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The Ultimate Seoul Travel Guide: Where to Stay & What to See

· 3 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

Seoul is massive. It covers 600 square kilometers and is home to nearly 10 million people. For first-time visitors, looking at the subway map can be overwhelming. Should you stay in Gangnam? Is Myeongdong too touristy? What is "Hipjiro"?

To understand Seoul, you just need to know one thing: The Han River divides the city.

  • North of the River (Gangbuk): History, Culture, Palaces, Old School.
  • South of the River (Gangnam): Skyscrapers, Luxury, K-Pop, Modern.

Here is your ultimate guide to navigating the soul of Asia.

The Ultimate Seoul Travel Guide: Where to Stay & What to See

1. Where to Stay: Decoding the Neighborhoods​

Myeongdong (The Tourist Hub)​

  • Vibe: Bustling, neon-lit, crowded.
  • Best For: First-time visitors who want everything easy.
  • Pros: Walking distance to N Seoul Tower and Palaces. Airport bus stops everywhere.
  • Cons: Very touristy. Food is overpriced.

Hongdae (The Youth Energy)​

  • Vibe: Artistic, loud, sleepless.
  • Best For: Gen Z, budget travelers, nightlife lovers.
  • Pros: Incredible street performances (busking), cheap shopping, great cafes.
  • Cons: Can be noisy at night. Far from Gangnam.

Gangnam (The Beverly Hills)​

  • Vibe: Wide avenues, luxury cars, skyscrapers.
  • Best For: Shopping, plastic surgery tourism, K-Pop fans.
  • Pros: Clean, modern, high-end hotels.
  • Cons: Expensive. Far from historical sites.

Seongsu-dong (The Brooklyn of Seoul)​

  • Vibe: Industrial chic. Old factories turned into bakeries.
  • Best For: Hipsters, coffee lovers, trend chasers.
  • Highlights: Cafe Onion, Dior Seongsu pop-up store.

2. The Classics: History & Tradition​

You cannot visit Seoul without seeing these. They are all "North of the River."

Gyeongbokgung Palace​

The main royal palace.

  • Pro Tip: Rent a Hanbok (traditional dress) nearby. If you wear one, entry is FREE.
  • Warning: It is closed on Tuesdays.

Bukchon Hanok Village​

A preserved neighborhood of traditional tile-roofed houses where nobility used to live.

  • Etiquette: People actually live here today. Please be quiet and don't take photos of people's open doors.

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)​

The landmark visible from everywhere.

  • Best Time: Go just before sunset. Take the Namsan Cable Car up, and watch the city lights turn on.

3. The New Wave: Trendy Spots (2025 Edition)​

Starfield Library (COEX Mall)​

Located in Gangnam, this library has 13-meter tall bookshelves. It is arguably the most Instagrammable spot in the city.

The Hyundai Seoul (Yeouido)​

This isn't just a department store; it's a park. The top floor features an indoor forest ("Sounds Forest"). It represents the future of Korean retail.

Euljiro ("Hipjiro")​

By day, it's a rusty industrial area for print shops. By night, it transforms into a "Newtro" (New+Retro) hot spot where young locals drink beer on plastic tables in alleyways.

4. Perfect 3-Day Seoul Itinerary​

  • Day 1 (The Royal Past): Rent Hanbok -> Gyeongbokgung Palace -> Bukchon Hanok Village -> Insadong (Tea House) -> Myeongdong Street Food.
  • Day 2 (The Modern Future): Starfield Library (Gangnam) -> Lotte World Tower (Seoul Sky Observatory) -> Sunset at Han River Park (Yeouido) with Ramyeon.
  • Day 3 (The Vibe): Seongsu-dong (Cafe Hopping) -> Seoul Forest -> Hongdae (Shopping & Busking) -> Night out.

Need to figure out how to get around? Read our Public Transport Guide.