Seoul is a hyper-modern metropolis that hasn't forgotten its 600-year soul. It’s a city where ancient palaces sit in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers, and neon-lit side streets lead to quiet tea houses. It moves at a breakneck pace. Whether you want the 24-hour shopping of Myeongdong, the indie energy of Hongdae, or the polished luxury of Gangnam, Seoul has a pulse like nowhere else.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is the chaotic, cosmetic-filled commercial heart of Seoul. It’s a pedestrian paradise of street food carts, K-beauty flagship stores, and flashing neon. Staying here means you are at the absolute center of the tourist action, with perfect subway access to everywhere.
What we love
- +Incredible street food scene right outside your hotel
- +Unbeatable shopping for skincare and fashion
- +Central location (Subway Line 4) and Airport Bus stop
Worth noting
- –Extremely crowded with tourists
- –Food and items can be overpriced compared to other areas
- –Can be noisy late into the evening
Nearby
Myeongdong Shopping Street · N Seoul Tower (viewable/nearby) · Myeongdong Cathedral · Lotte Department Store · Namsan Cable Car
Hongdae (Hongik University)
Hongdae is the capital of Korea's youth culture. Powered by the nearby arts university, the streets are filled with buskers, indie fashion boutiques, and quirky themed cafes. At night, it transforms into the city’s most approachable nightlife district with affordable clubs and bars.
What we love
- +Vibrant youth energy and street performances (busking)
- +Best nightlife and clubbing for younger travelers
- +Great affordable shopping and dining
Worth noting
- –Can get very rowdy and drunk on weekends
- –Crowds are very young (mostly students/20s)
- –Some hotels can be a bit run-down
Nearby
Hongdae Shopping Street · Trick Eye Museum · Gyeongui Line Forest Park (Yeonnam-dong) · KT&G Sangsangmadang · Busking Street
Gangnam
Yes, that Gangnam. This massive district south of the river represents the modern, wealthy face of Seoul. Wide boulevards are lined with skyscrapers, plastic surgery clinics, and luxury brand flagships. It’s polished, expensive, and home to the city's high-end club scene.
What we love
- +Modern, clean, and safe
- +World-class shopping (COEX & Apgujeong)
- +Excellent high-end dining and clubs
Worth noting
- –Far from the historic palaces (40+ mins by subway)
- –Lacks the 'traditional' Korean atmosphere
- –Spread out (lots of walking or taxis needed)
Nearby
COEX Mall & Starfield Library · Bongeunsa Temple · Garosu-gil (Sinsa-dong) Shopping · Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs · Gangnam Station Underground Shopping
Handpicked Hotels
Boutique Hotels in Seoul
Itaewon & Hannam-dong
Historically the expat district near the US base, Itaewon is the most multicultural part of Seoul. It offers the best international food, rooftop bars, and LGBTQ+ nightlife. Nearby Hannam-dong has evolved into a chic, wealthy enclave filled with art galleries and trendy cafes.
What we love
- +Most diverse dining options (Halal, Mexican, etc.)
- +English is widely spoken
- +Great nightlife and rooftop bars
Worth noting
- –Hilly terrain (lots of steep climbing)
- –Subway access can be a walk from some parts
- –Can feel less 'Korean' than other districts
Nearby
Namsan Tower (nearby) · Leeum Samsung Museum of Art · Itaewon Antique Furniture Street · War Memorial of Korea · Hannam-dong Cafe Street
Insadong & Bukchon (Jongno)
This is the historic soul of Seoul. Staying here places you between the two main palaces (Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung) and the traditional Hanok village. It’s quiet, cultural, and filled with tea houses, art galleries, and souvenir shops.
What we love
- +Walking distance to Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon
- +Charming traditional atmosphere (Hanoks)
- +Quiet and safe at night
Worth noting
- –Nightlife is very limited (closes early)
- –Accommodation in traditional Hanoks can be pricey/small
- –Tourist-focused souvenir shops abound
Nearby
Gyeongbokgung Palace · Bukchon Hanok Village · Insadong-gil (Culture Street) · Jogyesa Temple · Ssamzigil Mall
Seongsu-dong
Often called the 'Brooklyn of Seoul', Seongsu has transformed from a shoe-making factory district into the city's hippest neighborhood. Old red-brick warehouses now host massive bakery cafes, pop-up stores, and galleries. It’s the place to be for coffee lovers and trendsetters.
What we love
- +Coolest cafe scene in the city (onion, Daelim Changgo)
- +Seoul Forest Park is right there
- +Unique industrial-chic aesthetic
Worth noting
- –Can be very crowded on weekends with locals
- –Fewer hotel options (growing, but limited)
- –A bit further east from the main tourist sights
Nearby
Seoul Forest Park · Daelim Changgo (Warehouse Cafe) · LCDC Seoul · Seongsu Handmade Shoe Street · Understand Avenue
Dongdaemun
Ideally located just east of the historic center, Dongdaemun is famous for two things: the futuristic DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) and 24-hour fashion shopping. It’s a sleepless district where markets buzz until dawn. It’s practical, central, and intense.
What we love
- +Shopping malls open until 5 AM
- +Stunning modern architecture (DDP)
- +Excellent transport hub
Worth noting
- –Chaotic and busy around the clock
- –Lacks green space
- –Can feel purely commercial
Nearby
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) · Heunginjimun Gate · Cheonggyecheon Stream · Dongdaemun Night Market · Doota Mall
More Places to Stay
Boutique Hotels in Seoul
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