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Where to stay in Seoul? 5 areas compared, pick by your airport and itinerary

Last checked 10/22Hotel info from each hotel's official websiteTravel times per the railway companies' official websites

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The short answer

  1. First visit, shopping and skincareStay in MyeongdongThe shopping street is right outside, and subway Line 4 and airport buses stop at Myeongdong.
  2. No transfers from either Incheon or GimpoStay in HongdaeThe Airport Railroad runs direct to Hongik Univ. Station: about 52 min from Incheon, about 14 min from Gimpo.
  3. Limited budgetStay in DongdaemunThe only area on this page where we found budget hotels; Line 5 runs direct from Gimpo.
  4. Taking the KTX or the Airport Railroad ExpressStay at Seoul Station · City HallThe last stop of the Airport Railroad express train, 43 min from Incheon Terminal 1.
Gwanghwamun Gate and Gwanghwamun Square
Seoul · Gwanghwamun

Pick an area for your trip

Tap a situation and the comparison table and map below will highlight the recommended areas

AreaAirport transferPrice bandGood forTrade-offs
MyeongdongThe shopping street is right outside the hotel, and subway Line 4 and several airport buses stop at Myeongdong Station. Incheon: Airport Railroad to Seoul Station 43 min + transfer
Gimpo: with transfer, about 44 min		 $$–$$$ First-time visitors to Seoul who want to walk around shopping and eating Very tight budgets (rates on the hotels' official sites here are all mid-range or above)
HongdaeThe Airport Railroad runs straight to Hongik Univ. Station; a young area for shopping, cafés and nightlife. Incheon: Airport Railroad direct, about 52 min
Gimpo: Airport Railroad, about 14 min		 $$ Those using the Airport Railroad without transfers (it runs direct from both Incheon and Gimpo to Hongik Univ. Station) Those who want quiet evenings and early nights (Hongdae is a nightlife area)
DongdaemunWhere subway Lines 2, 4 and 5 meet; Line 5 runs from Gimpo Airport with no transfer, and the area has budget hotels. Incheon: airport bus 6001 direct
Gimpo: Line 5 direct, about 46 min		 $–$$ Those flying via Gimpo Airport (Line 5 runs direct to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station) Those who want a direct train from Incheon Airport (transfer at Seoul Station or Gongdeok)
Seoul Station · City HallSeoul Station, the last stop of the airport express train, plus the City Hall and Namdaemun area; convenient for the KTX too. Incheon: express train 43 min
Gimpo: Airport Railroad, about 22 min		 $$ Those taking the Airport Railroad Express from Incheon Airport Those who want a shopping street right outside the hotel (hotels here require a walk or ride to Myeongdong)
GangnamBusiness and shopping district around COEX, Seolleung and Sinnonhyeon; Line 9 runs direct from Gimpo Airport. Incheon: airport bus 6103, about 65 min
Gimpo: Line 9 direct, about 33 min		 $$ Those spending time around Gangnam, COEX and Apgujeong Those focusing on Myeongdong, Gyeongbokgung and other sights north of the river
Map of Seoul's 5 areas relative to the direction of Incheon and Gimpo airports Incheon Airport Gimpo Airport 1Myeongdong 2Hongdae 3Dongdaemun 4Seoul Station · City Hall 5Gangnam
Not to scale; Gangnam is south of the Han River. Tap a number to jump to that area.

Price band: $ = double room about NT$3,000 or less per night · $$ = NT$3,000–6,000 · $$$ = NT$6,000 or more (based on each hotel's public rates on its official site; actual prices set by the platform)

Night view around Myeongdong Theater

1Myeongdong

The shopping street is right outside the hotel, and subway Line 4 and several airport buses stop at Myeongdong Station.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • First-time visitors to Seoul who want to walk around shopping and eating
  • Those who want an airport bus to near the hotel (6001 and 6015 stop at Myeongdong Station)
Not ideal for
  • Very tight budgets (rates on the hotels' official sites here are all mid-range or above)
  • Those who want a direct train from Incheon Airport (the Airport Railroad requires a transfer to Line 4 at Seoul Station)

Airport transfer: AREX Express Train: Incheon Airport Terminal 1 → Seoul Station 43 min, Terminal 2 51 min; all-stop trains about 60–63 min. At Seoul Station change to subway Line 4 for 2 stops (about 3 min) to Myeongdong Station. Airport buses 6001 and 6015 stop at Myeongdong Station (adults 17,000 won; the bus company website doesn't list travel times). AREX timetables change from 10/23, check again before you go. (Source); AREX all-stop train: Gimpo Airport → Seoul Station about 22–24 min, then transfer to Line 4 to Myeongdong. Seoul Metro route search: Gimpo Airport → Myeongdong Station (2 transfers) about 44 min. (Source)

Store coupons you can use in this area
Lotte Duty Free Main Store (Myeongdong)Lotte Department Store Main Store (Myeongdong)

Hotel Skypark Central MyeongdongHotel Skypark Central Myeongdong

Myeongdong · Business hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those who want to stay right in the middle of Myeongdong for easy evening shopping

  • Subway Line 2 Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 5
  • Double rooms about 21.45㎡
  • Rooms with bathtub
  • Breakfast: the Table restaurant on B2, 7:00–10:00 (price not listed on the official site)

Good to know:Double rooms 21.45㎡; check-in 15:00, check-out 12:00; ages 6+ count as adults, and occupancy can't exceed the room's limit.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONGDONG ININE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONGDONG I

Myeongdong · Business hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those with lots of luggage who want the hotel right outside the subway station

  • Subway Line 4 Myeongdong Station Exit 8, about 1 min walk
  • Double rooms about 18.2㎡
  • Rooms have a shower only
  • Breakfast: BONAPPETIT on floor 3, 7:00–10:00 (last entry 9:30), extra charge (official site offers plans with breakfast)

Good to know:Standard double rooms 18.2–19.8㎡, shower only; check-in 15:00, check-out 12:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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L7 MYEONGDONG by LOTTE HOTELSL7 Myeongdong by Lotte (L7 MYEONGDONG by LOTTE HOTELS)

Myeongdong · City hotel · Price band $$$

Good for: those who want to stay right by a Myeongdong Station exit, with a more generous budget

  • Subway Line 4 Myeongdong Station Exit 9
  • Double rooms about 25.1㎡
  • Breakfast: buffet at Floating 6:30–10:00, adults ₩30,000 (₩24,000 for guests who book ahead)

Good to know:Only 12 parking spaces, reservation required; check-in 15:00, check-out 11:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Hongdae street at night

2Hongdae

The Airport Railroad runs straight to Hongik Univ. Station; a young area for shopping, cafés and nightlife.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • Those using the Airport Railroad without transfers (it runs direct from both Incheon and Gimpo to Hongik Univ. Station)
  • Those who love shopping, cafés and going out at night
Not ideal for
  • Those who want quiet evenings and early nights (Hongdae is a nightlife area)
  • Very tight budgets (rates on the hotels' official sites here are all mid-range or above)

Airport transfer: AREX all-stop trains run direct to Hongik Univ. Station with no transfer: about 52–55 min from Terminal 1 and about 59–62 min from Terminal 2 (calculated from the AREX official timetable). Airport bus 6002 stops at Hongik Univ. Station (travel time not listed on the bus company website). AREX timetable changes from 10/23; check again before you go. (Source); AREX all-stop train: Gimpo Airport → Hongik Univ. Station about 14–16 min, no transfer. (Source)

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELSL7 Hongdae by Lotte (L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS)

Hongdae · City hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those taking the Airport Railroad who want to reach the hotel 1 minute(s) from the station

  • Subway Line 2 / Airport Railroad Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1, about 1 min walk
  • Double rooms about 24.8㎡
  • Breakfast: buffet at The Place on floor 21, 7:00–10:00; adults ₩25,000, children ₩16,000

Good to know:Some standard rooms have a bathtub and some only a shower, so ask first if you want a bath; check-in 15:00, check-out 11:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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AMANTI SEOULAMANTI SEOUL

Hongdae · City hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those who want to stay in Hongdae a bit away from the busy main street, with a bathtub

  • Subway Line 2 / Airport Railroad Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1
  • Double rooms about 23.45㎡
  • Rooms with bathtub
  • Breakfast: Kitchen Amanti on floor 1, 7:00–10:00 (last entry 9:30), ₩22,000 per person (excl. tax)

Good to know:Official room and breakfast prices exclude 10% tax; about 450 m from Hongik Univ. Station; check-in 15:00, check-out 12:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Mercure Ambassador Seoul HongdaeMercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae

Hongdae · City hotel

Good for: those who want to stay next to Hongik Univ. Station and walk to Hongdae's main street

  • Subway Line 2 / Airport Railroad Hongik Univ. Station Exit 9, about 2 min walk
  • Double rooms about 19.4㎡
  • Breakfast: buffet 7:00–10:00 (last entry 9:30), price not listed on the official site

Good to know:Standard rooms 19.4–20.7㎡; the official site doesn't say bathtub or shower, so ask first if you want a bath.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Dongdaemun Design Plaza

3Dongdaemun

Where subway Lines 2, 4 and 5 meet; Line 5 runs from Gimpo Airport with no transfer, and the area has budget hotels.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • Those flying via Gimpo Airport (Line 5 runs direct to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station)
  • Those who want to shop around Dongdaemun and DDP
  • Those on a limited budget (this area has hotels with official rates under NT$3,000)
Not ideal for
  • Those who want a direct train from Incheon Airport (transfer at Seoul Station or Gongdeok)

Airport transfer: airport bus 6001 stops at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Nine Tree Dongdaemun and other stops (adults 17,000 won; travel time not listed on the bus company website). By rail, transfer at Seoul Station. (Source); subway Line 5 runs direct to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station with no transfer; about 46 min per the Seoul Metro route search. (Source)

Store coupons you can use in this area
Hyundai City Outlets Dongdaemun

Hotel Skypark Dongdaemun 1Hotel Skypark Dongdaemun 1 (Hotel Skypark Dongdaemun I)

Dongdaemun · Business hotel · Price band $

Good for: tight budgets, staying in Dongdaemun with a bathtub

  • Subway Line 5 Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 6, about 5 min walk
  • Double rooms about 22.5㎡
  • Rooms with bathtub
  • Breakfast: The Table on floor 2, 7:00–10:00 (price not listed on the official site)

Good to know:No parking at the hotel; toothbrushes and toothpaste are sold separately in the amenity vending machine; check-in 15:00, check-out 12:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL DONGDAEMUNNINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL DONGDAEMUN

Dongdaemun · Business hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those taking airport bus 6001 who want the hotel right at the stop

  • Subway Lines 2, 4, 5 Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 12, about 8 min walk
  • Double rooms about 16.9㎡
  • Rooms have a shower only
  • Breakfast: La Matinée on floor 2, 7:00–10:00 (last entry 9:30), extra charge

Good to know:The cheapest small double room is only 16.9㎡ with a shower only; about 8 minutes from the subway station.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Hotel Skypark Kingstown DongdaemunHotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun · City hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those who want to shop at Hyundai City Outlet, with a bathtub and shared kitchen

  • Subway Line 4 Dongdaemun Station Exit 8 (Hyundai City Outlet Gate 3), about 5 min walk
  • Double rooms about 20.9㎡
  • Rooms with bathtub
  • Breakfast: GARDEN SERENO on floor 14, 7:00–10:00 (price not listed on the official site)

Good to know:Shared kitchen on every floor; free parking for 1 car per room; check-in 15:00, check-out 12:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Old Seoul Station building

4Seoul Station · City Hall

Seoul Station, the last stop of the airport express train, plus the City Hall and Namdaemun area; convenient for the KTX too.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • Those taking the Airport Railroad Express from Incheon Airport
  • Those taking the KTX to Busan and beyond
  • Those who want a serviced apartment with a kitchenette
Not ideal for
  • Those who want a shopping street right outside the hotel (hotels here require a walk or ride to Myeongdong)
  • Very tight budgets (rates on the hotels' official sites here are all mid-range or above)

Airport transfer: AREX Express Train: Incheon Airport Terminal 1 → Seoul Station 43 min, Terminal 2 51 min (the express needs a separate ticket); all-stop trains about 60–63 min (Terminal 2 about 67–70 min). AREX timetables change from 10/23, check again before you go. (Source); AREX all-stop train: Gimpo Airport → Seoul Station about 22–24 min, no transfer. (Source)

Fraser Place Namdaemun SeoulFraser Place Namdaemun Seoul

Seoul Station · City Hall · Serviced apartment · Price band $$

Good for: multi-night stays, those who want a kitchenette and laundry

  • Subway Lines 1, 2 City Hall Station / Seoul Station
  • Double rooms about 22㎡
  • Rooms with bathtub

Good to know:The lowest price is a non-refundable plan booked 45 days ahead; official prices exclude tax; a one-way pickup from Incheon Airport costs ₩165,000 (incl. tax).

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Fraser Place Central SeoulFraser Place Central Seoul

Seoul Station · City Hall · Serviced apartment · Price band $$

Good for: longer stays, those who want a large room and kitchenette

  • Subway Seodaemun / City Hall / Seoul Station
  • Double rooms about 34㎡
  • Rooms have a shower only

Good to know:The lowest price is a non-refundable plan booked 90 days ahead; official prices exclude tax; the room rate includes use of the indoor pool, gym and sauna.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Hotel Gracery SeoulHotel Gracery Seoul

Seoul Station · City Hall · Business hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those heading to City Hall and Gwanghwamun who want a Japanese business hotel

  • Subway Lines 1, 2 City Hall Station Exit 7, about 5 min walk
  • Double rooms about 22㎡
  • Breakfast: buffet at Bonsalute 7:30–10:00 (last entry 9:30), adult guests ₩19,800

Good to know:About a 15-minute walk to Seoul Station, a bit far with luggage from the Airport Railroad; separate bath and toilet.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Teheran-ro area, Gangnam

5Gangnam

Business and shopping district around COEX, Seolleung and Sinnonhyeon; Line 9 runs direct from Gimpo Airport.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • Those spending time around Gangnam, COEX and Apgujeong
  • Those flying via Gimpo Airport (Line 9 runs direct to Sinnonhyeon)
  • Those who want a large public bath (this area has a Japanese hot spring business hotel)
Not ideal for
  • Those focusing on Myeongdong, Gyeongbokgung and other sights north of the river
  • Those who want a direct train from Incheon Airport (there's no direct rail line)

Airport transfer: City Airport Bus 6103 to the COEX City Air Terminal at Samseong Station: the official website estimates about 65 min from Terminal 1 and about 85 min from Terminal 2, adults 18,000 won. (Source); subway Line 9 runs direct to Sinnonhyeon Station with no transfer; about 33 min per the Seoul Metro route search (weekday midday service). (Source)

Dormy Inn SEOUL GangnamDormy Inn SEOUL Gangnam

Gangnam · Business hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those who want a large public bath and Japanese breakfast in Seoul

  • Subway Line 9 / Shinbundang Line Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 4, about 5 min walk
  • Double rooms about 15㎡
  • Large public bath on site
  • Breakfast: buffet at the lobby restaurant Hatago 7:00–9:30 (closes 10:00), adults ₩27,500

Good to know:Double rooms are only 15㎡; breakfast at ₩27,500 isn't cheap; parking is first come, first served, ₩15,000 per night.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELSL7 Gangnam by Lotte (L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELS)

Gangnam · City hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those with plans in Gangnam and COEX who want to stay right by a subway exit

  • Subway Line 2 Seolleung Station Exit 10, about 1 min walk
  • Double rooms about 25.8㎡
  • Rooms have a shower only
  • Breakfast: buffet at Floating on floor 10, 6:30–10:00; adults ₩31,500 (guests ₩28,000, incl. tax)

Good to know:No bathtubs in any room; airport bus 6703 takes about 100–120 min to the hotel, running every 55–60 min.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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GLAD GANGNAM COEX CENTERGLAD GANGNAM COEX CENTER

Gangnam · City hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those visiting exhibitions at COEX, the Starfield Library, or taking the 6103 airport bus

  • Subway Line 2 Samseong Station Exit 1
  • Double rooms about 20.37㎡
  • Breakfast: the official site has a Bed & Breakfast plan with American breakfast for 2 (₩225,500); à la carte price not listed on the official site

Good to know:Check-in 15:00, check-out 11:00; the 6103 airport bus stop is at the COEX City Airport Terminal, not at the hotel entrance.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

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Seoul guides

All 5 guides
Seoul · Sample itineraries
Seoul 4 days 3 nights: a first-timer's itinerary First trip to Seoul, 4 days 3 nights via Incheon Airport: staying around Myeongdong or Seoul Station is easiest. On day 1, take the AREX Express Train… Checked 10/23
Seoul · Transport passes: worth it?
Choosing a Seoul transport card: T-money, Climate Card short-term pass, WOWPASS Several days in a row averaging 3+ rides a day (the 3-day pass pays off after 7 rides): use Seoul's Climate Card short-term pass (1 day ₩5… Checked 10/23
Seoul · Trip costs
How much do 4 days 3 nights in Seoul cost? Three budgets worked out (excluding flights) Excluding flights, 4 days 3 nights in Seoul with two sharing a room costs roughly NT$6,600 (budget), NT$12,500 (mid-range), NT$23… per person (Taiwan dollars) Checked 10/23

Hotel decided? Still to book for this trip

Seoul hotelsNot sure where to stay? Compare areas first
AgodaTrip.com Where to stay
AREX Express TrainDirect from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, nonstop.
KKday
Korea eSIMBuy before you go and get online as soon as you land; check that your phone supports eSIM first.
KKday

FAQ

Where to stay on a first visit to Seoul?

For shopping and skincare, stay in Myeongdong with the shopping streets right outside; for no-transfer airport trips and evenings out, stay in Hongdae. Both are popular areas with visitors.

Flying via Incheon or Gimpo: where's convenient to stay?

Via Incheon: Hongdae has a direct Airport Railroad connection, and Seoul Station is the express train's last stop. Via Gimpo: Hongdae is about 14 min by Airport Railroad, Gangnam is direct on Line 9, and Dongdaemun is direct on Line 5. Each area section lists official times.

Why are most Seoul hotels on this page mid-range?

Price bands are based on each hotel's standard rates on its official site, converted at Bank of Taiwan's won cash selling rate on the day; most come out above NT$3,000. On this page, Dongdaemun is where we found budget hotels. Promotional prices on the platforms may be lower; the platform's displayed price applies.

How is the price band determined?

The lowest public room rate found on each hotel's official booking system (2 guests, 1 room), converted at Bank of Taiwan's rate on the day. Prices rise in peak season and on holidays; actual prices depend on your dates on the platform.

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