Best Areas to Stay and Find Hotels in Seoul

Key takeaways

• Famous areas such as Gwanghwamun, Gangnam Station and Hongdae can be expensive, and it can be hard to find suitable hotels there.
• Choose a hotel near a subway station and a mart or convenience store, and avoid pub streets, which are noisy and open until early morning.
• Dongdaemun is a strong base: Gyeongbokgung and Gangnam areas are within about 30 minutes by subway.

The Best Location to Stay and Find Hotels when you travel to Seoul : Considering Transportation and Cost

If you’re planning a visit to Seoul, you might be tempted to stay near famous places like Gwanghwamun, Gangnam Station, or Hongdae. However, these areas can be expensive and challenging to find suitable hotels.

Here are some tips to help you find affordable hotels in Seoul that are also easily accessible to the city’s popular destinations.

Seoul Travel Guide — where to visit

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Know the Geographic Layout of Seoul

Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to understand Seoul’s geographic layout. Seoul is one of the largest cities in Asia, with various regions for economic, housing, and advertising purposes. While public transportation can take you anywhere in the city within 30 minutes, some areas may lack convenient facilities for your stay.

Facilities You Must Consider When You Choose Your Hotel

Near the Better : Subway Station

The best way to navigate Seoul is by using the subway.

The city center often experiences serious traffic jams, making buses and taxis timeconsuming. Subway systems cover all areas of Seoul, and stations typically have English subtitles on signs. The first train runs at 6 am, with services available until midnight. Staying near a subway station ensures easy access to any part of Seoul.

The More the Better : Mart or Convenience Store:

Most convenience stores in Seoul are open 24/7, offering snacks, beverages, and essential items. You can also find medicine in these stores. If there’s a mart near your accommodation, you can purchase items at reasonable prices, and some may even have a fancy food court. Korean marts generally operate from 10 am to 10 pm, covering most of your day.

Avoid Areas with Pubs

If you’re keen on experiencing Korean pub culture, avoid staying near pub streets. These areas are typically noisy, dirty, and potentially unsafe. Korean pubs stay open until the early morning, leading to potential insomnia due to noise. Instead, explore local pubs in various streets, as there’s little difference between city center pubs and those outside. Most pub staff can understand and speak basic English to assist with your orders.

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Regional Characteristics of Seoul

Refer to the map of Seoul, highlighting five essential areas. Areas 1, 3, and 4 (Gyeongbokgung, Gangnam, and Hongdae) are popular tourist spots, while Area 2 (Dongdaemun) and Area 5 (Yeongdeungpo) are less known.

This map is designed to help you understand each area of Seoul.

Dongdaemun is an excellent choice for accommodation, as you can reach Areas 1 or 3 within 30 minutes using the subway. Staying near Area 1 provides access to the beautiful city center, but it comes with a higher cost, and taxis may be scarce during the night.

FAQ

Where is the best area to stay in Seoul on a budget?

Dongdaemun is recommended, because you can reach the Gyeongbokgung and Gangnam areas within about 30 minutes by subway.

Why stay near a subway station in Seoul?

Traffic in the city centre makes buses and taxis slow, while the subway covers all of Seoul from 6 am until around midnight, with English signage.

Should I stay near a pub street?

It’s better not to. Pub streets are usually noisy and can be unsafe, and pubs stay open until early morning.

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