Where to Stay in Seoul
Where to stay in Seoul — hotels, guesthouses, hanok stays, the best neighbourhoods, and booking tips.
Hotels
Seoul has hotels for every budget, from luxury five-star hotels in Gangnam and Myeongdong to comfortable mid-range hotels near subway stations. Hotels are the most straightforward option for first-time visitors, with English-speaking staff and standard check-in times of 15:00 and check-out at 11:00.
Guesthouses and hostels
Guesthouses are popular with backpackers and are often run by English-speaking owners who can give you local tips. They are cheaper than hotels and are concentrated in Hongdae, Itaewon, and Myeongdong. Many have private rooms as well as dormitories, so they suit couples as well as solo travellers.
Hanok stays
Staying in a traditional hanok house in Bukchon or near Gyeongbokgung is a memorable experience. Hanok stays usually have floor heating (ondol) and you sleep on a mattress on the floor. They are more expensive than a guesthouse but offer a unique stay in a historic neighbourhood.
Where to stay
Myeongdong is best for shopping and first-time visitors, Hongdae is best for nightlife and young travellers, Gangnam is best for business and modern Seoul, and Itaewon is best for international food and a relaxed atmosphere. Wherever you stay, choose a place within a 5-minute walk of a subway station — it makes a huge difference.
Booking tips
Book early for cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage season (late October to November), when prices rise and rooms sell out. Check the cancellation policy before booking, and read recent reviews for comments about noise and cleanliness. If you are arriving late at night, tell the hotel in advance.