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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, N 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
Map Orientation - MYEONGDONG Shopping District
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 & 1 min walk to Myeongdong Station exit 8). 🐧Once you step out of the hotel, you will be at Myeongdong shops, restaurants and street food. Also, you can easily drop off your heavy/bulky new purchases at the hotel and continue your shopping in Myeongdong.
💡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.
💡Do not be misled by the hotel star ratings in Myeongdong. Some hotels classified themselves as 3★ (e.g. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Myeongdong) but their room rates and hotel quality are on the higher side closer to 4★.
Top Hotel Picks - near Myeongdong Station (line 4) / Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
Here are KoreaToDo's recommended accommodation picks based on their review rating, popularity, unique offerings and walking distance to Myeongdong Station (line 4, exit 5-10).
Order based from Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong/Myeongdong Station exit 8, followed by hotels on its right (i.e. Myeongdong Station exit 9/10) and left (i.e. Myeongdong Station exit 5/6/7). All accommodation picks are within 3 mins walk from their nearest Myeongdong Station exits.
Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
★★★ | 8.5 Review Rating
The popular Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong is located within 1 min walk to Myeongdong Station exit 8 with Airport Limousine Bus Stop just around the corner. Once you step out of the hotel, you will be in the middle of Myeongdong shops, restaurants and street food.
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Myeongdong
★★★ | 8.8 Review Rating
Located on the 7-22F of M-Plaza building, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Myeongdong is a very well-received and recommended hotel to stay in Myeongdong. The hotel is 2 mins walk from Myeongdong Station exit 8 with many shops and good restaurants along the street outside the hotel.💡If you are taking taxi, drop off at Myeongdong Station and walk to hotel. If you are coming from Airport Limousine Bus Stop (Myeongdong Station - Bus #6015 from Incheon Airport), walk in the direction of bus going off, turn right at Tous Les Jours Cafe and walk straight to hotel, 3 mins walk.
Henn na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
★★★★ | 8.7 Review Rating
Henn na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong is located next to Creto Hotel Myeongdong. This is a popular smart hotel with contactless check-in via smartphone and robots play an active role throughout the building. 2 mins walk from Myeongdong Station exit 10.
57 Myeongdong Hostel (private rooms)
★★ | 8.1 Review Rating
Though named as a 'Hostel', 57 Myeongdong Hostel offers all private rooms with ensuite bathroom on 11-13F of the building. Room rates are inclusive of breakfast that are well-received. Guests can also relax at the rooftop terrace. 1 min walk from Myeongdong Station exit 5 and turn right at CU convenience store.
Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong
★★★★★ | 9.0 Review Rating
Opened in late 2022, Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong is rare find of a 5★ hotel with an indoor swimming pool and fitness center at the Myeongdong Shopping District. Its location is convenient for taxi pick up/drop off. 3 mins walk from Myeongdong Station exit 5.
Top Hotel Picks - near Euljiro 1-ga Station (line 2) / Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong
Separately, there are quite a number of great quality hotel options on the other end of Myeongdong. They are located in a cluster about 5-10 mins walk from Myeongdong Station (line 4), 1-5 mins walk from Euljiro 1-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.
Order based from distance to Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong.
Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong
★★★ | 8.2 Review Rating
Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong is probably the most iconic hotel building in Myeongdong Shopping District that all taxi drivers know. The hotel is located across the main road (Namdaemun-ro) from the famous Lotte Department Store. 1 min walk straight from Euljiro 1-ga Station (exit 6) and a convenient airport limousine bus stop.
Stanford Hotel Myeongdong
★★★ | 8.7 Review Rating
Opened in early 2022, Stanford Hotel Myeongdong is located on the 9-18F of the building next to Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong along the main road, Namdaemun-ro. It is nearer to Euljiro 1-ga Station, exit 6 (< 1 min walk). There is an outdoor terrace, fitness center and coin laundry on the 10F.
Hotel28 Myeongdong (SLH)
★★★★ | 9.2 Review Rating
Hotel28 Myeongdong has one of the best review ratings in Myeongdong Shopping District. This is the first Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) in Korea. There is a rooftop garden, restaurant, library and fitness centre at the hotel. 4 mins walk from Euljiro 1-ga Station, exit 5.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Seoul Myeong-dong
★★★ | 8.7 Review Rating
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Seoul Myeong-dong is located in the heart of Myeongdong Shopping District with many shops (e.g. large Olive Young flagship store), restaurants and street food just outside the hotel and around. 5 mins walk from Euljiro 1-ga Station, exit 5 or 6 mins walk from Myeongdong Station exit 8.
Royal Hotel Seoul
★★★ | 8.3 Review Rating
Located further down the street from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Seoul Myeong-dong is the established Royal Hotel Seoul. Taxi can get to the hotel easily as it is located at the edge of Myeongdong Shopping District. There is a spa and gym at the hotel. 5 mins walk from Euljiro 1-ga Station, exit 5.
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: 2-6 departures per hour
Duration: 80 mins
Fare: ₩17,000 (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.
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Refer to Incheon International Airport official website on the latest bus schedule & updates.
Departing from T1 to Myeongdong Station:
First bus 06:25 | Last Bus 22:45
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 06:05 | Last Bus 22:25
Go to Basement 1 for platform No. 28
Alternative travel option to Myeongdong:
How to get to MYEONGDONG by AREX Express Train from Incheon International Airport?
Alternatively, you can take the non-stop AREX Incheon Airport Express Train from Incheon International Airport direct to Seoul Station (Terminal 1: 43 mins / Terminal 2: 51 mins / Adult: ₩9,500 / Child: ₩7,500).
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.
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