Where to stay in Myeongdong – Best hotels in Myeongdong
Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by Alex
Myeongdong is ideally located at the heart of Seoul. From here, you will not only have access to plenty of shopping areas, but it will be easy to reach most of the essential attractions in town. So, where to stay in Myeongdong?
The first time I visited Seoul, I stayed in this area, and if I were to travel to the city again as a tourist, I might choose the same place.
With plenty of cool hotels, apartments, and guesthouses, you will find a place to stay in Myeongdong, no matter your budget.
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Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Myeongdong
How to get to Myeongdong
You will have plenty of options for getting from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong. It is only up to you to choose the one that best suits your schedule, budget, and style.
Here are the main options in a nutshell:
Means of Transportation | Cost | Duration |
Subway | 4,750 KRW (Transit Card) 4,850 KRW (Ticket) | 73 minutes |
Bus (number 6015) | 15,000 KRW | roughly 1h 30 min |
Taxi | approx. 80,000 KRW | roughly 1h 30 min |
Private Transfer | From 72 USD/ 3 pers | roughly 1h 30 min |
For the complete and detailed guide, including maps, options, and more, click here!
Why choose to stay in Myeongdong: Pros and Cons
The area is ideally located in the city’s heart, offers plenty of fun things to do, and is easily reached from the airport by bus, subway, taxi, or private transfer.
Moreover, Myeongdong is heaven for K-beauty lovers. It is within easy reach of Namsan Tower and Park and close to Seoul Station when you plan a longer South Korean itinerary.
Pros: By choosing to stay in Myengdong, you will literally be in the center of the action. Within walking distance of the area of the palaces and also perfectly connected by subway or bus, this is the place to be when you are visiting Seoul for the first time.
The area used to be packed with shops and restaurants, but things have changed a bit with the current situation. However, I am confident Myeongdong will return to life once tourism is back for good.
This is any cosmetics lover’s paradise! It is perhaps the best place to go for skincare shopping in Seoul.
You will also find it easy to exchange money here and find different places to eat.
Also, from Myeongdong, joining day tours outside of Seoul, such as a trip to Nami Island or the fun Legoland amusement park, is easy.
Cons: It is a touristic area where you won’t find much authentic Korean vibe.
The noise level can also be pretty high due to its location in a bustling city center.
Additionally, since it is a popular tourist destination, there is often high traffic and crowds.
Prices for accommodations can also be relatively higher than in other neighborhoods.
Read also: The 8 Best Areas to Stay in Seoul
Main attractions and things to do in Myeongdong
If you are wondering what to do in and around Myeongdong, here are only a few things worth considering.
Some of the most popular cafes in town are set here.
Almost every K-beauty brand has a store in Myeongdong, or you can find it at the Olive Young flagship store.
There is the famous Nanta Show – for food lovers and not only.
Choose a spa for a massage and a luxury facial at OHUI and Whoo SPA or Hana Mud Spa.
Foodies can do a food tour at the nearby Gwangjang Market.
Luxury hotels in Myengdong
The Westin Josun Seoul

It is a 5-star hotel, ideally located behind the Lotte Department Store. It offers luxurious rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa center. Guests enjoy an impressive city view and access to some of the best restaurants in Seoul.
Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower

Enjoy the swimming pool and SPA just before dinner at a 3* Michelin restaurant.
The hotel has an impressive lobby and rooms with simple but modern and cozy designs. Previous guests have appreciated the flexibility regarding early/late check-in/checkout.
Le Meridien Myeongdong

A new hotel will open in 2023. It offers guests access to a luxurious indoor pool and comprehensive business center, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers alike.
Located near iconic attractions such as Myeongdong Station, Myeongdong Cathedral, and Dongwha Duty-Free Shop, this hotel offers the perfect base for exploring Seoul’s culture and attractions.
Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong

While it is true that this hotel is not exactly across the street from Seoul Station, you can get there on foot or by subway (one very short stop).
If you choose to stay here, you will be in the middle of a shopping area, packed with local restaurants and public transportation options to anywhere you want to go.
Namsan Park and the bustling area of Myeongdong are also 5 minutes away. The view from the hotel’s bar and restaurant is stunning, and some of the rooms also have Namsan Tower views.
A buffet breakfast is served daily, and the hotel boasts a great indoor pool where you can relax at the end of the day.
Guests loved the comfortable, clean, and modern rooms and the hotel’s ideal location.
The hotel is linked to Seoul Station by Seoullo – a lovely pedestrian walkway that makes it highly accessible.
Mid-range hotels in Myengdong
L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE

With a simple, fun, and colorful interior design, this hotel has one of the few rooftop bars in town.
Guests appreciated the hotel’s location and the fact that it has a coffee chain on the ground floor. Breakfast offers plenty of options, and the area is packed with restaurants and shopping options.
Another pro is that the subway entrance is right in front of the hotel, making it super easy to get around Seoul.
Moxy Seoul Myeongdong

Recently opened, this hotel is situated in an ideal location in the heart of the bustling city. It provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking.
This modern hotel boasts a stylish bar and is within walking distance of some of Seoul’s most popular attractions, such as Myeodngdong Station, which is just 400 meters away. Myeongdong Cathedral is less than 1 km away, and the famous Dongwha Duty-Free Shop is a 16-minute walk from the hotel.
In addition, it’s just 700 meters from Namdaemun Market – one of Seoul’s most popular marketplaces.
Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong

I must admit this was our first choice when we visited Seoul for four days as tourists, but somehow, we ended up at Marriott (and I don’t regret it a bit). This one is perfectly located and offers a great quality/price ratio.
The hotel is very near Myeongdong Station Exit 8 and Exit 7, offering easy access to the escalators that will take you up to N Seoul Tower and Namsan Mountain. Additionally, guests appreciated how helpful the staff was and how they were open to supporting their needs.
Aloft Seoul Myeongdong

It is an excellent and modern hotel belonging to a popular hospitality chain. While it is true that you will have a bit of a walk to Seoul Station, getting there by bus couldn’t be easier.
The hotel is set at one of the main crossroads, which leads to the Myeongdong shopping area, Namdaeumun Market, the City Hall, and the old part of the city.
Since you will be minutes from Myeongdong, you will have many street food places and fancy restaurants.
Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong

This hotel is located inside a modern building. It has an underground passage directly to the train station and is extremely close to Myeongdong and Namdaemun.
From the front of the hotel, you can take tens of buses or the subway and walk to most of Seoul’s main tourist attractions.
If you are not impressed by the hotel’s dining options, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area.
I would recommend this hotel for a short stay if you want to take KTX early the following day and be close to the train station.
Budget accommodation in Myengdong
Crib 49 Guesthouse

It is hosted in a small building with a rooftop terrace, and it is very conveniently located close to the main tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants.
They have a comfortable kitchen with coffee, tea, toast (jam and butter), and instant noodles available anytime. The rooms are clean and cozy, and they have AC.
Myeongdong Rooftop Hostel

Another great and affordable stay in Myeongdong, perfect for youngsters or anyone traveling on a budget. It might be worth knowing that the hostel is a bit uphill, thus you should come prepared for a short hike.
The staff is friendly and will provide you with information about getting around the city. They also offer laundry services for a small fee.
57 Myeongdong Hostel

Conveniently located 150 m from Exit 5 of Myeongdong Subway Station (Line 4), the hostel offers private rooms with WiFi and city views.
Rooms have private bathrooms and AC, and the hotel is straightforward and not far from Seoul Station or other attractions.
Apartment in Myengdong
This is a relatively small but clean and airy studio apartment near Chungmuro subway station. See availability here!
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