Gangnam is one of the trendiest and coolest neighborhoods in Seoul, offering plenty of things to do. That’s one of the reasons why you might be trying to choose where to stay in Gangnam.
Since this part of the city has modern architecture, with wide boulevards and high-rise buildings, you will find also plenty of modern hotels to choose from.
Many of the important international chains, but also local ones, have hotels in this cool part of town, thus you won’t find it hard to choose one of the best hotels in Gangnam.
Read also: Getting around Seoul – your complete guide
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How to get to Gangnam
Since Seoul is such a huge metropolis, getting around town might be intimidating. However, its public transportation system is well developed and will allow you to easily get around town.
If you are traveling from Incheon Airport, the subway will be your cheapest option for getting to Gangnam (and in some cases, also the fastest).
Of course, Gangnam is a big neighborhood and it depends a lot on the area you choose to stay in, but if you want to get to Gangnam Station, the travel time will be of around 100 minutes, with one change at Hongik University to the Green line.
However, you can also choose to stay close to Lotte Tower, and will need to get off at Jamsil Station or Apgujeong Station. In both cases, the travel time is similar and you will only need to change the lines once.
Of course, 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, place of pick-up, car details etc. Moreover, you will pay online so you won’t have to worry about that as well.
Traveling by taxi is more comfortable, especially when you have bulky luggage or you simply 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.
Another option is to 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).
Why choose 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 totally 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, here is where you will find more international food, trendy cafes, flagship stores, and crazy nightlife.
Cons: Gangnam is the most expensive area in Seoul, thus you can expect also hotel prices to be towards the higher end.
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 amazing, getting from Gangnam to the old town area will still take between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
Where to stay in Gangnam: Best hotels in Gangnam
If you have made your decision, and this area is for you, it is worth knowing that here you will find plenty of cool and modern hotels.
However, if you are looking for budget accommodation, this area might not be your first choice.
Luxury Hotels in Gangnam
Set right 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 will have access to an internal swimming pool, and rooms with breathtaking city views.
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.
By staying here, you will have access to a swimming pool, and a Michelin-star restaurant, and you will be a few steps away from the subway.
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Set on Teheran-ro, by staying at this hotel, you will be in the middle of the action. Especially if you are traveling to Seoul for skincare and cosmetic treatments because 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.
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’ page. What really impressed me was the cool infinity inside the pool, the view it offered, and also the cool bathtub with a city view you can have in some of the rooms.
The hotel is also set on Teheran-ro, thus close to many important attractions in Gangnam.
Mid-range hotels in Gangnam
A 4* 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.
A bit further away from the subway, but close to bus stops, at this hotel, you’ll find rooms with views over the Han River.
The interior design is colorful and joyful, and close by you’ll find convenience stores, and they could even allow you to bring your pet!
Budget-friendly hotels in Gangnam
While this hotel is set in the most expensive area – Apgujeong – it is yet a budget hotel without much of an interior design or facilities. However, it is close to many restaurants and stores, rooms are clean and comfortable.
This is the place to stay when you are traveling on a budget, but still want to find a clean and cool place when you get back from exploring the city.
Sure, you will have to share the bathroom, but the location and value for money are excellent.
Other useful Travel Resources
General Travel Information for South Korea
Driving in South Korea – a complete guide
Stay close to Seoul Station, or choose the best hotel in Hongdae
Plan your Seoul Itinerary: 2 days, 3 days, 4 days in Seoul
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