Seoul is a city of two halves divided by the Han River: Gangbuk in the north, the older and more historical side, and Gangnam in the south, the wealthier and more modern side. It is also a city of many centres rather than one. Each district has its own business and commercial core, so you choose an area based on what you plan to do rather than on a single downtown.
Because the city is so large, finding one true centre is difficult, and it helps to think of Seoul as a collection of cities bunched together. The two largest core areas are Jongno and Jung in the north and Gangnam in the south, with smaller centres such as Yeoui-do island and the university district of Hongdae and Sinchon. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, who each one suits, and how each connects to the rest of the city.
Best areas to stay in Seoul
1. Jongno
Jongno, in the northern half of the city, is the more historical side of Seoul and one of its two largest core areas. It is also one of the city's two unofficial backpacker districts, with the Anguk and Sinseol-dong pockets in particular drawing budget travellers.
It suits first-time visitors above all, because it is better located for sightseeing than the alternatives. It is within walking distance of Dongdaemun Market, and you can reach it directly from Incheon Airport on limousine buses or city bus 6002 to the Sinseol-dong stop. The hanok area within Jongno is one of the traditional hot spots for independent foreign travellers.
2. Hongdae and Sinchon
Hongdae and Sinchon, out to the west, form the city's other unofficial backpacker district and sit in a university area, with Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, Hongik University and Sogang University all nearby. Expect many restaurants, bars, clubs and shopping centres as a result.
This area suits budget travellers, students and anyone who wants nightlife and eating options on the doorstep. It is easy to reach from Incheon Airport by limousine bus or the Airport Express train in about an hour, which makes it a practical base if you are arriving late or leaving early.
3. Gangnam
Gangnam is the southern, wealthier and more modern half of the city, and one of the two largest core areas alongside Jongno and Jung. It has a wide range of luxury accommodation and is emerging as a place to stay for independent foreign travellers.
It suits visitors who prefer modern surroundings and are happy to be south of the river, and it is a reasonable choice if your plans cluster in the south. Note that the main points of interest are along subway lines 1, 2, 3 and 4, so wherever you stay, being near a station on one or two of those lines matters more than the district itself.
4. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of the traditional hot spots for independent foreign travellers, alongside Hongdae, Itaewon and the hanok area of Jongno.
It suits travellers who want a central, well-established base with budget accommodation options nearby. As with anywhere in Seoul, check how close your accommodation is to a station on subway lines 1, 2, 3 or 4 before booking.
5. Itaewon
Itaewon is another of the traditional hot spots for independent foreign travellers, along with Hongdae, Myeongdong and the hanok area of Jongno.
It suits visitors who want a well-known base with a range of budget places to stay. The same rule applies as elsewhere: the city's main points of interest sit along subway lines 1, 2, 3 and 4, so proximity to one of those lines will shape how easily you get around.
6. Yeoui-do
Yeoui-do is the island district in the Han River, one of the smaller centres that travellers with more time can explore beyond the two largest core areas of Jongno and Jung and Gangnam.
It suits visitors who already know the city or who want a quieter, more self-contained base rather than a sightseeing hub. Because it is one of several smaller centres rather than a main one, plan your days around the subway lines that serve it.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Seoul has many budget accommodation places across the city. The established areas for this are the two unofficial backpacker districts, Jongno (Anguk and Sinseol-dong) and Hongdae and Sinchon, along with the traditional hot spots of Hongdae, Itaewon, Myeongdong and the hanok area of Jongno.
- Mid-range: Look at the areas that combine convenience with a range of places to stay, particularly around Jongno and Jung in the north and the university district of Hongdae and Sinchon in the west, both of which are well connected to the airport and to the sights.
- Splurge: Gangnam in the south has a wide range of luxury accommodation, and it is the area that has been emerging as a higher-end base for visitors.
Best area for a first visit
Jongno is the best base for a first visit. It is better located for sightseeing than the other backpacker district, and it sits within walking distance of Dongdaemun Market. It is also one of the two largest core areas of the city, so you are starting from the middle of things rather than from an outlying centre.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas of Seoul do budget travellers usually base themselves in?
Seoul has two unofficial backpacker districts: Jongno (Anguk and Sinseol-dong) in the northeast and Hongdae and Sinchon out to the west. Hongdae, Itaewon, Myeongdong and the hanok area of Jongno are the traditional hot spots for independent foreign travellers.
How do I get from Incheon Airport to the main traveller areas?
Jongno can be reached directly from Incheon Airport on limousine buses or city bus 6002 to the Sinseol-dong stop. Hongdae and Sinchon are reachable from the airport by limousine bus or the Airport Express train in about an hour.
Which subway lines should I stay near?
Most points of interest are along subway lines 1, 2, 3 and 4, so it is best to stay somewhere near a station on one or two of those lines.
Is there a single centre of Seoul to stay in?
Not really. The sheer size of the city makes a true centre hard to locate, and Seoul works more like a collection of cities bunched together, each with its own commercial core. The two largest core areas are Jongno and Jung in the north and Gangnam in the south.
When you have picked your area, compare live prices with the booking tools on this page.