Seoul is one of those cities that instantly sweeps you off your feet: futuristic, fast-paced, and full of heart. Skyscrapers proudly stand beside ancient temples, and quiet tea houses hide behind glowing signs. Deciding where to stay in Seoul for first time can feel like trying to pick your favorite dish from a Korean barbecue feast; there’s just too much good on offer.

But don’t worry, after exploring the city (and spending far too many hours researching hotels for my own trip), I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect place to stay -whether you want luxury views, buzzing nightlife, or a cozy local feel. I spent a week days in Seoul broken into two parts, while my husband another week. Not only we stayed in a few areas, but also had plenty time to explore each neighbourhood quite well (and had some tips from the local friends).

Where to Stay in Seoul for First Time: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Style

When deciding where to stay in Seoul for first time, it’s not just about the hotel – it’s about what adventures you can fit into your days. Seoul has an amazing mix of ancient palaces, bustling markets, serene parks, and quirky neighborhoods, and each area gives you easy access to some fantastic day trips.

Top tips for getting around Seoul like a local::

Prebook you AREX express train ticket
Get T-money card for all your rides on metro, buses and even taxis. This is one of the best things to get for your stay in Seoul. Remember that to top up, you’ll need cash and you need to pay for the card itself separate (you can pay with credit card). It’s a prepaid card that will save you a lot of money.
Seoul’s subway maps might look intimidating at first, but after one or two rides, you’ll realize it’s the most efficient and affordable way to explore the city. And don’t worry, English signs are everywhere!
Read my 4-day itinerary for visiting Seoul for more details, ideas and tips.

Here’s a breakdown of the best hotels to stay in Seoul for the fist time and the activities you can by neighbourhood:

Myeongdong – The Heart of Seoul

If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, Myeongdong is the perfect place to start. It’s the beating heart of the city, alive day and night with street food vendors, beauty shops, and glowing signs calling your name. From here, you can easily walk to Namsan Tower (that perfect place for a romantic date shown in K-dramas), Namdaemun Market, and Cheonggyecheon Stream, and you’ll never run out of things to snack on.

If you’re staying in Myeongdong, you’re in the heart of the city and within walking distance of some of Seoul’s most iconic sights. A perfect day trip might look like this:

Morning: Start with a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower. Take the cable car up Mount Namsan for panoramic views over the city. Snap a few photos before the crowds arrive.
Lunch: Dive into the famous Myeongdong street food scene. I personally can never resist a hotteok (sweet pancake) and spicy tteokbokki.
Afternoon: Explore Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea, where you can haggle for souvenirs or try local snacks. And while you are there, see a Nanta show that made me laugh so much I almost fell off the seat. It’s like a stand up comedy cooking show.
Evening: Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a tranquil river in the middle of the city. The lights reflecting off the water at night make it magical, perfect for your first Instagram shots in Seoul. I walked along this stream multiple times.

Myeongdong is also one of the most convenient bases for sightseeing, with direct subway lines connecting you to other major attractions in Seoul. It’s central, safe, and full of energy — ideal if you love being in the middle of everything.

Best Hotels in Myeongdong:

Stanford Hotel Myeongdong – Sleek and modern, this hotel puts you right in the heart of the district. Rooms are quiet despite the busy surroundings, and you’ll step out directly into the bustling shopping streets.
Hotel MIDO Myeongdong – A budget-friendly favorite that still manages to feel stylish and cozy. It’s perfect for travelers who want comfort without breaking the bank.
Hotel The Botanik Sewoon Myeongdong – A trendy stay with green touches and great design, just a short walk from the markets.
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong – Modern luxury meets practicality. Rooms are beautifully designed, and it’s close to both Myeongdong and City Hall stations.

Don’t miss: Try the famous Myeongdong street food stalls — the hotteok (sweet pancakes), tornado potatoes, and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are irresistible.

Getting there and around

Myeongdong is one of the easiest places in Seoul to reach from Incheon International Airport. You can hop on the AREX express train (you can prebook it to save some time) to Seoul Station (about 45 minutes) and then take a short taxi ride or the Line 4 subway to Myeongdong Station (get T-money card for all your rides on metro, buses and even taxis). If you’re traveling light, walking from Seoul Station takes only around 20 minutes and lets you feel the pulse of the city right away.

Once you’re settled, the area is wonderfully walkable, everything from night markets to Namsan Cable Car is just a short stroll away.

2. Insadong – Traditional Seoul Charm

If you love art, tea, and a more traditional vibe, Insadong is a dream. This district is where modern Seoul slows down a little: full of art galleries, pottery shops, traditional hanok houses, and hidden tea rooms that feel like stepping back in time. You’ll also be close to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Jogyesa Temple, some of Seoul’s most beautiful historic sites.

It’s a perfect neighborhood if you want to immerse yourself in Korean culture and still stay within walking distance of the main sights.

Insadong is all about culture, crafts, and calm streets. Here’s a sample day:

Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum. Dress in a hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) for free entry and amazing photos.
Lunch: Visit the traditional teahouses hidden along the alleyways, especially Osulloc Tea House for a matcha latte you’ll dream about later.
Afternoon: Wander through Insadong alleys. Pop into galleries and artisanal stores. Look for unique souvenirs like handmade fans, calligraphy sets, or ceramic cups.
Evening: Head to Jogyesa Temple for a serene experience, lit by lanterns at dusk. The calm of the temple at night is a perfect counterpoint to the buzzing streets earlier.

Best Hotels in Insadong:

ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong (Newly Renovated 2025) – This refreshed hotel mixes comfort and location perfectly. The rooftop terrace offers a lovely view of Seoul’s skyline — especially pretty at sunset.
Fraser Place Central Seoul – A great option if you prefer apartment-style stays with more space. It’s modern, comfortable, and within easy reach of both Insadong and City Hall.

Getting there and around

To get to Insadong from Incheon Airport, take the AREX to Seoul Station and transfer to Line 1 or Line 3 for Anguk Station, which drops you right in the heart of the cultural district. Insadong is compact and best explored on foot. Its narrow streets are filled with tea houses, art galleries, and souvenir shops that make wandering a joy. From here, you can easily reach major landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village by walking or taking a short bus ride.

3. Itaewon – International, Fun, and Eclectic

Itaewon is where Seoul’s global heart beats the loudest. It’s lively, diverse, and full of great restaurants – from authentic Korean barbecue to international cuisine. This is the best area if you love nightlife, shopping, and meeting people from all around the world.

It’s also well-connected, sitting between Namsan Mountain and the Han River, with easy access to most parts of the city. Itaewon’s streets are full of trendy boutiques, rooftop bars, and a buzzing nightlife scene that lasts long into the night.

Best Hotels in Itaewon:

Grand Hyatt Seoul – A Seoul icon perched on the slopes of Namsan, offering panoramic city views and luxurious facilities. It’s one of the most beautiful hotels in the city, and the perfect mix of urban and nature.
Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel Itaewon (Renovated 2025) – A fun, artsy hotel right in the middle of the action. Its playful interior design reflects the creative spirit of Itaewon itself.

Don’t miss: Climb up to Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) for sunset — it’s magical when the lights come on and the city stretches beneath you.

Getting there and around

From the airport, take the AREX train to Seoul Station and transfer to Line 6, which takes you directly to Itaewon Station. The trip takes about an hour, and if you prefer comfort after a long flight, taxis or airport buses are also an easy option. Itaewon is incredibly central, making it a convenient base to reach other districts. Buses and subways crisscross the neighbourhood, and the lively streets are best explored on foot, just wear comfortable shoes, as some of the hills can be sneaky!

4. Gangnam – Modern, Stylish, and Sophisticated

You’ve probably heard the name — yes, that Gangnam. Sleek, modern, and full of energy, this is Seoul’s luxury and fashion district. The skyscrapers gleam, and the shopping malls seem endless. It’s perfect if you love high-end shopping, fine dining, and a more cosmopolitan feel.

Despite the glitz, Gangnam also has quieter, green corners like Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs, and fantastic connections across the city via subway.

Best Hotels in Gangnam:

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas by IHG – An elegant stay attached to COEX Mall (Asia’s largest underground shopping mall). Perfect for convenience, luxury, and a truly modern Seoul experience.
LE SEOUL HOTEL – A contemporary boutique stay with stylish interiors and top-tier service, ideal for design lovers who want to stay close to Gangnam’s shopping and dining scene.

Don’t miss: Explore Bongeunsa Temple, a peaceful sanctuary amid skyscrapers — one of the most surprising contrasts in Seoul.

Getting there and around

If you land at Incheon Airport, hop on the Airport Limousine Bus (No. 6006 or 6010- booking online is sometimes cheaper) straight to Gangnam, it’s comfortable, air-conditioned, and takes around 70–80 minutes. Alternatively, take the AREX to Seoul Station and switch to Subway Line 2 or Line 9, both serving Gangnam. Gangnam traffic can be tricky, so unless you’re in a rush, skip taxis during rush hour and take the subway instead.

5. Yongsan – Central and Well-Connected

If you want a bit of everything — central location, good transport links, and a balance of calm and energy — Yongsan is a fantastic choice. It’s close to Seoul Station and within easy reach of Itaewon, Myeongdong, and Hongdae.

You’ll find cultural attractions like the National Museum of Korea, as well as the massive I’Park Mall for shopping lovers. The area is also great for day trips, with quick train access to other parts of South Korea.

Best Hotels in Yongsan:

Nine Tree Premier ROKAUS Hotel Seoul Yongsan – A comfortable, modern hotel right near Yongsan Station. Perfect for first-time visitors who plan to explore beyond Seoul.
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station – A convenient and reliable choice just a few steps from Seoul Station — ideal if you’re catching a KTX train to Busan or other cities.

Don’t miss: Visit Itaewon Antique Street nearby, full of quirky shops and cafés that feel like hidden gems.

Getting there and around

Yongsan is just a couple of stops away from Seoul Station, making it one of the most accessible neighbourhoods from the AREX airport train. From Incheon Airport, take the AREX to Seoul Station and transfer to Line 1 or simply grab a quick taxi. Once there, you’ll find the subway and buses connect you to every corner of the city, and the KTX high-speed train from Yongsan Station is handy for day trips to Busan or Jeonju. For short distances, walking is pleasant, especially near the Han River parks.

6. Hongdae & Seoul Forest – Young, Creative, and Relaxed

For a more artistic, youthful vibe, head to Hongdae or Seoul Forest. These neighborhoods are popular with students and creatives, filled with street performances, indie cafés, and boutique stores. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly and fun areas in Seoul — ideal if you want a relaxed base with plenty of personality.

Best Hotels and Hostels:

Hostel the Camino Seoul – A cheerful and social stay close to the Hongdae nightlife and live music scene.
Seoul Forest Stay – A peaceful, affordable guesthouse surrounded by nature but still well-connected to the subway. Perfect if you want to balance city adventures with quiet moments.

Don’t miss: Stroll through Hongdae Free Market on the weekend or rent a bike in Seoul Forest Park — two of the city’s most laid-back experiences.

Choosing where to stay in Seoul for first timers really depends on the kind of traveler you are — do you want to shop till you drop, eat street food until midnight, or sip tea in a quiet hanok courtyard? Seoul’s neighborhoods each have a distinct rhythm, and that’s what makes the city so endlessly exciting.

Getting there and around

To reach Hongdae, take the AREX train directly from Incheon Airport, it’s one of the few neighbourhoods with a direct airport line, making it incredibly convenient (about 45 minutes). Once there, everything is within walking distance:cafés, shops, and music venues are sprinkled around Hongik University Station. If you’re staying closer to Seoul Forest, take the AREX to Seoul Station, then Line 2 to Ttukseom Station. Both areas are connected by Seoul’s excellent biking paths along the Han River – perfect for a scenic ride between neighbourhoods.

Disclosure: Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

Did you like the post? Pin it for later:

Where to Stay in Seoul for First Time: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Style

Where to Stay in Seoul for First Time: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Style