Seoul is a dynamic and vibrant city, known for its rich culture, historical landmarks, and modern attractions.
The city is divided into many neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. In this guide, we’ll explore the best neighborhoods in Seoul, and what makes them a great choice for your visit.
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Seoul, known for its vibrant shopping and entertainment scene.
It’s located in the heart of the city and is home to many major shopping malls, department stores, and fashion boutiques. Myeong-dong is also known for its street food stalls, which offer a wide variety of delicious snacks and meals.
Accommodations in Myeong-dong range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and serviced apartments. This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of shopping and entertainment options.
Here are some top-rated hotels in Myeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea:
- Lotte Hotel Seoul: A luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Myeong-dong. The hotel offers modern amenities, including an indoor pool, spa, and fitness center.
- Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong: A 4-star hotel with spacious and well-appointed rooms. The hotel is located just a few steps away from the Myeong-dong shopping district and offers great views of the city.
- Ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeong-dong: A budget-friendly 3-star hotel located in the heart of Myeong-dong. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong II: A modern 4-star hotel with stylish rooms and excellent amenities, including a fitness center and a rooftop terrace. The hotel is located just a short walk away from Myeong-dong station.
- Loisir Hotel Seoul Myeongdong: A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Myeong-dong. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to shopping and dining options in the area.
Gangnam
Gangnam is a trendy and affluent neighborhood located south of the Han River. It’s known for its high-end fashion boutiques, luxury hotels, and upscale restaurants.
Gangnam is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the COEX Mall, which is the largest underground shopping center in Asia.
Accommodations in Gangnam range from luxury hotels to serviced apartments, with options to suit all budgets.
This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a more upscale atmosphere with plenty of high-end shopping and dining options.
Here are some top-rated hotels in Gangnam, Seoul:
- Park Hyatt Seoul: A luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Gangnam. The hotel offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of the city, a spa, fitness center, and indoor pool.
- InterContinental Seoul COEX: A 5-star hotel connected to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center. The hotel features elegant rooms with city views, a fitness center, indoor pool, and spa.
- Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas: A 5-star hotel located in the center of Gangnam. The hotel offers luxurious rooms with city views, a fitness center, indoor pool, and spa.
Hongdae
Hongdae is a trendy and youthful neighborhood located near Hongik University. It’s known for its lively nightlife, street performances, and indie music scene.
Hongdae is also home to several street art murals and colorful cafes, making it a popular spot for Instagrammers.
Accommodations in Hongdae range from budget-friendly hostels to trendy boutique hotels. This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of unique entertainment options.
Here are some of the top-rated hotels in Hongdae, Seoul:
- L7 Hongdae by LOTTE: A modern 4-star hotel located in the heart of Hongdae. The hotel features stylish rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
- GLAD Hotel Hongdae: A 4-star hotel located in the trendy Hongdae area. The hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with city views.
- Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun: A 4-star hotel located near Hongdae. The hotel features modern rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
Insadong
Insadong is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Seoul, known for its traditional Korean culture and crafts. It’s home to several antique shops, art galleries, and traditional tea houses.
Insadong is also located near several iconic landmarks, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace.
Accommodations in Insadong range from budget-friendly guesthouses to upscale hotels and serviced apartments.
This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a more traditional atmosphere with plenty of unique cultural experiences.
Here are some of the best-rated hotels in Insadong, Seoul, South Korea based on popular travel websites:
- Somerset Palace Seoul: A 5-star serviced apartment located in the heart of Insadong. The apartments are spacious and well-appointed, with fully-equipped kitchens and a fitness center.
- Hotel Aventree Jongno: A 4-star hotel located in the Insadong area. The hotel features modern rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with city views.
- CenterMark Hotel Insadong Myeongdong: A 4-star hotel located near Insadong and Myeongdong. The hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with city views.
Itaewon
Itaewon is a multicultural neighborhood located near the center of Seoul. It’s known for its diverse dining scene, international shopping options, and vibrant nightlife.
Itaewon is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the Namsan Tower and the War Memorial of Korea.
Accommodations in Itaewon range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and serviced apartments. This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a multicultural atmosphere with plenty of unique dining and entertainment options.
Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun is a popular shopping district located in the eastern part of Seoul. It’s home to several large wholesale markets, as well as many major shopping malls and department stores.
Dongdaemun is also known for its night markets, which offer a wide variety of street food and shopping options.
Accommodations in Dongdaemun range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and serviced apartments.
This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a shopping-focused atmosphere with plenty of unique dining and entertainment options.
Yeouido
Yeouido is a business and financial district located on an island in the Han River. It’s home to several major corporations and government buildings, as well as the National Assembly Building and the Yeouido Park.
Yeouido is also known for its scenic riverfront views and vibrant nightlife.
Accommodations in Yeouido range from business-focused hotels to luxury hotels and serviced apartments. This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a more business-focused atmosphere with plenty of scenic views and entertainment options.
Samcheong-dong
Samcheong-dong is a historic neighborhood located near Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s known for its traditional Korean architecture and picturesque streets, which are lined with artisan shops, galleries, and cafes.
Samcheong-dong is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Bukchon Hanok Village and the Blue House, which is the official residence of the South Korean President.
Accommodations in Samcheong-dong range from boutique hotels to luxury hotels and serviced apartments.
This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a more traditional and cultural atmosphere with plenty of unique shopping and dining options.
Jamsil
Jamsil is a bustling neighborhood located in the southeast of Seoul. It’s known for its high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and amusement parks.
Jamsil is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the Lotte World Tower, which is the fifth tallest building in the world, and the Lotte World amusement park.
Accommodations in Jamsil range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels and serviced apartments.
This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a modern and entertainment-focused atmosphere with plenty of shopping and dining options.
Bukchon
Bukchon is a historic neighborhood located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. It’s known for its traditional Korean architecture, narrow alleys, and historic sites.
Bukchon is also home to several cultural landmarks, including the Bukchon Hanok Village and the Gahoe Museum, which showcases traditional Korean art and crafts.
Accommodations in Bukchon range from budget-friendly guesthouses to boutique hotels and serviced apartments.
This neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a more traditional and cultural atmosphere with plenty of unique shopping and dining options.
Seoul is a vibrant and diverse city with many different neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Whether you’re looking for a lively shopping and entertainment scene, a traditional and cultural atmosphere, or a business-focused environment, Seoul has something for everyone.
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