Our pick: Myeongdong. It's where we stayed for our five days in Seoul, and it puts you within walking distance of street food, shopping, and Namsan, while being well connected to everywhere else by metro.
Here's our honest breakdown of the main areas to base yourself, and what each is actually like to wake up in.
Quick Facts
| Best area overall | Myeongdong |
|---|---|
| Best for nightlife | Hongdae |
| Best for a creative, café-first stay | Seongsu |
| Best for shopping + skincare | Myeongdong or Gangnam |
| Getting around | T-Money card — covers metro, bus, and convenience stores |
Myeongdong — Our Pick
Myeongdong is Seoul's street food and shopping district, and staying here means egg tarts, fish cakes, hotteok and grilled scallops are literally outside your hotel door. We stayed at The Westin Josun Seoul, and its location made the whole trip easier — a short walk to Namsan's cable car and elevator, close to the DMZ tour pickup points, and an easy taxi to Gangnam for dinner.
It's touristy, and it's busy — but the convenience outweighs that. If you're a food-first traveller like us, this is the area to be in.
Best for: First-timers, food lovers, anyone who wants a central, walkable base.
Gangnam — For Nightlife, Skincare, and a Splurge Dinner
Gangnam is Seoul's polished, modern district — Bongeunsa Temple sits improbably in the middle of it, Starfield COEX Mall and its library are here, and it's where we had our Solbam dinner. It's a good area to stay if your focus is skincare treatments, high-end shopping, or being close to some of the city's best restaurants.
Best for: Splurge trips, skincare-focused visits, travellers who want the modern/luxury side of Seoul as their base.
Seongsu — For a Creative, Café-First Base
Seongsu is Seoul's "Soho" — converted warehouse cafés, concept stores, and independent Korean brands. We spent an afternoon here and it's the kind of neighbourhood that rewards slow wandering rather than a checklist. Staying here suits a longer trip where you want mornings that feel local rather than touristy.
Best for: Design-minded travellers, coffee lovers, longer stays.
Hongdae — For Nightlife and Energy
We didn't stay here, but it came up constantly as the place for street performers, bars, and university-neighbourhood energy in the evenings. If nightlife is a priority for your trip, it's worth building an evening around even if you base yourself elsewhere.
Choosing your Seoul base?
Where We'd Stay by Travel Style
| Travel style | Our pick |
|---|---|
| First time in Seoul | Myeongdong |
| Splurge trip / fine dining focus | Gangnam |
| Slow, café-led trip | Seongsu |
| Nightlife priority | Hongdae (or visit for an evening from elsewhere) |
FAQ
What's the best area to stay in Seoul for first-timers?
Myeongdong — central, walkable, close to Namsan, and excellent for food right outside your hotel.
Is Gangnam worth staying in?
Yes, especially if fine dining, skincare, or shopping are priorities — it's more polished and modern than Myeongdong, with excellent restaurants including Solbam.
How do you get around Seoul from your hotel?
A T-Money card, picked up on arrival, covers the metro, buses, and even convenience stores. We'd call Seoul's subway the best we used anywhere in Asia.
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