Key Takeaways
Choosing where to stay in Seoul can make or break your trip. This massive city holds over nine million people, and each neighborhood feels like a completely different town.
- First-Time Visitors: Stick to Myeongdong or Insadong. You will be close to major sights, palaces, and markets without needing long train rides.
- Nightlife and Food Lovers: Head to Hongdae for indie music and youth culture, or Itaewon for global food, bars, and a diverse community.
- Luxury Seekers: Look no further than Gangnam or Jamsil. These areas offer high-end shopping, skyscrapers, and five-star business hotels.
- Budget Backpackers: Hongdae and Sinchon offer cheap guesthouses and affordable private rooms near universities.
- Transport Tip: Always pick a hotel within a five-minute walk of a Subway Line 2 (Green Line) or Line 1 (Dark Blue Line) station to save time.
Welcome to Seoul: Finding Your Home Away from Home
Seoul is a beautiful mix of neon-lit skyscrapers and quiet, ancient alleyways. One minute you are looking at a futuristic digital billboard, and the next you are walking past a wooden temple that has stood for hundreds of years. Because the city is so huge and spread out, picking the right base is the most important decision you will make while planning your vacation.
If you pick the wrong spot, you might spend two hours every day sitting on a packed subway train just to get to the places you want to see. If you pick the right spot, you can step out of your lobby and instantly find great food, fun shops, and train stations that connect you to the rest of the city in minutes.
This guide breaks down the top neighborhoods in the city. We will look at what makes each area special, who it suits best, and review the top hotels for three different price ranges: budget, mid-range, and luxury.
Myeongdong: The Vibrant Heart of Shopping and Street Food
Myeongdong is the ultimate hub for travelers. If you love bright lights, constant energy, and endless rows of skincare shops, this is where you want to be. It is one of the most popular areas for tourists, and for good reason.
The streets here are closed to cars during the afternoon and evening. This turns the entire neighborhood into a giant outdoor walking mall. You can buy everything from famous Korean face masks to high fashion clothes. As the sun goes down, rows of food carts fill the center of the streets. You can feed yourself a full dinner just by walking from cart to cart, trying grilled cheese tater tots, sweet hotteok pancakes, and lobster tails covered in butter.
Why You Will Love Myeongdong
This neighborhood is built for convenience. Almost every shop worker speaks some English, Japanese, or Mandarin. The signs are clear, and the neighborhood connects directly to Myeongdong Station on Subway Line 4. This line takes you straight to Seoul Station or up to the historic areas in just a few minutes. It is a soft landing spot for anyone who feels a little nervous about visiting Korea for the first time.
The Travel Downsides
Because it is so popular with tourists, Myeongdong can feel a bit crowded and frantic. If you want a quiet, local neighborhood where old grandparents are drinking tea, you will not find that here. The prices at the night market can also be a bit higher than at traditional local markets.
Neighborhood Overview
- Best For: First-time travelers, shoppers, families, and street food fans.
- Main Vibe: Bright neon lights, busy crowds, international shops, and high energy.
- Nearest Train Stations: Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Top Hotel Recommendations in Myeongdong
Budget Options
- Step Inn Myeongdong 1: A clean, bright hostel that offers both shared dorms and small private rooms. It sits right in the middle of the shopping district, meaning you can drop your bags off after shopping and go right back out. They offer free breakfast toast and have an amazing view of the Myeongdong Cathedral from their common room.
- Line Hotel Myeongdong: This property offers compact, clean private rooms with private bathrooms. The design is modern and minimalist. It keeps things simple to give you a great price without sacrifice.
Mid-Range Options
- L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE: This trendy lifestyle hotel features a bright yellow design theme and a cool rooftop bar with views of Namsan Tower. The rooms have large windows, comfortable beds, and modern amenities. It sits right next to the subway exit, making travel around the city very quick.
- Aloft Seoul Myeongdong: A trusted international brand that brings a youthful, musical energy to the area. The beds are famously soft, the showers are hot and powerful, and the lobby lounge serves great drinks in the evening.
Luxury Options
- Lotte Hotel Seoul Main Tower: A historic five-star property that defines high luxury in the heart of the city. Connected directly to the Euljiro 1-ga subway station and the massive Lotte Department Store, this hotel features indoor pools, a massive fitness center, and multiple award-winning restaurants. The club lounge service here is widely regarded as some of the best in Asia.
- The Westin Josun Seoul: Situated just behind the main shopping streets, this hotel offers a calm oasis. It sits next to a historic traditional pavilion, offering a unique view from many rooms. The service is polished, the indoor swimming pool is beautiful, and the breakfast buffet contains an incredible spread of both Western and Korean dishes.
Insadong: Ancient Culture and Historic Alleyways
If your dream trip to Korea involves traditional wooden houses, handmade pottery, calligraphy shops, and cozy tea rooms, Insadong is your paradise. This neighborhood values history over modern glitz.
The main street of Insadong is lined with art galleries, traditional craft shops, and boutiques selling beautiful hanbok clothing. The side streets are a maze of stone walls and old buildings where you can find some of the best traditional food in the city. It is a peaceful neighborhood that slows down beautifully at night, making it perfect for travelers who want a calmer experience.
Why You Will Love Insadong
Insadong places you within walking distance of Seoul’s top historic sites. You can walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and the beautiful Bukchon Hanok Village without ever getting on a train. It is also a fantastic place to taste traditional Korean temple food and drink hot plum tea in hidden courtyards.
The Travel Downsides
The neighborhood goes to sleep early. By ten in the evening, most shops and tea houses are closed. If you want to drink beers until three in the morning or dance at a club, you will have to take a taxi to another part of town.
Neighborhood Overview
- Best For: History lovers, older travelers, art collectors, and quiet seekers.
- Main Vibe: Wooden buildings, artsy galleries, calm tea rooms, and deep history.
- Nearest Train Stations: Anguk Station (Line 3), Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, and 5).
Top Hotel Recommendations in Insadong
Budget Options
- Insadong Hostel: A friendly, family-run spot located down a quiet alleyway. It offers simple private rooms and small dorms. The rooftop terrace is a peaceful place to drink coffee in the morning, and the owners love helping guests map out their daily walks around the palaces.
- Sunbee Hotel: This hotel offers incredibly large rooms for a budget price. The decor uses traditional Korean design touches mixed with modern comforts. It sits tucked away from the main road, ensuring a very quiet night of sleep.
Mid-Range Options
- Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong: Located inside the Anyoung Insadong cultural mall complex, this hotel is modern, sleek, and highly functional. Many rooms look out over the nearby jogyesa temple, providing a stunning view of colorful lanterns. They have helpful automated check-in kiosks and self-service luggage lockers.
- Orakai Insadong Suites: If you are traveling with a family or staying for more than a few days, these apartment-style suites are perfect. They come with full kitchens, large living rooms, and washing machines. The property also features a large indoor swimming pool and a kids’ play area.
Luxury Options
- Ambassador Seoul – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel: This boutique luxury hotel blends artistic modern flair with historic surroundings. The interior designs are stunning, featuring custom artwork and high-end furnishings. The service is personalized, and the dining rooms serve creative twists on classic Korean ingredients.
- The Shilla Seoul: While located slightly south of Insadong near Namsan mountain, this is the grand dame of Seoul luxury hotels. It is a short taxi ride from Insadong and offers unparalleled luxury, an outdoor pool oasis called Urban Island, and a legendary traditional design style that hosts presidents and celebrities.
Hongdae: The Capital of Youth Culture, Indie Music, and Nightlife
Hongdae is named after the nearby Hongik University, which is the top art school in South Korea. Because the area is packed with students, the entire neighborhood bursts with youthful creativity, affordable food, and wild nightlife.
During the day, Hongdae is a great place to shop for unique boutique clothing, visit quirky cat cafes, or get your hair styled at trendy salons. At night, the main pedestrian streets fill up with street performers, called buskers. You can watch dance crews perform K-pop routines and indie musicians sing acoustic songs. Past midnight, the neighborhood shifts into high gear with hundreds of bars, pubs, and underground dance clubs staying open until the sun comes up.
Why You Will Love Hongdae
Hongdae is one of the most budget-friendly areas in northern Seoul. Because it serves students, the restaurants here offer large portions of fried chicken, Korean barbecue, and stews for low prices. It is also connected directly to the AREX train line, which means you can take a single train straight from Incheon International Airport to Hongdae Station without switching lines.
The Travel Downsides
It can get very noisy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If your hotel room faces a main street, you might hear bass music and laughing crowds late into the night. The streets can also feel messy on weekend mornings before the city cleans up after the party.
Neighborhood Overview
- Best For: Solo travelers, young adults, nightlife fans, and budget travelers.
- Main Vibe: Trendy youth culture, street performances, affordable food, and non-stop nightlife.
- Nearest Train Stations: Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX, and Gyeongui-Jungang Line).
Top Hotel Recommendations in Hongdae
Budget Options
- Hongdae Style Guesthouse: A cozy, welcoming guesthouse located a short walk from the station exit. The host treats guests like family, helping you book tours and ordering late-night Korean fried chicken delivery to the common room. The rooms are basic but spotless.
- DW Stay Hongdae: A highly rated budget hotel that offers clean private rooms, family apartments, and triple rooms. It sits in a quieter residential corner of the neighborhood, so you can enjoy the party and then walk back to a silent room.
Mid-Range Options
- L7 Hongdae by LOTTE: This stylish hotel caters directly to the creative vibe of the area. It features a trendy lobby with a pool table, an art library, and an outdoor rooftop pool that becomes a lively lounge party during the summer months. The rooms are sleek and offer great views of the university campus.
- Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae: Built right on top of the Hongik University Station complex, you cannot beat this location. It sits above a multi-story shopping mall, meaning you have instant access to food and clothing stores. The room rates include a reliable hot breakfast buffet to start your day.
Luxury Options
- RYSE, Autumn Collection Marriott: This is easily one of the coolest hotels in South Korea. It is a luxury boutique hotel designed for artists, musicians, and creators. The rooms feature custom art pieces, high-end sound systems, and industrial-chic concrete walls. The lobby houses a great coffee shop and a streetwear boutique, and the rooftop bar serves some of the best cocktails in town.
- The Shilla Stay Mapo: Located just a few train stops away from Hongdae, this business-luxury hotel offers a calm, refined atmosphere. It provides premium bedding, clean lines, and executive-level service for travelers who want to visit Hongdae but want a quieter, upscale environment to sleep in.
Itaewon: The Global Melting Pot of Food and Entertainment
Itaewon is the most diverse and international neighborhood in South Korea. For decades, it was known as the area next to a major American military base, which drew expats, immigrants, and travelers from every corner of the world. Today, it has evolved into a trendy dining and drinking district where global cultures meet.
If you are craving something other than Korean food, Itaewon is the place to go. You can find authentic Mexican tacos, Turkish kebabs, Indian curries, American barbecue, and Italian pizza all on the same street. The neighborhood climbs up a steep hill toward Namsan Mountain, creating unique alleys filled with hidden bars, vintage furniture shops, and craft beer pubs.
Why You Will Love Itaewon
Itaewon is incredibly welcoming to foreigners. English is spoken everywhere, and many restaurants feature menus catering to diverse dietary needs, including halal and vegetarian options. It also has a vibrant, welcoming nightlife scene that includes some of the city’s best rooftop bars with views of the glittering skyline.
The Travel Downsides
The neighborhood is very hilly. Walking around Itaewon requires walking up and down steep slopes and stone stairs, which can be tiring if you have heavy luggage or mobility issues. It can also feel a bit gritty compared to the pristine streets of areas like Gangnam.
Neighborhood Overview
- Best For: Foodies, expats, diverse crowds, and nightlife lovers.
- Main Vibe: International, diverse, hilly, lively, and creative.
- Nearest Train Stations: Itaewon Station (Line 6), Noksapyeong Station (Line 6).
Top Hotel Recommendations in Itaewon
Budget Options
- G Guesthouse Seoul Itaewon: A highly popular hostel that regularly wins awards for its social atmosphere. It features a fantastic rooftop where guests gather to grill food and look at Namsan Tower. The rooms range from shared dorms to private family rooms, all decorated with cool street art.
- Itaewon Inn: A straightforward, no-frills budget option located close to the main strip. It provides simple private rooms with small kitchenettes, making it a functional choice for longer stays on a tight budget.
Mid-Range Options
- Hamilton Hotel: An iconic landmark in Itaewon, this hotel sits directly outside Itaewon Station Exit 1. It is famous for its outdoor rooftop swimming pool, which hosts lively pool parties during the hot summer weekends. The rooms are clean, classic, and place you seconds away from the action.
- Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel: This hotel features a colorful, artistic pop-art design theme throughout its corridors and rooms. The rooms are equipped with modern digital controls and comfortable beds. The first floor often features trendy cafes or restaurants.
Luxury Options
- Grand Hyatt Seoul: Perched high on the slopes of Namsan Mountain, this massive luxury resort offers some of the most breathtaking views of the city and the Han River. It features sprawling gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and a grand lobby with live jazz music. In the winter, their outdoor pool transforms into a romantic ice-skating rink.
- Mondrian Seoul Itaewon: A stunning lifestyle hotel that mixes bold, artistic design with premium luxury. The indoor pool features a glass wall that is popular on social media, and the underground level connects to a curated selection of bookshops, fashion boutiques, and high-end restaurants.
Gangnam: The Glamorous District of Luxury, Fashion, and K-Pop
Gangnam became famous across the planet thanks to Psy’s hit song, but locals know it as the wealthy center of business, high fashion, and plastic surgery. Located south of the Han River, Gangnam feels like a different city compared to historic northern Seoul.
The streets here are wide, flat, and lined with towering glass skyscrapers. Gangnam is where you go to see the wealth of modern South Korea. You will find high-end department stores, underground malls packed with millions of items, and the flagship offices of global tech companies. It is also the home of K-Star Road, where fans of Korean music go to see statues dedicated to famous entertainment groups.
Why You Will Love Gangnam
Gangnam is incredibly clean, safe, and organized. The hotels here are built to international corporate standards, offering excellent business centers, gym facilities, and executive lounges. The dining scene ranges from Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to massive underground food courts filled with modern treats.
The Travel Downsides
Gangnam lacks historic charm. You will not find ancient temples or wooden houses here. It is also more expensive than the rest of the city; a cup of coffee or a meal at a casual restaurant can cost significantly more than it would in areas like Hongdae or Insadong.
Neighborhood Overview
- Best For: Luxury travelers, business workers, K-pop fans, and high-end shoppers.
- Main Vibe: Polished, wealthy, modern, glassy, and fast-paced.
- Nearest Train Stations: Gangnam Station (Line 2 and Shinbundang Line), Sinsa Station (Line 3), Apgujeong Station (Line 3).
Top Hotel Recommendations in Gangnam
Budget Options
- Princess Hotel: Located in the upscale Apgujeong area of Gangnam, this hotel offers simple, clean private rooms at a fraction of the cost of its neighbors. It is a great base if you want to shop at luxury boutiques without spending your entire budget on a bed.
- Capace Hotel: A comfortable budget boutique hotel near Yeoksam Station. The rooms are surprisingly spacious and feature large bathtubs, which are rare in affordable Korean accommodations. The service is quiet and professional.
Mid-Range Options
- L7 Gangnam by LOTTE: A stylish hotel that overlooks Seolleung Park, giving you a rare view of greenery in the middle of concrete skyscrapers. The rooms are functional and modern, with great workstations and comfortable bedding. The lounge areas are perfect for checking emails or relaxing after a day of meetings.
- Shilla Stay Yeoksam: Part of the premium Samsung-owned Shilla brand, this property offers consistent quality. It focuses on minimalist design, comfortable bedding, and a quiet environment tailored to business professionals and upscale tourists.
Luxury Options
- InterContinental Seoul COEX: Located right next to the massive COEX Convention Center and Mall, this high-end tower offers spectacular views of the ancient Bongeunsa Temple. The rooms are classic and stately, the fitness facilities are world-class, and the service is completely flawless.
- Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel: This is one of the highest peaks of luxury in all of South Korea. Standing tall over Gangnam, the hotel features breathtaking Art Deco styling, gold accents, and cloud-skimming room views. The indoor pool area looks out over the entire city skyline, and every room comes with top-tier technology and personalized butler service.
Jamsil: Family Fun, Scenic Lakes, and Towering Heights
Jamsil is a sprawling neighborhood located in the southeastern part of the city. It is dominated by two massive attractions: Lotte World, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, and Lotte World Tower, which stands as the sixth-tallest building on earth.
This neighborhood is arranged around Seokchon Lake, a beautiful park with walking paths that light up with thousands of pink cherry blossoms in the spring. Jamsil is clean, flat, and incredibly modern, making it a favorite destination for families traveling with children or couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Why You Will Love Jamsil
Jamsil offers a massive concentration of entertainment options in one place. You can visit an aquarium, ride roller coasters, go to an observation deck on the 123rd floor, watch a baseball game at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium, and shop at a massive luxury mall without ever leaving the neighborhood.
The Travel Downsides
Jamsil is located far to the east of the city center. If you want to make daily trips to historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace or trendy neighborhoods like Hongdae, you will face forty to fifty-minute subway rides each way.
Neighborhood Overview
- Best For: Families with kids, theme park lovers, couples, and long-term stays.
- Main Vibe: Entertainment-heavy, scenic lake views, family-friendly, and futuristic.
- Nearest Train Stations: Jamsil Station (Line 2 and Line 8).
Top Hotel Recommendations in Jamsil
Budget Options
- Pharos Hotel: Located a short walk or quick train ride away from the main Jamsil station area, this property offers clean, modern private rooms at a price that leaves plenty of room for theme park tickets. The rooms are quiet and well-maintained.
- Rosana Boutique Hotel: Situated right near the edge of Seokchon Lake, this hotel offers comfortable, cozy rooms. Walking around the lake in the evening is beautiful, and the hotel provides easy access to local cafes and restaurants.
Mid-Range Options
- Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences: While it leans toward the higher end of mid-range, this French-inspired luxury property offers great value apartments and rooms right next to the lake. The design is beautiful, combining chic Parisian style with Korean elements.
- Lotte Hotel World: This hotel connects directly to the Lotte World adventure park, making it the perfect choice for families. They even offer special character-themed rooms for kids, and you can get package deals that include tickets to the amusement park and aquarium.
Luxury Options
- Signiel Seoul: This ultra-luxury property sits between the 76th and 101st floors of the Lotte World Tower. It is one of the highest hotels in the world, offering views that stretch across the entire country on a clear day. Every guest receives access to a premium lounge with free champagne, and the service is designed to make you feel like royalty in the clouds.
- The Shilla Stay Samsung: Located just across the river from Jamsil near the exhibition centers, this sleek hotel provides high-end minimalist design, massive glass windows looking at urban light displays, and quiet rooms with top-tier bedding.
Dongdaemun: The Fashion District That Never Sleeps
Dongdaemun is the historic design and clothing market district of Seoul. It is dominated by the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic building designed by architect Zaha Hadid that looks like a giant silver spaceship landed in the middle of the city.
This area is unique because it operates on a twenty-four-hour clock. While regular retail malls operate during the day, the massive wholesale clothing markets open at eight in the evening and run until five in the morning. Thousands of fashion designers, boutique owners, and fabric buyers fill the streets all night long, turning the area into a glowing maze of trucks, clothes bags, and late-night food stalls.
Why You Will Love Dongdaemun
If you are a creative soul, a fashion student, or a night owl, you will love this neighborhood. It is also historically rich, home to the ancient Heunginjimun gate and the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautiful sunken waterway where you can walk along running water beneath the busy city streets.
The Travel Downsides
The late-night rush can feel overwhelming, with wholesale workers moving large clothing bundles through the streets at high speeds. It can also be difficult to find quiet dining options late at night if you are looking for a formal sit-down dinner rather than street food or casual diners.
Neighborhood Overview
- Best For: Fashion designers, late-night shoppers, architecture lovers, and night owls.
- Main Vibe: Futuristic design, busy wholesale markets, historical gates, and non-stop movement.
- Nearest Train Stations: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4, and 5), Dongdaemun Station (Lines 1 and 4).
Top Hotel Recommendations in Dongdaemun
Budget Options
- Travelodge Dongdaemun Seoul: A clean, reliable hotel that focuses on providing great beds and clean bathrooms without charging for unnecessary extras. It is located a short walk from the main design plazas and provides excellent train access.
- D7 Suites: Located in a quieter corner near the markets, this property offers clean studio apartments with small kitchen amenities. The staff is highly helpful, and they offer a laundry room which is great for long-term travelers.
Mid-Range Options
- Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences: This massive property offers regular hotel rooms as well as serviced apartments with kitchens. It features a stunning heated outdoor rooftop swimming pool that looks out over the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, providing a wonderful spot to relax after a night of shopping.
- Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Dongdaemun: Located right next to the station entrance, this hotel features playful, modern rooms, including some decorated with famous cartoon characters. The beds are high quality, and the security is top-notch.
Luxury Options
- JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul: This low-rise luxury property sits right next to the historic Dongdaemun Gate, offering some of the most beautiful historic views in the city. The indoor pool is styled like an old-world palace, the steakhouse is world-famous, and the rooms feature large marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows.
- The Grand Ambassador Seoul – Pullman: Located a short distance away near Namsan mountain, this classic luxury hotel offers a refined retreat from the busy markets. It provides traditional service, fantastic dining options, and a beautiful indoor health center.
Strategic Planning: Comparing Neighborhood Benefits
| Neighborhood | Main Advantage | Transport Score | Budget Friendliness | Noise Level |
| Myeongdong | Central shopping hubs | 10 out of 10 | Medium | High evening noise |
| Insadong | Historic palace walks | 9 out of 10 | Medium | Very quiet at night |
| Hongdae | Youth nightlife and music | 9 out of 10 | High savings | Very high weekend noise |
| Itaewon | Global food varieties | 7 out of 10 | Medium | High late-night noise |
| Gangnam | Luxury business hubs | 8 out of 10 | Low savings | Moderate noise |
| Jamsil | Family theme parks | 6 out of 10 | Low savings | Quiet residential |
| Dongdaemun | All-night fashion markets | 9 out of 10 | Medium | Active all night |
Essential Booking Tips for Your Seoul Hotel
To ensure you have the best possible stay in South Korea, keep these practical points in mind before you enter your credit card details.
Check the Bed Styles Carefully
In South Korea, bed sizing can be slightly different from Western standards. A “Double Room” might sometimes feature a smaller bed than you expect. If you are tall or prefer lots of space, look for properties that explicitly list “Queen” or “King” size beds. Additionally, pay attention to the difference between Western-style beds and traditional Korean Ondol rooms, where you sleep on a thick, comfortable mattress pad directly on a heated floor.
Look for Subway Proximity
The train system in Seoul is one of the best on earth. However, walking fifteen minutes up a hill with heavy luggage just to get to a station can quickly drain your energy. Always map the distance from your hotel lobby to the nearest subway exit. If the hotel is within a three-minute walk, you will have a much better daily experience.
Notice Bathroom Designs
Many budget accommodations in South Korea use a wet-room design for bathrooms. This means there is no separate glass door or plastic curtain separating the shower from the toilet and sink. When you shower, the entire bathroom floor gets wet, which is completely normal in Asia but can surprise Western travelers. If you want a separate enclosed shower stall, look closely at the room photos before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which neighborhood is the safest place to stay in Seoul?
Every single neighborhood in Seoul is incredibly safe compared to global standards. South Korea has low crime rates, and it is completely normal to see people walking alone through dark alleys past midnight without any worry. However, if safety to you means wide, well-lit, flat sidewalks with plenty of security guards, Gangnam and Jamsil offer the most pristine environment. If you dislike rowdy crowds, you may want to avoid the main bar streets of Hongdae and Itaewon on Saturday nights.
Is it better to stay north or south of the Han River?
For most tourists, staying north of the river, in areas like Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, or Dongdaemun, is much better. The northern part of the city contains the historic center, meaning the palaces, traditional markets, and mountains are all close by. The southern side, containing Gangnam and Jamsil, is highly modern, shiny, and beautiful, but it requires longer train rides to reach the traditional cultural sights.
How do I get from Incheon Airport to my hotel?
You have three major choices for getting into the city. The first is the AREX train, which runs directly from the airport to Seoul Station or Hongdae Station. The second option is the Airport Limousine Bus, which is a comfortable coach that stops outside major hotels across every neighborhood. The third is a regular taxi, which is comfortable but can be expensive if you run into heavy rush-hour traffic.
Do hotel workers in Seoul speak English?
At luxury and mid-range hotels, the front desk workers speak excellent English, and often Japanese or Mandarin as well. At small budget hostels or guesthouses, the younger workers generally speak functional English and are very happy to use translation apps to answer your questions. You will rarely face any issues communicating basic needs.
Are rooms with traditional heated floors comfortable?
Yes, they are incredibly comfortable. These are called Ondol rooms. Instead of a raised frame bed, you sleep on a soft, quilted mattress on a clean floor that is warmed by internal heating pipes. This is an ancient Korean tradition that is wonderful for your back and keeps you incredibly cozy during the freezing winter months.
