Where to Stay in Seoul: Gwanghwamun, Namsan, Gangnam, Yeouido and Lotte World Tower
Seoul by district: the palaces and hanok lanes of Gwanghwamun, Namsan's hillside, Gangnam's polish, and the river and tower skylines of Yeouido and Jamsil.
Photo: Seoul Institute / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0
Seoul is large and each district has its own temperament. The useful question is how much of your trip belongs to the old city, and how much to the glass towers that tie the Han River together.
Historic Seoul
Gwanghwamun, Jongno and Bukchon are the cultural base: palaces, hanok houses, teahouses and, a short walk away, the craft shops and galleries of Insadong. It suits travellers who want to be on foot among the palaces. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul stands in Gwanghwamun, a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace. From here, the walk along the Seoul city wall over Inwangsan and Baegak is a good way to see the city from above.
Namsan is the green hill at the centre, with the tower on top reached by cable car or on foot. Myeongdong, at its foot, is busy with shopping streets and street food. The Shilla Seoul sits in landscaped grounds on the slopes, with a sculpture garden and La Yeon, its Korean restaurant.
Gangnam
South of the river, Gangnam is the polished business and shopping district, well served by Lines 2 and 9 but about half an hour from the historic sites. It suits shoppers. Andaz Seoul Gangnam has direct access to Apgujeong metro station, and Josun Palace takes its name from Korea’s early twentieth-century Chosun Hotel.
Yeouido and Jamsil
Yeouido is the upscale river district, with views over the Han, fine dining and spas. Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Korea’s first Fairmont, has a restaurant and bar on the 29th floor over the water. Further east, Jamsil has the Lotte World amusement park, and Signiel Seoul occupies the upper floors of Lotte World Tower.
Getting around
The subway is fast and clean, and a T-money card works on all public transport. For the city’s dining, see a gastronomic guide to Seoul.
Sources: Rough Guides: Best area to stay in Seoul; Tripwis: Where to stay in Seoul. Check the official websites for current information.
Stay
Hotels in this guide
Seoul · AndazAndaz Seoul GangnamAndaz Seoul Gangnam stands on the site of KT's old Sinsa branch in Apgujeong.
Seoul · The Luxury CollectionJosun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul GangnamJosun Palace takes its name and crown from a hotel of 1914 that stood on royal ground across the Han.
Seoul · FairmontFairmont Ambassador SeoulFairmont Ambassador Seoul is the hotel end of Parc.1 on Yeouido.Seoul · SignielSigniel SeoulOn floors 76 to 101 of the Lotte World Tower, Lotte's own luxury hotel.Continue
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