For a first trip and central sightseeing
Choose Myeongdong when palaces, Namsan, shopping and traditional markets matter more than late-night neighbourhood atmosphere.
Open Myeongdong mapSEOUL · FIRST TRIP PLANNING
Where to Stay in Seoul
The right Seoul hotel starts with the area. Choose the neighbourhood that matches your most important plans, then compare the room.
5Useful areas to compare
AREXAirport train for western Seoul
Line 2Useful east-west subway loop
1 baseBest for a short first trip
QUICK DECISION
Pick the area that removes the most travel time.
For airport access and nights out
Hongdae works well for cafés, bars, live music and the Airport Railroad. Check how far the hotel sits from Hongik University Station.
Open Hongdae mapFor dining, beauty and a polished city stay
Choose Gangnam, Sinsa or Cheongdam when restaurants, K-beauty appointments and premium hotels shape most of the itinerary.
Open Gangnam mapFor Lotte World and a resort-style city break
Jamsil keeps Lotte World, Seokchon Lake and large hotels close together. It is a practical base when those plans fill more than one day.
Open Jamsil mapFor river views and quieter hotel evenings
Yeouido suits travellers prioritising Han River views, department stores and hotel time. Save the exact subway station before booking.
Open Yeouido mapBEFORE YOU BOOK
Check the station, not just the district name.
Look at the walking route with luggage
A hotel described as Hongdae or Gangnam may still be a long walk from the station you expect to use. Check the final route in a Korean map app.
Match the hotel to your latest night
If dinner, a concert or a bar ends late, staying near that plan can be worth more than a centrally located hotel.
Keep arrival and departure simple
For a short trip, avoid changing hotels only to save one journey. Use an airport bus or AREX route that works with your luggage.
MAPS AND TRANSIT
Install the local tools before landing.
Use it for local walking and transit routes
Search the hotel in English first, then save the Korean address as a backup.
Open Naver MapSee attractions by area
Seoul's official digital map is useful for checking what can be grouped into the same day.
Open Seoul Tour MapLearn the ticket and transfer basics
The city guide explains subway tickets, transit cards, buses and map apps in English.
Read the official guideA SIMPLE RULE
Stay near the plan you will repeat.
Myeongdong or Hongdae
These are the easiest starting points when the itinerary mixes famous sights, shopping and straightforward transport.
Jamsil or Yeouido
Choose these when the room, pool, lounge or river view is one of the main reasons for the trip.
Gangnam, Sinsa or Cheongdam
Stay south of the river when several appointments and restaurants are already booked there.