If you’re looking for any kind of authentic Korean lifestyle you won’t find it here, it is not dubbed "Little America" for nothing. Presenting boutique accommodation in central Seoul, the well-designed Plaza has free WiFi and an indoor pool. We also have listed the best hostels, hotels, and Airbnb accommodations in Seoul. Located in the business and commercial district of Gangnam, Le Meridien Seoul offers free parking, 5 dining options and a gym. This five-star hotel features a champagne bar, Michelin-starred restaurant, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and banquet facilities. Coffee lovers will be thrilled to find a speciality roastery on the ground floor, while history fans will relish the chance to visit the spectacular nearby temples. The rooms provide a refrigerator, luxury linen and slippers, and have views of the city. Looking for somewhere uber-trendy to stay in Seoul? A comprehensive guide on finding the best accommodation in Seoul for first time visitors. Its long history began before the Second World War when Japanese colonialists were pushed out by American soldiers who lived and partied in the area so, really, it’s been the top choice of where to stay in Seoul for a long time! Recently opened and well reviewed, Myeongdong Rooftop Hostel is gorgeously designed and has rooftop views to match! SAVE! It’s incredibly busy, there’s actually a meme about how busy Hongdae exit nine is and it’s true to life. Click here to see reviews of accommodations in Seoul and book your stay. That being said, I’ve made a guide to help you think about the best places to stay in Seoul for your weekend trip. Where to stay for 3 days in Seoul. It houses a lounge, fitness centre, indoor pool and sauna facilities. This is heaven for indie art lovers and creatives. Insadong Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Seoul for Families, Vin’s amazing view and location in Gangnam, American soldiers who lived and partied in the area. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Hongdae, we think we’ve found a great spot. 3 posts. Its modern rooms feature city views and flat-screen TVs. It makes a great base since everything is here, from budget restaurants to fine dining, and is a shopper’s paradise. Looking for Seoul Hotel? Much like the Jamsil area of the west, Yongsan is more of a residential area, open which people travel to for the giant Ipark mall which currently has the biggest IMAX screen in the world and plenty of international stores and restaurants. This city has a wide variety of places to stay from the dorms, hostels, hanok guest houses, to the fancy 5-star hotels. Hongdae Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Seoul on a Budget, 3. If you love cool and artsy neighborhoods, stay in Hongdae. Stay at Gold Hill Guesthouse - Hostel from £34/night, Hotel Skypark Myeongdong III from £33/night, Itaewon Inn from £15/night and more. The main street runs for 700 meters so it’s a great place to begin your adventures in the neighborhood, before venturing to the backstreets as the day goes on. Aloft Hotels in Seoul. The youthful, lively area of Hongdae in Seoul is known for its shopping, nightlife and arts scene. It’s one of the priciest areas of Seoul so the accommodation options are mid-range upwards and most of the dining and drinking options are expensive with no street-food in sight. Want to be featured in our list? But you could also spend US $3000 on shopping, and the same on accommodation. Re: How much money pocket … There’s not a lot of old Korea cultural left to see in the hyper-modern Seoul and if that’s what you’re looking for then this (and Jongno-Gu) is your area. Here we share the best places to stay for tourists and first-timers based on our own experience. We are best friends, coffee lovers, road trippers. We personally recommend the Myeongdong area. It’s all about helping out our tribe of awesome backpacker readers [that’s you!]. Last post. With around 2000 hotels to choose from on popular accommodation booking websites the best strategy for first time visitors to Seoul is to identify their preferred neighbourhood before deciding where to stay. We are husband + wife and we think travelling together is the best thing ever. You’ll also find a high proportion of massage parlours at reasonable prices. Myeongdong Neighborhood – Coolest Place to Stay in Seoul, 5. Check Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel on Booking.com. This may not sound highly cultural but it’s actually a fascinating place to explore. Shilla Stay Hotels in Seoul. Although it’s not the cheapest option for your stay in Seoul, it’s still very affordable compared to bigger hotels, and has lots of Korean character and an independent vibe. Most expats live in this area so it’s where the most English is spoken and most places are geared towards the expat community. It all depends on how many big ticket activities you do and what stuff you buy. Where to Stay . It’s one of Seoul’s busiest districts and subsequently, it’s home to almost anything you could dream up. SAVE! It’s not just comfort that brings guests to this apartment but the fashionable finishing touches. On top of that, there’s a gym downstairs should you enjoy the tasty included breakfast too much! They have a free shuttle to and from the airport, free Wi-Fi and includes breakfast. Looking for Seoul Hotel? 3. The two major cities of Seoul and Busan are the most intuitive places to explore during a trip to South Korea – Seoul for its cosmopolitan vibe and traditional culture and Busan for its seaside chic. 8.1 Very Good 1,990 reviews Avg. (CNN) — From traditional to oh-so-trendy, these five luxury hotels provide a near-perfect stay for the Seoul first-timer or the frequent business traveler to South Korea: 1. It brought artsy students to the area and with them came the clubs, bars, and all-night dance parties. Printer-friendly version. Modern Korean design is featured in Hotel Aventree Jongno, just 5 minutes walk from Insadong cultural street and 10-minutes walk from the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace. Let’s be honest – most of us have only heard of one Seoul neighborhood before! The back streets are littered with boutiques and cafes and the main street has all of the international and local chains including all of the flagship skincare stores who offer a lot more options like custom skin tests and make-up than the smaller stores around the city. Inside, you’ll find a large cinema and all of the international films are shown in English with Korean subtitles. It’s not rated 9.7 out of 10 for no reason! The district was once primarily owned by the Joseon Dynasty from the 13-1800s, but now it may as well be owned by the tourists who flock to this cultural hub. Quick tips – choosing the best place to stay in Seoul. Consider staying in hotels just outside the … While English and Japanese were mainly spoken in the streets at one point, nowadays it’s an integral part of Seoul. Conveniently located a 13-minute walk from Jamshil Subway Station on Line 2, Lake Tourist hotel offers cosy accommodation. All of the fun museums are here, like the Trick Eye Museum and Love Museum as well as many of the animal cafes like the Meerkat Café and Sheep Café. It’s where to stay in Seoul for those more-digestible student prices combined with the rowdier and eclectic nightlife. – Pick up real one-off fashion pieces designed by art students from the University. Itaewon is an area catered to foreigners. – Check out the K-pop scene and pick up a few CDs at Evan Records. Located in the central wing of Seoul Dragon City complex. Like the previous two, it is also located near a subway station, Euljiro1-ga on line 2. Gangam shot to fame as that dreaded yet oh-so-karaoke-worthy tune but there’s nothing negative about the neighborhood which lies at the heart of Seoul. Just pay for them all with your t-money card that you can pick up from any subway station for three dollars. You can buy your tickets inside. Nowadays it’s plateaued and most visitors to Seoul can afford to make the best of the impressive neighborhood. Transportation is good all around South Korea, which means you can always take a day trip from Seoul to several nearby cities, to see, for example, the gorgeous temples in Busan. Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? It’ll be your home away from home. Although this might sound like a bit of a mission, it will allow the chance to experience so much more of the city. Leave a comment below. Located next to Seokchon Lake, Rosana Business & Boutique Hotel is modern yet cosy. Here are the best places to stay, right in the heart of Seoul’s party hotspot. An Asian breakfast is served daily at the property. You’ll be just a moment’s walk from the main shopping street meaning you won’t need to carry your souvenirs around all day! There are a some great choices of Seoul’s Airbnbs in this area. Don't forget to check if you need any! We started our first day in Seoul at Samcheong-dong, an area that is famous for its eclectic mix of majestic palaces, artisan cafes, art galleries, and Korean traditional houses. In this business-centric city, Seoul hotels see a lot of traffic during the week, so search for Seoul hotel deals on weekends. Sort of the new unofficial centre of Seoul, everything happens in Hongdae from the best shopping to the best bars and local restaurants and you’ll find street performers lining the main street with seating areas around them. https://misstourist.com/where-to-stay-in-soul-south-korea-best-hotels For the first time visitor, it can be overwhelming. Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Seoul. Lotte City Hotel Mapo is located above five levels of shops and clinics and offers a free-access indoor pool, a fitness centre and a car park. A day wandering the area may be exhausting but it’s an awesome place to experience the real Seoul and meet the locals who will undoubtedly want to chat. Staying in a hotel that is far from the places you’d like to visit could be time-consuming. Prepare your palette and your belly to be perpetually full as you cafe and restaurant hop from one unique establishment to another. We made You Could Travel for you. If you’re looking for Seoul’s Myeong-dong in Busan, this is it. Anyone who has information on service apartment-rental,is much appreciated.thank you The Mercure Ambassador Seoul Gangnam Sodowe or the Imperial Palace Seoul, which both cater to business travelers, are great upscale options in … There are some lovely cafes in the area, a big nightlife scene, and you’re very close to Namsan Tower and nearby museums like Seodaemun Prison so there’s plenty to do in the area. Itaewon Neighborhood – The Best Location to Stay in Seoul for Nightlife. The best value room here is Hotel Yaja Uijeongbu Station , the rooms are uniquely decorated and may be Korea’s answer to the infamous Madonna Inn. Gangnam, and see Seoul from above. – Eat bibimbap at Tokkijung or a famous Korean barbeque meal at Yang Good. Check RYSE, Autograph Collection on Booking.com. – Explore the art galleries of which there are over 100; you’ll find pottery, paintings, sculpture, and more. The Shilla Where to Stay in Seoul. Check Centermark Hotel Insadong Myeongdong on Booking.com. WiFi access and private parking is available, both free of charge. Guests can also make use of the fitness centre and spa. If you’re wondering where to stay in Seoul for that East Asian metropolis shopping extravaganza, it’s Myeongdong. price/night: £53. There are a lot more restaurants here and most of the most famous and international chains (shopping and restaurants) can be found here. They usually ask which hotel is the best place for them to stay. Deluxe family rooms are available for those travelling with kids. Located in the heart of Seoul, Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun of Samsung Group offers contemporary guestrooms with free WiFi, a buffet restaurant and free parking. Updated June 22, 2020 THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. Largely speaking, I’d say the best place to stay in Seoul depends upon how many times you’ve visited the city. – Try local delicacies including bubble tea which is doled out in numerous locations in the neighborhood. The in-house restaurant serves American cuisine. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Jamsil is all about the mall and there isn’t much else going on so if you just want a quiet hub with one of the world’s biggest malls next to you then it’s ideal but if you want your area to have a bit more going on in general then you may want to consider somewhere else. Similar to Hongdae, this is a very busy and noisy area and is very much geared towards tourists so prepared to be harassed a fair amount with fliers. Airport shuttles are available upon request. On the last of our 3 days in … And subway station is just in front of the hotel where i stayed. If you’re a fashion lover you may also want to explore Myeongdong – one of Asia’s hippest places to hit the shops. This travel guide aims to show you how these cities can be done in as little as a week. Public transport in Seoul is, quite frankly, amazing. The one featured here is tough, reliable and a solid buy – Don’t leave home without one. 2 out of top 10 points of interest in this area. Seoul is a BIG city and you could spend a weekend in just one district. Learn more about Seoul. It is also located near Anguk station, so you can just hop on the subway train if you’d like to explore more of Seoul. Centrally located in Orakai Insadong Suites offers luxurious self-catering apartments with a well-equipped kitchenette and satellite TV. This top-notch hostel in Seoul offers free breakfast and 24-hour access to its amazing rooftop, and is a convenient 5 minute walk from the Myeongdong metro station. Myeongdong – City Center. Answer 1 of 15: Hi All, My family of 4 will be travelling to Korea soon.Our arrival date is 31Aug 2011.Planned to stay for at least 2weeks to 1 month. This is one of the most popular places to stay. Itaewon is … It’s small, arty and design-led, with a minimalist, industrial-chic style. The location is paramount at this backpacker hostel. Myeongdong is a vibrant district with plenty of amazing shopping and dining options. It’s also the best place in the city to pick up traditional Korean handicrafts and trinkets – so make sure you visit with an empty suitcase! Taxis are very cheap in Seoul however, so getting a taxi back from one of the larger areas of Gangnam or Itaewon would be affordable. RYSE, Autograph Collection is located in the bustling Hongdae district. Ibis Myeong Dong Hotel Seoul – This is a relatively new hotel. There’s a huge range of restaurants and cafes, both local and international and all the shopping you could need. Want to support the site? More information. This artist’s flat features vintage record players, Beatles memorabilia and traditional Korean furniture. Incheon is a lovely airport, very big and open like the rest of South Korea. The Leading Hotels Of The World in Seoul. Based on a typical 1 week holiday - adding together the cost of flights and accommodation - March is the cheapest month to go to Seoul. Thanks for your support. Exiting nearby Gwanghwamun station on to Gwanghwamun Square with Gyeongbokgung palace and the famous statue of King Sejong is an unforgettable view. Sure, it may not have the temples and fortresses of the north of the city but it’s a good base to visit them from. If you’re visiting for Seoul Fashion Week, then you definitely want to stay in Dongdaemun. … Email [email protected] to find out how. I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. (68 area reviews) Made world-famous by a catchy 2012 K-pop song with quirky dance moves, this is still Seoul’s most talked about neighborhood today. Here you’ll find all number of dance clubs and late-night hangouts. – Visit Leeum Samsung Museum Of Art, one of the most highly-acclaimed galleries in the country for both traditional and modern art. It also has a free breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and barbeque facilities on the rooftop, meaning you and your new hostel friends are bound to have a great night. I think you can stay in Seoul for US $1000 for a week without a problem, and less than that as a backpacker. There’s also less high-end hotels and fine dining due to the large student crowd and a little far from the areas south of the river (like Gangnam). Not only will you be based one minute from the Gangnam station, you’ll have city views, a luxurious bathroom including a bathtub, cooking facilities, and a washer and dryer. Historic Center Of Seoul. Is the cool factor important in your search for where to stay in Myeongdong? Money was injected into the area by the 1988 Olympics and it became a playground for those with expensive tastes. Known as the cultural heart of Seoul, you’ll want to explore Insadong whether you base yourself in the area or not. Answer 1 of 8: Hi! It depends on your budget and where you want to sleep. You’ve traveled a long way to get to Seoul. Myeongdong is a cocktail of sights, tastes, experiences and noise… so much noise! We used AirBnB (get $20 credit here) and found a place to stay during our time in Seoul for $30 a day. You’ll be within walking distance of Seoul’s best shops and stylish restaurants. You can find some budget restaurants and bars but overall expect to spend a lot more money being based in Gangnam. It has a seasonal rooftop pool and a large sauna. Seoul is a large city with lots of districts each with its own styles and attractions. The best area to stay in between Seoul and Pocheon would be near Uijeongbu Station (subway line 1) and grab a bus from here. 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