Seoul Travel Guide: Where to Stay Across Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon
Seoul is the South Korean capital that has, over the past decade, become Asia's most exciting cultural-export city — K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, and Korean food (the city has 33 Michelin-starred restaurants), in a megacity of 10 million people anchored by the 600-year-old Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Han River across central Seoul. The Bukchon Hanok Village preserves the traditional Korean architecture; Hongdae anchors the under-30 creative-music scene; Gangnam delivers the modern-luxury Seoul; and the surrounding DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) provides the obvious geopolitical day-trip.
This guide is built for first-timers but stays useful on the third trip. We've started with the right neighborhood (Gangnam vs Hongdae vs Jongno are different cities) and worked through the hotels, the three-Michelin-starred Mosu Seoul and the royal-court Onjium, the museums (the Leeum is one of Asia's most architecturally significant), and the unique places — a hanok village inside the city, with mountain hikes accessible by metro.
Quick facts
Live right now
Where to base yourself
First-time visitor? Pick a neighborhood that matches your vibe and stay there.
Gangnam
The Affluent Seoul
South of the Han River — luxury shopping (Apgujeong's Rodeo Street), the COEX Mall complex, the most expensive real estate in Korea. Where K-pop entertainment companies have their offices.
Jongno (Insadong / Bukchon)
The Traditional Seoul
The old Joseon-dynasty quarter — the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Changdeokgung Palace, the Bukchon hanok village, Insadong's traditional crafts street. Where Seoul's pre-modern history is preserved.
Hongdae
The Young Seoul
Around Hongik University — Seoul's student/club/creative district. Indie music venues, vintage shops, the 24-hour culture at its most intense. Where the K-indie scene started.
Itaewon / Hannam
The International Seoul
Historically the international/military district — now Seoul's most diverse food and culture neighborhood. Hannam (just to the east) is Seoul's design-savvy heart — Leeum Museum, the Hannam-dong fashion stores.
Seongsu
The Hip Seoul
An old industrial / shoe-factory district turned cafés-and-galleries. Independent boutiques, the Common Ground container mall, the most concentrated creative-class crowd in Seoul.
Myeongdong
The Shopping Seoul
Seoul's main tourist shopping district — Korean cosmetics stores, fast fashion, street food on Myeongdong Street, the Lotte Department Store. Touristy by day, busy at night.
The Insider's Edit
Three picks Seoul regulars send their friends to — curated from Tatler 2026, the World's 50 Best lists, and verified hospitality reporting.
Andre Fu's design in the Gwanghwamun corridor.
Tucked beside COEX with the city's most polished spa.
Three Michelin stars; chef Sung Anh's tasting menu in Hannam-dong.
Where to stay
Andre Fu's interior design in the Gwanghwamun corridor — opposite Gyeongbokgung Palace. The Akira Back restaurant on the top floor is the city's destination Asian-fusion.
“Walking distance to the palaces, the museums, the National Folk Museum.”
Tucked beside the COEX Mall — the entrance is through a quiet driveway, the lobby is on the 24th floor. Seoul's most polished spa (Park Hyatt's signature spa concept).
“The Cornerstone restaurant has been a Seoul classic for years.”
Opened 2021 in Gangnam — in the legacy of the 1914 Chosun Hotel, Korea's first Western-style hotel. Modern design with Joseon-dynasty references throughout.
“The Eight at Josun rooftop bar.”
The Korean luxury chain's Seoul flagship — set in a vast garden complex against Namsan mountain. The Shilla brand started with Korean royalty's hospitality traditions.
“Excellent traditional Korean restaurant (La Yeon) with one Michelin star.”
On floors 76-101 of the Lotte World Tower (Korea's tallest building, 555m). Every guest room has the panoramic view. Bicena (modern Korean) and Stay (modern French) restaurants.
“The most spectacular city-view hotel in Korea.”
Marriott's design-hotel brand in Hongdae — partnership with Korean creative collective REA. The OUTSIDER. art space at the lobby.
“Closest design-focused hotel to the K-indie / creative scene.”
A traditional hanok house in the Bukchon village — sleep on a heated ondol floor, the courtyard view, the local guesthouse experience. Tea ceremony with the master teamaker available.
“The most authentic traditional stay in Seoul.”
Restored hanok (traditional Korean house) in Bukchon — 9 rooms across two courtyards, hand-built without nails. The Korean breakfast included is part of the experience.
“The other classic Bukchon hanok stay.”
Korean local design-hotel chain — Yeouido's business-district modern aesthetic, fair pricing for the design quality. Near the Han River cycle paths and the Yeouido Park.
“Best design at mid-budget.”
Itaewon has the city's best Airbnb apartment selection — independent operators offering modern apartment-style stays in the international district.
“The closest budget option to the design / nightlife scene.”
Where to eat
Three Michelin stars. Chef Sung Anh's tasting menu in Hannam-dong — fine-dining French technique with Korean ingredients. The 'jeon' (pancake) course, the gochujang sauces with European proteins.
“Asia's 50 Best Restaurants regular.”
Three Michelin stars. The Shilla Seoul's modern Korean restaurant on the 23rd floor — chef Kim Sung-il's contemporary takes on royal cuisine. Korea's only second three-Michelin-star, alongside Mosu.
“Spectacular city views.”
Chef-style Korean BBQ — single farm, premium black pig pork. The fattier cuts (samgyeopsal) are grilled by staff to exact doneness.
“The most refined version of Korea's national dining ritual.”
The most famous samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) in Korea — President Park Geun-hye used to bring foreign dignitaries here. The chicken is stuffed with rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng.
“Queue is part of the experience.”
Seoul's oldest traditional market (1905) — the bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), the mayak gimbap (addictive mini rice rolls), the live octopus (sannakji) stalls.
“The most concentrated Korean street-food tour in the city.”
Where to have breakfast
The Anguk location is in a 60-year-old hanok house — pandoro pastries, properly pulled espresso, the most photographed Korean café.
“Multiple locations now; the Bukchon/Anguk one is the original/best.”
The bagel shop that broke the Korean café-Instagram internet — vintage interior, hand-shaped bagels, the cream-cheese options. Queue from 9am.
“Multiple locations now but the Anguk original is the original.”
The San Francisco bakery's Seoul outpost — sourdough, country bread, the morning bun.
“The Hannam neighborhood is itself worth the visit.”
Korean specialty coffee's anchor — single-origin beans, a serious roaster program. The Hapjeong location is in a converted warehouse.
“Multiple locations across Seoul.”
Seoul's most respected plant-based café — properly creative vegan brunch, plant-based pastries, even the kimchi is house-made.
“Hannam-dong's design-conscious crowd.”
Museums worth your time
Three buildings by Mario Botta (Korean art), Jean Nouvel (contemporary art), and Rem Koolhaas (special exhibitions / black box). Lee family's collection — among the most architecturally significant museum complexes in Asia.
“Free entry by reservation.”
Visit website →Asia's sixth-largest museum — Korean art and antiquities from prehistory to the 20th century. The 10-story Goryeo-dynasty pagoda inside is a marvel.
“Free admission for the permanent collection.”
Visit website →The Seoul branch of the national contemporary art museum — opened 2013 in the Sogyeok-dong district near Gyeongbokgung.
“Strong on contemporary Korean art with major international rotating shows.”
Visit website →David Chipperfield's masterpiece — the Amorepacific HQ doubles as a contemporary art museum. The lobby alone is worth the visit.
“Rotating major contemporary shows.”
Visit website →Seoul's city art museum — in a restored 1928 colonial-era building near Deoksugung Palace. Strong Korean modern art collection, regular contemporary shows.
“Free general admission.”
Visit website →Zaha Hadid's metallic-blob building (2014) — exhibition halls, design markets, the night-illuminated facade. Among Seoul's most photographed contemporary buildings.
“Not a traditional museum; rotating design shows.”
Visit website →Only-here places
The Joseon-dynasty main palace (1395, rebuilt 1867). The changing-of-the-guard ceremony is at 10am and 2pm.
“Renting a hanbok (traditional Korean dress, ₩15,000-20,000 for 4 hours) gets you free palace entry.”
Visit website →A residential neighborhood of 900 traditional hanok houses, preserved between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Many are people's homes — be quiet.
“Best at sunrise (no tourists) or in light evening rain.”
UNESCO World Heritage — the 1405 palace that was the favorite of the Joseon kings. The Secret Garden (Huwon) is accessible only by guided tour; the most beautiful royal garden in Korea.
“Book the guided tour weeks ahead.”
Visit website →200 blue shipping containers stacked into Korea's first 'container mall' — independent Korean fashion brands, design-led restaurants.
“The most cinematic shopping setting in Seoul.”
Visit website →Walk a section of the Joseon-era Seoul City Wall — Naksan Park's section is the most scenic, with the city below. Sunset is the moment.
“The mural village Ihwa-dong is on the same hill.”
Rent a bike (Seoul Bike system, ₩1,000/hour) and ride along the Han — 60km of dedicated cycle path on either bank. Banpo Bridge's Rainbow Fountain (8pm) is the destination.
“The most refreshing way to see the city.”
The Korean border with North Korea — the world's most heavily fortified frontier. JSA (Joint Security Area, currently closed to civilians since 2023), the Third Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory.
“Tours from Seoul are half-day to full-day.”
Tours & things to do in Seoul
In partnership with GetYourGuide, Locals Insider recommends these tours and things to do in Seoul.
Nature & quiet
A national park inside the city limits — the granite peaks of Baegundae (836m), Insubong, Mangyeongdae are visible from anywhere in Seoul.
“Multiple trails of varying difficulty; the Baegundae summit is the iconic full-day hike.”
The city's central hill — N Seoul Tower at the top is the panoramic viewpoint. Walk up via the Namsan Cable Car or the 30-minute hike.
“The Sky View Plaza is the iconic sunset spot.”
11km of restored stream running through central Seoul — a former highway that was demolished and the original stream uncovered (2005). Lined with cafés, art installations, and locals walking after work.
“Best at sunset.”
1.45 km² park built for the 1988 Olympics — sculpture park, the Mongchontoseong (Baekje-era earth fortress), the Peace Gate. Where Seoulites go for Sunday picnics.
“Near Lotte World.”
Korea's most spectacular mountain park — 3 hours east of Seoul by KTX express train + bus. Granite peaks, ancient temples (Sinheungsa), cable car to Gwongeumseong.
“Best in October when the autumn leaves peak.”
City festivals
- January-FebruarySeollal (Lunar New Year)
Korea's biggest annual holiday — three-day public holiday with families returning to ancestral homes. Many businesses close. The palaces stage special performances; gimbap, mandu, tteokguk are the festival foods.
- AprilCherry blossoms (Yeouido)
The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival — Yunjung-ro becomes a tunnel of cherry trees for two weeks. The most photographed sakura spot in Seoul (along with Seokchon Lake near Lotte World).
- May 1-7Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — celebrating the Buddha's birthday. Massive lantern parade through Jongno, lanterns lit across all the temples. Among the most beautiful nights of the year in Seoul.
- September-OctoberChuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Three-day autumn harvest holiday — families return home, the palaces host special events. Many shops close; some restaurants close for several days. Plan around the dates.
- October-NovemberSeoul Lantern Festival
Cheonggyecheon Stream is lit with thousands of lanterns for two weeks each November — themes change annually. Free, atmospheric, one of Seoul's most magical winter events.
Travel safety & inclusivity
Among the world's safest major cities. Lone women walk anywhere at night, lost wallets are typically returned. Petty crime is rare. The KTX/subway are exceptionally clean and safe. Tap water is officially safe to drink (most Koreans still use filters).
Korea has no anti-discrimination protections and no same-sex partnership recognition. Public attitudes are generationally split — younger Koreans are accepting, older generations less so. Itaewon has the established gay venue scene. Korea Queer Culture Festival (June) draws 100,000+.
Safety scores reflect UK FCDO & US State Department travel advisories. LGBTQ+ scores reflect Equaldex and ILGA-Europe rankings. Both refreshed quarterly.
Frequently asked about Seoul
Where do locals eat in Seoul?
Three picks across the spectrum of how Seoulites actually eat.
For the iconic Korean institution: Tosokchon Samgyetang, at 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03035. Seoul's most famous samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) restaurant — a whole young chicken stuffed with sticky rice, garlic, ginseng, and jujubes, slow-simmered. Among the city's most-cited comfort foods. Walk-in only; expect to queue at lunch.
For the modern, Michelin-starred pick: Mingles (밍글스), at 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06014. Chef Mingoo Kang's three-Michelin-star restaurant (Korea's first Korean restaurant to reach three stars) — modern Korean tasting menus that elevate traditional ingredients into fine-dining context (jang trio of fermented Korean sauces, daepae ginseng with seasonal accompaniments). Reservations 60 days ahead.
For the affordable Korean BBQ standard: Gwangjang Market at 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03195. The 1905 covered traditional market — proper bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), live octopus (sannakji for the adventurous), the iconic mayak gimbap ("drug-addictive" small rice rolls). Walk-in, casual, eat standing or at small counters.
Where can I get the best seafood with champagne or sparkling wine in Seoul?
For Seoul seafood with serious Champagne, the destination is Sigol Bapsang Hanwoori (and the upscale modern alternatives in the Cheongdam-dong dining cluster) — but the more contemporary reference is L'Espoir du Hibou, at Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Modern French-Korean seafood-focused fine dining — daily fresh East Sea and West Sea catch (Korean blue crab, Jeju Island octopus, Sokcho red snow crab), proper raw bar service, and a Champagne list with grower-producer focus. Reservations 30+ days ahead.
For a more casual seafood-and-bubbles experience, Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul at the Lotte Hotel Seoul (the late chef Pierre Gagnaire's two-Michelin-star Seoul outpost) has serious Champagne service alongside French-Korean seafood. For an iconic Korean barbecue-with-bubbles alternative, the upscale Hanwoo beef restaurants in Cheongdam-dong now routinely offer serious wine programmes.
Which historical boutique hotel should I stay at in Seoul?
For an old-world historical stay in Seoul, the reference is The Westin Josun Seoul, at 106 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04533.
Korea's oldest continuously-operating Western-style hotel, founded in 1914 (originally as the Chosun Hotel, built on the site of the Hwangudan Altar where Emperor Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire in 1897). The original altar is preserved on the hotel grounds and is now a Korean National Treasure. 462 rooms across the rebuilt 1970 tower and the heritage gardens. The Ninth Gate restaurant (Seoul's oldest French restaurant) and the Lobby Lounge continue the historic-luxury tradition.
Pricing from around KRW 350,000/night. Bookings via the official site. For a smaller boutique alternative with deeper Korean traditional heritage, Rakkojae Bukchon Hanok Hotel at 49-23 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (a fully traditional hanok-style boutique in the Bukchon Hanok Village preservation district) is the heritage immersion choice.
What is the LGBTQ+ scene like in Seoul?
South Korea does not legally recognise same-sex marriage and homosexuality remains a sensitive topic in Korean society, though Seoul has the most visible LGBTQ+ scene in the country. The Seoul Queer Culture Festival in June-July is the largest Pride event in East Asia (around 150,000 attendees in recent years).
The neighborhood: Itaewon (specifically the area around the famous "Homo Hill" or "Hoo Hill" — the gradient of streets above the main Itaewon-ro between Hangang-jin Station and Itaewon Station) has been Seoul's central LGBTQ+ neighborhood since the 1990s. Jongno 3-ga has the older, more traditional gay venues primarily serving Korean nationals.
The bars and clubs: Trance at 153-2 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul is the long-running drag and dance bar in Itaewon. Iconick at 10 Usadan-ro 12-gil, Yongsan-gu is the contemporary cocktail-and-dance gay bar. The Homo Hill cluster has 20+ small bars within a single block.
Saunas: Korean bathhouse (jjimjilbang) culture is mainstream and not LGBTQ+-specific. For dedicated gay saunas, SP Sauna in Jongno is the central long-running men's sauna.
What unique small museum, new 2024-2026 landmark, or 1-3 day itinerary should I plan for Seoul?
The famous-person small museum: Leeum Museum of Art (리움미술관), at 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04348. The Samsung family's private contemporary and traditional Korean art museum — three buildings designed by Mario Botta (Korean ceramics), Jean Nouvel (contemporary art), and Rem Koolhaas (children's education centre). Among the most architecturally significant museum complexes in Asia. The traditional Korean ceramics collection includes nine National Treasures. Closed Mondays.
The recent landmark: Songhyeon Green Plaza opened in 2022 in central Seoul (next to Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul) — a major new public park on the former American Embassy land that had been closed to the public for over 100 years. The 37,000-square-metre green space is now home to a free outdoor concert programme and connects Bukchon Hanok Village with Insa-dong. Combine with the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (Zaha Hadid, 2014) for a contemporary architecture half-day cluster.
1-3 day itinerary: Day 1 — Royal Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Palace morning with the changing of the guard at 10am and 2pm, walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang, evening in Insa-dong). Day 2 — Modern Seoul (Leeum Museum morning, Itaewon walking, evening at Trance or the Homo Hill scene). Day 3 — Gangnam morning (DDP, Lotte World Tower observation, COEX Aquarium and Starfield Library), Han River cycling and Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain evening show.
Planning more than just Seoul? Our South Korea travel guide covers the whole country — weather and currency live, hotels and restaurants across regions, must-visit experiences and where else to go.
Articles in this section are written by the Locals Insider editorial team. Got a Seoul tip we missed? Email us at hello@localsinsider.com — we read every one.
