Where To Stay In Seoul For First Timers. Our Best Insider Tips
Planning your first trip to South Korea’s capital?
We outline the popular neighbourhoods to stay in and give you a sneak peek inside a hotel that tops our list of where to stay in Seoul for first timers.
How To Choose The Perfect Location
When you’re planning your trip to South Korea, in our opinion, where you base yourself in Seoul should be at the top of your list.
You want to make sure you’re staying close to a subway station so you can easily hop around the city and see all the top sites without spending an arm and a leg on transport.
You also want to be close to all the top sites, so you don’t waste your time running from one end of the city to the other.
Top 8 Areas To Stay For First Timers
Let’s take a look at the top 8 areas to stay for first timers to Seoul.
Jung-gu
On our trip to Seoul, we spent a few nights in the area of Jung-gu and found it to be the perfect location for first timers.
Nestled in the heart of Seoul, this made it easy to access major attractions like Myeongdong, Namsan Seoul Tower, and Namdaemun Market.
Well-connected by public transport, it has multiple subway lines and buses nearby, making The Ambassador Seoul our top pick of hotels in this area (keep reading for more on this soon).
Itaewon
Itaewon is another top choice for first time visitors looking for an international atmosphere.
Known for its global cuisine, Itaewon has a lively nightlife, and a very inclusive feel, another reason it has become a hub for expats and travellers.
This fun little city hub offers easy access to Namsan Tower and the Han River.
There are also lots of unique boutique shops to poke around in nearby and plenty of cultural experiences to choose from.
Some might say Itaewon is a great introduction to Seoul’s cosmopolitan side.
Gangnam
Famously glitzy and modern, Gangnam is an ideal spot to stay if you want to experience Seoul’s luxury lifestyle.
It’s also a great area for shopping, with plenty of elite areas for branded goods.
Home to the COEX Mall, it has an aquarium and the famous Starfield Library in the centre of the mall.
Staying here also means you’re not far from Lotte World or the Gangnam Style sculpture, also known as the “Gangnam Hands”.
A 24/7 area with lots of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from, Gangnam is just one area of Seoul that never sleeps!
Hongdae
Hongdae also tops the list for a lot of first-time travellers to Seoul.
Known as a hipster area, it is full of young people and has lots of cute, contemporary cafes, urban art galleries, and graffiti art.
It’s also known for its local music scene. Staying here means you’ll be close to the beautiful Han River.
It’s a great spot to take a walk, have a picnic, or bike around the river.
You’ll have plenty of accommodation options to choose from, starting at the budget-friendly end and moving up to high-end, luxury hotels.
Myeongdong
For nightlife, Myeongdong is hard to beat.
A fun and fast-paced place to stay, if you love shopping and you want to stay right in the thick of it, then Myeongdong is the perfect spot.
A shopper’s paradise, it is a central hub for first-time visitors looking for some excitement and convenience.
Famous for its endless street food stalls, skincare shops, and department stores, it’s the go-to place for beauty lovers and foodies. What’s not to love about that?
It is also in a prime location close to Seoul’s main attractions, such as Namsan Tower and traditional markets like Namdaemun.
Gwanghwamun
If you’re wondering why Gwanghwamun also deserves a spot at the top of the list, it’s because it’s located smack bang in the central area of Seoul and is as close as you can get to a lot of major tourist attractions.
Home to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, and the iconic Gwanghwamun Square, a lot of first timers to Soeul stay here for the lifestyle and city vibe.
There are also plenty of cute cafes to choose from in this area.
Do yourself a favour and head to Nuldam Space, where you can sip on a delicious coffee while writing a letter to your future self.
Insadong
Insadong is another great spot to place yourself for a few nights stay in Seoul.
A charming neighbourhood steeped in tradition, there’s plenty to do here.
Visit the Jogyesa Temple, pop into one of the many tea houses, wander through a local art gallery, or why not visit a photo studio where you can take pics in traditional Korean clothing called a Hanbok.
Known for its quaint little streets, it’s a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
A charming neighborhood steeped in tradition, Insadong is also perfect for those interested in Korean arts and crafts.
It’s another great sport to base yourself when exploring nearby palaces like Bukchon Hanok Village.
Jamsil
Jamsil is a great spot for couples and families.
Close to fun spots like Lotte World, you can also head to the top of Lotte World Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, for spectacular views across the city.
Jamsil also has convenient subway connections and a mix of cafes, restaurants, Korean BBQ’s, shopping, and riverside parks.
Located close to Gangnam, the two areas are similar in terms of skyscrapers and luxury shops, but Jamsil is considerably greener.
It has lots of beautiful parks such as Jamsil Hangang Park, which is next to the Han River.
Our Favorite Stay In Seoul For First Timers
Nestled in the heart of Seoul, The Ambassador Seoul is pure elegance and is conveniently located in Jung-gu, a highly popular spot for first timers.
The ideal stay for couples looking for the added luxury of top-notch dining options and high-end facilities, this hotel was our pick of the bunch.
Whether you’re visiting Seoul for leisure or business, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with what this 5 star hotel has to offer.
The Perfect Location In Seoul For First Timers
When we arrived into Seoul, we had two day trips booked – Nami Island and Hwadam Forest.
Both trips required us to catch trains, and for both trips, we were able to walk out the door of The Ambassador Seoul and hop straight on the subway.
More on the hotel amenities soon, but first, the added bonus to staying here would have to be the hotel’s close proximity to top attractions like the ones listed below.
Where To Go In South Korea For First Timers
We’ve listed the top five sites you don’t want to miss in Seoul. Each of these is just a quick 10-minute walk or subway ride from the hotel:
- Namsan Seoul Tower: A must visit for first-timers, this is where you climb the iconic tower to take in panoramic views of Seoul.
- Myeongdong Shopping Street: Shop till you drop at Myeongdong, a bustling area known for its street food, fashion, and skincare shops. Also a great spot for fashion lovers, there’s loads of vintage stores along this stretch.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A hub for fashion, culture, and art, DDP is one of Seoul’s architectural gems.
- Gwangjang Market: A bustling traditional market famous for Korean street food. Turn up hungry, there’s a huge variety of food here. And it’s delicious!
- Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden): A UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has the most beautiful architecture and lush gardens. Wear a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and you’ll be granted free entry to the palace. This also makes for some stunning photos.
- Insadong: This is where you go to explore traditional tea houses, souvenir shops, and art galleries in a charming Korean neighbourhood.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Step back in time with a visit to this stunning Joseon-era palace, complete with beautiful gardens and a changing of the guard ceremony at 10am and 2pm each day.
Just in case you’re planning a trip to Seoul, here are a few more things we loved about our stay at The Ambassador Seoul.
World Class Amenities
We have to say, the amenities at The Ambassador Seoul were in a class of their own.
There’s a state of the art gym, fully equipped fitness centre with Pilates and yoga room, a heated indoor pool and spa as well as a heated outdoor pool to luxuriate in at the end of a full day of sightseeing.
Or you can perfect your swing in a dedicated screen golf facility where you can also practice your driving and putting skills.
Executive Lounge
When you book into premium rooms or suites at The Ambassador Seoul, you will be granted access to the Executive Lounge.
Sundowners overlooking the beautiful city skyline was our favourite thing to do at the end of each day.
The lounge also serves a delicious complimentary breakfast, and all-day refreshments.
Restaurants and Bars
The Ambassador Seoul takes dining to the next level.
Whether you’re craving Korean specialties, international cuisine, or a scrumptious cocktail, you won’t have to look far.
We loved feasting on the Kings Buffet in the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. It had a delicious spread of Korean, Asian, and Western dishes.
Their breakfast buffet was a highlight for us too, with yummy freshly baked pastries, Peking Duck, and Korean favorites.
Never fear, you can still order a traditional English breakfast of eggs on toast. Take it from us, they also serve the most delicious omelettes.
Complete With A Poolside Bar
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, head to the poolside bar.
This is where you can order cocktails, and light bites, perch yourself on a lounge and take in stunning views of the city.
It’s the perfect place to unwind.
Wrapping Up Where To Stay In Seoul For First Timers
Our stay in Seoul was nothing short of amazing, and we can’t wait to return on our next trip to South Korea.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, we hand on heart believe Seoul deserves more than just a stopover. And Jung-gu is the perfect place to base yourself to explore all this beautiful city has to offer.
So, if you’re planning your trip to South Korea, be sure to add Seoul to your list. You won’t regret it!
Looking for must visit places and best times to visit? Our complete South Korea Guide is a great place to start.