Best Areas to Stay in Seoul: Is Myeongdong a Good Choice?

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, one of the first questions you’ll run into is also one of the most confusing:

Where should I stay in Seoul?

Search long enough and you’ll see the same neighborhoods repeated over and over—Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Insadong, Itaewon. Every area is described as “the best,” every hotel looks decent, and every blog seems to contradict the last.

So let’s narrow this down properly.

This article looks at the best areas to stay in Seoul, with a clear focus on one question most first-time visitors ask:

Is Myeongdong actually a good place to stay—or is it just overrated and touristy?

The short answer: it depends on what kind of traveler you are.
The long answer is below.

First, What Makes a “Good” Area to Stay in Seoul?

Before comparing neighborhoods, it helps to define what “good” even means.

For most visitors—especially first-time travelers—this usually comes down to:

• Transportation convenience

• Walkability

• Access to food and shopping

• Safety and comfort

• Ease of navigating without Korean language skills

Seoul is a massive city, but it’s also extremely well-connected. The subway works everywhere. Taxis are affordable. Technically, you can stay almost anywhere.

But convenience isn’t evenly distributed—and this is where neighborhood choice matters.

Overview of Popular Areas to Stay in Seoul

Before focusing on Myeongdong, here’s a quick high-level look at the most commonly recommended areas:

• Myeongdong – Central, walkable, tourist-friendly

• Hongdae – Youthful, nightlife-heavy, artsy

• Gangnam – Polished, business-oriented, spread out

• Insadong / Jongno – Traditional, cultural, quieter

• Itaewon – International, nightlife-focused

Each area has strengths—and weaknesses. The key is matching the area to your travel style, not chasing what sounds trendy.

So… Is Myeongdong a Good Place to Stay?

Let’s address this directly.

Yes—Myeongdong is a very good place to stay, especially if:

• It’s your first time in Seoul

• You want to walk everywhere

• You plan to shop, eat, and explore daily

• You don’t want to rely heavily on taxis

• You prefer convenience over “hidden local vibes”

Myeongdong’s reputation as “touristy” isn’t wrong—but that doesn’t automatically make it a bad base.

In fact, for many travelers, it makes it a smart one.

Read also :
➣ The Ultimate Myeongdong Guide: What to Do, See, and Eat (Tips from a Local)
➣ From Myeongdong Daiso to Mongvely: Your Guide to Filling Your Bags and Your Belly in Seoul
➣ Shopping in Myeongdong: Latest Stores in Myeongdong’s Shopping Scene

Why Myeongdong Works So Well for First-Time Visitors?

Central Location That Actually Feels Central

Myeongdong sits in Jung-gu, one of Seoul’s most central districts. From here, you’re close to:

• City Hall

• Jongno

• Insadong

• Namsan (N Seoul Tower)

You’re not locked into one side of the city. Many major attractions are either walkable or a short subway ride away.

This matters more than people realize, especially if you’re only in Seoul for a few days.

Excellent Public Transportation Access

Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and nearby stations like Euljiro-1-ga (Line 2) connect you quickly to:

• Hongdae

• Dongdaemun

• Gangnam

• Seoul Station

For travelers unfamiliar with Seoul’s subway system, staying somewhere central reduces friction. You’re less likely to get lost, miss transfers, or feel overwhelmed.

Walkability: A Big Advantage

One of Myeongdong’s biggest strengths is how walkable it is.

You can step out of your hotel and immediately access:

• Restaurants

• Cafés

• Convenience stores

• Shopping streets

• Currency exchange

• Pharmacies

After a full day of sightseeing, not having to commute back to your hotel is a huge quality-of-life upgrade.

What People Mean When They Say “Myeongdong Is Too Touristy”

This criticism comes up a lot—and it’s worth unpacking.

Yes, Myeongdong is popular with tourists.
Yes, you’ll hear multiple languages on the street.
Yes, many shops cater to visitors.

But “touristy” in Seoul doesn’t mean unsafe, fake, or poorly run. It usually means:

• More English-friendly signage

• More international menus

• Longer business hours

• Higher foot traffic

For many travelers, especially first-timers, these are advantages, not drawbacks.

The key is knowing where in Myeongdong you’re staying and how you explore it.

Food in Myeongdong: More Than Street Snacks

One common misconception is that Myeongdong is only about street food.

In reality, the area offers:

• Sit-down restaurants

• Late-night dining options

• Cafés open until late

• Group-friendly dining

If you’re staying in Myeongdong, you’re never far from food—whether it’s a quick bite or a full meal after a long day.

This constant access becomes especially valuable at night, when other neighborhoods quiet down.

Read also : ➣ Why Mongvely Stands Out in Tourist-Friendly Myeongdong

Myeongdong at Night: Lively, Not Chaotic

Another concern people raise is noise.

Myeongdong during the day is busy.
Myeongdong at night is lively—but not chaotic.

Unlike nightlife-heavy areas like Hongdae or Itaewon, Myeongdong doesn’t revolve around clubs. Activity centers around shopping, dining, and strolling.

This makes it well-suited for:

• Couples

• Families

• Travelers who want energy without partying

Once shops close, the area calms down significantly, especially near hotels and side streets.

Safety and Comfort

Seoul is generally very safe, and Myeongdong is no exception.

Because of its popularity:

• Streets are well-lit

• Police presence is visible

• Businesses stay open late

For travelers unfamiliar with the city—or those returning to their hotel late—this sense of security matters.

Comparing Myeongdong to Other Popular Areas

Myeongdong vs Hongdae

Hongdae is known for:

• Youth culture

• Nightlife

• Live music and clubs

It’s great if you:

• Want to party

• Enjoy loud, late nights

• Are traveling with friends

But it can feel overwhelming if you’re looking for rest, or if nightlife isn’t your priority.

Myeongdong is more balanced—active without being chaotic.

Myeongdong vs Gangnam

Gangnam feels polished and modern, but:

• Attractions are spread out

• Walking distances are longer

• It’s more business-oriented

If shopping malls and business hotels appeal to you, Gangnam works. If you want to explore on foot, Myeongdong is easier.

Myeongdong vs Insadong / Jongno

Insadong and Jongno offer:

• Traditional streets

• Cultural attractions

• A quieter atmosphere

They’re excellent for history-focused trips, but dining and nightlife options are more limited at night.

Myeongdong offers more flexibility, especially for short stays.

Myeongdong vs Itaewon

Itaewon is international and nightlife-focused. It’s great for bars and global cuisine, but less central for sightseeing.

Myeongdong offers easier access to classic Seoul landmarks.

Who Should Definitely Stay in Myeongdong?

Myeongdong is an excellent choice if you are:

• Visiting Seoul for the first time

• Staying for a short period

• Traveling with family

• Traveling in a group

• Prioritizing convenience and walkability

It’s also ideal if your itinerary is flexible and you want options close by, rather than committing to long commutes.

Who Might Prefer a Different Area?

You might prefer another area if:

• You want nightlife until early morning (Hongdae, Itaewon)

• You want a hyper-local residential feel

• You’re staying long-term and want quieter streets

Even then, many travelers choose to stay in Myeongdong for part of their trip and move elsewhere later.

Hotel Variety in Myeongdong

Another practical advantage: hotel variety.

Myeongdong offers:

• Budget hotels

• Mid-range international chains

• Boutique hotels

• Business-friendly accommodations

This range makes it easier to find something that fits your budget without sacrificing location.

The Convenience Factor (Underrated but Crucial)

At the end of the day, travel energy is limited.

Staying somewhere central means:

• Fewer transit decisions

• Easier navigation

• Less fatigue

Myeongdong excels here. You don’t have to plan every move. You can simply step outside and see what happens.

Final Verdict: Is Myeongdong a Good Choice?

For most travelers—yes.

Myeongdong may not be the most “hidden” or “local” neighborhood, but it is:

• Central

• Walkable

• Well-connected

• Safe

• Flexible

And those qualities matter more than aesthetic labels.

If your goal is to experience Seoul without friction, Myeongdong is one of the smartest bases you can choose.

One Last Thought

A good hotel location doesn’t define your entire trip—but a bad one can complicate it.

Myeongdong works not because it’s perfect, but because it’s practical. And for many travelers, especially first-timers, practicality leads to better experiences.

If you want to explore deeper, you always can. But having a comfortable, central base makes everything else easier.

Visit Us Now!

Mongvely Main Branch
Address: Myeongdong 8na-gil 9 3rd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
➢ Link to Mongvely Main Branch

Mongvely 2nd Branch
Address: Myeongdong 3-gil 44 2nd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
➢ Link to Mongvely Second Branch

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