Where to Stay in Seoul for First Time, Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is one of those cities that instantly sweeps you off your feet: futuristic, fast-paced, and full of heart. Skyscrapers proudly stand beside ancient temples, and quiet tea houses hide behind glowing signs. Deciding where to stay in Seoul for first time can feel like trying to pick your favorite dish from a Korean barbecue feast; there’s just too much good on offer.

But don’t worry, after exploring the city (and spending far too many hours researching hotels for my own trip), I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect place to stay -whether you want luxury views, buzzing nightlife, or a cozy local feel. I spent a week days in Seoul broken into two parts, while my husband another week. Not only we stayed in a few areas, but also had plenty time to explore each neighbourhood quite well (and had some tips from the local friends).

When deciding where to stay in Seoul for first time, it’s not just about the hotel - it’s about what adventures you can fit into your days. Seoul has an amazing mix of ancient palaces, bustling markets, serene parks, and quirky neighborhoods, and each area gives you easy access to some fantastic day trips.

- Get T-money card for all your rides on metro, buses and even taxis. This is one of the best things to get for your stay in Seoul. Remember that to top up, you’ll need cash and you need to pay for the card itself separate (you can pay with credit card). It’s a prepaid card that will save you a lot of money. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).