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Best Area to Stay in Seoul - MYEONGDONG
Orientation of Seoul:
Seoul is generally divided across the Han River:
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North of the Han River are popular places like Myeongdong, Seoul Station, Namsan Seoul Tower, the five remaining palaces of Joseon Dynasty, Dongdaemun, Hongdae, Edea/Sinchon, Insadong, Itaewon and Bukhansan National Park.
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South of the Han River is where the famous Gangnam and Lotte World are located.
3 Most Popular Areas to Stay in Seoul:
With most of the local tours offering pick up and drop off services at Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongdae, it explains the popularity of these 3 suburbs for many tourists to Seoul and the top choice for their stay.
Our Recommendation on the Best Place to Stay in Seoul: MYEONGDONG
Myeongdong is one best area to stay especially if you are travelling to Seoul for the first time, with family or would like to stay at the central of Seoul with easy access to:
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many popular tourist attractions (e.g. palaces, seoul tower, insadong, bukchon hanok village)
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tourist information centres
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subway/metro stations
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2 subway stops to 'Seoul Station' for trains to other parts of Korea (e.g. Busan)
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airport limousine bus stops
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day tours pick up points
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shops
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major department stores, supermarkets & duty free (e.g. Lotte, Shinsegae)
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restaurants
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convenience stores
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money changers
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theatre (for NANTA, Korea's longest running show)
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pharmacies
Orientation Map of MYEONGDONG:
Check out the most happening pedestrian-friendly zone, street food lanes, subway stations and airport limousine bus stops at Myeongdong.
Where Exactly to stay in MYEONGDONG?
As the hottest and favourite place to stay for many visitors to Seoul, Myeongdong offers a wide range of accommodation options from high-end 5* hotels to mid and lower end hotels, guesthouses and hostels. In recent years, guesthouse that operates from a few floors of a building (instead of the whole building) has gained popularity due to its excellent location, newer facilities, affordable rates and no-fuss services in a relax atmosphere.
Recommended Hotel Location:
Anywhere near Myeongdong Station, preferably on the same side of the road as 'Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong' (i.e. 2 mins walk to airport limousine bus drop off/pick up bus stop, near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station).
Notes: If you are staying within the pedestrian-friendly zone at Myeongdong (i.e. not along the yellow main roads as shown on the map above), you may need to drag your luggage to your accommodation on the well-paved streets/alleys. Nonetheless, it is an interesting (& never boring) walk, passing by shops, street stores and restaurants. Also, it is a common sight to see travellers with their luggage in Myeongdong. 🤗
Alternative Hotel Location:
Separately, there are a few great hotel options on the other end of Myeongdong. They are located in a cluster about 5-10 mins walk from Myeongdong Station (Line 4), 2 mins walk from Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Line 2) and across the road to the well-known Lotte Department Store (+Lotte Young Plaza & Lotte Avenuel). The Airport Limousine bus stop (same bus #6015 to Myeongdong Station) is conveniently located in front of Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong Hotel. This stop is before Myeongdong Station on bus #6015 route.
How to get to MYEONGDONG from Incheon International Airport?
Take Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon Airport (T1/T2) to City (i.e. Myeongdong Station Bus Stop)
Bus #: 6015
Interval: 4-6 departures per hour
Duration: 80 mins
Fare: ₩15,000 (discount may apply when used with T-money Card)
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No reservation required. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.
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Bus ticket can be purchased at arrival hall's counters, by cash to driver or using T-money cash card purchased at any convenience stores at airport.
Notes: Several Airport Limousine Buses from Incheon Int'l Airport to various parts of Seoul city, including the popular 6015 to Myeongdong have stopped operating during COVID-19 pandemic. Please check on Incheon International Airport official website on the latest bus information & schedule.
Departing from T1 to Myeongdong Station:
First bus 05:45 | Last Bus 23:15
Walk outside of arrival hall (1F) at Gate 5, look for Bus #6015 to Myeongdong at bus platform 5B.
Departing from T2 to Myeongdong Station:
First bus 05:25 | Last Bus 22:55
Go to Basement 1 for platform No. 28
Alternative travel option to Myeongdong:
How to get to MYEONGDONG by AREX Express Train from Incheon Int'l Airport?
Alternatively, you can take the non-stop AREX Incheon Airport Express Train from Incheon Int'l Airport direct to Seoul Station (Terminal 1 - 43 mins / Terminal 2 - 51 mins / ₩9,500).
How to get to MYEONGDONG from Seoul Station?
From Seoul Station, transfer to subway line 4, 2 stops away to Myeongdong Station (₩1,250). There are taxi stands outside Seoul Station too.
Note: You may need to carry your luggage up/down the stairs on train transfer and at Myeongdong station. At Myeongdong Station, use exit 1, 3 or 7 with escalator access to street level if required. This is probably the cheaper option if you are travelling light.
Arriving at MYEONGDONG STATION
Alternatively, you can travel in comfort on private car transfer to/from Airport as well.
Private Transfer: Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) to Downtown Seoul (1-3pax/car)
5.0★
Myeongdong (Jung-gu, yellow)
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On-site tourist services: