Where to stay in Seoul
Well-rated four-star hotels in Seoul can be found from roughly €120 per night. For the first few nights, our suggested pick is the conveniently located Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG, rated 8.7 by guests.
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG
188 Yanghwa-ro · Mapo-gu · Hongdae · Direct metro and airport-rail access
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae is a practical and dependable
four-star base in one of Seoul’s liveliest districts. The hotel is
integrated into the AK Plaza complex and is extremely close to
Hongik University Station, making transfers from
Incheon Airport and journeys around Seoul particularly easy.
Hongdae is known for cafés, restaurants, shopping, street performances,
nightlife and Korean pop and independent culture. The neighbourhood is
energetic, but the hotel provides a comfortable retreat above the busy
streets.
Rooms are modern and compact, with air conditioning, private bathrooms,
televisions, refrigerators, kettles and complimentary Wi-Fi. A
complimentary breakfast is included, which adds useful
value in a city where hotel and meal costs can accumulate quickly.
The hotel also offers a fitness centre, daily housekeeping, luggage
storage, business facilities and self-service laundry—particularly useful
when Seoul is the first stop of a longer trip around South Korea.
Approximately €174 per night
- ✓ Standard Queen Room
- ✓ Breakfast included
- ✓ Taxes and charges shown as included
- ✓ Free cancellation shown
- ✓ No prepayment shown
- ✓ Pay at the property
- ✓ Private bathroom and free Wi-Fi
How many nights should you spend in Seoul?
Four nights
4A reasonable minimum for a first visit. You will have around three full days for the palaces, traditional districts, markets, Hongdae, Myeongdong and one modern neighbourhood.
Five nights
5The best balance for most first-time travellers. Five nights provide four complete sightseeing days without rushing and leave room for different sides of the city, from historic Jongno to modern Gangnam.
Six or seven nights
6+Choose a longer stay when you want to add the DMZ, Suwon, Nami Island, a theme park or a slower food and neighbourhood-focused experience.
Best areas to stay in Seoul
Hongdae
A lively university district with cafés, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and excellent transport connections.
- Best for: younger travellers and nightlife.
- Advantages: direct airport railway and Line 2.
- Atmosphere: energetic, creative and informal.
- Check: weekend noise and room position.
Myeongdong
A central and convenient base for shopping, restaurants and quick access to many of Seoul’s best-known sights.
- Best for: short stays and first visits.
- Nearby: Namsan, markets and central Seoul.
- Advantages: convenient and visitor-friendly.
- Trade-off: busy and commercially focused.
Jongno or Insadong
Stay here for royal palaces, hanok neighbourhoods, traditional restaurants, tea houses and a calmer cultural atmosphere.
- Best for: culture and traditional Seoul.
- Nearby: palaces, Bukchon and Gwangjang Market.
- Atmosphere: historic and more relaxed.
- Ideal for: couples and mature travellers.
Gangnam
A polished district with modern hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and easy access to COEX and southern Seoul.
- Best for: upscale hotels and business trips.
- Nearby: COEX, Apgujeong and Seoul Forest.
- Advantages: modern facilities and nightlife.
- Trade-off: farther from the historic palaces.
The flight arrives at Incheon Airport at approximately 16:00. After immigration, baggage collection and the journey into Seoul, expect to reach the hotel during the early evening. Hongdae is particularly convenient for this itinerary because the airport railway serves Hongik University Station directly. Keep the first evening relaxed and use it for dinner and a short walk around Hongdae rather than major sightseeing.
Where should you go after Seoul?
Suggested South Korea itineraries
Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan
This is the strongest first South Korea itinerary. It combines the capital, ancient history and the coast without requiring domestic flights or too many hotel changes.
Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan and Jeju
Better suited to the longer flight combinations. Travel south by train, fly from Busan to Jeju, and return from Jeju to Seoul or Incheon before the international flight.
Start by comparing Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae with other well-rated four-star hotels in Hongdae, Myeongdong, Jongno, Insadong and Gangnam. Check the complete price, room size, newest reviews, breakfast, air conditioning, cancellation conditions and walking distance to the nearest metro station.
The €695 example was visible for a four-night stay from 28 August to 1 September 2026 for two adults. Hotel prices, discounts, room types, breakfast arrangements and cancellation conditions can change. Always check the newest reviews and final Booking.com payment page before confirming the reservation.
Complete Your Trip
Flights and accommodation are the big pieces — now make the journey smoother. Below are three useful extras for this trip: activities, mobile data and airport transfers.
Find tours, day trips, food experiences and activities to make this trip more memorable. A useful place to compare things to do before you travel.
Land with mobile data ready and avoid searching for SIM cards or relying on airport Wi-Fi. A simple option for staying connected while travelling.
A useful option for airport transfers, especially when arriving late, travelling with luggage or landing somewhere unfamiliar for the first time.
Need help finding the best flight for your trip?
For €15, Dino can personally research flight options for your trip — including alternative routes, nearby airports, baggage rules, layovers, airline quality and possible hidden costs.
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