Wondering which neighbourhood to stay in Seoul? Here’s a guide to the best neighbourhoods in Seoul for every traveller looking for an authentic South Korea experience!
A prosperous metropolis where urban trends and technology meets traditional arts and culture, Seoul is ranked by many as their favourite city in Asia. From shiny skyscrapers to tantalising street food and rustic indie cafes, it’s not hard to see why!
With many distinctive neighbourhoods laden with their own charm scattered across Seoul, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on where to stay—but don’t worry, we’ve narrowed it down for you. Here’s a list of the best neighbourhoods in Seoul for your South Korea holiday:
1. Hongdae: No sleep required
Shop at indie boutique shops, enjoy tea time in themed cafes with adorable animals like sheep and raccoons, before ending your night at young and affordable clubs in Hongdae. Filled with chic street performers showcasing their talents and 24-hour karaoke places, this neighbourhood is perfect for those looking for a hip and lively neighbourhood that never sleeps!
Where to stay in Hongdae?
| Hotel name: | Marigold Hotel |
| Price per room: | ~ SGD $76 |
| Discount available: | 27% + 6% |
| Hotel address: | 112 Yanghwa-ro (371-10 Seogyo-dong), Mapo-gu, Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea |
| Nearest subway station: | 6-minute walk to Hongik University Station (Line 2 / AREX / Gyeongui-Jungang Line) |
2. Myeongdong: Shop & eat till you drop
A shopper’s paradise, Myeongdong is a neighbourhood in Seoul filled with duty-free department stores, homegrown cosmetic stores, and famous lines of South Korean street food vendors. As Myeongdong is a well-known tourist destination, many of the shop staff here are well-versed in both English and Mandarin, making it an extremely convenient neighbourhood in Seoul to stay in!
For more food recommendations, check out the ultimate Seoul Food Guide: 8 Best Must-Eat Restaurants in Seoul.
Where to stay in Myeongdong?
| Hotel name: | Hotel PJ Myeongdong |
| Price per room: | ~ SGD $83 |
| Discount available: | 46% + 6% |
| Hotel address: | 71, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea, 04548 |
| Nearest subway station: | 3-minute walk to Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2 / 5) |
3. Insadong: Art junkies unite
Known as the centre of Seoul’s contemporary art scene, Insadong is a neighbourhood in Seoul filled with art galleries, boutique shops and charming alley cafes. If you’re an art junkie, Insadong is calling for you!
Where to stay in Insadong?
| Hotel name: | Hotel Biz Jongno Insadong |
| Price per room: | ~ SGD $34 |
| Discount available: | 63% + 6% |
| Hotel address: | 75, Nakwon-dong, Jongro-gu, Jongro, Seoul, South Korea |
| Nearest subway station: | 5-minute walk to Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1 / 3 / 5) |
4. Itaewon: The party never ends
Mainly populated by expats and tourists, Itaewon is a neighbourhood in Seoul filled with international restaurants, shops, and hang-outs. Also known for its colourful nightlife, Itaewon is the perfect neighbourhood to stay in Seoul for thrill-seekers! A good time is almost guaranteed.
Where to stay in Itaewon?
| Hotel name: | Hotel ITW |
| Price per room: | ~ SGD $100 |
| Discount available: | 50% + 6% |
| Hotel address: | 11, 14gil, Woosadan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea |
| Nearest subway station: | 1-minute walk to Itaewon Station (Line 6) |
5. Gangnam: Shiny & swanky
You’ve probably heard Gangnam Style, the viral South Korean song about the affluent neighbourhood of Gangnam that swept the globe in 2012. Boasting opulent skyscrapers and high-end shopping malls like COEX Mall, restaurants and bars, Gangnam is known to be the most upscale neighbourhood in Seoul. If you’re one to appreciate the finer things in life, Gangnam is definitely the neighbourhood to stay in!
Where to stay in Gangnam?
| Hotel name: | Glad Live Gangnam |
| Price per room: | ~ SGD $107 |
| Discount available: | 15% + 6% |
| Hotel address: | 223, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea, 06109 |
| Nearest subway station: | 3-minute walk to Eonju Station (Line 9) |
If you can’t decide on the Seoul neighbourhood you want to stay in, why not immerse yourself in two or more places? After all, you get to enjoy up to 63% + 6% discount for hotels in Seoul when you pay with your YouTrip card!
Plus, airfares are almost always on sale, so keep a lookout for the latest flight promotions to Seoul. Once you’re all booked and ready to fly, remember to bring your YouTrip card along to utilise YouTrip’s Wholesale Exchange Rates for favourable Korean Won currency exchange rates!
Read: 5D4N Seoul Itinerary Guide: Things to Do & Places to Visit
Read: Seoul Food Guide: 8 Best Must-Eat Restaurants in Seoul
Read: 8 Abandoned Places in South Korea Turned Instagram Hotspots
Read: Agoda | Up to 63% + 6% Off Hotels in Seoul, South Korea
Read: Debit Card Overseas Transaction Fees: Comparison Guide
Enjoy a worldwide fees-less travel experience!
