When deciding where to stay in Seoul South Korea, looking for accommodation “in the centre” is probably the biggest rookie mistake you can make while planning your trip. The South Korean capital has around 9.5 million residents and an incredible 20 metro lines, so travelling between two neighbourhoods popular with visitors can easily mean a 40-minute ride underground. What matters far more than the address is whether the nearest metro station is within a five-minute walk, ideally on lines 1, 2 or 4, which connect the main sights.
If this is your first trip to Seoul, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to discover that the city’s large mid-range hotels offer excellent value for money—the kind you’d struggle to find in Europe at the same price. Huge, modern buildings run by reliable brands are often a much better choice for visitors than a small boutique hotel tucked away in a confusing maze of narrow streets. And trust me: once you’ve worked out which neighbourhood to choose, you’ll save yourself plenty of unnecessary journeys on the metro. 😉
You’ll also find out why the cheapest accommodation listings shouldn’t surprise you with a windowless room or a shower positioned directly above a floor drain: these aren’t mistakes, but common features of budget accommodation in Asia. I’ll recommend exactly 18 places across different price brackets where, according to glowing traveller reviews, it’s worth spending the night so you can make the most of your South Korean adventure.
The full destination guide: Asia — guide and what to see
TL;DR
- Best hotel for a first visit: Choose The Grand Lotte Seoul in Myeongdong, with an incredible number of reviews and a location directly above a strategically placed metro station.
- Best value for money: Large mid-range hotels such as Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II or the Japanese chain Solaria Nishitetsu offer spotless accommodation at reasonable prices.
- Best for nightlife lovers: The highly rated L7 Hongdae sits right in the buzzing student neighbourhood, surrounded by bars and street performances.
- Best luxury experience: The Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul resort impresses with private relaxation tubs on balconies overlooking Namsan Park.
- Best for families with children: The spacious apartments at Orakai Insadong Suites have equipped kitchenettes and a location in a quieter historic neighbourhood.
- Best budget option: The surprisingly comfortable Blue Duck Hotel or the apartments at Oriens Hotel & Residences, where you get a solid base for the price of a hostel.
- Where to be cautious: A word of warning about K-POP HOTEL Seoul Tower, where the extremely low price means windowless rooms and paper-thin walls.
💡 Use this map to compare what’s currently available—you can also see how much cheaper accommodation gets a few stops away from the centre.
Which Seoul neighbourhood should you choose?
Your choice of neighbourhood will shape your entire holiday, because travelling between opposite ends of Seoul eats into your precious time. Each area has a completely different atmosphere and suits a different type of traveller, so think carefully about what you want from your stay. Metro transfers are free, but at huge interchanges such as Jongno 3-ga or Sindorim, you can spend ten minutes walking through underground corridors with a heavy suitcase. A little strategic planning makes a big difference.
Myeongdong (Jung-gu) is a great choice for your first visit to the city and has the highest concentration of reliable mid-range hotels. It’s a famous shopping district packed with cosmetics shops and seemingly endless rows of street-food stalls, with two key metro lines running through the area. You can walk from here to Namsan Tower and the main palaces, but be prepared for huge crowds of tourists during the day and slightly higher restaurant prices.
Jongno and Insadong are a peaceful retreat right beside the magnificent royal palaces and the traditional hanok neighbourhood of Bukchon. The lanes are full of old teahouses and craft shops, evenings are much quieter than in Myeongdong, and it’s the best combination for anyone who wants to explore the sights on foot. It’s also by far the best area to try traditional Buddhist temple food, which is naturally entirely vegan and exceptionally healthy.
Hongdae (Mapo-gu) is synonymous with youthful energy and buzzing student life, with a thriving independent music scene. The neighbourhood is famous for street performances, quirky bars and some of the best themed cafés in the whole city. It’s an ideal base for night owls, but on Fridays and Saturdays it stays noisy until the early hours, and the journey to the historic palaces takes roughly twenty minutes by metro.
Gangnam and Samseong (Coex) became internationally famous thanks to a global hit song; in reality, this is an ultra-modern, fairly expensive business district filled with skyscrapers and luxury boutiques. You’ll find the newest five-star hotels here and get the most room space for your money, but reaching the historic centre can easily take forty minutes on the metro.
Itaewon and Hannam-dong stand out as Seoul’s most international area, with a more relaxed and much more authentic atmosphere. You’ll find the wonderful Leeum museum, the enormous War Memorial and, above all, excellent vegetarian and vegan restaurants such as the popular Plant Cafe. If you’re after international food and a less conventional, hilly setting, this neighbourhood is sure to win you over.
Seoul Station and Yongsan are major transport hubs with direct connections to the AREX airport express and KTX high-speed trains. This area is the most practical choice for short stays of one or two nights, or if you plan to take frequent day trips beyond the capital to other parts of South Korea. Dongdaemun, meanwhile, never sleeps: it’s home to famous night markets and the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The neighbourhood only comes alive at sunset and feels deserted in the morning.
When to visit Seoul and when to book
The most expensive—and most beautiful—time to visit Seoul is April, when cherry blossoms cover the city, followed by late October and early November, when the parks turn fiery autumn colours. During these months, accommodation prices climb steeply, and the best hotels near the main metro lines can sell out several months in advance. If you want to save money, January and February offer the cheapest accommodation, although temperatures plunge well below freezing. July is another cheaper option, but brings heavy monsoon rain.
Good news for 2026: eligible international visitors are currently exempt from the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation and only need to complete the electronic e-Arrival Card; check the requirements for your nationality before travelling. This welcome exemption lasts until the end of the year, with the usual system likely to resume from 1 January 2027. The fastest way to reach central Seoul from Incheon Airport is the AREX airport express, which reaches Seoul Station in a convenient 43 minutes. Comfortable airport limousine buses are an alternative, taking you straight to the large hotels in Myeongdong or Gangnam—a huge help when you’re travelling with heavy luggage.
Getting around the city has seen a major, very welcome change for visitors this year, saving you the hassle of hunting down cash. Since 17 March 2026, ticket machines at major metro stations have accepted foreign payment cards (Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay), making it easy to top up your rechargeable T-money transport card directly from your bank account. The basic fare is 1,550 won, and all transfers between metro lines are free.
Another new addition is special tourist passes for 1, 3 or 5 days, priced at an affordable 5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 won, allowing unlimited travel on the metro and buses. These passes pay for themselves with as few as three journeys a day, so if you plan to explore the city from end to end, pick one up after you arrive.
Where to Stay in Seoul South Korea: 18 Best Hotels
I put together this list of places to stay in Seoul South Korea using the latest reviews and ratings, so you have the clearest possible picture of where it’s worth booking a room. All ratings and review counts on Google Places are current as of 4 September 2026.
1. The Grand Lotte Seoul (Lotte Hotel Seoul)
The Grand Lotte Seoul is a five-star landmark with a prestigious Eulji-ro address in the heart of Myeongdong, where you get a taste of true luxury the moment you walk through the doors. Guests particularly praise the huge, elegantly furnished rooms, incredibly comfortable beds and wonderful views of Namsan Tower. I think this gem is best suited to travellers with high expectations who are visiting Seoul for the first time and want the reassurance of impeccable service. Its biggest selling point, though, is transport. A direct airport limousine bus brings you here, and the hotel sits right above a station on metro Line 2, saving you the hassle of dragging suitcases along busy streets.
Bear in mind that although many guests describe the breakfast buffet as fantastic, the selection is much the same each day, and a few have mentioned minor inconsistencies in service. You’ll probably be happy to overlook that when the famous street-food night market is a five-minute walk from the entrance. Inside the hotel, you’ll also find several excellent restaurants, an indoor pool and a welcoming spa. You can easily walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace from here, while the metro lets you explore more distant neighbourhoods, making the logistics of your stay wonderfully straightforward.
💡 Tip: The hotel’s sprawling basement hides a fantastic food court and a huge supermarket. Trust me, it’s the perfect place to pick up edible souvenirs to take home without any fuss, or to stock up on beautifully fresh local fruit.
2. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
Right in the middle of the bustling shopping district, you’ll find Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong, which deserves its place among the city’s best-rated hotels. Although shops and restaurants surround you on all sides, guests rave about how peaceful it is at night. Even arriving is an experience: the main reception is on the 21st floor, with wonderful views of the city and the green mountains beyond. Guests frequently highlight the warm staff and generous breakfasts with plenty of Western options. It’s a favourite retreat for couples and solo travellers, who also appreciate having metro Line 4 nearby for quick trips to the historic Dongdaemun Gate.
Bear in mind that rooms at this Japanese hotel brand are a little more compact, but they make up for it with exceptional cleanliness and clever use of every centimetre. Vehicle access can be a significant snag: because the hotel is in a pedestrian zone, taxis can only drop you directly outside the entrance early in the morning. During the day, be prepared for a short walk with your luggage, or take the airport bus, which fortunately stops a short walk from the building.
💡 Tip: Every room comes with a typical Japanese toilet, complete with a heated seat and plenty of clever buttons. Trust me, after a full day exploring the city, you’ll appreciate this little extra.
3. Aloft by Marriott Seoul Myeongdong
The Aloft brand tends to appeal to younger travellers, and Aloft by Marriott Seoul Myeongdong is no exception. Step inside from busy Namdaemun-ro and you’re greeted by a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of colour. Guests mainly come for the exceptionally helpful staff and clean rooms with timeless minimalist design, which are reportedly surprisingly spacious by local standards. The famous traditional Namdaemun Market is also only a few dozen metres away. Breakfast gets plenty of praise and includes classic Western dishes if you find yourself craving something familiar.
A major highlight is the stylish rooftop bar, so make sure you head up for an evening drink overlooking the surrounding skyscrapers as they light up. Getting here with heavy suitcases is a breeze, as the airport bus stops about a two-minute stroll from the entrance. If you’re planning a longer stay, you’ll appreciate the self-service laundry, but remember to bring coins: the washing machines don’t take cards. One more small warning: guests report that the air conditioning in the rooms is fixed at 22°C and can’t be turned down, so keep that in mind if you like your bedroom particularly cool at night.
💡 Tip: After a full day exploring the city, you’ll probably appreciate the beds and their exceptionally high-quality mattresses most of all. They’re so comfortable that guests often compare the experience to sleeping on a soft cloud.
4. Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II
Nine Tree is a hugely popular brand in Seoul these days, and Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II shows you exactly what the city’s mid-range hotels do best. It’s on a quieter side street with very little traffic, yet Euljiro 3-ga metro station is barely a three-minute walk away. You get modern, fresh-smelling accommodation that works exactly as it should, all at a reasonable price. Guests particularly praise the cleanliness and comfortable beds, which you’ll be happy to sink into after a full day exploring the city. There’s a GS25 convenience store right in the lobby and a laundry in the basement. You’ll also discover plenty of traditional restaurants around the hotel.
I think this hotel particularly suits anyone looking for a dependable base for exploring Seoul. It does have a few small drawbacks, though. Breakfast tends to be fairly average, with the same selection every day, so you’ll probably soon prefer eating out. Reception isn’t especially helpful with planning trips, either. Some rooms have no view, and guests report that the air conditioning occasionally struggles to cool the room sufficiently. On the practical side, every floor has a small room with a steam iron and a drinking-water dispenser.
💡 Tip: On the top floor, you’ll find a spacious communal lounge with a free coffee machine and a microwave. It’s handy when you bring back something tasty from the evening market and want to warm it up without any fuss.
5. L7 Myeongdong
You’ll find L7 Myeongdong, part of the Lotte group, on busy Toegye-ro, and its bright yellow interior will likely give you an instant energy boost as you walk in. Guests appreciate the fresh, youthful atmosphere, which stands in sharp contrast to the more conservative business hotels nearby. The clean, minimalist rooms get plenty of mentions, and many look directly towards the green hill topped by Namsan Tower. In the evening, when the tower lights up, guests describe the view from both the bed and the rooftop terrace as incredibly romantic, so it’s easy to see why young couples love staying here.
The location and transport connections are spot on. The airport bus stops right outside the entrance, the metro station is only a few steps away, and shopping streets packed with tasty treats are literally around the corner. The friendly staff will happily help you with directions or call you a taxi. After a full day exploring the capital, you’re sure to love the outdoor rooftop foot bath, where you can soothe your tired feet. Bear in mind that you’ll generally only get paper cups for the drip coffee in your room, and a few details are showing their age, but the impeccable cleanliness more than makes up for it.
💡 Tip: A short walk from the hotel, you’ll find the wonderful, fully vegan restaurant Vegan Kitchen tucked away. They make excellent meat-free versions of traditional Korean dishes, so make sure you stop by for lunch.
6. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul
If you’re looking for a truly luxurious place to unwind after a full day exploring the city, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul will probably win you over. You’ll find it on peaceful Jangchungdan-ro, surrounded by the greenery of Namsan Park, offering a welcome break from the endless concrete cityscape. The biggest draw is the enormous soaking tubs or smaller heated plunge pools set right beside panoramic windows or on spacious balconies, where you can enjoy views of Namsan Tower and the city skyline. Stay here if you have a generous budget and value complete privacy.
Guests rave about the wonderfully friendly staff and first-class spa treatments, which are particularly welcome after long walks. Parents with younger children also praise the large swimming pool, complete with a paddling pool and hot tub. In the morning, you can look forward to an excellent, freshly prepared breakfast with such a huge selection that almost everyone will find something they like. Although you’re surrounded by nature and fresh air, well away from busy roads, getting back into the thick of city life is easy. Bustling Myeongdong station, for example, is only a short taxi ride away.
💡 Tip: Bear in mind that the hotel sits on a fairly steep hill. Rather than hauling heavy suitcases up from the nearest metro station, take an affordable local taxi when you arrive and save yourself plenty of effort.
7. Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong is a modern hotel that opens straight onto the famous pedestrian street Insadong-gil, and I think it’s an excellent base for exploring Seoul’s historic heart. Life moves at a slightly slower pace in this neighbourhood, giving it a calmer atmosphere filled with old teahouses, art galleries and shops selling local ceramics. Guests particularly praise the spotless rooms and smiling staff, but the morning buffet at Lamer restaurant is another major highlight. Breakfast combines Western classics with traditional Korean dishes, and the selection is reportedly so extensive that you couldn’t try it all in a week.
Stay here if you love history and traditional architecture: Gyeongbokgung Palace is less than ten minutes away at a leisurely walking pace. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and shops right beneath the hotel, while the huge locker room in the lobby is handy for storing your suitcases free of charge before check-in. There is one small drawback that guests occasionally mention, though. During some months, such as autumn, the central air conditioning is already switched off, and the rooms can get quite warm, making it harder for some people to sleep.
💡 Tip: The well-known vegan restaurant Osegye Hyang is just around the corner. Make time to stop by: you can try delicious local specialities made entirely without animal ingredients, even if you’re not a committed vegetarian.
8. The Prima Hotel Jongno
The Prima Hotel Jongno is a smaller boutique hotel near the picturesque Gyeongji-dong neighbourhood. It avoids the impersonal feel of large chains, focusing instead on exceptionally warm service. It’s one of the best-rated hotels in the Jongno area, with interiors that blend modern minimalism and subtle touches of traditional Korean design. According to guests, though, its greatest asset is the location. The main palaces, Insadong’s artsy streets and lively Myeongdong are all around a ten-minute walk away, while the metro is about seven minutes away. Guests also speak highly of the good buffet breakfast and the hotel’s own nearby gallery, which you can visit free of charge.
Don’t expect enormous rooms, but the unusually large beds make up for that. I should also mention a few honest warnings that come up repeatedly in reviews. The bathrooms are looking a little tired, and some travellers find the bathtub layout awkward, so take care. Plenty of light also gets into the rooms, so if you’re sensitive to early morning sunshine, pack a sleep mask. A thoughtful touch is the filtered-water dispensers, where you can easily refill your bottles before heading out to explore the sights.
💡 Tip: Jongno is known for its small, family-run restaurants serving excellent Buddhist temple cuisine, also known as temple food. It’s naturally and strictly vegan, wonderfully healthy and, trust me, absolutely delicious.
9. Orakai Insadong Suites
If you’re looking for somewhere more spacious for the whole family in Seoul, Orakai Insadong Suites offers exactly what standard rooms in Asian cities often lack. You get a huge amount of living space and a fully equipped kitchen with both an oven and a dishwasher. Guests particularly appreciate how convenient this is for longer stays. Children will love the large playroom and excellent heated indoor pool, so even if a monsoon downpour catches you out, there’s no shortage of entertainment. The morning buffet also has a great selection, with something to satisfy almost everyone.
The whole complex sits in the heart of the cultural district, where traffic is much calmer and there’s less noise than in the business districts. You’re still close to the sights, which are easy to reach by metro, and the staff speak excellent English and are happy to help with luggage storage. Bear in mind that the pillows on the large beds are on the flat side, which won’t suit everyone. The apartments do have plenty of storage space, though, along with bathrooms featuring both a shower and a bathtub. Housekeeping also replaces your towels every day, so you get the comforts of home with hotel service.
💡 Tip: There’s a washing machine right in your apartment, saving you the trouble of finding laundrettes during a longer trip around South Korea. Remember to buy your own laundry detergent at the nearest shop, as it isn’t included in the standard supplies.
10. JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul stands right above the bustling night markets of Dongdaemun, yet you’re immediately surrounded by complete calm, even while the city buzzes outside. Through the enormous windows of the elegant rooms, you can see the silver Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which looks rather like a spaceship coming in to land at night. Guests come mainly for the fantastic staff, who go out of their way to help, and the generous breakfasts, with fresh fruit juices and beautifully cooked eggs among the highlights. It’s also very family-friendly: children get little bathrobes, slippers and special soaps in their rooms.
For shopping enthusiasts and night owls, this is paradise: the surrounding clothing and cosmetics markets often bustle with life until 3:00 a.m. During the day, you can unwind in the glass-enclosed swimming pool or the luxurious fitness centre. Bear in mind that the standard rooms are fairly conventional, so if you want something extra, I recommend paying more for a Sky View room. These have a much cosier, Zen-inspired design and a comfortable sofa right beside the window.
💡 Tip: Right beside the hotel entrance, there’s direct access to Dongdaemun metro station, served by lines 1 and 4. This makes it easy to reach the sights without lengthy transfers or getting lost in unfamiliar streets.
11. L7 Hongdae
If early nights aren’t your thing, take a look at L7 Hongdae, a large hotel right in the heart of the student neighbourhood on bustling Yanghwa-ro. The area buzzes with energy, and just outside the doors you’ll find streets full of street art, music and parties. Guests praise the friendly staff and clean rooms with incredibly comfortable beds. The main draws are the Floating rooftop bar and the heated outdoor pool, where DJs play. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Han River and Namsan Tower over a draught beer and a bowl of ramen with kimchi. Reception is up on the 21st floor, which is quite an experience in itself.
The surrounding area is a shopping paradise, with big names such as Nike just around the corner. There are a few drawbacks, though. Guests sometimes mention that the air conditioning in the rooms doesn’t work particularly well, so you might feel a little hot at night under the thick duvets. There’s also construction work next door, and the noise occasionally carries into the hotel. Even so, I think the playful design is a perfect match for the neighbourhood’s creative spirit. If you’re after a lively, anything-goes nightlife scene, you’ll love it here.
💡 Tip: Be prepared for the surrounding streets to stay busy and noisy throughout weekend nights. If you want complete peace and an uninterrupted night’s sleep after a long day, a quieter area such as Insadong makes more sense.
12. Nine Tree Premier ROKAUS Hotel Seoul Yongsan
Nine Tree Premier ROKAUS Hotel Seoul Yongsan is a fairly new hotel beside the major Yongsan railway station, with a modern light projection welcoming you as soon as you enter the lobby. Guests particularly appreciate the spotless cleanliness and thoughtfully designed rooms with a separate bathroom. The views, though, are the real highlight. If you get a room on a higher floor facing the Han River, you can spend the evening watching the city lights and passing trains. On top of that, the staff are lovely, speak excellent English and happily help with bookings and luggage storage. I also have to mention the excellent breakfasts.
The location is a huge advantage, particularly if you plan to take KTX high-speed trains to other Korean cities: the platforms are practically a few steps from your bed. Getting to Incheon International Airport from here is also a breeze: you board the comfortable AREX express and travel without a single change, saving plenty of stress in the morning. One interesting little detail is that the hotel is apparently popular with military personnel, so you’ll probably see plenty of young couples in uniform in the lobby.
💡 Tip: The well-known international neighbourhood of Itaewon begins a short distance away, and it’s well worth heading there for great food. You’ll find some excellent vegan spots; I particularly recommend the popular little Plant Cafe and the fantastic modern bistro byTOFU.
13. Josun Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
The gleaming Josun Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel recently opened on affluent business boulevard Teheran-ro, and its interiors immediately draw you in with their blend of classic art deco and modern Korean touches. To me, it feels tailor-made for anyone who isn’t working with a tight budget and wants to experience Seoul’s wealthy side, with its abundance of luxury boutiques. The rooms occupy very high floors of the glass-fronted building, so the views over the sea of skyscrapers far below are simply phenomenal. Reviewers rave about the impeccable cleanliness and outstanding service. Many even say they’ve never experienced more considerate staff or a more generous breakfast buffet anywhere else.
The spacious rooms have beautiful bathrooms and large walk-in wardrobes, a detail almost anyone will appreciate. It’s a lovely, quiet retreat high above busy Gangnam, where you can unwind after a day in the city with a swim in the indoor pool or a drink at the bar. Bear in mind, though, that the location is a little removed from the old town. Getting to the main palaces in the centre by metro takes almost 40 minutes. Choose this hotel if you mainly plan to explore the southern part of the city, or if you don’t mind taking taxis everywhere.
💡 Tip: The hotel’s five restaurants serve outstanding food, and guests love their lunch buffets. I’d recommend leaving at least one day free of sightseeing plans so you can enjoy this fabulous food experience without even leaving the hotel.
14. Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam
A lifesaver for tired muscles after a full day of sightseeing, Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam is a very popular Japanese-chain hotel right in bustling Gangnam. Guests come for the excellent balance of price and comfort, but the biggest reason they keep returning is the proper onsen-style public baths in the building’s basement. You can soak in the hot therapeutic pools or use the sauna free of charge, a wonderfully soothing treat for an aching body and a tired mind. According to guests, the smiling staff and traditional Japanese hospitality are another thing this hotel gets absolutely right.
Expect fairly compact, practical rooms, but their double doors keep them wonderfully quiet, and you’ll have a lovely view of the city. On the practical side, you’ll appreciate the stop for airport bus 6703 right by the entrance and the Wowpass machine in the lobby. Breakfast offers plenty of choice, and the surrounding streets are packed with restaurants. Honestly, the only minor drawback people occasionally mention is that the pillows aren’t quite as comfortable as they’d like, but after an evening soak you’ll probably sleep like a log anyway.
💡 Tip: In keeping with this chain’s lovely tradition, a light bowl of hot noodles with kimchi is served free of charge every evening. If you book your stay through the hotel’s official website, you’ll also get access to a lounge with massage chairs and ice lollies.
15. Andaz Seoul Gangnam
Andaz Seoul Gangnam is a wonderfully stylish Hyatt hotel in the popular Gangnam neighbourhood. Rather than a formal reception desk, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and a welcome coffee waiting for you. It’s made for design lovers, with rooms decorated in traditional Korean patterns reimagined in a beautifully colourful, contemporary style. Guests rave about the breakfasts, which are said to be among the very best, and the indoor pool, sauna and hot tub also earn plenty of praise as a perfect place to unwind after a full day exploring the city.
A huge advantage is the building’s direct connection to Apgujeong metro station, especially welcome during heavy monsoon rains or bitter winter cold. Seoul is sprawling, so you’ll certainly appreciate this convenient shortcut. Most guests love the warm staff, though there are occasional complaints about housekeeping overlooking small details in the rooms or communication at reception being a little patchy, so it’s worth keeping that in mind. Either way, you’ll find countless shopping opportunities and cosy little cafés around the hotel.
💡 Tip: There are plenty of excellent restaurants right around the hotel, where you can watch from a respectful distance as locals enthusiastically tuck into the famous Korean BBQ, its delicious aroma drifting out of every open doorway.
16. Blue Duck Hotel
Blue Duck Hotel is an understated, fairly new little hotel in Jongno that proves you can stay somewhere lovely in Seoul even on a smaller budget. Guests love its almost family-like atmosphere and exceptionally helpful staff, who speak good English and readily advise on buying transport tickets and visiting the nearby historic palaces, or help you order dinner through a local app. Its biggest strengths, though, are the cleanliness and surprisingly spacious, bright rooms, complete with a large bathtub, fridge and kettle, which isn’t all that common in Korea at this price point. Your stay also comes with a coffee voucher for the hotel’s own little café, where they make an excellent vanilla latte.
Bear in mind that you won’t be staying right in bustling Myeongdong, but reaching the centre is easy: the metro station is only about a five-minute walk away. The facilities are modern, and the amenities include thoughtful little extras such as slippers and basic toiletries, so you can unpack and head straight out to explore. I think it’s a great option for anyone looking for a clean, cosy base rather than a huge, impersonal chain hotel.
💡 Tip: If you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of traditional streets without spending a fortune, book your room well in advance, as this hotel is very often fully booked.
17. Oriens Hotel & Residences
The spacious apartments at Oriens Hotel & Residences are near Samil-daero, on the border between Myeongdong and Namsan in Seoul South Korea. Guests keep coming back mainly because you get a proper apartment for the price of an ordinary hostel. The facilities for a longer stay in the capital are particularly good. Rooms have a small kitchenette with a microwave and fridge, so you can make breakfast with ingredients from the nearby supermarket, and there’s a washing machine too. Chungmuro metro station is about a five-minute walk away, the famous Myeongdong shopping street is ten minutes away on foot, and an airport bus also stops nearby.
Expect furniture that has seen better days and rooms that can sometimes feel stuffy, but everything is spotlessly clean. Housekeeping also replaces the towels and replenishes the bottled water every day. On the practical side, the only real grumbles concern showering in the bathtub, which isn’t especially comfortable; otherwise, guests love the genuinely spacious bathrooms. To me, this feels like a lovely base for anyone who doesn’t need a brand-new designer hotel but wants their own space and some peace and quiet.
💡 Tip: When you don’t feel like cooking, you’ll find a great café and the restaurant Vegan Insa close by. You can pick up fantastic vegan treats at very reasonable prices and give yourself a little break from cooking.
18. K-POP HOTEL Seoul Tower (⚠️ Warning)
K-POP HOTEL Seoul Tower might tempt you with its extremely low rates of around US$30–40 per night and its great location near Namdaemun Market and Seoul Tower. Although it has a pleasant little rooftop balcony and comfortable beds, trust me: you’re better off steering well clear. Disappointed travellers warn of claustrophobic little rooms where you reportedly can’t even open your suitcase, paper-thin walls and noisy air conditioning. The bathrooms are so tiny that the shower drains straight onto the floor, leaving the toilet area flooded for hours, and an unpleasant sewage smell sometimes rises from the drain.
Fortunately, you can lift your spirits out on the city streets: Seoul is a culinary paradise where a full meal at a smaller restaurant can easily cost less than €8. Vegans will find it incredibly easy to eat well here too. In Itaewon and Hannam-dong, try the popular Plant Cafe or nearby byTOFU for a quick bite. Around Insadong, Vegan Insa and Osegye Hyang serve excellent plant-based versions of Korean classics, while Vegan Kitchen is close to Myeongdong. For something truly special, head to the Jongno area for traditional Buddhist temple cuisine.
💡 Tip: Spend a little more on a reliable mid-range option, such as Nine Tree. The money you save won’t make up for days in the city spoiled by noise, damp everywhere and greyish bedding with suspicious stains.
How to choose the right hotel
When making your final decision, always come back to rule number one: in Seoul, the distance to the metro matters far more than the exact address on the map. At huge interchange stations such as Jongno 3-ga or Sindorim, you can easily spend ten minutes navigating underground corridors with a heavy suitcase before you even reach the platform. A hotel just a few steps from a smaller station on line 1, 2 or 4 is a real win.
Spacious apartments in Insadong are ideal for families with children, while couples visiting for the first time will appreciate the variety Myeongdong offers. If you’re hunting for the lowest prices, bear in mind that cheap guesthouses often come with a shared kitchen and very thin walls, and always check in advance whether the cheapest rooms have a window at all. A shower above a floor drain with no screen isn’t a defect in budget accommodation: it’s simply a common setup in Asia that you should be prepared for.
Before your trip, check prices, opening hours and current transport pass discounts on the city’s official tourism website, Visit Seoul.
Where next?
Frequently asked questions
I’ve put together answers to the most common questions you might have before your first visit to South Korea’s capital. You’ll find all the essentials here, from visa requirements to topping up transport cards. ☺️
What’s the best way to get from Incheon Airport to my hotel?
The quickest and most convenient option is the AREX airport express, which takes you to Seoul Station in around 43 minutes. If you’re staying in Myeongdong or Gangnam and traveling with large suitcases, airport limousine buses are another great option, with stops right outside major hotels.
Do I need a visa to visit Seoul in 2026?
If your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry, you won’t need a tourist visa, but you must complete the electronic e-Arrival Card. The good news is that the much-dreaded electronic travel authorization K-ETA is not mandatory in 2026 for visitors covered by the temporary exemption, which is expected to last at least until the end of the year. Check the requirements for your nationality before you travel.
Are subway transfers free in Seoul?
Yes, the base fare is 1,550 won, and all transfers between subway lines are free. To avoid buying single-use tickets every time, get a T-money card or try one of the new value-for-money tourist passes.
Where can I top up my T-money transit card?
Since March 2026, you no longer need to go out of your way to withdraw cash, as machines at major subway stations now accept common foreign payment cards such as Visa and Mastercard. You can also top up your card with cash at any of the convenience stores you’ll find everywhere (7-Eleven, CU).
Are there any good-value transit passes for tourists?
Yes, a great new option introduced this year is tourist passes for 1, 3 or 5 days, costing 5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 won respectively. These passes give you unlimited travel on the subway and buses, and can save you money with as few as three rides a day.
Is it difficult to find vegetarian food in Seoul?
Everyday street food often contains hidden meat stocks or fish sauce, but in neighborhoods such as Itaewon or Insadong, you’ll find fantastic fully vegan restaurants (such as Plant Cafe or byTOFU). Traditional Buddhist temple food is another great experience, and it’s entirely plant-based.
Is Seoul safe, and can I drink the tap water?
Seoul is one of the safest major cities in the world, and you can feel comfortable getting around even late at night. Tap water is officially safe to drink, although most locals and visitors prefer bottled water or water from the free filtered-water dispensers widely available in hotels and restaurants.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
