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WHERE TO STAY IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

Best Areas to Stay (quick guide)

Before hotels, this matters A LOT:

  • Myeongdong – best for first-timers, central, shopping & food
  • Hongdae – budget, nightlife, young vibe
  • Gangnam – luxury, modern, K-pop, upscale
  • Insadong / Bukchon – traditional & quiet
  • Itaewon – international food & nightlife

Central areas like Myeongdong let you reach most attractions within ~30 minutes via subway.

LUXURY (₱15,000–₱40,000+/night)

  • Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a top-tier luxury stay in the city. It’s just steps from Gwanghwamun Plaza and a short walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace, so it’s ideal if you want to be close to Seoul’s historic center while still enjoying five-star comfort.
  • Signiel Seoul – Ultra-luxury + insane skyline views (highest hotel in Korea)
  • Park Hyatt Seoul – Minimalist luxury in Gangnam
  • The Shilla Seoul – Classic 5-star + top service

       Expect world-class amenities, spas, fine dining, and premium locations.

MID-RANGE (₱5,000–₱15,000/night)

  • Four Points by Sheraton Josun is top choice because it’s connected to Seoul Station. You can get to the city easily, the hotel is quiet and relaxing despite its central location. The rooms are comfortable and simple, ranging from twin to king rooms.
  • L7 Myeongdong – Great location + rooftop views
  • LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong – Reliable, clean, central
  • Hotel 28 Myeongdong – Stylish + highly rated
  • Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae – Perfect for nightlife + airport access

       Mid-range hotels in Seoul are excellent value and often modern with great transport access.

BUDGET (₱800–₱5,000/night)

  • Seoul N Guesthouse Dongdaemun is a basic and comfortable guest house that is also budget-friendly! Located about a 15-minute walk from Dongdaemun Market, it’s super convenient and in a fun area. You can book a private room for about $40 USD a night or a bed in a shared room for about $15 USD a night. The rooms are basic, but clean, and the staff are very helpful and friendly.
  • Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong – Clean + best location under $100
  • Moxy Seoul Myeongdong – Trendy + good for groups
  • Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong – Affordable + modern

  • DW Stay Hongdae – Cheap + great Hongdae location

       Budget stays in Seoul are clean, safe, and well-connected, even at low prices.

FOODS TO TRY IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

Must-Try Iconic Dishes

  • Korean BBQ: Enjoy high-quality beef or pork belly (samgyeopsal) at restaurants in areas like Ikseon-dong or Gangnam.
  • Korean Fried Chicken: Famous for being crispy and flavorful, with popular flavors including soy garlic or gochujang. Additional: Pair with beer = “chimaek”
  • Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes): A quintessential, comforting snack available at nearly every street food stall.
  • Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl): Rice topped with veggies, beef, egg, chili paste. Mix everything before eating. Found everywhere—from casual to upscale.
  • Gimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls): Perfect for a quick bite, found commonly at places like Gwangjang Market.
  • Raw Marinated Crab (Ganjang Gejang): A savory, popular dish featuring crab marinated in soy sauce.
  • Dak-hanmari: A whole chicken soup popular near Seoul Station.

Street Food & Markets (Myeongdong & Gwangjang)

  • Hotteok: Sweet, fried pancakes filled with brown sugar, often found in winter.
  • Odeng/ Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers): Served in a hot, savory broth. Warm fish cakes, perfect comfort food, especially at night.
  • Bindae-tteok: Savory mung bean pancakes, famously served at Gwangjang Market.
  • Egg Bread (Gyeran-ppang): A sweet and savory warm snack.
  • Twigim (Korean Tempura): Deep-fried vegetables and snacks.
  • Tornado Potato: A popular spiral-cut fried potato on a stick.

Trendy Cafes & Modern Eats

  • Salt Bread: Visit spots like Jaeyondo Salt Bread for warm, buttery bread.
  • Nudake: Known for creative, artistic pastries.
  • Bingsu: Korean shaved ice dessert available in various flavors.

Top Areas for Food

  • Gwangjang Market: Famous for street food like gimbap, yukhoe, and bindaetteok.
  • Myeongdong: Prime location for street food stalls and dumplings.
  • Ikseon-dong: Charming, narrow streets packed with cafes and trendy BBQ spots.
  • Namdaemun Market: Famous for Kalguksu Alley (knife-cut noodles).

Pro-Tips:

  • Get your fried chicken and beer (chimaek) fix at places like BHC Chicken.
  • Visit Gwangjang Market for authentic, traditional bites like raw marinated crab or raw beef.
  • For unique pastries and a modern cafe experience, explore Nudake in Sinsa.