Where to Stay in Seoul For a Week: Expert Picks
Planning a trip to South Korea’s capital?
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned traveller, choosing the right base is key to making the most of your time in the city.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Seoul for a week, this guide will walk you through the best neighbourhoods, top sites, and a spotlight review of the luxurious Sofitel Ambassador Seoul.
Is 7 Days In Seoul Too Long?
Plenty of people choose Seoul as a stopover on their way to Japan or other parts of Asia.
But we’re here to tell you, this is one city in East Asia that deserves its own spot on your bucket list.
And we highly recommend you stay in Seoul for a week.
This will give you enough time to soak up the culture, shop till you drop, stock up on beauty products, sample delicious street food, and even take a few day trips.
But with so much to do, choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip.
Which Part Of Seoul Is Best To Stay In?
When it comes to deciding which part of Seoul is best to stay in, it really depends on your own personal travel style.
If you’re all about shopping, street food, and lively energy, Myeongdong is a clear winner.
For a modern vibe with luxury boutiques and buzzing nightlife, you’ll love Gangnam.
If culture and history are your thing, Insadong is the perfect spot where you can get lost in charming streets and historical palaces.
Looking for hip cafes, quirky shops, and a youthful vibe? Then head straight to Hongdae.
And if convenience is key, Jung-gu puts you in the heart of it all, with major landmarks and excellent transport links at your doorstep.
Our personal opinion? Each of these areas brings its own unique vibe and added perks, so no matter where you choose, you really can’t go wrong.
After our trip through Seoul, of course we do have a favourite spot (more on that soon) first let’s deep dive into Seoul’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Planning a trip to Seoul? Check out our Ultimate Seoul 4 Day Itinerary Tips and Hotel Review for the best places to visit, stay, and explore!
Myeongdong: For Shoppers and Foodies
Myeongdong is a real hive of activity. Famous for its unbeatable shopping and never ending supply of beauty shops, this is where the streets transform into one of Seoul’s most famous street food markets after dark.
Stay here if you want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to street food stalls, beauty stores, and attractions like Namsan Tower.
Top things to do here include strolling down Myeongdong Market Street, snacking at the night market, visiting the Myeongdong Cathedral, eating your way through Namdaemun Market and shopping at Lotte Department Store.
Gangnam: Stay Here For Luxury and Modern Vibes
This is where you’ll find upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and stylish restaurants.
And if you’re searching for the best things to do after dark, including bar hopping and dancing till you drop in some of the best Korean clubs, then this is the perfect location for you.
Top sites nearby include Starfield Coex Mall where a visit to the famous library is a must, Coex Aquarium, Bongeunsa Temple and Statue of Gangnam Style (the famous golden hands).
Insadong: For a Cultural Experience
If you love traditional Korean culture, head straight to Insadong. This is where you will find charming tea houses galore, and plenty of art galleries.
You’ll also be close to historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace.
If you’re heading to the palace, you might like to rent a traditional hanbok to wear. This will give you free entry on the day.
Top things to do close by include the Alive Museum, Museum Kimchikan, and Jogyesa Temple.
Hongdae: For Art and Nightlife
This neighbourhood is a hotspot for live music, indie shops, and street performances.
We think it’s perfect for anyone looking for a lively, energetic area to stay.
Top things to do here include browsing the Hongdae Art Market, strolling along Hongik University Street, and scoping out funky boutiques.
Jung-gu: Central and Convenient
Jung-gu is another great location that puts you right in the heart of Seoul.
An incredibly convenient neighbourhood to base yourself in, you’ll be able to explore nearby tourist destination like Myeongdong, Namdaemun Market, and Namsan Tower.
Other top things to do nearby include Deoksugung Palace, the Seoul Museum of Art, and Gwangjang Market.
Jamsil-ro: Leisure, Luxury, And Lakeside Views
For a well-rounded experience, Jamsil-ro is absolutely the place to be!
This was one of our favourite spots to stay in Seoul and one we highly recommend looking into it if you’re planning to stay in Seoul for a week or even a few days.
This classy neighbourhood is centrally located and one of the closest you’ll get to all the major landmarks. You’ll also be close to the famous Han River.
One of our all-time favourite stays is located right here too!
Where To Stay In Seoul For A Week: Sofitel Ambassador Seoul
When it comes to finding luxury in the heart of Seoul, the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul is a standout choice.
A five star with all the bells and whistles, this stunning hotel overlooks the gorgeous Han River (just as promised).
If you want to stay in Seoul for a week, we highly recommend you do it here!
Location At Sofitel Ambassador Seoul
The Sofitel Ambassador Seoul is perfectly situated in the Jamsil area.
Most of the hotel rooms have views of Lotte World Tower and the serene Seokchon Lake.
Not to mention Lotte World theme park itself is a short 10 minute walk from the hotel. Making it perfect for couples or families looking for a great day out.
You also have the bonus of being close to the main transport hubs of the city with subway stations close by.
And if you prefer to catch a cab, the area is well serviced by taxis and uber.
Rooms At Sofitel Ambassador Seoul
The rooms at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul are absolutely stunning.
Expect plush bedding, comfy robes, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views to top it all off.
You even have your own Nespresso machine for that first coffee of the day and premium toiletries available in your room.
If you’re wondering about the size of the rooms, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know they are extra roomy and beautifully laid out, with a deep bathtub just perfect for a soak at the end of the day.
Facilities At Sofitel Ambassador Seoul
This hotel goes above and beyond with its amenities.
The rooftop infinity pool is a beautiful quiet space with panoramic views of the city.
Just outside the doors, you can relax and indulge in a heated pool. We highly recommend a visit first thing in the morning. The sunrise from here is spectacular!
If you like to work out on holidays, the hotel also has a fully equipped gym available.
Dining At Sofitel Ambassador Seoul
Sofitel’s dining options are exquisite. We’d even go so far as to say the best we experienced on our trip to Seoul.
The breakfast buffet was on a whole other level with delicious pastries, eggs benedict, every condiment you can think of, an assortment of coffee options and the freshest food imaginable. If you’re a foodie, this is one buffet you can’t afford to miss out on.
Oh! And you also need to visit the rooftop bar for a signature cocktail on sunset. The view is to die for!
To book your stay at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, head here.
The 5 Best Day Trips From Seoul
Staying in Seoul for a week gives you more than enough time to see all the top sites, eat your way through the city’s amazing food, sample some of its cute cafes and head off on a few day trips listed below.
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The DMZ is a fascinating day trip from Seoul. It’s the only place in Korea where you can catch a glimpse of the North.
A visit here will give you a clearer understanding of the tensions and resilience of the Korean Peninsula.
If you want to see it all, you’ll need to book a guided tour. That way you’ll get to visit the Third Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory, and the iconic Joint Security Area (JSA) to experience the surreal divide between North and South Korea.
It might be a great opportunity to settle your intrigue.
Busan
While Busan deserves more than a day, it’s still an excellent day trip if you don’t have time for a few nights stay.
A two and a half hour train trip from Seoul, we highly recommend a visit to the Jagalchi Fish Market, a stroll through the colourful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, a visit to Haeundae Beach, and a quick trip on the cute little Sky Capsule.
A day trip to Busan is a nice little seaside escape from the frantic pace of Seoul.
Nami Island
Another great day trip from Seoul, Nami Island is a fairytale come to life, especially during the autumn months when the gingko leaves turn a vibrant yellow and litter the ground.
Famous for its tree-lined pathways, and romantic atmosphere, if you’re a K-drama fan, this little island is a perfect spot.
Take the ferry over and spend the day exploring. If you’re feeling brave, you can zipline across to the island.
Hwadam Botanic Garden
Hwadam Botanic Garden is a hidden gem. Locals know about it but you won’t find a lot of tourists here. And we struggled to understand why! It is truly beautiful.
A meticulously designed garden, you can spend hours getting lost amongst walking trails, pink muhly, bright flower patches, and peaceful ponds.
If you arrive early, you just might manage to snag a ticket on the monorail.
Suwon
We took a day trip to Suwon and loved it! It’s honestly not that far from Seoul and took us less than an hour on the subway.
It’s where you’ll find the famous Starfield Library, which in our opinion is worth the trip alone.
Located inside the Starfield Suwon shopping mall, after a wander through the sky high shelves of books, you can spend time shopping in 400 stores.
And there’s plenty of great coffee shops here too.
While you’re here, you can also visit the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, stroll through the charming old town, and even try your hand at traditional Korean archery.
Top Sites To See In Seoul
If you’re a foodie, there’s a couple of great markets you’ll want to add to the list.
Namdaemun Market: One of Korea’s largest traditional markets, Namdaemun is perfect for shopping, street food, and experiencing the local hustle and bustle.
Gwangjang Market: Known for its delicious food, Gwangjang is the place to sample authentic Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap.
Gyeongbokgung Palace: This one is worth a look too. You might like to time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guard at 10am and 2pm each day.
Olympic Park: A nice spot for a picnic, if you’re visiting Seoul in autumn, head here for those vibrant autumn colours, pink muhly and flower fields.
Eunpyeong Hanok Village: Bukchon Hanok Village is another popular choice. If you’re looking for somewhere a little less crowded, head to Eunpyeong Hanok Village where you can stroll through the adorable hanok houses, sip tea or coffee at the quirky cafes, and shop in nearby boutique shops.
Tips for Staying in Seoul for a Week
- Internet In Seoul: Seoul has some of the fastest and most reliable internet in the world. You can easily connect in to the cities free Wi-Fi hotspots, or if you want to be self-sufficient, you might like to consider buying an eSIM ahead of your trip.
- T-money Card: The T-money card is your ticket to easy travel around Seoul. You can use it on subways, buses, as well as taxis. It also works when buying food in convenience stores. You can pick one at any subway station or convenience store, load it up, and you’re good to go.
- Helpful Apps You Need To Download: A few essential apps we highly recommend you download for your Seoul trip include Naver Maps for accurate directions (Google Maps doesn’t quite cut it here), KakaoTalk for messaging, and Subway Korea for getting around the metro system. If you’re a foodie, check out MangoPlate for restaurant reviews and suggestions.
- Purchasing A Discover Seoul Pass: The Discover Seoul Pass is a really great option for anyone wanting to really explore the city without breaking the bank. It gives you free entry to 30 plus top attractions as well as discounts at shops and restaurants. You can buy it online, it’s also available at some shops around the city.
- Is Seoul A Walkable City? Absolutely! Seoul is incredibly walkable. Make sure you pack some comfortable shoes and try to base yourself in a hotel close to a subway or main train station. That way you can cut down your walk time and enjoy exploring the parts you want to see on foot.
Wrapping Up Where To Stay In Seoul For A Week
Spending a week in Seoul is the perfect amount of time to dive into the city’s rich culture, delicious food, Korean BBQ restaurants, fun filled markets and top sights (can you tell we absolutely love it here?).
And if you were wondering where to stay in Seoul for a week, well now you have plenty of options to choose from.
Still have questions you need answered? Our Ultimate Travel Guide For South Korea is a great place to start!
And if you’re looking for another hotel review on our other favourite spot in Seoul, head here.
We also have our best travel guide to Japan ready and waiting just in case you intend to explore Japan too!
See you soon!