First-Time in Seoul? Best Hotels to Stay
Last updated on October 12th, 2026 at 10:13 pm
I know how you feel. I was also super excited when I bought my first plane ticket to South Korea. And it was going to be my first time in Seoul. At first, I didn’t know which neighborhoods in Seoul were best either.
Is it Myeongdong, Insadong, or Hongdae? Just like you, I wanted my first trip to Seoul to be epic!
After visiting Seoul for many years. I’ve learned so much about this city that nearly 10,000,000 Seoulites call home. I’ll share what I learned about traveling to Seoul for your first epic trip!
SEOUL IS A BIG CITY – FOCUS ON HOTELS AROUND TRAIN STATIONS AND POPULAR CITY ATTRACTIONS
The key to exploring any city you’ve never been to is public transportation. And Seoul has a wonderfully efficient bus and train system.
Seoul is a sprawling, spread-out city. Book a hotel close to the city’s must-see attractions. It also helps to stay at a hotel close to subway stations.
Luckily for you, I’ve put together a short list of popular, affordable hotels in Seoul. Those are perfect for sightseeing. They’re a short walk to the subway stations.
I’ve stayed in many hotels across Seoul and reviewed the ones I’ve been to. I also recommend some with excellent reviews from friends and family.
MY HAND-PICKED SEOUL HOTELS IN THE BEST LOCATIONS
My handpicked Seoul hotel selections and locations suit all types of travelers. If you’re a solo traveler, like me most of the time, these distinct Seoul neighborhoods are just as perfect for you.
If you’re visiting Seoul with friends, family, or both, I’ll recommend family-friendly hotels with large rooms that are affordable and, of course, in the best locations in the city.
I’m also recommending hotels run by on-site owners. These cozy hotels offer personal service and touches that I believe will make for an unforgettable first Seoul experience. I always believe in supporting small local businesses.
But before we begin, here are a few simple tips for your Seoul hotel search.
5 QUICK TIPS FOR YOUR SEOUL HOTEL SEARCH
- Accommodation rates are generally lowest from December to February. Temperatures are cold, averaging around -5°C. But when it snows, the city is beautiful!
- Seoul has a fantastic subway train system. In my opinion, it’s extensive, inexpensive, and easy to navigate. Best to pick a hotel in Seoul near Subway Lines #1, #2, and #4. You can use the AREX (Airport Railroad Express), which runs from 05:20 to 11:45 for express trains (13,000 won) or trains with stops from 05:23 to 23:42 (4,750 KRW from Terminal 1; 5,350 KRW from Terminal 2). A 24-hour airport limousine bus makes stops near the 5 best areas to stay in Seoul.
- Like hotels in Japan, Seoul accommodations are clean and well-maintained. I rarely worry about hotel room sanitation in the city, regardless of budget.
- Seoul Hotels are affordable. For $50 USD, you can score a decent, superior room. But you’ll need a short walk to a metro station. Hotels in the $80 USD range put you in a busy neighborhood, with train stations steps away.
- Most budget hotels in Seoul don’t offer 24-hour check-in. If you’re staying at one of these hotels, remember to let them know about your late arrival ahead of time. That way, someone will be there to greet you.
- Don’t worry if you can’t find a Seoul hotel that includes breakfast. In Seoul, you will not have trouble finding a variety of reasonably priced food.
5 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SEOUL FOR THE FIRST TIME:
- Myeongdong – Some consider Myeongdong a huge tourist trap. Who cares. Plenty of Koreans eat, spend time, and spend money in Myeongdong too. Koreans love to hang out in Myeongdong. Which is why you should look for a hotel in this area. There are many affordable foods available on the streets or at sit-in restaurants. It’s perfectly fine etiquette to walk and eat on the streets of Seoul.
- Insadong – Lots of souvenir shops mixed in with traditional old-style Korean restaurants tucked into quiet lanes. It’s within easy walking distance of Seoul’s beautiful palaces. Stay here if you want a less hectic atmosphere. Yet want to be close to all the action and take beautiful walks around Seoul.
- Hongdae – Cheapest area to stay in Seoul. This area is popular with Seoul’s youngsters and hipsters. Also suitable for oldsters like me. Lots of good eateries and cafés. I wrote about things to do in Hongdae here. You’ll like it here no matter your age.
- Gangnam – Stayed here because of Psy’s Gangnam Style video. Lots of tall shiny office buildings, bars that ooze charm and character, and brand-name stores. The area looks expensive but not much more than other Seoul neighborhoods.
- Itaewon – I can’t say this is my favorite area in Seoul, but Itaewon has a lot of budget hotels. I only stayed in a few hotels in Itaewon previously. It was close to the meeting point for a one-day DMZ tour I joined.
“Pick a hotel near wherever locals love to eat, shop and hangout.”
The Wayfaring Soul Travel Tip #402:
1. MYEONGDONG (명동)
Hotel Price Range: $40USD to $150USD
Subway Line: #4
Why Stay in Myeongdong: Lots of shops selling Korean beauty products and local fashion clothing. A high concentration of restaurants and dessert shops is another good reason you should stay in Myeongdong for your first visit to Seoul.
Myeongdong (also written as Myeong-dong) has plenty of budget to mid priced hotels. Most budget-minded travelers choose to stay there because Myeongdong has many low-rate, decent-quality hotels.
Myeongdong also has many cosmetic shops and an amazing array of cakes, ice creams, and snacks at reasonable prices.
And don’t forget there are many street food vendors too. So much so that you probably wouldn’t need to eat at a sit down restaurant
Whichever hotel you choose in Myeongdong, I know you will be happy. However, here’s a short list of my favorite Myeongdong hotels that I know you will enjoy for your first epic time in Seoul!
Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I usually write full hotel reviews for hotels I think are worth it. So I did a write-up on Nine Tree Hotel Myeondong, go check it out. I booked a standard room and paid around $150 USD per night, including taxes.
I chose Nine Tree because it’s one of the newer hotels in Myeondong, and it’s also my wife’s first trip to Seoul. I’m also trying to earn some brownie points.
Myeongdong subway station is less than 100 meters from the hotel. There are 16 floors and around 140 rooms. So Nine Tree Hotel is one of the larger hotels in Myeongdong.
It’s also definitely one of the higher quality hotels in the area. I think it’ll be great for your first time in Seoul.
The Wayfaring Soul Travel Tip #5: “Men, earn as many brownie points as you can from your lady. You never know when you’ll need to cash it in.”
Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com
Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm)
Check-out until: 12:00 (12 pm)
Nearest Train Station: Myeongdong subway station exit #8
57 Myeongdong Hostel ⭐️⭐️
This is a great-value hotel for budget travelers looking for comfortable, clean accommodation in Myeongdong, Seoul.
I stayed in two types of rooms here, the economy room, the twin room, and the standard double room, at separate times and alone.
Both rooms have a private shower inside, by the way. Funny, they call themselves a hostel. But I never noticed a hostel-type setup inside.
Regardless, I suggest booking a standard double room to get a slightly better view of the activity around Myeongdong.
The price difference isn’t much, and a standard double room costs roughly $80 USD per night, including taxes.
Because this is a budget-style hotel in Myeongdong, room cleaning is by request for the duration of your stay.
57 Myeondong Hostel
Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com
Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm)
Check-in is until: 22:00 (9 pm) This means the reception desk closes at 9 pm. Inform the hotel if you arrive late.
Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Nearest Train Station: Myeongdong subway station exit #5
Sieoso Hotel Seoul ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This hotel is about a 5-minute walk from the main hub of Myeongdong’s center of activity. And it’s about a 10-minute walk to Insadong.
I added this hotel because I know some travelers don’t want to stay in the heart of the action. After all, they don’t want to step outside the hotel into a crowd.
I also think the Sieoso Hotel Seoul is the best budget hotel for traveling families. If you’ve got at least 6 adults, I highly recommend booking the Korean Style Ondol Room B.
It’ll cost about $100 USD, including taxes and breakfast. Plus, three kids under age 7 stay for free.
Sieoso Hotel also has other room types designed specifically for traveling families. So I highly recommend taking a look at what they’ve got.
They also offer a few other family friendly room configurations that might meet your needs.
They also offer female only dormitory style rooms for about $20 USD per bed, including taxes and breakfast. That’s a real bargain.
Seiso Hotel Myeongdong
Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com
Check-in from: 14:00 (2 pm)
Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Nearest Train Station: Euljiro (3) San-ga Subway Station, Exit #10
voco Seoul Myeongdong by IHG ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you have some extra cash and prefer a slightly upscale, yet affordable hotel in Myeongdong, the full-service vovo Seoul Myeongdong by IHG should be your first choice. There’s a swimming pool and a fitness center.
It’s one of the best four-star hotels in Myeongdong, with double rooms for $100 USD per night, including taxes.
Breakfast costs about $10 USD more, but I would pass. There are plenty of better, cheaper food options outside the hotel.
The vovo Seoul Myeongdong by IHG location is closer to Namdemun Market. However, the hotel is well-served by public transportation, including an airport limousine bus stop right outside.
vovo Seoul Myeongdong by IHG
Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com
Check-in from: 14:00 (2 pm)
Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Nearest Train Station: Hoehyeon subway station exit #3
Myeongdong is a great place to stay in Seoul, and I highly recommend booking a hotel there for your first awesome trip to South Korea.
But what if you’re not into shopping like me? What if you’d rather stay near Seoul’s majestic grand palaces?
In that case, you should book a hotel near Insadong!
Step INN Myeongdong 1 ⭐️⭐️
Ideal hotel for solo travelers, small groups of friends, and families. From $30 USD per night for a single dormitory bed (for men or women) to $100 USD per night for a private twin room with a city view. Breakfast is included too.
Step INN Myeongdong 1 is a good option for budget travelers who can afford slightly more for clean and comfortable rooms.
The hotel’s location is perfect. It’s just steps from Myeongdong walking street, but far enough from the noise and crowds. If you’re coming from the airport bus, there’s a stop about 10 minute walk. Train stations are nearby for short rides to the palaces.
But you can walk, which I highly recommend. There are many local eateries, convenience stores, and, of course, street food from the walking street.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for Step INN Myeongdong 1
HOTEL DRIP&DROP ⭐️⭐️
So I wanted to add a capsule hotel accommodation in the heart of Myeongdong, perfect for travelers. Hotel Drip&Drop is one of the best properties I can recommend.
For price and especially cleanliness. They have separate style dormitories for men and women that cost around $45 USD per night.
Though if you are traveling in a small group of four, they also have private bunk rooms with in room toilets. They pretty much have everything covered.
The beds at Hotel Drip&Drop are comfortable, with a chic, modern room design. The room has a chic, modern design. I think anyone staying here with friends and family will enjoy it. The location and quality of this hotel are especially good.
The closest subway station is Euljiro 1 ga Station. Another is located about 500 meters away, at Jonggak Station.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for Hotel Drip&Drop Myeongdong
DaeYoung Seoul Hotel ⭐️⭐️
For about $60 USD per night after taxes, a 15 square meter room for two guests. You even get a street view. At that price, it’s reasonable.
And of course, you’ll be within walking distance of Myeongdong and Namdaemun Night Market.
The closest train station is Hoehyeon Station, which is a short 200 meter walk.
This is one of the coziest hotels in Myeongdong I’ve stayed in recently. With friendly service and clean rooms, I highly recommend.
2. INSADONG (인사동)
Hotel Price Ranges: $50 USD to $200 USD
Subway Line: #1 or #3
Why Stay in Insadong: Close to Seoul’s majestic palaces and cultural sights. I like to call this area the heart of Seoul.
Insadong was the first neighborhood I ever stayed in when I first visited Seoul many moons ago. It’s near Sejong-daero, a grand avenue leading to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
I wanted to stay in Insadong because, from my research, it is close to Seoul’s major palaces, like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeok Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine.
Insadong is the perfect area to start exploring the city’s rich history on foot. Stop to indulge in fine South Korean bakeries and coffee shops along the way.
It’s also not far from Cheonggyecheon Stream. Plus, Bukchon Cultural Village is within walking distance.
If you’re a Korean history buff or want a romantic walk through the palace grounds with a special someone, Insadong is a great place to stay for your first special trip to Seoul.
Yehahodye Guesthouse ⭐️⭐️
I don’t know if the owner remembers me, but I stayed here a few nights after arriving in Seoul late after a long flight delay. The owner runs a pottery business on the ground level and rents his rooms above his shop
The rooms weren’t expensive, about $50 USD with taxes and breakfast. Because I booked so fast, I didn’t realize that although the rooms are private, guests share the bathrooms. But it’s not as bad as it sounds, even for an OCD freak like myself.
Every floor doesn’t have a lot of rooms, and there are 4 floors, so a shared bathroom on each floor, and you can use whichever one is available.
There are no elevators. But the staff will certainly help you.
Honestly, it’s not that bad. I loved my stay at Yehahodye Guesthouse.
I stayed in a single room and felt very comfortable. It was a little small, but I didn’t feel cramped. The property has a nice layout, plus a rooftop area to chill out and enjoy a free, simple breakfast in the morning.
I always believe in supporting small local businesses run by folks who care. If you’re traveling on a budget in Seoul, consider staying at Yehahodye Guesthouse for your first visit.
And buy a small souvenir piece of pottery on the ground floor while you’re there.
Yehahodye Guesthouse Insadong
Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com
Check-in from: 13:00 (1 pm)
Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Check-in until: 23:59 (11:59 pm) Inform the guesthouse about check-in beyond midnight
Nearest Train Station: Anguk subway station exit #6
Mini Hotel Insa ⭐️⭐️
Because I stayed only two nights at Yehahodye Guesthouse, I moved to Mini Hotel Insa and booked a queen bedroom.
If you can’t get a room at Yehahodye, Mini Hotel Insa is a good choice in the heart of Insadong.
It’s about a 5-minute walk north, so both hotels are very close. However, it might be hard to find because this part of Insadong feels like a funny little maze, with winding streets and back alleys. Honestly, it adds to the hotel’s ambiance, as it’s quite charming.
The room is nice with a good mattress. It has the usual amenities, like Wi-Fi and air conditioning, and they work well. Toiletries are available in the bathroom.
This is more of a full-service budget hotel and is very comfortable. I booked a queen-sized room for around $70 USD per night with tax and breakfast. This is also an owner-operated hotel, so the service will be better than usual.
Mini Hotel Insa
Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com
Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm)
Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Check-in until: 23:00 (11:00 pm) Inform the hotel about check-in beyond 11 pm
Nearest Train Station: Anguk subway station exit #6
Sunbee Hotel Insadong ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wanted to add some reviews of three-star hotels in Insadong. I chose Sunbee Hotel after a couple of friends recommended it. They told me it’s not expensive. Considering the rooms are at least 35 square meters, they were right.
I paid only $80 USD per night, including tax, but no breakfast. If you want breakfast at Sunbee Hotel, it’s $7 USD extra per night. No worries, trust me, there’s so much delicious food around the Insadong area you won’t even know what to eat.
My favorite place is Anguk Bakery and Cafe, just a 10-minute walk from Sunbee Hotel. Anyhoo… back to the hotel review.
While I was there, my wife and I stayed in a standard double room with a queen-sized bed for a few nights. We needed more space because we were purchasing nail salon supplies for our salons in Bangkok. We stayed for a week, so we needed extra space, especially a hotel where we could do laundry.
And there are bigger rooms available. For example, the Korean double room is 42 square meters. I never stayed in those room types before. But it costs $10-$15 USD more. So maybe next time.
Sunbee Hotel Insadong
Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com
Check-in from: 14:00 (2 pm)
Check-out until: 12:00 (12 pm)
Nearest Train Station: Anguk subway station exit #6
Orakai Insadong Suites ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Here’s the only 4 star hotel I recommend for your first trip to Seoul in Insadong. Specifically for traveling families that need a spacious room. Even more specifically, kids in your group who want a swimming pool.
Orakai Insadong Suites is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the main Insadong walking street. With one to four bedroom types available to choose from at affordable prices.
I stayed in their two bedroom deluxe. With a whopping 74 square meters of space to run around.
Also, there’s a full kitchen, which we didn’t use because we ate out all the time. But we made good use of the in-room washing machine and dryer.
Orakai Insadong Suites
Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com
Check-in from: 14:00 (2 pm)
Check-out until: 12:00 (12 pm)
Nearest Train Station: Anguk subway station exit #5
These are my top four hotel picks in Insadong for your first visit to Seoul. This neighborhood is excellent for traveling families who need more space and solo travelers who want to stay near majestic palaces in central Seoul.
What if you’re traveling with teenagers and want a cool vibe with plenty of vintage clothing shops and Korean fashion at reasonable prices?
If that describes you, head to Hongdae and check out some of the hotels I’ve stayed at!
3. HONGDAE (홍대)
Hotel Price Ranges: $50USD to $200USD
Subway Line: #2
Why Stay in Hongdae: For the youngsters, or at least the young at heart. Many affordable hostels cater to young backpackers. There are also chic boutique hotels for older travelers like me.
Always abuzz with activity, Hongdae is an area I just recently discovered for myself. Since then, I’ve been visiting Hongdae more often ever since. Hongdae has such a cool vibe that I stayed there for a week.
I even wrote a blog post here about what to do in Hongdae. It shows how much I love this cozy, quaint neighborhood in Seoul.
It reminds me a lot of NYC’s East Village and hanging out with friends when I was younger. There are lots of cool cafés and international eateries to explore. That’s because Hongik University is nearby.
Hongdae has lots of businesses that draw young South Koreans out for good food and good times.
Marigold Hotel Seoul – Check Rates
Hotel the Ore – Check Rates
Grape Garden House – Check Rates
Nabi Hostel Hongdae – Check Rates
But Hongdae also attracts many young foreign visitors. Because many budget hostels and affordable guesthouses are near Hongik University. So if you’re of university age or a little younger, these hotels are perfect for you.
I highly recommend booking a hotel in Hongdae for your first epic trip because you’ll fit right in.
4. GANGNAM (강남)
Hotel Price Ranges: $60 USD $200 USD+
Subway Line: #2
Why Stay in Gangnam: Because Korean pop superstar Psy says so.
If you’ve never heard of Gangnam, you may have just woken up from a deep coma. After Korean pop superstar Psy’s Gangnam Style music video exploded, Seoul’s business-yet-fashionable Gangnam district was thrust into the international spotlight.
When I first explored the Gangnam district, I thought it would be expensive. There were so many tall, shiny office buildings and luxury brand-name goods stores lined up along a grand avenue.
But it’s not much more expensive than the other Seoul neighborhoods I’ve written about here. I do notice that the hotels in Gangnam, however, are newer, and the rooms are larger.
Ocloud Hotel Gangnam – Check Rates
Urban Place Residence – Check Rates
Hotel Soulhada – Check Rates
Hotel Dormy Inn Gangnam – Check Rates
Gangnam is, in a way, more orderly. Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae are much more chaotic to me. Which is the way I like it. But Gangnam has plenty of nice hotels recommended for anyone looking for nice mid-priced hotels in Seoul’s posh neighborhood.
5. ITAEWON (이태원)
Hotel Price Ranges: $40 USD $200 USD+
Subway Line: #6
Why Stay in Itaewon: For me, it was the closest pickup location for a DMZ tour. But Itaewon is still convenient for sightseeing in Seoul by train.
Itaewon is near a US Army base, so lots of businesses cater to expats and American military personnel. To be honest, I haven’t explored Itaewon. I have stayed in 2 hotels in Itaewon.
If you want to stay there, be sure to check out the War Memorial of Korea Museum. Admission is free for regular exhibits.
Hamilton Hotel Itaewon – Check Rates
Hamilton Hause Hotel – Check Rates
Just because I haven’t explored Itaewon doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do around. I’ve read there’s a nice selection of international restaurants behind the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon.
But I didn’t have a chance to visit then. I’ll write a post about things to do in Itaewon, probably after my next trip to Seoul.
THE TAKEAWAY
Seoul has plenty of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, perfect for sightseeing in one of East Asia’s most beautiful cities. If you can’t find one you like in this post, you won’t have trouble finding one that fits your budget and travel needs.
But here are 5 tips to remember before you book your hotel in Seoul, based on my personal experiences:
- South Korean hotels, guesthouses, and hostels typically check in between 2 pm and 3 pm. Check-out times are typically 10 am. In my experience, popular tourist hotels in Seoul are strict about check-in rules, so they rarely let guests check in early.
- Most budget-priced hotels in South Korea don’t provide daily housekeeping until requested.
- Seoul budget hotels that include breakfast in their room rates offer simple options, like cereal, toast, boiled eggs, rice porridge, and boiled sweet potatoes, you get it. It may not be the best. But it’s sufficient.
- If you or anyone traveling with you has mobility issues, it might be best not to book a hotel near Namsam Park. The terrain around Namsan Park has hills and inclines that can be hard to navigate for people with mobility issues.
- The worst time to visit South Korea is August, during typhoon season. So, if you’re looking for the cheapest rates for Seoul hotels, go then. Just bring a good, sturdy umbrella. And it will be hot.
I’ve traveled back and forth through Seoul on my way to NYC and Bangkok too many times to count. And I’ve stayed in a lot of different neighborhoods in Seoul. That means I’ve spent a lot of nights in hotels around Seoul.
I’ve never had one bad hotel experience from the hotels I’ve stayed in for these reviews. Sure, there’s going to be normal wear and tear. Especially in popular Seoul hotels here and there.
But the air conditioning was good in the summer. And the heating worked well in the winter. Just one of the many reasons why I would travel to Seoul without hesitation.
Now that you know where to stay in Seoul for your first epic visit. Remember to come back to my blog and drop a comment. I’d love to hear about your first epic trip to South Korea!
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