Choose where to stay in Gangnam: the best hotels in Gangnam
Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Alex
Gangnam is one of Seoul’s trendiest and coolest neighborhoods, offering plenty of things to do. However, choosing the best hotels in Gangnam can be challenging.
This part of the city has modern architecture, with wide boulevards and high-rise buildings. Moreover, some of the most iconic and Instagrammable places in Seoul are in this part of the city.
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Table of Contents
The Best Hotels in Gangnam
How to get to Gangnam
Since Seoul is such a vast metropolis, getting around town might be intimidating. However, its well-developed public transportation system allows you to get around quickly.
Subway
If you are traveling from Incheon Airport, the subway is the cheapest (and, in many cases, the fastest) option for getting to Gangnam.
Of course, Gangnam is a large neighborhood, so distances are different depending on where you stay.
That said, getting from the Airport to Gangnam Station takes about 100 minutes. Please note that you must change at Hongik University to the Green Line.
However, if you stay near the Lotte Tower, you should get off at Jamsil Station or Apgujeong Station. The travel time is similar in both cases, and you will only need to change the lines once.
Private Transfer
The other option would be to get a taxi or book a transfer.
The advantage is that you will have all the information you need before you go: booking, pick-up place, car details, etc. Moreover, you will pay online, so you won’t have to worry about that.
Taxi
Traveling by taxi is more comfortable, especially when you have bulky luggage or don’t want to carry it around.
Also, the car will leave you right in front of your hotel in Hongdae, so you won’t have to worry about finding your final destination on the map.
Moreover, taxis travel throughout the night, so you won’t have to worry if your flight arrives close to midnight or after this hour.
KAL Limousine
Lastly, you can take the KAL Limousine.
Bus number 6703 will take you from Incheon to Gangnam/COEX, with various stops along the way (some in front of major hotels such as Josun Palace Seoul, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam, Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas, or Intercontinental Seoul).
Read also: Getting around Seoul – your complete guide
Why to stay in Gangnam
Pros: Staying in Gangnam will put you in the heart of the trendiest neighborhoods in Seoul – one that has become worldwide famous thanks to PSY’s song “Gangnam Style.” The skyline looks different than in most other areas in town, and you’ll have a mix of skyscrapers, traditional temples, and luxury shopping malls and department stores.
Come here for the nightlife, lush bars, sky restaurants, and 5* hotels. You will also be close to one of the nicest parks in town (the Olympic Park), the tallest building in South Korea (the Lotte World Tower Observatory), and the fun Lotte World Adventure Park.
Additionally, you will find more international food, trendy cafes, flagship stores, and crazy nightlife here.
Cons: Gangnam is the most expensive area in Seoul, so hotel prices will likely be higher.
On top of that, you will be a bit far from Seoul’s most important tourist attractions, especially when visiting for the first time. While the city’s public transportation system is impressive, getting from Gangnam to the old town area will still take 30 minutes and 1 hour.
Where to stay in Gangnam: Best hotels in Gangnam
If you have decided and this area is for you, it is worth knowing that plenty of fabulous, modern hotels are here.
However, this area might not be your first choice if you are looking for budget accommodation.
Luxury Hotels in Gangnam
InterContinental Seoul COEX
It is next to the COEX Mall, famous for its impressive library. You will also be steps away from a subway stop and one of the most beautiful temples in town: Bongeunsa Temple.
You can access an internal swimming pool and rooms with breathtaking city views.
Signiel Seoul
Set in Songpa-gu, inside the Lotte Tower (located between floors 76 and 101) it is easy to understand why this places offers a breathtaking view over the Han River and the city.
Staying here will give you access to a swimming pool, a Michelin-star restaurant, and the subway, which is just a few steps away.
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Set on Teheran-ro, this hotel puts you in the middle of the action. This is especially true if you are traveling to Seoul for skincare and cosmetic treatments, as that’s where you will find the largest concentration of salons in town.
The hotel offers 5-star accommodation with an indoor pool, and you will be close to some of the most important attractions in the area.
Park Hyatt Seoul
When I first traveled to Seoul as a tourist and started researching the best places to stay in the city, I stumbled upon this hotel on one of my favorite Instagrammers’ pages. What impressed me was the fabulous infinity inside the pool, its view, and the cool bathtub with a city view in some of the rooms.
The hotel is also set on Teheran-ro, thus close to many essential attractions in Gangnam.
Mid-range hotels in Gangnam
L7 Gangnam by Lotte
This is a 4-star fancy hotel set in the business area, with rooms boasting incredible city views. You will be close to subway line 2, which will take you anywhere in town. The interior design is luxurious, and on the 10th floor, you’ll find an Italian restaurant and bar.
Aloft Seoul Gangnam
A bit further away from the subway but close to bus stops, you’ll find rooms with views over the Han River at this hotel.
The interior design is colorful and joyful. Convenience stores are nearby, and you could even bring your pet!
Budget-friendly hotels in Gangnam
Princess Hotel
While this hotel is set in the most expensive area—Apgujeong—it is still a budget hotel without much interior design or facilities. However, it is close to many restaurants and stores, and the rooms are clean and comfortable.
Gold Hill GH House
This is the place to stay when you are traveling on a budget but still want to find a clean and cool place to stay after exploring the city.
You will have to share the bathroom, but the location and value for money are excellent.
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