A Gangnam resident’s firsthand guide to hotel locations in Myeongdong, Hongdae, Insadong and Seoul Station — including subway exits, luggage routes and what I noticed in the surrounding streets and public spaces.
Finding the best hotels in Seoul isn’t always as simple as choosing a property with good reviews and a convenient location on a map.
A hotel may appear to be just three minutes from a subway station. But what happens between the train and the hotel entrance? Will you encounter stairs, a long passage through the station or a final turn that’s difficult to recognize?
These are details I wanted to check for myself.
I live in Gangnam and previously lived in Banpo. In October 2026, I visited 13 hotel locations across Myeongdong, City Hall, Hongdae, Insadong and Seoul Station to see how their entrances, station approaches and surrounding streets actually felt.
I did not stay overnight at these hotels or inspect their guest rooms. My observations are based on the routes I walked, the surrounding neighborhoods and the public spaces I visited — not on beds, breakfast, housekeeping or overnight noise.
I wasn’t looking for one hotel that would suit everyone. I wanted to understand which locations made more sense for different kinds of Seoul trips.
If you haven’t chosen your neighborhood yet, start with my Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors guide.
If you’ve already narrowed down your preferred area, here’s how the hotel locations I visited compared.
Seoul Hotels at a Glance: My Location-Based Picks
| Hotel | Why I’d choose the location | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| L7 Myeongdong | Shopping-focused first visit | Stairs on my station approach |
| Hotel28 Myeongdong | Couples, dining and evenings out | Finding the final turn to the entrance |
| Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong | Shopping and traditional sightseeing | Small stair sections |
| The Grand Lotte Seoul | Department stores and a formal hotel setting | Whether the atmosphere suits your preferences |
| ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun | City Hall and Namdaemun Market | Sidewalk conditions |
| Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II | Euljiro restaurants and central sightseeing | Official walking time differs from my visit |
| L7 Hongdae | My favorite location of the three in Hongdae | Complete route from AREX |
| Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae | Shopping streets and nightlife | Entrance visibility and stairs |
| Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae | AK Plaza and Yeonnam access | Check the full arrival route from AREX, not just Exit 5 |
| Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong | Palaces and traditional sightseeing | Finding the entrance |
| Orakai Insadong Suites | Longer family stays to investigate | Stairs and uneven pavement on my route |
| Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station | AREX and KTX journeys | Indoor walk and three manual doors |
| Hotel MANU Seoul | Namdaemun and central Seoul walks | Stairs on my approach |
Good to Know: These are location-based recommendations, not rankings of room quality or hotel service. Prices, room layouts and cancellation policies should be checked for your travel dates.
What I Checked in Person — and How to Read My Walking Times
During my visits, I paid attention to things that can be easy to overlook when booking a hotel online.
I looked at station exits, stairs, escalators, sidewalks, hotel entrances, nearby shops and the atmosphere of the immediate streets. I also visited some public spaces and ate at a few places during my research.
The walking times below are approximate records of my own visits. Some begin outside a subway exit, while others include movement through a large station or my first attempt to find an entrance.
They should not be compared as if they were measured from the same starting point.
Local Tip: If you’re arriving from Incheon Airport with a large suitcase, look beyond the advertised walking time from the nearest subway exit. The route from the airport train or bus stop to your hotel’s actual entrance may be more useful.
1. Hotels in Myeongdong, Euljiro and City Hall
For a first Seoul trip involving shopping, food and central sightseeing, Myeongdong is where I’d start looking.
But the six hotel locations I visited around Myeongdong, Euljiro, City Hall and Namdaemun didn’t feel interchangeable.
Some are particularly convenient for busy shopping streets. Others appealed to me for their calmer immediate surroundings, traditional sightseeing routes or market access.
L7 Myeongdong — My First Pick for a Shopping-Focused Visit
Station approach: Myeongdong Station, Exit 9
My walk from the exit: Approximately 2 minutes
The location of L7 Myeongdong makes immediate sense for a visitor planning to spend plenty of time shopping and eating around Myeongdong.
Beauty stores, restaurants, cafés and department stores are nearby, making it easy to return to your hotel with purchases before heading out again.
I liked the hotel’s recognizable position and the public spaces I saw. The lobby, with its distinctive yellow wall details, also left a positive impression.
What makes this location particularly attractive to me is flexibility. You can go out without organizing every activity around a subway ride.
However, my approach from Myeongdong Station Exit 9 involved stair sections. The short distance outside the station therefore doesn’t describe the entire arrival experience, especially for travelers with heavy luggage.
L7 Myeongdong — Official Website
My Take: For a first Seoul trip focused on shopping, L7 Myeongdong would be one of my top location choices. I’d simply plan the arrival route carefully if traveling with large suitcases.
Hotel28 Myeongdong — For Couples Who Enjoy Central Seoul Evenings
Station approach: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 5
My walk from the exit: Approximately 6 minutes
Hotel28 Myeongdong sits in a lively part of central Myeongdong, where shopping and dining can easily fill an afternoon and evening.
The walk I used from Euljiro 1-ga was relatively flat. However, the final approach into a smaller street required a little more attention than simply following the main road.
For a couple who wants restaurants and central Myeongdong close by, Hotel28’s location appeals to me.
There’s another practical point worth checking: the hotel’s official transportation guide identifies the Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong stop for airport limousine bus 6015.
That may provide a useful alternative to navigating subway stations with luggage. Current bus operations should be confirmed before traveling.
Hotel28 Myeongdong — Official Directions
My Take: I like Hotel28’s location for couples who enjoy dining out and spending their evenings in central Myeongdong. The surrounding streets are part of its appeal.
Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong — My Choice for Shopping and Traditional Sightseeing
Station approach: Euljiro 3-ga Station, Exit 1
My walk from the exit: Approximately 3 minutes
Of the central Seoul hotel surroundings I visited, I particularly liked the area around Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong.
The immediate office-district setting felt more orderly and relatively calm during my visit than Myeongdong’s busiest shopping lanes.
But I wouldn’t describe all of Euljiro as quiet. Its streets can feel quite different from one block to another.
What appealed to me most was the opportunity to combine modern shopping with traditional sightseeing.
From this part of central Seoul, I could walk toward Insadong and Seosulla-gil rather than treating those neighborhoods as completely separate trips.
My approach from the station also involved several small stair sections, even though the outdoor walk was short.
Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong — Official Website
My Take: This is one of my preferred central Seoul locations for a trip combining shopping, restaurants and traditional sightseeing. I liked its particular balance of convenience and surroundings.
The Grand Lotte Seoul — Department-Store Convenience With a Mixed Personal Impression
Station approach: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 8
My walk from the exit: Approximately 2 minutes
The Grand Lotte Seoul, formerly Lotte Hotel Seoul, has a particularly convenient location for department-store shopping.
It sits close to Lotte Department Store, duty-free shopping and Myeongdong’s restaurant and retail streets.
My approach was straightforward, without a major road crossing or steep slope on the route I used. I also appreciated the clearly recognizable vehicle drop-off area and the connection to the department-store complex.
For travelers with luggage, those details can be valuable.
However, my impression of the service during my brief visit was mixed.
The greeting at the entrance was welcoming, and I found the doorman and lobby interactions pleasant. Some other brief interactions around the bakery and lounge felt less attentive than I had expected from a luxury hotel.
That was my impression of a short visit to the public spaces, not an assessment of an overnight stay or the hotel’s overall service.
The Grand Lotte Seoul — Official Website
My Take: I liked the location and arrival arrangement, particularly for department-store shopping. My brief experience in the public areas was more mixed, so this wasn’t my personal favorite among the central Seoul hotels I visited.
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun — A Practical City Hall Location With a Sidewalk Caution
Station approach: City Hall Station, Exit 9
My walk from the exit: Approximately 4 minutes
The location of ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun appealed to me for access to City Hall, Deoksugung Palace and Namdaemun Market.
The surroundings offer a different side of central Seoul from Myeongdong’s beauty stores and major department stores.
Here, you can enjoy market shopping, restaurants and walks around the City Hall area.
But the main detail I recorded was the condition of the final approach.
Part of the route I used did not have a clearly separated pedestrian sidewalk. This made me think about how comfortable the same walk would feel with several suitcases or a stroller.
I wouldn’t rule out the hotel because of that one route, but I would check other arrival options.
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun — Official Website
My Take: ENA’s location is useful for City Hall and Namdaemun. For me, the sidewalk conditions were more memorable than the short distance from the station.
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II — For Euljiro Restaurants and Central Seoul
Station approach: Euljiro 3-ga Station, Exit 11
My walk from the exit: Approximately 10 minutes
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II sits in an area I’d consider for travelers interested in Euljiro’s restaurants and central sightseeing.
The setting is different from being directly in Myeongdong’s busiest shopping streets.
On the route I took, I encountered stairs and some narrower pavement. My walk from Exit 11 took around ten minutes.
The hotel’s official directions estimate a four-minute walk from Exit 11, covering approximately 254 meters.
My approach took around ten minutes on that visit, so I would treat my timing as a personal observation rather than the standard walking time.
Nine Tree by Parnas — Official Hotel Locations
My Take: This location makes sense for exploring Euljiro and Myeongdong. I would pay closer attention to the actual arrival route than the published walking time alone.
My Myeongdong-Area Choice
For shopping immediately outside the hotel, I’d start with L7 Myeongdong. For a couple who enjoys dining and evenings out, Hotel28 Myeongdong appeals to me.
For a balance of shopping and traditional sightseeing, I personally prefer the surroundings of Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong.
2. Hotels in Hongdae and Yeonnam
Hongdae is one of the areas I’d consider for visitors who enjoy fashion, character shops, cafés, restaurants and lively evenings.
It also has a useful connection to Incheon Airport through the AREX All-Stop Train at Hongik University Station.
However, one thing became clear during my visits: reaching Hongik University Station and reaching a particular hotel entrance are not the same journey.
L7 Hongdae — My Favorite of the Three Locations I Visited
Station approach: Hongik University Station, Exit 1
My walk from the exit: Approximately 3 minutes
Of the three Hongdae properties I visited, L7 Hongdae had the combination of surroundings, an easy-to-recognize entrance and public spaces I liked most.
The immediate block felt relatively calmer during my daytime visit than some of Hongdae’s busier shopping streets.
I also liked the spacious public areas.
One detail that stayed with me was the billiards table. It’s a small feature, but it gave the space a relaxed feeling that I appreciated.
I also had a positive dining experience at The Place during my visit.
These are impressions of the areas I personally experienced, not a review of guest rooms or overnight facilities.
The station route I used involved an escalator, but travelers arriving via AREX should still consider the journey through Hongik University Station.
My Take: L7 Hongdae was my clear favorite among the three Hongdae hotel locations I visited. I liked its recognizable entrance, immediate surroundings and common spaces.
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae — For Shopping Streets and Lively Evenings
Station approach: Hongik University Station, Exit 9
My walk from the exit: Approximately 3 minutes
The location of Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae felt more closely connected to Hongdae’s busy shopping and entertainment streets.
I’d choose this part of Hongdae for a trip focused on browsing fashion stores, eating out and enjoying the neighborhood into the evening.
However, my first approach was not completely straightforward.
The hotel entrance didn’t immediately stand out among the surrounding storefronts, including the prominent Musinsa retail presence nearby. I had to pay closer attention to the hotel signage than expected.
A street-level sign pointed toward the hotel lobby and indicated that guests could also access the hotel through the Musinsa Standard store between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. at the time of my visit.
I also encountered several small stair sections along my route.
On a more positive note, I enjoyed lunch at Tian Mimi during this visit. I arrived without a reservation shortly before 1 p.m., waited approximately ten minutes and found the staff friendly.
The prices also felt reasonable to me compared with similar dining experiences I’m familiar with in Gangnam.
That restaurant visit gave me another reason to appreciate the area’s dining options.
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae — Official Website
My Take: Mercure’s location would be my preference over L7 for a trip focused on Hongdae’s liveliest shopping and entertainment streets. The less obvious entrance is something I’d prepare for.
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae — For AK Plaza and Yeonnam Access
Station approach: Hongik University Station, Exit 5
My recorded approach from the AREX side: Approximately 20 minutes, including time inside the station
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae is located in the same building as AK Plaza, right by Hongik University Station.
This makes it worth considering for travelers who want shopping nearby, access to the airport railway and a base for exploring Yeonnam-dong.
The hotel’s official information describes it as approximately a one-minute walk from Exit 5.
My own approach from the AREX side took approximately twenty minutes, including roughly ten minutes inside the station.
This was the time I recorded on my visit, not a standard transfer time or a measurement of the shortest route.
The short walk from Exit 5 does not describe the full journey from the airport train. Before arriving with luggage, I would check the full route to the hotel entrance.
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae — Official Hotel Information
The location may also appeal to travelers spending time around Gyeongui Line Forest Park and the cafés of Yeonnam-dong.
My Take: I like this hotel’s location for AK Plaza and Yeonnam access. The important distinction is between being close to Exit 5 and being close to your actual arrival point inside the station.
My Hongdae Choice
L7 Hongdae was my personal favorite for its surroundings and public spaces.
Mercure would appeal to me more for lively shopping streets and nightlife, while Holiday Inn Express makes sense for AK Plaza and Yeonnam.
3. Hotels in Insadong and Jongno
For travelers planning to visit palaces, temples, traditional streets and tea shops, the Insadong and Anguk area deserves serious consideration.
I visited two properties here and found that they appealed to me for different reasons.
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong — My Preferred Location for Traditional Sightseeing
Station approach: Anguk Station, Exit 6
My first approach to the hotel: Approximately 10 minutes
Among the two Insadong properties I checked, Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong had my preferred general sightseeing location.
I liked the combination of nearby traditional attractions, cafés, restaurants, convenience stores and shops.
The area makes it possible to enjoy Insadong and the wider Jongno neighborhood without planning every outing around a subway ride.
However, my first attempt to find the entrance took more effort than I expected.
Some of the smaller streets and turns were not immediately intuitive to me, and I thought international visitors unfamiliar with Seoul might benefit from checking the entrance in advance.
My first approach took around ten minutes.
The hotel’s official guide lists a shorter walk of approximately three minutes from Anguk Station Exit 6, covering about 230 meters.
That official walking time and my first-visit experience describe different circumstances.
Nine Tree by Parnas — Official Website
My Take: Of the two Insadong hotels I visited, Nine Tree was my preferred location for exploring the area’s traditional streets and cultural attractions.
Orakai Insadong Suites — Worth Investigating for a Longer Family Stay
Station approach: Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 5
My walk from the exit: Approximately 6 minutes
Orakai Insadong Suites interested me for a different kind of trip.
If I were traveling with a larger family or planning a longer stay, I’d want to compare suite-style accommodation rather than looking only at conventional hotel rooms.
Orakai is therefore a property I’d investigate for its room layout and facilities, although I didn’t inspect its guest rooms.
The surrounding location is also useful for traditional sightseeing.
My route from Jongno 3-ga Station Exit 5 involved stairs. Near Nakwon Arcade, I also noticed a narrow section of uneven pavement that could be inconvenient with a large suitcase.
The hotel’s official directions suggest Exit 4’s escalator for travelers with heavy luggage.
I didn’t check that alternative route myself, so my observations refer only to the approach I actually used via Exit 5.
Orakai Insadong Suites — Official Directions
My Take: Orakai’s location makes sense for traditional sightseeing, and its suite-style accommodation is worth comparing for longer family trips. The approach via Exit 5 was less comfortable than I would have liked with luggage in mind.
My Insadong Choice
For a traditional sightseeing trip, I’d choose the location of Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong.
For a longer family trip where room layout and space matter more, I’d compare Orakai Insadong Suites.
4. Hotels Near Seoul Station
Seoul Station hotels are most appealing to me when train connections are an important part of the trip.
Perhaps you’re arriving from Incheon Airport, taking a KTX to another city or staying in Seoul briefly between journeys.
In those situations, the walk through the station can be just as important as the distance shown on a map.
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station — My Preferred Station Connection
Route checked: Seoul Station underground connection toward Exit 12
My recorded approach from the AREX side: Approximately 14 minutes
Of the two Seoul Station hotels I visited, Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station was the location I’d choose first for a trip centered on train connections.
The hotel is connected to the Seoul Station area by an underground passage, and I appreciated having an indoor route.
However, an underground connection doesn’t necessarily mean a short or completely effortless walk.
My route took approximately fourteen minutes from the AREX side, and I had to open three manual doors along the way.
That detail stood out to me. Opening three doors may not seem like much when walking without luggage, but it could feel less convenient when managing large suitcases.
The immediate surroundings also felt more like an office district than an area I’d choose primarily for evening shopping or sightseeing.
That wouldn’t bother me on a short stay focused on transportation.
The hotel’s official information describes an underground connection from Exit 12 and gives an approximate station walking time of eight to fifteen minutes.
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station — Official Information
My Take: Four Points was my preferred Seoul Station location for AREX and KTX connections. I liked the indoor passage, although the fourteen-minute approach and three manual doors are worth knowing about before arriving with luggage.
Hotel MANU Seoul — For Namdaemun and Central Seoul Walks
Route checked: Through Seoul Station and out via Line 4 Exit 7
My recorded overall approach: Approximately 15 minutes, including the station walk
Hotel MANU Seoul appealed to me for a different reason.
I liked its position toward Namdaemun Market and the walking routes into central Seoul.
The surroundings offered more of the market-shopping and sightseeing atmosphere I’d enjoy during a leisure trip.
I could imagine using this location as a base for visiting Namdaemun, exploring nearby restaurants and heading toward Myeongdong.
The approach I used included two short stair sections. The outdoor walk from Exit 7 itself was brief, but the complete route through the station took considerably longer.
My approximately fifteen-minute timing included the station approach. It should not be compared directly with the fourteen minutes I recorded on my particular route to Four Points, because the starting points were not established as identical.
My Take: Hotel MANU’s location appeals to me more for Namdaemun and central Seoul walks, while Four Points feels better suited to a trip organized around train connections.
Airport Arrival and Luggage: What I’d Check
One lesson from these hotel visits was that there are several different ways to describe a hotel’s distance from public transportation.
Arriving by AREX
Hongik University Station is served by the AREX All-Stop Train from Incheon Airport. The nonstop AREX Express runs to Seoul Station instead.
For a Hongdae hotel, I would check the route through Hongik University Station to the appropriate exit.
For Seoul Station hotels, I would check the internal connection from the particular train I planned to use.
Good to Know: A hotel may be close to a station exit while still requiring a substantial walk through the station itself.
Arriving by Airport Limousine Bus
For some central Seoul hotels, an airport limousine bus may offer a simpler final approach than transferring between subway lines with luggage.
Hotel28 Myeongdong’s published directions, for example, identify a nearby stop for bus 6015.
I would still confirm current stops, timetables and operating information before relying on a particular service.
Traveling With Strollers or Wheelchairs
Stairs, escalators and underground passages can all affect how comfortable a route feels.
However, my visits were not comprehensive accessibility assessments.
A route containing stairs doesn’t mean there is no step-free alternative. Similarly, an escalator doesn’t establish wheelchair accessibility.
For an accessible arrival, use official station elevator information and confirm the hotel’s accessible entrance arrangements directly.
Three Things I’d Check Before Booking a Seoul Hotel
1. The Actual Room and Occupancy Limit
My recommendations here are about location and the public spaces I observed.
I did not inspect guest rooms or assess beds, overnight noise or housekeeping.
For families especially, I’d check the room’s maximum occupancy, the number and size of beds, and whether the layout works for the group.
2. Booking Conditions
Hotel prices can vary by date, room type and cancellation policy.
I’d compare the total price, taxes, breakfast arrangements and cancellation terms for the exact dates I planned to travel.
3. The Arrival Route With Luggage
I’d check the approach from the transport option I actually planned to use — not simply the nearest station exit shown in a hotel listing.
An entrance that’s easy to recognize and a route that’s comfortable with luggage can make arrival much less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Seoul Hotel Locations Would I Consider for a First-Time Visit?
For a first trip focused on shopping and central sightseeing, I’d start with L7 Myeongdong, Hotel28 Myeongdong and Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong.
The choice would depend on whether I preferred busy shopping streets, evening dining or a slightly calmer immediate setting.
What Should I Check When Arriving in Hongdae by AREX?
Check the full route from the airport railway to your hotel entrance.
My visits showed that a short walk from a subway exit does not necessarily describe the entire arrival journey.
With luggage, I would also check the stairs, elevators and the location of the hotel entrance.
Where Would I Stay for Traditional Sightseeing?
Among the properties I visited, Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong had my preferred location for exploring the traditional neighborhoods around Insadong and Anguk.
Should I Choose Seoul Station or Myeongdong?
I’d choose Seoul Station when train connections were a major part of the trip.
For several days focused on food, shopping and central sightseeing, I would generally prefer Myeongdong.
My Final Thoughts
I didn’t visit these hotels to declare one universal winner.
What interested me was how different the arrival experience could be even between properties that looked similarly convenient on a map.
At one hotel, the entrance was immediately recognizable. At another, the last turn required more attention. An underground connection was useful, but still involved a long walk and three manual doors.
Those details are why I wanted to check the hotel locations in person.
My Take: Choose the neighborhood for the kind of Seoul trip you want. Then choose the hotel location for the journey you’ll actually make — especially when arriving with luggage.
For a broader comparison of neighborhoods, read my Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors guide.
About this guide: I live in Gangnam and previously lived in Banpo. In October 2026, I visited 13 hotel locations around Myeongdong, City Hall, Hongdae, Insadong and Seoul Station. My observations cover the routes, streets and public spaces I personally checked, not overnight stays or guest-room reviews. Walking routes, transportation and hotel arrangements may change.
Field research: October 2026.
