Updated November 13, 2026
Where to stay in Seoul first time: five areas compared
If it's your first time and you're asking where to stay in Seoul, pick Myeongdong or Jongno (Insadong, Anguk). Both sit in the old city centre, close to the palaces, with subway lines that reach most sights. Choose Hongdae if you want the airport train at your door and late nights. Seoul Station works for short stays, and Gangnam suits you if your plans are south of the river.
The five areas at a glance
| Area | Main stations (lines) | From Incheon Airport | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | Myeongdong (4), Euljiro 1-ga (2) | Airport bus 6015, about 70–90 min | First trip, shopping, street food |
| Jongno / Insadong | Anguk (3), Jongno 3-ga (1, 3, 5) | AREX to Seoul Station, then subway | Palaces, hanbok, Bukchon |
| Hongdae | Hongik University (2, AREX, Gyeongui–Jungang) | AREX all-stop train, under an hour, no change | Nights out, young crowd, budget stays |
| Seoul Station | Seoul Station (1, 4, AREX, KTX) | AREX express, about 43 min from Terminal 1 | Short stays, day trips by KTX |
| Gangnam | Gangnam (2, Shinbundang) | Airport bus or subway with changes | Business trips, south-of-river plans |
Stations and lines from Wikipedia's station pages. AREX times from published guides: express about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and 51 from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station; the all-stop train stops at Hongik University. Bus 6015 times vary with traffic (guides give 70–90 minutes). Fares change, so check arex.or.kr and the bus counter before you go. Hotel prices aren't listed here: they move every week.
What each area is like
Myeongdong: the easy first pick
Shops, street food stalls, cosmetics stores and currency exchanges, all within walking distance. Two subway lines, and the 6015 airport bus stops right in the area. It gets crowded in the evening, and it's quiet early in the morning. Daiso Myeongdong tax refund
Jongno and Insadong: for palaces and hanbok
Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Bukchon are close. Anguk Station on Line 3 is the nearest stop for Insadong. If hanbok is the reason for your trip, this is where most rental shops are. Hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung
Hongdae: airport train and late nights
Hongik University Station is on the AREX all-stop line, so you can ride straight from the airport without changing trains. Cafes, clubs and street performers keep it busy after dark. The palaces are a longer ride away, on Line 2 plus a change.
Seoul Station: practical, not pretty
The AREX express ends here, and KTX trains leave for Busan and other cities. It's a good base for one or two nights, or before an early train. There's less to do in the evening than in the other areas. Luggage storage in Seoul
Gangnam: south of the Han River
Gangnam Station is the busiest station on the Seoul subway. It's newer, with offices and shopping, and it's farther from the old palaces. I'd pick it only if your meetings, clinics or concerts are on that side.
My tip: Count your bags before you pick. With two big suitcases, staying near your airport stop (Hongik University or Seoul Station, or a 6015 bus stop in Myeongdong) saves you from stairs and transfers. Look for a hotel within five minutes of an exit with an elevator.
How to choose in one minute
- Palaces and hanbok are the plan: Jongno, Insadong or Anguk.
- Shopping and food, first time in Korea: Myeongdong.
- Arriving late with luggage, out at night: Hongdae.
- One night, then a KTX trip: Seoul Station.
- Work, clinics or events in the south: Gangnam.
Seoul's subway covers all five, so no choice is a mistake. What changes is how many transfers you make each day. Check how far the hotel is from the station exit, not just which station it's near. Seoul in December weather
Questions
Where to stay in Seoul first time?
For a first time in Seoul, stay in Myeongdong or Jongno (Insadong, Anguk). Both are in the old city centre, near the palaces, with subway lines that reach most sights. Hongdae is the pick if you want the AREX airport train without a change.
Is Myeongdong or Hongdae better for first timers?
Myeongdong is closer to the palaces and the old centre, with Lines 2 and 4 and the 6015 airport bus. Hongdae has the AREX all-stop train from Incheon Airport and a busier night scene, but the palaces are farther away.
Which area in Seoul is closest to Incheon Airport by train?
Seoul Station is the end of the AREX express, about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and 51 minutes from Terminal 2. Hongik University Station (Hongdae) is on the AREX all-stop line, also with no change of train.
Where to stay in Seoul as a tourist to visit the palaces?
Stay in Jongno, Insadong or near Anguk Station (Line 3). Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village are a short walk or one or two subway stops away.