Tested: Where to Stay in South Korea for First-Timers

Looking for the best area to stay in South Korea? Yes, I know, choosing where to stay in South Korea as a first timer can be overwhelming. I totally get you!

You’ve got 10 browser tabs open, scrolling through the endless options for accommodations in South Korea, terrified of picking the wrong place.

I’ve been there. I’ve spent hours doing that. So, my goal is to save you those hours of scrolling and help you get a better idea of where to stay. 

This guide helps you figure out which neighborhood is right for you and whether a hotel is compatible for you as a solo traveler, couple, or family.

On my most recent 14-day trip, I traveled from Seoul to Sokcho and down to Busan. Below is a list of the accommodations I have actually tested.

My Promise: There is no fluff here. These are honest reviews based on real stays (where I paid for every stay) —including the luggage struggles, the water pressure checks, and the noise levels.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I hope you find the information useful and will continue to support me in providing quality articles and travel guides.

Where to Stay in Seoul

I have stayed in 8 different places in Seoul, which gave me a deep look into the city. I’ve grouped them by neighborhood to help you plan your trip to Seoul for the first time.

The Cultural Heart: Jongno-gu (Insadong & Bukchon)

Why stay here? If you are into history, palaces, and the Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, this is the best base. It is walkable and atmospheric, though the subway stations here can sometimes lack elevators.

1. Peter Cat Hotel Insadong

• Neighborhood: Jongno-gu (Insadong)
• Category: Budget
• Best For: Solo travelers or couples who prioritize quiet.

This is a small, simple hotel tucked away in an alley. It feels like a hidden gem because it is incredibly peaceful, yet you are just steps away from the bustling Hanok village. I slept like a log here—whether it was the cozy bed or the fatigue from walking 20,000 steps!

The Highlights:

• Unbeatable Location: A 5-minute walk to Insadong-gil and 2 minutes to the trendy Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, and nearby the Bukchon Hanok Village.
• Accessibility: Unlike many budget places in this area, it has an elevator (a lifesaver for luggage).
• Airport Access: Walking distance to the Airport Limousine bus stop (Bus 6011 – Wolgye Line).

The Trade-offs:

• Luggage “Tetris”: The room is compact. Floor space is tight, so my husband and I had to take turns opening our suitcases.

The Verdict: Perfect if you just need a quiet, clean place to sleep and plan to be out exploring all day.

2. Insadong R Guesthouse

• Neighborhood: Jongno-gu (Ikseon-dong)
• Category: Budget

Next once in my list of where to stay in Seoul is Insadong R Guesthouse, located right in the alleys of Ikseon-dong. The room and bathroom were slightly bigger than Peter Cat, and I loved the smart room design—the bed was raised high enough to slide my open luggage underneath.

The Highlights:

• Smart Storage: The under-bed storage was a game-changer for keeping the limited floor space clear.
• Nightlife Access: You are a 1-minute walk from the famous Jongno Pocha Alley (street food tents), yet the room itself remains quiet.

The Trade-offs:

• No Elevator: You will need to carry your luggage up the stairs.
• Weak Water Pressure: The toilet in our room required a few flushes to work properly.

The Verdict: Great for light travelers or backpackers who want to be 60 seconds away from the street food action.

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The Central Hub: Jung-gu (Chungmuro & Myeongdong)

Why stay here? This is the geographic center of tourist Seoul. Staying near Chungmuro puts you between the culture of Insadong and the shopping of Myeongdong.

If you’re loving the shopping vibes, street food fiesta, then you should look into staying around this area.

3. Central View Suite Residence Chungmuro

• Neighborhood: Jung-gu (Chungmuro)
• Category: Mid-Range Apartment

This felt like having my own studio apartment in the heart of Seoul. The room included a small kitchen and a washing machine. We even had a mesmerizing view of Bukhansan Mountain in the distance.

The Highlights:

• Apartment Comforts: The in-unit washing machine is brilliant for stays longer than 4 days.
• The “Secret” Elevator: Chungmuro Station’s Exit 7 has an elevator to the street. This makes getting heavy bags to the residence painless.
• Convenience: There is a GS25 convenience store attached to the building’s lift access.

The Trade-offs:

• Bus Access: There isn’t a bus stop right in front; you’ll need to walk a few minutes to the main road.

The Verdict: Ideal for families or couples who want to do some light laundry and have own breakfast in the room.

4. Apartment The Share Myeongdong

• Neighborhood: Jung-gu (Chungmuro/Myeongdong)
• Category: Mid-Range

Another excellent apartment-style stay. It sits on a quiet road, offering a break from the chaos of Myeongdong while remaining accessible.

The Highlights:

• Luggage Services: They offer luggage drop-off, which is helpful if you arrive before check-in.
• Peaceful: Tucked away from the main road, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

The Trade-offs:

• Walking Distance: It is a slightly longer walk to the subway compared to hotels on the main strip.

The Verdict: A solid, quiet choice for travelers who want the independence of an apartment without the noise of the main tourist drag.

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The Shopping Hub: Dongdaemun

5. Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun

• Neighborhood: Jung-gu (Dongdaemun)
• Category: High-Range

If you are a shopper, this is the strategic winner. It’s 350 meters from Dongdaemun Subway Station and directly connected to the Hyundai City Outlet.

The Highlights:

• Direct Mall Access: You can shop at Hyundai City Outlet without stepping outside.
• Amenities: They have a convenient mini-mart at the reception and provide amazing shampoo that smells like heaven!
• Transport: Walkable to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4, & 5).

The Trade-offs:

• None: Honestly, for this price point and purpose, it was a seamless stay.

The Verdict: A 10/10 “Splurge” for shoppers who want comfort and convenience.

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The Business Hub: Mapo-gu

6. Seoul Garden Hotel

• Neighborhood: Mapo-gu (Mapo/Gongdeok)
• Category: High-Range (4-Star)

This feels like a traditional, full-service hotel. It’s located in Mapo, a district famous for Korean BBQ and being a major transport hub.

This area is calmer in the sense where there are less tourists despite the number of hotels in the area. It looks like it is oriented towards business feeling, but all in all, it has everything you need!

The Highlights:

• Zero Stress Arrival: The Airport Limousine Bus (6015) stops literally right in front of the hotel.
• Space: The rooms are significantly larger than what you find in Myeongdong. It’s a

The Trade-offs:

• Vibe: It feels more “business-like” and less trendy than the other spots, or at least that’s what I felt like every time I entered the lobby.

The Verdict: The best choice of hotel if you are looking for extra comfort, practicality and a bigger space for your luggages and shopping spree bags 🙂

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Where to Stay in Sokcho

Sokcho was my base for hiking Seoraksan National Park. I needed a place near the Express Bus Terminal to avoid hauling luggage across town.

7. Urban Stay Sokcho Beach (Urban Stay B)

• Neighborhood: Sokcho Beach
• Category: Mid-Range
• Status: My Favorite Stay!

This felt less like a hotel and more like a modern home. We booked this specifically for the hiking logistics.

The Highlights:

• The “Hiker’s” Feature: The in-room washing machine allowed us to wash our sweaty hiking clothes immediately after tackling Ulsanbawi Peak.
• The View: We could see the colorful Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel from our room.
• Check-in: Fully contactless digital check-in.

The Trade-offs:

• Service: No daily housekeeping or front desk (it operates like an Airbnb).

The Verdict: The undisputed winner for hikers. It is strategically located between the city center, the beach, and the National Park access.

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Where to Stay in Busan

I stayed in Choryang, the historic neighborhood right next to Busan Station (KTX). This is the most practical area if you are arriving by train from Seoul.

8. Shire Heritage Hotel

• Neighborhood: Busan / Choryang
• Category: Mid-Range

I love the classy look that it has. A new hotel in the heart of Choryang, just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the Busan Station.

This hotel is known as a “gaming hotel” (high-spec PCs in the room), but don’t let that fool you—it was incredibly calm.

The Highlights:

• Space: No luggage tetris here! The room size was comparable to the spacious apartments in Sokcho.
• Transit: 5-minute walk to the KTX and Metro.
• Perks: Good breakfast and two free drinks per person, per day.

The Trade-offs:

• The Smell: There was a strange, noticeable smell in the lift and hallways. It wasn’t in the room, but it was definitely there in the common areas.

The Verdict: The Shire Heritage hotel was one of my favorite despite the smell thanks to the comfort of the room! Plus, a good choice for transit ease. (Bonus: There is an amazing fried chicken shop 1 minute away—arguably the best I’ve ever tasted!)

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My “Untested” Wishlist

I visit South Korea almost every year, and these are on my radar for the next trip. Note: I haven’t stayed here yet, but they are highly rated.

• Hanok Hotel DAAM: Blends modern comfort with traditional Hanok style. It’s near Peter Cat!
• Nostalgia: A dreamy and a high-end luxury Hanok in downtown Seoul. Love the design!
• Urban Stay Boutique Ikseon-dong: Since I loved their Sokcho branch, I want to try this location next.

Final Thoughts

So, have you found the your hotel yet? Hehe.

Well, I hope the list above helps a little bit to help you sort places to look into, based on your budget and the neighborhoods.

I’d always consider the public transport accessibility, the restaurants around it and the reviews based on Google or KakaoMap! 

Of course, my list is not exhaustive, and you are free to go for the right hotel that clicks with your heart and financial budget 😉

I do hope you will enjoy South Korea as much as I did! Happy travelling to South Korea.