Are you going to Seoul anytime soon? The first question would be where to stay while in the capital city of South Korea.
More than looking for hotels in Seoul to stay, every traveler needs to decide which area to use as a base that brings them closer to attractions and key venues for shopping and dining.
Seoul has plenty of wonderful neighborhoods from trendy to the shopping hub of the city, but let me tell you the best part of the city you should stay. For me, it is definitely, Myeongdong.
Why Myeongdong is the Perfect Location to Stay in Seoul for Traveler?
For first time visitors, Myeongdong is Seoul’s most popular shopping district, thus, it is impossible to skip this area when visiting the city whether you are planning for some side shopping or just be satisfied with window shopping.
With shopping as one of the best things to do in Seoul, Myeongdong is more popular for cosmetics.
These days, Korean skincare has swept the world by storm. Thus, don’t miss the chance to bring home Korean skincare and beauty products.
With its plethora of shops and boutiques, Myeongdong is a vibrant area that any visitor would love to stay and enjoy.
With more visitors, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the area has plenty of restaurants and cafes. Hence, Myeongdong has it all.
You may think that Myeongdong being a shopping hub in the city can get crowded and noisy, but I think this is the most practical area to stay when in Seoul.
Not only you have all the shops, bars, and restaurants a few steps from your hotel, attractions are also accessible, thanks to a major station in Myeongdong.
7 reasons why you should stay in Myeongdong
- You can find all popular Korean skincare and beauty brands in one area. These include Aritaum, Nature Republic, Tony Moly, Missha, Etude House, The Face Shop, innisfree, Skinfood and Olive Young.
- Plenty of choices for chic and trendy fashion apparels, bags, and shoes.
- It has Lotte Department Store and a large food court and products such as groceries, beauty products, perfume, apparels, shoes, and bags.
- Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center let you find trendy clothing, bags, shoes, and trinkets for souvenirs like keychains.
- Affordable and delicious street food
- Easy access to Seoul’s popular attractions
- Myeongdong Cathedral, a historic and European-style church is situated in Myeongdong
Nearby Attractions
- N-Seoul Tower – Standing 480m above sea level on Namsan Mountain, Seoul Tower offers fantastic views of the city especially at night.
- Dongdaemun – Designated as a “Special Tourism Zone” since 2002, Dongdaemun is a commercial district where traditional markets coexist with modern shopping centers. Another shopping heaven for shopaholics. You can find cheap clothing with decent quality at this area.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream – An 10-kilometer man-made stream that flows within the heart of Seoul, recreating the same body of water that once flowed during the Joseon Dynasty. A successful urban project, it is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to sit down and relax.
- Insadong – A shopping street in Seoul that specializes in cultural items like hanbok (traditional clothing), teas, hanji (traditional paper), ceramics, and other crafts.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace – The 14th-century royal palace of Korea’s royalty during the Joseon Dynasty, prior to Japan’s occupation. Situated in the northern part of the city, it is also referred as the, “Northern Palace”.
- Bukchon Hanok Village – Home to 900 restored traditional Korean houses called, “hanok”, this village takes you back to old times in South Korea.
- Samcheongdong Street – A charming enclave with the perfect mix of traditional and modern buildings in Seoul filled with shops, cafe, and galleries.
- Namdaemun Market – Opened since 1964, this is one of Seoul’s traditional markets selling almost anything under the sun from fishing equipment to food items. Tourists will love the street food on this area.
Where to Stay in Myeongdong: Best Hotels in the Area
Since Myeongdong being a well-known shopping hub in Seoul and also offer plenty of food choices and convenient to access major attractions in Seoul, it is time to decide on which property to stay.
As one of the most popular areas in the capital city, hotel choices is never a problem, in fact, there are 30 hotels in the area.
To help you decide on which hotel suits your budget and preference, I will list down my recommended budget and mid-range priced hotels in the area.
Mid-Range Priced Hotels
Have a little bit more of a budget for your hotel in Myeongdong? Book a mid-range hotel for upgrade amenities and facilities offered by budget hotels yet still affordable compared to luxury hotels.
Here are some of my recommended mid-range priced hotels in Myeongdong.
1. Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 1
One of the properties by Skypark, South Korea’s top hotel brand, their hotel in Myeongdong 1 perfectly suits both business and leisure travelers.
If you are traveling as a group or as a family, take a look at one of its rooms – the Standard Triple Room.
The lobby is located at the 11th floor of the building while guestrooms occupy the lower floors. No need to worry, guests billeted in rooms located at specific floor are allowed, ensuring your security.
After a long day, enjoy an instant retreat to their terrace and sun deck – the best spot when staying here during spring or autumn.
A surprise for girls is the innisfree and missha, the popular beauty brand in South Korea are just located in front of the Hotel.
Some of the facilities offered by the hotels are:
- Business Center
- Restaurant
- Concierge
- 24 Hours Front Desk
- Dry cleaning
- Luggage Storage
Myeongdong Station, Exit 5 / Exit 6
Subway Line 4
Around 2 minutes walk to Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 1 from Myeongdong Station, Exit 5 or Exit 6
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
2. Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 3
For further upgrade compared to its sister property, Hotel Skypark Myeongdong 3 might be for you.
From its sleek facade to chandeliers in its suites, this hotel presents itself as a chic boutique luxury hotel without paying a lot of money.
I stayed at this hotel during my trip to Seoul and was surprised at this 3-star hotel yet the decor and service can at par to high-end hotels in Seoul.
With its location close to Namsan, I can easily access to N-Seoul Tower. While at the hotel, I can be treated to panoramic views of downtown Seoul.
Like its sister properties, rooms have neutral color of beige and brown colors for classic yet elegant vibe.
This hotel is one of the few that has a Quadruple Room, suited for a group of friends and especially for families with older kids who are too big to share beds with their parents yet too young to get another room on their own.
Want to indulge? Stay in its Princess Room and be treated like one!
Here are some of its major facilities:
- Self-service laundry
- 24 Hours Front Desk
- Baggage Storage
- Restaurant
- Dry cleaning
Myeongdong Station, Exit 9
Subway Line 4
Located in front of Myeongdong Station, Exit 9
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
3. Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong
The last Skypark property I’m including on this list is Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong. From its name itself, it is located at the heart of Seoul’s shopping district.
Imagine staying in the center of Seoul’s downtown area. Hence, if you want the most prime location in Seoul, check this hotel.
Skypark Central has this iconic glass tower and with its location, there is no question that it is one upscale hotel.
Surprisingly, the rates are not that high either and if you book from Booking.com or Agoda.com, you will be staying here for a mid-range hotel price.
This hotel provides post-shopping or post-sightseeing amenities like a full-service spa.
They also have a small nail bar in partnership with The Face Shop, a famous beauty brand in Korea and internationally.
If getting around is important to you, this is the Skypark hotel to stay. Everything is just outside your hotel and the hotel (like other Skypark hotels) offers shuttle services.
This hotel offers the following amenities:
- Rooftop terrace
- 24-hour front desk
- Luggage Storage
- Cafe
- Business Center
Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 5 / Exit 6
Subway Line 2
Around 4 minutes walk to Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong from Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 5 or Exit 6
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
4. Lotte Hotel L7 Myeongdong
Are you the type of guests who value lifestyle? Lotte Hotel L7 Myeongdong or L7 Myeongdong hotel can cater to your strict preference with its long list of amenities, prime location, and stylish decor.
Staying here means you will spend your nights in a contemporary guestroom with city views while some have views of Mt. Namsan.
At the 21st floor is Myeongdong’s best rooftop bar, “Floating”, to enjoy nightlife in Myeongdong surrounded by cityscape. Tired from all the adventure and shopping, visit the hotel’s foot spa.
Whatever you fancy, you can book any of its 11 rooms types including the Standard Double for solo travelers or their Stanard Family Twin.
The focal point of this hotel is their trendy and sophisticated lounge and bar at the 3rd floor. If you want to meet and mingle with Seoul’s classy locals, this is the place to hand out.
Check out some of their facilities and amenities:
- In-house restaurant and cafe
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Multilingual staff
- Currency exchange
Myeongdong Station, Exit 9
Subway Line 4
Around 1 minutes walk to Lotte Hotel L7 Myeongdong from Myeongdong Station, Exit 9
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
5. Sejong Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
We all want to stay close to where the action is, yet we value our peaceful rests. It may seem hard to find a hotel in Myeongdong with this special mix of preference but you have to know Sejong Hotel Seoul Myeongdong.
Built way back in 1966, this hotel is well-maintained and a little bit away from the busy Myeongdong yet still close to everything from the shopping area to the airport.
What I love the most about this hotel is the view of N Seoul Tower and Namsam. Imagine waking up or enjoying your downtime in Seoul with scenic city views.
A big hotel with more than 300 rooms, Sejong is a favorite events and wedding venue in the city. The hotel has classic elegant decor with modern facilities and topnotch service.
An attraction itself is the hotel’s Sky Garden, home to 30 sculptures, trees, shrubs, and various flowering plants.
Take a break and indulge in relaxing downtime in between sightseeing and shopping at the hotel’s own garden. This is an impressive feature to have in a hotel located in the central area of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan city.
This hotel offers different choices for families and groups with their Triple Room, Family Room, and the massive Quadraple Room.
All rooms are fitted with bathtubs while selected rooms have direct views of the mountain.
Senjong Hotel also has the following facilities:
- 3 dining venues
- Gym and sauna
- Art Gallery
- Concierge
Myeongdong Station, Exit 10
Subway Line 4
Located in front of Myeongdong Station, Exit 10
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
Budget Hotels
Myeongdong may be known for its shopping district, but you will be amazed how easy it is to find and book a cheap hotel in Myeongdong. Check out the properties below.
1. Casa Myeongdong Guesthouse
If you are looking for hostels, as you may normally do in your various travels, I suggest checking out Casa Myeongdong Guesthouse.
Located in shopping district with the nearest station, only a 2-minute walk away, this is a good choice for those looking for cheap places to stay in Myeongdong.
Located at the 8th floor of the building, this hotel has a modern appeal, giving you that idea that you are not staying in just any kind of cheap hostel in Seoul.
If you are traveling as a family or with your friends, pick their family room that has 2 queen-sized beds.
The rooms are neat with ample amenities like fridge and cable TV yet the interiors with its brick-print walls and wood vinyl floors, gives you that European chic – for less!
The overall ambiance of this hostel appeals even those who are not used to staying in hostel.
For lower rates, you get the feeling of staying in a boutique hotel. The hotel also serves complimentary breakfast of toasts, cereal, milk, coffee, and juice – just enough to fuel you as you start your day.
Here are some of its amenities and facilities:
- Elevator
- Laundry facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Baggage Storage
- Multilingual staff – Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and English
Myeongdong Station, Exit 9/ Exit 10
Subway Line 4
Around 2 minutes walk to Casa Myeongdong Guesthouse from Myeongdong Station, Exit 9 or Exit 10
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
2. K-Guesthouse Myeongdong 2
K-Guesthouse is a trusted hotel chain in South Korea, known for their no-frills approach to hosting guests.
If you are looking for affordable hotels in Seoul without feeling deprived of good service and ample amenities, stay in this hotel.
With its low rates, you get to stay in modern rooms that are clean, safe, and comfortable.
Traveling as a family? Get the space you need when you stay in one of its family rooms that are newly upgraded, completed with bunk beds and semi-separate sleeping areas.
Though it is located in Myeongdong, this cheap hotel in Seoul is quiet where you can rest after a day of exploring the city. It is close to the subway station and airport bus stop.
A small hotel with only 24 guest rooms, you won’t feel cramped especially when sharing communal spaces with other guests.
Here are the facilities and amenities offered by K-Guesthouse Myeongdong 2:
- Cookware, utensils, dishware (shared)
- Lounge (shared)
- Hairdryer
- Complimentary continental breakfast
- Wi-Fi
Myeongdong Station, Exit 9
Subway Line 4
Around 2 minutes walk to K-Guesthouse Myeongdong 2 from Myeongdong Station, Exit 9
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
3. K-Guesthouse Myeongdong 4
Another K-Guesthouse property Seoul is K-Guesthouse Myeongdong 4. This budget hotel is located on the 4th floor of a commercial building in Jung-Go, known for fashion and beauty shopping.
If you want to be within where all the shopping action takes place, this is the hotel for you.
The building where this hotel is located is close to top shops like Banilla Co, Nature Republic, Guess, and many more.
Hoehyeon Station, the nearest station from Namdaemun, is only 300 meters away from this guesthouse.
Chic without the high price, guests will relax at its terrace and lounge. Rooms are fitted with basic amenities like fridge, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TV. Family rooms are also available for bigger groups.
Here are some amenities of this hotel:
- Elevator
- Complimentary breakfast
- Multilingual staff (English,Korean, and Chinese)
- Shared kitchen and refrigerator
- En-suite bathrooms
Myeongdong Station, Exit 6
Subway Line 4
Around 2 minutes walk to K-Guesthouse Myeongdong 4 from Myeongdong Station, Exit 6
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
4. Ekonomy Hotel Myeongdong Premier
That feeling of having a myriad of shops, restaurants, and cafe right before you as soon as you leave your hotel room is what we all want – but are you ready to take the bill?
One of the most sought-after properties in the heart of Seoul is Ekonomy Hotel Myeongdong Premier, a 3-star hotel with affordable rates.
From its name, you get premier facilities and service at economical rates. This boutique-style hotel has one of the best locations in Seoul with walking distance from Myeongdong Subway Station.
Sharing the building of other shopping venues in the city, Ekonomy Hotel also makes nightlife like bars highly accessible.
The hotel is accessible via a lift, perfect for those with mobility issues.
Rooms are modern fitted with many in-room amenities most cheap hotels don’t have such as room service, ironing facilities and sitting areas. Selected rooms offer views of the street and the vibrant city.
When taking a break from exploring Seoul, Ekonomy Hotel has a garden area and sun terrace.
More facilities are as follows:
- Luggage storage
- Restaurant
- bar/lounge area
- Currency exchange
- VIP check in/out
Myeongdong Station, Exit 6
Subway Line 4
Around 2 minutes walk to Ekonomy Hotel Myeongdong Premier from Myeongdong Station, Exit 6
Read Reviews and Check Room Prices at:
Agoda | Booking.com
Google Map
Conclusion
With these list of hotels in Myeongdong with different amenities and facilities that can cater to different types of guests, there is no question why you shouldn’t stay in Myeongdong when visiting Seoul.
From budget-friendly hotels in Myeongdong to historic hotels with awesome downtown views, you can always find your home away from home in Myeongdong.
I hope that my guide in here able to help you to figure out where is the best location to stay in Seoul.
Wish you have an enjoyable holiday in Seoul! 🙂
Image Credits
Photo by © leungchopan – Fotolia.com
Photo by © jonatan08 – Fotolia.com
Photo by Ken Eckert/ CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo by Mark Pegrum/ CC BY 2.0
Photo by Wei-Te Wong/ CC BY-SA 2.0
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