Seoul is the gateway to Korea for most travellers and the gateway to the entire country. Definitely stop here for at least 1 night, but ideally 3-4 nights.
Where to book accommodation in Seoul? Asia's traditionally strong portal agoda.com Seoul also offers the most accommodation.
Especially when it comes to smaller hotels and guesthouses, Agoda often offers significantly lower prices than competing sites booking.com.
Where to stay in Seoul?
Seoul is a huge city, so choosing the right location matters a lot. This can save you up to an hour of commuting time a day to see the sights, as well as money on tickets.
Myeongdong
You'd be hard pressed to find a more suitable neighbourhood to stay in. Myeongdong is right in the centre, it's the liveliest and many metro and bus lines cross here. The main train station is also accessible within 10-15 minutes on foot.
Cheap 3* hotels under 90 usd per night in a 2 bed room:
- Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall *** - the golden mean of an international brand from which you always know what to expect
- Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Myeongdong **** - one of the cheapest 4* hotels in central Seoul, but with a very good rating
- Calistar Hotel ** - simple hotel with small rooms and prices starting from 40 eur
Quality 4* or 5* hotels without compromise:
Gangnam
The modern and somewhat non-conformist Gangnam district, made famous by the hit song Gangnam Style, is perfect for travellers looking for nightlife. It's on the other side of the river from the city centre and the subway ride to the city centre is somewhat lengthy (about 25 minutes). Still, Gangnam is one of the most popular neighbourhoods to live in.
Hotels here are more expensive than in the centre and under 90 usd you can only stay in smaller and not very well rated hotels.
Cheaper 3* hotels under 110 usd per night in a 2 bed room:
- LEX Tourist Hotel * - basic facilities and small rooms, but very clean and modern and well located by the subway on the main Gangnam avenue
- Best Western Premier Gangnam **** - classic international chain with surprisingly reasonable prices
Quality 4* or 5* hotels without compromise (up to 150 usd):
Historic City
Bukchon Hanok Village counts as Seoul's historic centre, but you'll only find a few stylish guesthouses. However, the extended area south of Bukchon Hanok between Gyeongokbung and Changdeokgung palaces could also be described as Old Seoul. The housing here is more or less modern, but you can walk to virtually all the historic sites within 20 minutes.
- Coups Hotel ** - Smaller, relaxed hotel with great rates from 40 usd per night for 2
- Somerset Palace Hotel **** - great aparthotel with fully equipped rooms and prices from 100 usd per night
- Hotel Kuretakeso Insandong *** - this hotel offers probably the best value for money in the wider area, you can pay from 50 usd per night and has very good reviews
Hotels near the main train station
Arriving in Seoul late in the evening, catching the last subway to the city centre, but don't feel like searching for a hotel in Seoul anymore? Or are you leaving by train early in the morning for a trip to other parts of Korea? Then stay in close proximity to the main station "Seoul Station".
- Hotel Stay Inn Seoul Station ** - A small hotel with small modern rooms and great prices from 50 usd per night can be found 250 metres from the station.
- Four Points by Sheraton Josun **** - a classic modern hotel with prices from 100 usd per night is located 50 metres from the station lobby
Hotel prices in Seoul
The Korean capital is one of the more expensive destinations in Asia, but you'll also find plenty of hostels and cheap small hotels.
The cheapest guesthouses and 1* or 2* hotels offer a 2-bed room per night for between 40 and 50 usd. 90 usd.
Better 4* hotels then cost around 150 usd per night and more luxurious 5* hotels from 220 usd upwards.
When are the most expensive hotels in Seoul? Most tourists head to the city between March and May and October to November. It is in spring and autumn that hotels in Seoul are most expensive.
On the other hand, expect the lowest prices with more than 30% discounts between June and August, when Seoul's tropical weather is hostile and hotels attract tourists with lower prices.
