Friends, Seoul’s neighborhoods each tell a different story—neon-lit shopping, hanok-lined alleys, riverside parks and more. Choosing where to stay shapes your entire trip, from morning commutes to late-night snacks.

This guide highlights seven standout districts—Myeongdong, Insadong, Itaewon, Hongdae, Gangnam, Yeouido and Jung-Gu—and pairs each with a recommended hotel, nightly rates, closest subway connections, and expert tips to make your Seoul base unforgettable.

Myeongdong

Seoul’s premier shopping hub pulses with street stalls, cosmetics boutiques and fashion outlets. Myeongdong Station (Line 4) puts you minutes from Namdaemun Market’s sizzling tteokbokki and Deoksugung Palace’s royal courtyard (open 9 AM–6 PM, $1 entry).

Stay at Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong ($150–$350/night) for soundproofed rooms, deep soaking tubs and self-serve laundry. Arrive by 6 PM to sample hotteok pancakes, then climb N Seoul Tower at dusk (cable car $7) for city lights.

Insadong

Insadong is a quiet area with tea houses, shops selling paper, and lantern-lit alleys.

Anguk Station (Line 3) is the main stop to visit Jogyesa Temple, where there are free drumming shows from 5 AM to 6 PM, and Bukchon Hanok Village, with its traditional houses.

Stay at Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong, priced between $120 and $400 per night, with modern rooms, custom pillow choices, and water stations. Wake up early to walk through Changdeokgung Palace’s Secret Garden, which is open from 10 AM to 5 PM and costs $3.

Itaewon

This global village blends rooftop restaurants, local eateries and vibrant streetwear markets. Itaewon Station (Line 6) connects you to the authentic Korean jjimjilbang experience at Itaewon Land sauna and the multicultural buzz of Hamilton Hotel ($130–$260/night), featuring mini-fridges and a summer rooftop pool.

By day, explore Namsan Park’s hiking trails; reach N Seoul Tower by cable car from 10 AM–10 PM ($7). As night falls, sample tacos at Gyeongnidan-gil before dancing at a rooftop lounge.

Hongdae

Home to boundary-pushing art and spontaneous street performances, Hongdae is a youthful wonderland. Hop off at Hongik University Station (AREX, Line 2) and dive into the indie music restaurants and weekend flea markets. Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae ($110–$450/night) sits above the station with free breakfast and a fitness center. Try the Hongdae Free Market (Saturdays, 1–6 PM) for handcrafted souvenirs, then join a dusk crawl through alleyway cafés.

Gangnam

Sleek skyscrapers, luxury malls and K-pop opulence define Gangnam’s polished side. Station (Line 2) drops you at Park Hyatt Seoul ($330–$750/night), where floor-to-ceiling windows frame COEX Mall’s aquarium and Bongeunsa Temple’s tranquil courtyard. Schedule time for COEX Aquarium ($26) and a sunset Buddha in Bongeunsa (9 AM–6 PM, free). Afterward, indulge in Michelin-starred Korean fine dining or rooftop overlooking the river.

Yeouido

Seoul’s riverside financial district offers wide boulevards, cherry blossoms and cycling paths. Yeouido Station (Line 5) sits beneath Conrad Seoul ($290–$900/night), directly linked to IFC Mall’s high-end shops. Rent a bike at Yeouido Hangang Park ($3/hour) to pedal past picnickers, or join a sunset cruise from Yeouinaru Pier ($11). In spring, wander under pink blossoms along the Han River for postcard-perfect memories.

Jung-Gu

Central Jung-Gu blends historic gates, late-night markets and futuristic design. Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4, 5) grants access to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (open 10 AM–10 PM, free) and Gwangjang Market’s vegetarian mung-bean pancakes ($4).

Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun ($100–$400/night) offers balconies, blackout curtains and a rooftop terrace. Shop until dawn at the Dongdaemun night market (open ’til 5 AM), then unwind with a classic bingsu dessert.

Conclusion

Seoul’s neighborhoods—from the glitzy streets of Gangnam to the historic lanes of Insadong—offer a stay that suits every traveler. With metro lines at your doorstep, stylish hotels, and insider tips in hand, you can craft the perfect Seoul home base. Which district’s vibe matches your travel style, and which hotel will you book first for your Seoul adventure?