Planning a trip to Seoul is exciting, but choosing the right place to stay can feel overwhelming. If your hotel isn’t in the right location, the whole trip can become more stressful and less enjoyable.
When it comes to where to stay in Seoul, the choice matters even more for first-time visitors. Travelers who’ve been to Korea before usually know which neighborhoods fit their style, but if it’s your first time, it’s natural to wonder:
“Where should I stay in Seoul to make the most of my trip?”
This is the exact question my friends often asked me before their first visit. And my answer has been consistent: stay in Myeongdong. Below, I’ll explain why it’s such a convenient and exciting base, what you can do nearby, and what to keep in mind.
For more background, check the official Visit Seoul website, which lists events and attractions around Myeongdong.
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| Myeongdong’s bustling shopping street filled with people and vibrant signs. ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-이범수 |
1. Easy Access from the Airport and Around the City
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Myeongdong is how central and convenient it is. From Incheon Airport, it takes about an hour, and you won’t have to deal with complicated transfers.
- Subway Line 4 (Myeongdong Station): drops you right into the main shopping street
- Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2): connects you to City Hall, Gangnam, and Hongdae
- Airport Bus 6015: direct service between Incheon Airport and Myeongdong
For first-time visitors, this location means you’re never too far from key sights across the city.
2. What Makes Myeongdong Special
Myeongdong is often called the “shopping mecca” of Seoul. Streets are lined with global brands, local fashion shops, and K-beauty stores that draw travelers from all over the world.
But shopping is just the beginning. Highlights include
- Myeongdong Cathedral – Korea’s first Catholic church and a meaningful historical landmark
- Myeongdong Theater – one of Seoul’s main stages for plays and performances
- Street Food Alleys – in the evenings, the streets come alive with stalls selling hotteok, tteokbokki, chicken skewers, and more
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| A vibrant street food stall in Myeongdong, Seoul, offering various skewers and tteokbokki. Photo by Korea Tourism Organization. ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-전형준 |
3. Recommended Hotels in Myeongdong
The area offers plenty of choices, but based on consistent reviews from international travelers, these two are solid picks:
- L7 Myeongdong by Lotte (4-star)
Booking.com rating: 8.7
Right by Myeongdong Station; stylish rooms; English-speaking staff.
Downsides: higher prices during peak seasons (around $100–150 per night). - Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong (3-star)
Booking.com rating: 8.3
Clean rooms, friendly staff, great value; close to the main street.
Downsides: rooms are on the smaller side (around $70–100 per night).
4. The Downsides to Consider
Myeongdong is busy—especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons. If you prefer a quiet, laid-back vibe, the crowds can feel overwhelming. Also, as a popular tourist hub, prices for accommodation, meals, and shopping tend to be higher than in other neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Myeongdong is one of the best areas to stay in Seoul if it’s your first visit. With easy transportation, endless shopping, street food, and cultural spots in one neighborhood, it’s a convenient and lively base for exploring the city.
When my friends visited for the first time, I suggested Myeongdong—and they were genuinely happy with the choice. If you’re planning your first trip to Korea and still deciding where to stay in Seoul, give Myeongdong a serious look. It might be the perfect starting point for your adventure.
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