If you have not settled on an area, start with Hongdae for evenings out or Myeongdong for shopping. A train departure, a work appointment or a list of palaces may point you somewhere else.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend. See our affiliate disclosure.
On this page
Put the places you want to visit on a map before opening hotel listings. Look at where those places cluster, then compare the journeys from a few hotels in that area.
Start with the airport line
The AREX all-stop train calls at Gimpo Airport, Magoknaru, Digital Media City, Hongik University (Hongdae), Gongdeok and Seoul Station within Seoul. These stops appear on the AREX route guide.
For the areas compared below, Hongdae and Seoul Station offer an airport train connection without changing trains. You still need to check the journey from the station to your accommodation.
A direct airport connection is useful on arrival, but it should not decide every night of your trip. Compare the journeys you will repeat during your stay. The airport transport guide explains the express train, the all-stop train, buses and private transfers.
Open a map of hotels
Pick two or three hotels in each area you are considering. Compare the same dates, number of guests and room type so the results are useful.
Browse Seoul hotels on Trip.com. This opens the Seoul hotel listings. Enter your dates and use the map to find the area you are considering.
The areas, by what they suit
Hongdae
Hongdae is our first suggestion if your plans include music and evenings out. The Korea Tourism Organization describes its arts and club scene in the Hongdae guide. Hongik University station is on the airport line.
Read recent noise reviews before choosing a room above or beside a late venue. If you need an early night, ask the property where the room faces.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong makes sense when shopping takes up a good part of your itinerary. You can choose a hotel near the shops you want to visit and drop bags off between outings. The official Visit Seoul shopping guide covers the district’s shops.
For a shopping trip, room size is worth a look too. Check the floor area and room photos before booking, especially if you are bringing large suitcases.
Seoul Station area
Seoul Station is the terminus of the airport express, as shown in the AREX express guide.
Staying here can simplify an early departure or an onward rail journey. First confirm that your next train uses Seoul Station, then find the entrance you need. Compare hotels against that entrance. A listing labelled “Seoul Station” may still leave you with a walk around the building and your bags in tow.
Itaewon and Hannam
Seoul’s guide to international districts describes the international communities around Itaewon and Hannam.
Choose here if your saved restaurants, shops or other plans cluster nearby. Itaewon and Hannam cover more than one station area, so use the property’s address when planning the walk. For evenings centred on those restaurants or venues, compare the route back to each hotel at the time you expect to leave.
Gangnam
Seoul’s district guide identifies Gangnam as a business area with facilities including COEX.
Book around the venue if work, an event or an appointment brings you here. Use its exact address when searching. A hotel near Gangnam Station and one near COEX are different choices, even when both appear under Gangnam in a booking site. Map the journey before deciding which is convenient for you.
Insadong and Jongno
Start here if your plans revolve around Insadong and historic sights. Seoul’s Insadong guide describes its traditional crafts and tea shops.
Choose a property by the sights you want to walk to. Jongno is an area, not a single convenient starting point for every palace.
For a hanok stay, look closely at the room details. Does it have a bed or floor bedding? Is the bathroom private? Are there steps between the entrance and the room? Get those answers before booking if they affect your comfort.
Staying a week or more?
You can stay in one base or split the trip if your plans are concentrated in different areas. Compare the time spent travelling with the time needed to pack, check out and move.
If you split the stay, ask both properties about luggage storage, collection hours and any charge before relying on it. The luggage storage guide explains other options.
Read the room details, not just the area name
The station exit and walking route. Use the exact hotel address. Check whether the exit you plan to use has the access you need. The subway guide explains navigating stations.
The building and room. Confirm lift access, steps, bedding and room occupancy. Look at the room type you are booking, since the main listing photos may show a different one.
Your arrival time. Ask how you will get in if your flight is delayed. A hotel near the airport line is only useful for a late arrival if a train still runs when you are ready to leave the airport.
Recent reviews and the surroundings. Look for comments about the route to the property, lighting, access and noise. Check the journey you would make back to that accommodation at the times you expect to use it.
The booking conditions. Compare the total for your dates, cancellation terms, payment timing and what the room includes before confirming.
Compare hotels in your chosen area
Enter your dates and guests, then use the map to find your chosen area. Compare the room type and total alongside its location.