middle of the nightlife scene. The lobby features an immersive Forest Zone and the rooms are designed with modern furnishings and fun accents. They have an indoor and outdoor pool, premium fitness club, and multiple dining destinations on-site.
🌟 Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel ($): This hotel completed a full renovation in 2025 refreshing the interiors with more stylish rooms and contemporary suites. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and nightlife at Club Stadium on Fridays and Saturdays. Its central location is just three minutes from Itaewon Station putting you in the heart of the neighborhood really close to restaurants, bars, and shopping.
🌟 Reeve Itaewon Airbnb ($): Just three minutes from Itaewon Station, this Airbnb rental is a great option if you want something a bit more cozy and homey. The interior is modern and calming with thoughtful lighting and simple design and it sits in a quiet neighborhood despite being in the heart of Itaewon.
Note: Itaewon has a limited number of great hotel options directly in the neighborhood. Hotels like Hamilton Hotel and Nouvelle Hotel Seoul Itaewon are popular hotels that also have a good location in the neighborhood, but the reviews aren’t amazing. Instead, you might consider staying at one of the other neighborhoods in this guide, and adding Itaewon to your Seoul itinerary for a night out.
SEONGSU-DONG

Seongsu-dong is one of Seoul’s coolest neighborhoods. People often refer to it as the “Brooklyn of Seoul.” It used to be an industrial shoe-manufacturing district, but now is full of converted warehouses and stylish cafes. It’s a hot-spot for fashion and trends featuring popular designer brands, unique boutiques, and ever-changing pop-ups.
Still an up-and-coming neighborhood, it’s less touristy and crowded than Myeongdong. This is the best area to stay in Seoul when you want more local life vibes and creative inspiration in a less obviously touristy part of Seoul.


Reasons to Stay in Seongsu-dong
- A local, creative atmosphere
- Hip cafes and independent shops
- A neighborhood that is up-and-coming with a less touristy feel
- If you’ve stayed in other areas of Seoul and want to try something different
- Equidistant from neighborhoods like Itaewon, Gangnam and Myeongdong, so it could be a convenient base for you
Best Things to do Near Seongsu-dong
- Seoul Forest
- Trendy shopping along Yeonmujang-gil
- Common Ground Container Park
- Children’s Grand Park
- D Museum
Where to Stay in Seongsu-dong
🌟 Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole ($$$): This is the closest luxury hotel to Seongsu-dong in Gwangjin-gu, which is technically two stops from Seongsu Station. The Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole has sleek sophisticated vibes. Rooms and suites are designed in earthy tones and warm textures that make it feel modern and welcoming. The pool has stunning views of the Han River while the fitness center overlooks Acha Mountain. It’s the best pick if you love Seongsu’s laidback cool vibes but still want to end your day in luxury.
🌟 The Classic 500 Pentaz Executive Residence ($$): The suites at Pentaz Executive Residence offer an elevated stay in full-serviced residences only one subway stop from Seongsu. The spacious layouts feel like high-end condos rather than a typical hotel. Premium amenities include an on-site restaurant and buffet, a large fitness center with group exercise programs, and an outdoor pool. This is especially great for longer stays and travelers who want more room while being close to Seoul’s hip neighborhood.
🌟 Emotional Terrace Airbnb Stay ($): If you’re looking for something homey in the heart of Seongsu-dong, this Airbnb home is light and airy and gets great reviews by guests. With two bedrooms and three beds, it can sleep up to seven guests making it great for families or groups of friends.
🌟 Seongsu Apartment Airbnb Stay ($): This cozy apartment stay is perfect for 2-3 guests and features thoughtful minimal furnishings and is close to tons of great cafes, pop-ups and restaurants in the neighborhood. The home is just three minutes from Seongsu Station allowing guests to get around with ease.
🌟 Hotel POCO ($): Right by Seongsu station, Hotel POCO has compact contemporary rooms. The hotel doesn’t offer any other amenities, but it’s right in heart of the neighborhood’s creative scene. If location and budget are most important to you, this would be the choice for Seongsu-dong.
Note: Since it’s still an up and coming neighborhood, there aren’t as many hotel choices in or immediately around Seongsu as the other neighborhoods on this list.
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