You don’t know where to stay in Seoul with family? Are you visiting South Korea’s capital for a few days or even a week and want to choose the best area to stay in, and also the best accommodation? We’ve got you covered.
Truth be told, during our close to one year spent in Seoul we were a couple without children. However, we were working on that, thus we chose our apartment and neighborhood with that thought in mind.
We were happy to welcome our daughter sometime after returning to Europe. As soon as she turned 5 months, we took her on a 3-month long trip around Germany. Having stayed in apartments and hotels for all this time, we sure know what to look for when traveling with a baby.
We also know Korea’s capital pretty well, thus we can help you make the best choice for where to stay in Seoul with a baby, a toddler, or your family.
We have included hotels with family rooms in Seoul, but also apartment-style accommodation options, or guesthouses. So you can choose what’s best for you and your family.
Read also: Top 8 Best areas to stay in Seoul for your first visit
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our disclosure page here.
Where to stay in Seoul with family: the best area
When it comes to choosing the best area to stay in Seoul with your family, we would look for a few things:
- proximity to public transportation: bus stop mainly, since we always preferred taking the bus in Seoul; but also the subway, because there are certain areas that are better linked by subway;
- proximity to supermarkets, convenience stores, and places where you can find familiar food. While adults are more open to trying different food on vacation, kids might need particular things. And you don’t want to go looking for a supermarket or have to carry things from far away, especially if you don’t have a car.
- distance to different attractions in town: when traveling with a baby or a kid, your time and schedule are a bit different than when you travel as a couple or with a group of friends. Kids, especially when they are small, have nap times, earlier bedtimes, and so on. You don’t want to waste one hour or more only to get to a place.
- accessibility from and to the airport: sure, you can always book a taxi or a private transfer and get dropped off directly at your hotel, but you might want to travel by train or even bus in which case you won’t want to walk a lot with luggage and kids.
- the quietness of the area: as mentioned before, with kids sleep is very important. Especially when you have a packed itinerary, you will want both you and your kid to sleep through the night. That’s why, we would always recommend staying in a quiet area, away from party streets, or even shopping streets.
- access to parks and playgrounds: yes, you won’t spend all your time in the park, but it helps to have a place close by. After all, children get bored easily and will want some entertainment. On the other hand, you can always choose a hotel with a kids’ playroom or a swimming pool.
With all this in mind, for a long stay in Seoul, we chose Mapo-gu, the area around Digital Media City. For us, this place was amazing: the building had a playground and an interior swimming pool, it was across the street from a small park, the bus stop was in front of the building, and supermarkets and restaurants were near.
However, this was a serviced apartment building, and the commute would be a bit too long for someone visiting Seoul for a week or less.
That’s why for such a trip we would choose Hongdae (Yeonnam-dong, away from the craziness), or certain areas of Jungno-gu.
Would we stay in Gangnam with family?
We most probably wouldn’t, especially when traveling with a small baby or toddler.
Mainly because the area is relatively far away from the most important attractions in town – most are located to the north of the Han River. Getting from Gangnam to any of these places would take around 1 hour by bus or subway.
Also, with little time on our hands, we would rather stay in a more traditional area. Gangnam is very modern, with its skyscrapers and large boulevards, which can be appealing for some, but not for us.
Of course, if you are traveling with an older kid or a teenager, staying in Gangnam might be a good choice. Olympic Park can be close, and the hip areas around Dosan Park, Apgujeong, and Gangnam Station would all be appealing to teenagers.
Also, staying close to Lotte World Adventure would pay off if you want to start your day early at the park.
Read also: Best things to do in Gangnam
Where to stay in Seoul with family: best hotels
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel
This hotel is perfectly located on the main boulevard, minutes away from Hongik University subway station, placing you on the Green Line, and on the Airport Express line.
Steps away you will find the Gyeongui Line Forest Park and the Gyeongui Line Book Street. Also, in the area, there are countless restaurants, shops, and cafes.
The Family Room has a double bed and a single bed, and the hotel can provide a cot upon request.
RYSE, Autograph Collection Seoul by Marriott
This hotel is a top pick by families with children and we would go for the Director Suite, 1 Bedroom Suite – it has a sofa bed and a double bed. Additionally, the hotel can provide a cot upon request if you are traveling with a smaller baby, or an extra bed if that is needed.
Situated in the vibrant Hongdae area, RYSE, Autograph Collection is just a 3-minute walk away from Exit 9 of Hongik University Subway Station, which connects to Line 2, Airport Railroad as well as Gyeongui-Jungang Line.
NamHyunDang – Hanok Korean Traditional House
Choose a stay in a traditional hanok house and have it all to yourself. This is a 3-bedroom house you can rent if you are traveling with a bigger family.
You will not only get to experience an authentic stay, but you will have access to a private kitchen, a washing machine, and an interior garden where kids can play and you can relax.
This property is conveniently located close to popular attractions like Changgyeonggung Palace, a historic royal palace located 1.6 km away, and Bangsan Market, a bustling shopping area situated 1.7 km distant.
The self-catering apartments are well-appointed, featuring fully equipped kitchenettes and satellite TVs. Guests can also enjoy access to a variety of facilities, such as an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a sauna.
They have one, two, or three-bedroom apartments you can choose from, depending on the size of your family. All apartments also have a washing machine, and the hotel’s location is perfect, in the heart of the city.
Even though the area of this hotel is very central, it can also be quiet. By choosing to stay here you will be minutes away from the main palaces, Jogyesa Temple, and 3 subway stations: Anguk, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung.
Each unit also boasts a washer and tumble dryer for your convenience. You can stay active in the fully equipped fitness center, challenge your friends to billiards in the recreation room, and relax in the rooftop hot tub.
The hotel offers one-bedroom or two-bedroom options, that both come with an equipped private kitchen.
The Blossom Yeonnam Guesthouse
A budget accommodation option set in one of our favorite areas in town, Yeonnam-dong.
Withing walking distance to Hongik University subway station and the Hongdae Street, this is a nice and quiet residential area, where you will find plenty of traditional houses (not hanoks).
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants as well, and the Gyeongui Line Forest Park is within walking distance.
When you travel with your family, you can choose to stay in the quadruple room. Guests have access to a shared liunge and kitchen, but you must know that bathrooms are shared as well.
Fraser Central Seoul is a luxurious apartment complex located just a 10-minute walk away from Seodaemoon and Seoul Subway Stations, offering stunning city views to its guests.
The one-bedroom apartments are fully furnished with air conditioning and amenities like a kitchenette with washing machine.
Families gave this location an 8.6 rating for a family stay.
Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong
The hotel has a Family Kids room with bunk beds that can host a family with up to 2 kids. However, keep in mind that no cots or extra beds are available.
Nine Tree Premier Insadong is set across the street from the famous Jogyesa Temple, and a 1 minute walk from Insadong. The palaces and Bukchon Hanok Village are also within walking distance, and Anguk subway station is close by.
Families that stayed with kids offered the hotel a 9.5 rating.
Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences
If you would rather stay in Gangnam, next to Lotte World Adventure, Olympic Park, and Seokchon Lake, this is the hotel for you.
Providing 5-star accommodation, the hotel boasts a restaurant, bar, and free bikes for exploration around the city. The property also includes an indoor pool and a modern fitness centre for those who wish to stay active while travelling.
The hotel also has a kid’s club, and some rooms have a kitchenette with a microwave and a minibar.
Previous guests who stayed with kids offered the hotel a 9.2 rating.
You can choose the Family room, the one-bedroom King suite, or the prestige family room with a large double bed and a sofa bed.
Read also
Discover Seoul Pass Itinerary – is it worth it?
