Where to stay in Seoul

Choosing an area

This page is about choosing an area of Seoul. It does not name or rank individual hotels. Visit Seoul’s accommodation guide covers hotels, hanok stays, and guesthouses. A hanok-stay listing is a lodging type in that directory. It is not, by itself, a reason to treat Bukchon as a place to stay.

Visit Seoul filters lodging listings by area, including Gwanghwamun, Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Seongsu. A filter label is not a quality ranking, and the order of those labels is not a ranking. Bukchon is not in that filter list. The city overview is Seoul. Other cities are on Destinations.

Incheon International Airport lists bus, train, and taxi or call van as public transportation. It lists an Airport Railroad guide among its train options. This does not say which Seoul neighborhood is closest to the airport. Services can change. Check the airport operator before you travel.

Myeongdong

Visit Seoul describes Myeongdong as a mix of street stalls, fashion retail, and Korean cosmetics stores. It says Myeongdong is very popular with international visitors. It also says Myeongdong fills with visitors during the holiday period it calls Golden Week. Street-level detail is in the Myeongdong guide.

Hongdae

Visit Seoul introduces Hongdae as a college-town area. It says Hongdae Street draws the energy of younger visitors and is a hub for street performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events. It does not describe late-night hours. The neighborhood guide is Hongdae.

Gwanghwamun

Visit Seoul calls Gwanghwamun Square Korea’s representative square for administration and culture. Check Visit Seoul before a visit, because descriptions can change. The neighborhood guide is Gwanghwamun.

Seongsu

Visit Seoul describes Seongsu-dong as a trendsetting district where brands open pop-up shops and flagship stores. It says Seongsu-dong mixes factories, residential areas, and commercial districts, and it points readers to Seoul Forest. The neighborhood guide is Seongsu.

Bukchon is a visit, not a default base

Visit Seoul says Bukchon was not created for tourists and is a residential hanok village. It says Bukchon visiting hours are 10:00 to 17:00, with restricted areas closed outside those hours, because residents live there. Those hours can change. Confirm them with the operator. The Bukchon Hanok Village page is a place to understand the village, not a lodging recommendation.