Hotels in Seoul

Seoul's subway is so good that you can stay in almost any central neighbourhood and still reach everything, so choose by the mood you want in the evenings. Rooms in the old centre are often small, while Gangnam has bigger towers and higher prices. In November 2026, hotel listings started from about US$42 a night, with cheaper rooms usually being guesthouses or older motels.

Where to stay

Myeongdong. The classic first-timer's base, packed with skincare shops and street food, with direct airport buses and two nearby subway lines. It's convenient but very crowded in the evening, so ask for a higher floor.

Insadong and Jongno. Close to the palaces, Bukchon and traditional tea houses. This is the best area for history, and a few hanok guesthouses let you sleep in a traditional house. Expect floor mattresses and thin walls in some of them, so check the room type.

Hongdae. Young, loud and full of cafés, live music and clubs, with lots of good-value hotels. It's on the airport railroad, which makes arrivals easy, but it's a bit farther from the palaces, and weekend nights go on late.

Seoul Station. A practical choice for KTX trains and the express airport train. There's less to do in the area itself, though Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong are close.

Gangnam. Modern towers, shopping and business hotels south of the river. It suits work trips and K-beauty appointments, but most classic sights are 30 minutes or more away by subway.

Dongdaemun. Late-night fashion malls and many mid-range hotels, often with larger rooms for the price. It's a useful option for families or longer stays.

How to choose

Check the subway walk. Seoul is hilly, and a short distance on a map can mean a steep climb with luggage. Ask how far it is to the exit, not just the station.

Think about your airport route. Most flights use Incheon, about an hour from the centre. Hotels in Hongdae and near Seoul Station are on the airport railroad, while airport limousine buses stop near many others.

Pick by your first and last night. If you'll spend several days here, you could change hotels mid-trip: a night near the palaces, then a few nights in Hongdae or Gangnam.

What to expect

Room types. Some hotels offer ondol rooms, where you sleep on a heated floor. If you'd rather have a bed, check before you book.

Motels and love hotels. Cheap rooms around entertainment areas may be love hotels. They're often clean and well equipped, but read recent reviews to see if the style suits you.

Seasons. Winters are very cold, so check the heating. Summers are humid, so air conditioning matters.

When to book. Cherry blossoms in April, autumn leaves in October and November, and big K-pop concerts can all fill central hotels early.