Seoul is a large city and as a first-timer, it can be overwhelming to choose the right neighborhood to stay in. The first time I visited, I wanted to be close to all the tourist attractions, but they were spread out across the city, so I had no idea where to stay to be near everything. Now after several visits, I have a better view, so let me guide you through the different options.

First, let me introduce you to the different neighborhood locations :

On top of the neighbourhoods map, it is also important to know what the metro looks like. As Seoul is so widely spread, taking the subway will be necessary to visit the city !

The most interesting lines for tourism are these ones :

• Line 1 (dark blue) : Dongdaemun, City Hall, Suwon & Incheon
• Line 2 (green) : Gangnam & Hongdae (Hongik University)
• Line 3 (orange) : Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung & Changgyeonggung Palace (Anguk), Bukchon Hanok Village
• Line 4 (light blue): Myeongdong & Dongdaemun

Now let’s dive into the neighborhoods I would recommend you to stay in Seoul !

N°1 – Myeongdong (Jung-gu)

Myeongdong is famous for its shops and is typically the go-to destination for shopping in Seoul, offering everything from global brands to unique Korean cosmetics and fashion. However, for me, it’s also the best area to book a hotel if you’re planning to explore the city. Myeongdong is centrally located, making it an excellent base for sightseeing, with quick access to many tourist attractions.

For example, N Seoul Tower on top of Namsan Mountain, is just cable car ride away. Additionally, the area is well-connected to the subway. Chungmuro station on Line 3 (orange), easily takes you to historic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village. There is also Line 4 (light blue – Chungmuro & Myeongdong Station) which serves, Dongdaemun and Seoul Station.

One drawback, though, is that the Myeongdong area isn’t very lively at night, with most shops closing relatively early. So, if you’re someone who enjoys nightlife and evening activities, I’d recommend considering other neighbourhoods like Hongdae or Gangnam.

N°2 – Jongno3ga (Jongno-gu)

Jongno 3-ga is a subway station, so it’s not exactly a tourist destination on its own. Still, it is a great location to taste local foods and to stay close to Seoul’s main palaces and historical landmarks.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and the streets of Insadong are just 15-20 minutes away. The station is also a short walk from Cheonggyecheon Stream, where you can enjoy a pleasant night stroll.

However, that’s not the only reason I’m adding it to this list. The station is located at the intersection of three subway lines (Lines 1, 3, and 5), making it incredibly convenient for transportation. For instance, Line 1 gives you easy access to Dongdaemun and City Hall (including Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Plaza). It also connects the city center to suburbs like Incheon and Suwon, making it even more practical if you want to explore beyond the city center!

N°3 – Dongdaemun Plaza (Dongdaemun-gu)

Dongdaemun is famous for its Design Plaza, local markets, shopping malls, and Heunginjimun Gate. The neighborhood is ultra-modern, highlighted by DDP, an impressive building that will please architecture lovers. The area is also home to Dongdaemun Market, a large covered market where you can taste many local dishes. Since it is not far from Jongno 3-ga, Dongdaemun Plaza is also just a short walk from Cheonggyecheon Stream.

In terms of transportation, Dongdaemun has two major subway stations: Dongdaemun, connected to Lines 1 & 4, and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, which serves Lines 2, 4 & 5, making Dongdaemun a hub to reach all the destinations you might need.

One drawback of Dongdaemun is its location on the northeast side of the city. As it is less central than my previous two points, it can take a bit longer to reach some destinations, but it is still very convenient!

N°4 – Hongdae (Mapo-gu)

Hongdae is often called the student district as it is home to Hongik, Yonsei, and Ewha universities. This makes Hongdae the perfect neighborhood for nightlife and partying. It is one of the most dynamic parts of the city, with its many shopping streets, late-night restaurants, and game shops. If you need anything, just head to Hongdae.

Aside from nightlife, Hongdae is just as lively during the day. Many trendy brunch spots and cafés are open, Gyeongui Line Forest Park offers a pleasant stroll along a former railway line, and the university campuses like Yonsei are open for exploring if you want to take a look around.

Hongdae is slightly less practical in terms of transportation. Located on the west side of the city, only one subway line, Line 2, passes through Hongik University Station. However, Line 2 is well connected to other lines, so you can easily transfer to reach other parts of the city. Choosing to stay in Hongdae is more about enjoying the atmosphere than prioritizing connectivity to the rest of Seoul.

N°5 – Gangnam (Gangnam-gu)

Another famous neighborhood in Seoul is Gangnam. Trendy, modern, and immortalized by the hit song Gangnam Style, Gangnam is located on the other side of the Han River. Gangnam is similar to Hongdae with its shopping streets, activities, and cafés. However, Gangnam offers more landmarks to visit than Hongdae. Bongeunsa Temple, Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs, and Lotte Tower are all located in Gangnam, making the district rich in shopping, cultural attractions, and stunning city views.

As it is on the other side of the river, Gangnam is farther away from the other spots. However, like Hongdae, Gangnam is located on Line 2, making transfers easy. Still, it may take more time to reach your destination compared to the other locations mentioned above.

Now that you know where to stay in Seoul check out my other article on Korea :