15 Excellent Hotels in Myeongdong | The Best Places to Stay in Seoul’s MOST Convenient Neighbourhood

With quality hotels in Myeongdong available for absolutely every budget, easy access to main tourist sites, and a dynamic atmosphere, it’s no big surprise that Myeongdong is Seoul’s MOST popular neighbourhood for travelers to stay in. Period.

Myeongdong is one of the most popular places to stay in Seoul © Camelpress, Korea Tourism Organization

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• where to stay in Myeongdong and why
• what the best and most popular hotels in Myeongdong are, for every budget
• pros and cons of staying in Myeongdong, so you can make an informed choice

Hotels in Myeongdong | Staying in Myeongdong

Who can resist the vibrant neon lights, free Korean face masks, and pulsing energy of Seoul’s most famous shopping district? Certainly not the 1.5 to 2 million people that tread her streets each and every day.

Myeongdong is alive with festive lights and shoppers during Christmas in Korea.

If you’re a first-time traveler to Seoul, Myeongdong is one of the best, most popular places to stay in Seoul for a lot of very good reasons.

Myeongdong is right in the middle of it all, close to Seoul’s major sights and attractions, like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Myeongdong hotels are close to main tourist sites like Bukchon Hanok Village.

If you’re planning day trips out to Nami Island or Everland, then staying at hotels in Myeongdong makes it easy, because this neighbourhood is one of the main pick-up points for tour companies like Klook.

It’s easy to join a day tour to gorgeous Nami Island if you’re staying in Myeongdong.

Into fashion and K-beauty? Myeongdong is literally the place to shop until you drop, with street stalls, retail outlets, and department stores lining the streets. Book a Myeongdong hotel and you’ll find every Korean skincare and cosmetics brand imaginable, with shops enticing you inside with tons of freebies.

Need to eat all the Korean street food? From grilled lobster to fried chicken to tteokbokki, you’ll find it all at the Myeongdong Night Market.

You’ll find every street food imaginable on the streets of Myeongdong!

Did I mention that it also happens to be incredibly easy to get from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong?

Pros & Cons of Staying in Hotels in Myeongdong

Still undecided about where to stay in Myeongdong? Check out this list of major pros and cons, to help you decide if hotels in Myeongdong are right for you.

Where to Stay in Myeongdong

Myeongdong has a reputation for being a huge hub for shopping, cosmetics and street food, but it’s actually pretty small geographically. It’s made up of just 2 main streets that connect in the middle of a big city block.

Access is from Myeongdong Subway Station on line 4 on one side, and from the Lotte Department Store at Euljiro 1-ga subway station on the other.

The streets of Myeondong are bright and alive until late at night.

The area is alive with restaurants, shopping and cafes until pretty late at night, and has a floating population of around 2 million people per day, so keep that in mind when choosing exactly where to stay in Myeongdong.

If you love noise, crowds of people and weren’t planning on sleeping anyway, pick a Myeongdong hotel in the heart of the district. After all, Seoul is the city that never sleeps, and that way, you’ll truly be in the thick of it all.

Myeongdong never sleeps either © Camelpress, Korea Tourism Organization

However, if you need some shut-eye, it’s best to choose where to stay in Myeongdong based on capacity for quiet. There are many hotels in Myeongdong on winding alleyways branching off from the main streets, that will be a lot quieter at night.

READ NEXT: The Introvert’s Survival Guide to Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower

Lotte is synonymous with high-end and luxury in Seoul, and it has several hotels around the city. The Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower in Myeongdong was reopened late in 2018 after several renovations.

You can enjoy city views, a swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, and sumptuous rooms, as well as some of the best customer service in Seoul.

If you’d like to enjoy the same premium amenities and excellent location at a slightly lower price point, check out the Lotte Hotel Seoul. It’s connected to the Executive Tower.

Be sure to have a meal at the 3 Michelin starred Pierre Gagnaire restaurant on the 35th floor. I’ve enjoyed a couple of incredible meals there and can personally vouch for the quality.

Pierre Gagnaire is on the 35th floor of the Lotte Hotel Executive Tower

The Westin Chosun Hotel in Myeongdong

The Westin Chosun Hotel is just a 5 minute walk away from the busy shopping streets of Myeongdong. Stay at this Myeongdong hotel for understated elegance, and easy access to many famous tourist sights in Seoul, including Namdaemun Market, Seoul Plaza and Deoksugung Palace.

The Plaza Seoul, Autograph Collection

There are just 180 Autograph Collection hotels around the world, so if you’re looking for a boutique and upscale hotel in Myeongdong, The Plaza Seoul is for you. Autograph hotels are handpicked for their uniqueness and connection to the cities they inhabit.

Close to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sungnyemun Gate, each of the 410 rooms at the Plaza Seoul were designed by Italian architect Guido Ciompi to be modern and soothing.

L7 Myeongdong by Lotte

L7 hotels are photogenic, trendy, mid-range hotels from the Lotte Group. L7 Myeongdong hotel has an ideal location near Myeongdong shopping street, close to the meet-up spot for day tours, and airport bus stops.

Rooms are modern and spacious and the hotel is full of instagrammable spots. Be sure to head to their rooftop bar, for one of 7 signature drinks and stunning views over the city.

Aloft Seoul Myeongdong

Aloft hotel in Myeongdong is one of the most booked hotels in Seoul. It has a fantastic location in the middle of many popular tourist sites, modern interiors, a delicious buffet breakfast, fitness centre, and incredible city views.

Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong

If you’ve got your heart set on staying in one of the Lotte Group’s hotels, the Lotte City Hotel in Myeongdong is likely the most affordable one you’ll find. Fortunately, it still delivers with a perfect location, comfortable rooms, a fitness centre, and top-notch customer service.

Hotel28 Myeongdong

Hotel28 Myeongdong is the first hotel in Seoul to become a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This boutique hotel is fully designed around a cinematic theme, and you’ll find film inspired art all over its walls. Rooms are sumptuously designed and include a free minibar!

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong

With a superb location right in the centre of Myeongdong, Solaria Nishitetsu offers easy access to major tourist sites, food markets, and shopping. Soundproofed rooms keep all the noise of the busy Myeongdong district where it belongs – on the street.

Moxy Seoul Myeongdong

Moxy hotels are stylish and playful, and Seoul’s Myeongdong location is no different. From a super convenient location just 400-metres from Myeongdong Station to excellent facilities like a hotel bar, free laundromat, and a 24 hour front desk, Moxy in Myeongdong has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong

The Nine Tree Hotels in Myeongdong have a lot of repeat customers, who come back again and again, for their great location, incredible customer service and excellent value. Book this one in advance – the quality to price ratio can’t be beat!

Henn na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong

Robots at the front desk, a dinosaur in the lobby, comfortable bed, and steps from Myeongdong Station? I don’t think there’s anything more that needs to be said, except for that Henn na Hotel in Myeongdong is also affordable!

This is definitely THE budget to mid-range hotel to book if you want a taste of the future in Seoul.

Philstay Myeongdong Metro

My budget hotel pick in Myeongdong is Philstay. This hotel is loved by travellers for where to stay in Seoul due to its affordable private rooms, free laundry facilities, shared kitchen, and super kind staff.

One of the best things about Philstay Myeongdong is its absolutely perfect location, smack dab in the middle of Myeongdong Station on Line 4 and Euljiro 1-ga Station on Line 2. It’s easy to get pretty much ANYWHERE in the city using these 2 subway lines.

If you’re a woman travelling solo, and wanted added security, you can also check out the Philstay Women’s Only Boutique Hostel. It’s also located in Myeongdong.

Be sure to book this one as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re visiting during peak travel times, like autumn or cherry blossom season.

Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong

More comfortable staying with a recognizable global brand? The Ibis Styles Ambassador in Myeongdong offers stylish and modern accommodation at a seriously good price. You’ll enjoy a helpful concierge desk, free WiFi, and an excellent location just a few hundred metres from Myeongdong Station.

Daeyoung Hotel Myeongdong

At the Daeyong Hotel, you’ll be 200-metres from vibrant Namdaemun Market, and steps from Myeongdong subway station. This is an excellent budget choice, for those that prefer a hotel to a hostel.

OYO Rooftop Hostel

Enjoy awesome views of the N Seoul Tower and Namsan Mountain from OYO Rooftop Hostel – along with a super convenient location, and comfortable rooms

So many choices, so little time! Have you decided where to stay in Myeongdong?