Where to Stay in Seoul. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging

Hostels/Guesthouses
Budget-friendly, often social, sometimes including breakfast. Popular in Hongdae, Itaewon, Insadong.
Economy Motels/Hotels
Clean, functional, compact rooms. Widely available, good value.
Mid-range Hotels
International chains and local boutique hotels. Good amenities, dependable service, comfortable stays.
Luxury Hotels
Numerous 5-star international chains like IHG Hotels, Four Seasons, Lotte Hotel, Shilla Hotel, Grand Hyatt.

Unique Local Stays & Rentals

Hanok Stay
Stay in a traditional Korean guesthouse. Features Ondol (underfloor heating) and traditional decor. Locate in Bukchon, Namsangol Hanok Village.
Jjimjilbang (Korean Spa/Sauna)
Some offer overnight sleeping in communal areas. Budget-friendly and unique, but no private accommodation.
Serviced Apartments / Rentals
Fully furnished apartments with kitchenettes for longer stays or families. Explore options on Vrbo.
Temple Stays
Outskirts or day trips. Experience culture and spirituality, including meditation and customary food.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area a distinct character and appeal.

Myeongdong

Pros

Central location
Excellent transport access
Abundant shopping and food

Cons

Very touristy
Might be busy

Insadong/Jongno

Pros

Cultural immersion
Historical sites
Traditional vibe, central

Cons

Quieter at night
Limited modern nightlife

Hongdae

Pros

Lively, youthful, creative
Budget-friendly

Cons

Noisy at night
Further from particular historical sites

Additional Neighborhood Details

Safety:

All major tourist areas in Seoul are generally very safe. Basic precautions against petty theft advisable in crowded areas.

Noise Levels:

Noisiest: Hongdae (especially on weekends), Myeongdong, and main streets of Gangnam.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices secure the best accommodations at favorable rates.

Booking Timing

High Season (Spring, Autumn, major holidays): Book 3-6 months in advance for popular Hanok stays or highly sought-after hotels.
Shoulder/Low Season: Booking ONE-THREE months prior is generally sufficient; last-minute deals sometimes occur.

Booking Platforms

International: Use platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
Local: Korean apps like Yanadoo and Yanolja often offer good domestic deals. Vrbo is appropriate for apartment rentals.

Booking Considerations

Policies:

Review deposit and cancellation terms before confirming.
Negotiation not customary for hotels; costs are generally fixed.

Price Fluctuations:

Prices highest during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn), major festivals, and holidays.
Lower in summer (heat, monsoon) and winter (cold), excluding major holidays.

Long-Stay Accommodations

Serviced Apartments:

Shinchon Ever8 Serviced Residence or Somerset Palace Seoul make excellent choices.

Rentals:

Explore Airbnb or monthly rental options; check local regulations for long-term visits.

Cultural Significance:

Hanok stays in Bukchon Hanok Village or Namsangol Hanok Hamlet for traditional experience.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top choices based on your travel style.

Budget-Friendly & Mid-Range Stays

Budget Hostels

Options like Seoul Hostel Center, Kimchee Guesthouse, Zzzip Guesthouse (various locations).

Good for solo travelers.
Social atmosphere.
Often include breakfast.

Mid-range Hotels

L7 Myeongdong, Hotel PJ Myeongdong, Nine Tree Premier Accommodation Insadong, RYSE, Autograph Collection (Hongdae).

Dependable service.
Comfortable amenities.
Good value.

Luxury & Family-Friendly Options

Luxury Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, The Shilla Seoul, Lotte Hotel Seoul, Grand Hyatt Seoul, Signiel Seoul (Lotte Tower).

Premium services.
Extensive facilities.
Opulent experience.

Family-Friendly

Hotels with family rooms or suites (Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun).

Serviced apartments (Fraser Place Namdaemun).
Hotels near Lotte World in Jamsil district.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hostels in Hongdae or Itaewon
Offer a friendly vibe for meeting other travelers.
Guesthouses in Insadong
A quieter, more cultural experience.

Properties with Cultural Significance

Hanok Stays
In Bukchon Hanok Village or Namsangol Hanok Village. A unique opportunity to encounter traditional Korean architecture and lifestyle.
The Shilla Seoul
A past luxury hotel with a rich past.