The best hotels in Seoul
Seoul has 25 million people and hotel options to match. The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel. Here is where to actually stay.
Our Top Picks in Seoul
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam
Gangnam, Seoul
Free cancellation & Pay later
Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
Myeongdong, Seoul
Free cancellation & Pay later
Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport
Gangseo, Seoul
Free cancellation & Pay later
Banyan Tree Club and Spa Seoul
Jangchung, Seoul
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam | Gangnam, Seoul | $55–85/night | 8.1/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | K-Guesthouse Insadong | Insadong, Seoul | $65–95/night | 8.3/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 3 | Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong | Myeongdong, Seoul | $105–155/night | 8.4/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | Glad Mapo | Mapo, Seoul | $115–165/night | 8.5/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport | Gangseo, Seoul | $120–175/night | 8.2/10 | Business Pick |
| 6 | Ryse Hotel Seoul | Hongdae, Seoul | $145–210/night | 8.7/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Banyan Tree Club and Spa Seoul | Jangchung, Seoul | $175–240/night | 9/10 | Top Rated |
| 8 | L7 Hongdae by Lotte | Hongdae, Seoul | $155–220/night | 8.6/10 | Best Value |
| 9 | The Shilla Seoul | Jangchung, Seoul | $320–550/night | 9.2/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Park Hyatt Seoul | Gangnam, Seoul | $380–650/night | 9.3/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam
This Japanese chain hotel delivers reliable cleanliness at a low price point in Gangnam. It sits a short walk from Gangnam Station, making subway access across the city very easy. Rooms are compact but well-organized with decent bedding. The public bath on the top floor is a genuine bonus that most guests love. Good option if you just need a clean base without spending much.
Check Availability
K-Guesthouse Insadong
This small guesthouse sits right in the heart of Insadong, one of Seoul's best cultural neighborhoods. The traditional Korean architecture and courtyard give it a character that chain hotels completely lack. Rooms are simple and small, so do not come expecting luxury. Staff are helpful and speak enough English to assist with directions and restaurant tips. The Ssamziegil market is literally around the corner.
Check Availability
Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
The location on the edge of Myeongdong puts you directly in Seoul's most famous shopping and street food district. Rooms are compact but stylishly designed with colorful accents and comfortable beds. Breakfast is included and covers both Korean and Western options reasonably well. Namdaemun Market is a five-minute walk away. A solid mid-range pick for first-time visitors who want to be in the thick of things.
Check Availability
Glad Mapo
Glad Mapo sits near Hongdae, Seoul's university district known for indie music, cafes, and nightlife. The hotel has a modern design with well-sized rooms and a rooftop terrace that gets busy on weekends. It attracts a younger crowd and has a lively atmosphere in the lobby bar. The subway at Mapo Station connects you to the rest of the city in minutes. Book early on weekends since it fills up fast.
Check Availability
Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport
This hotel is connected directly to Gimpo Airport, making it a smart choice for early flights or late arrivals. Rooms are spacious by Seoul standards and very quiet despite the airport proximity. The fitness center and business lounge are both well-maintained. It is a bit far from central Seoul attractions but perfectly placed for domestic travel days. A reliable and stress-free option for business travelers.
Check Availability
Ryse Hotel Seoul
Ryse is a design-forward boutique hotel that stands out strongly in the Hongdae area. Rooms feature curated art installations and premium finishes that feel genuinely thoughtful rather than generic. The rooftop pool bar has excellent views and is one of the better spots in the neighborhood for an evening drink. It is walking distance from the Hongdae indie street art corridors and clubs. Couples tend to love it here for the aesthetics and atmosphere.
Check Availability
Banyan Tree Club and Spa Seoul
This hotel sits on a hillside near Namsan Tower with sweeping views over central Seoul. Rooms are large and tastefully decorated with strong attention to Korean design elements. The spa is genuinely exceptional and worth booking as a standalone experience. Staff service is consistently praised in guest reviews for being attentive without being intrusive. It is one of the best overall experiences in Seoul before you get into the true luxury tier.
Check Availability
L7 Hongdae by Lotte
L7 Hongdae opened as a lifestyle hotel targeting travelers who want personality alongside comfort. The rooftop terrace has fire pits and city views that attract both guests and local visitors. Rooms are stylish, comfortable, and above average for this price range in Seoul. It is steps from Hongik University Station and close to the main Hongdae pedestrian street. The bar on the ground floor has a good menu and does not feel like a typical hotel bar.
Check Availability
The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla is one of the most respected luxury hotels in South Korea, set within a garden complex at the foot of Namsan. Rooms and suites are extremely spacious with high-end finishes and impeccable housekeeping standards. The outdoor pool area surrounded by manicured gardens feels removed from the busy city just outside. Dining options include both a world-class Korean restaurant and solid international choices. This is the hotel that senior Korean government and business figures use, which tells you everything about the service level.
Check Availability
Park Hyatt Seoul
Park Hyatt Seoul occupies the top floors of a tower on Teheran-ro in Gangnam, giving rooms unobstructed views in most directions. The minimalist interior design is clean and sophisticated without feeling cold. The rooftop pool and bar are among the best in the city and popular even with non-guests on weekends. Service is precise and personalized throughout the stay. If you are spending serious money on accommodation in Seoul, this is one of the two or three hotels that truly justifies it.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Seoul
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Gwanghwamun and the Jongno-gu district are best for first-time Seoul visitors. The Five Grand Palaces, Insadong arts quarter, Gwangjang Market, and the National Museum of Korea are all accessible from here. The Four Seasons Hotel at Gwanghwamun Square and The Shilla on Namsan Mountain are the benchmark luxury addresses in this part of the city. Mid-range and budget hotels cluster along Insadong-gil and near Anguk Station.
Myeongdong in Jung-gu is the best budget base. Two subway lines (Line 2 and 4 at the Euljiro station complex) connect you anywhere. Street food outside the hotel costs KRW 1,500 to 5,000. The 24 Guesthouse Namsan offers the best budget value we found at KRW 45,000 to 95,000 per night.
The Seoul Metro: Your Best Friend
Buy a T-Money card at any GS25 or CU convenience store. Add credit in any amount from KRW 10,000 upward. The card works on metro, bus, and some taxis. A single metro trip costs KRW 1,400 to 1,700. Unlimited transfers within 30 minutes cost nothing extra. The metro runs 5:30am to midnight to 1am depending on the line.
Line 2 is the most useful: it circles central Seoul linking Hongdae, Myeongdong (Euljiro), the Gangnam area at Gangnam Station, and Seoul National University. Line 3 connects Gyeongbokgung, Anguk, and Apgujeong in one run. The Airport Railroad from Seoul Station to Incheon runs every 5 to 10 minutes from 5:20am to 11:40pm.
Eating Well in Seoul on Any Budget
Street food is the best value. Gwangjang Market (Line 1, Jongno 5-ga) has the most authentic traditional food market experience in Seoul, open from 9am daily. The inner sections near the mandu (dumpling) stalls are less touristy than the outer entrances. Budget KRW 15,000 for a full meal covering 3 to 4 different stalls.
For sit-down Korean BBQ, avoid Myeongdong's tourist strip where samgyeopsal costs KRW 25,000 per portion. Walk 10 minutes to the surrounding streets in Jung-gu where the same cut costs KRW 12,000 to 14,000. Mapo-gu near Hongdae and the streets behind Gyeongbokgung in Jongno-gu both have local BBQ restaurants with none of the tourist premium.
The Palace Circuit: Which Ones Are Worth It
Of the Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most restored, worth 2 to 3 hours. Changdeokgung with its Secret Garden (Huwon) is the most beautiful, with 300-year-old trees in the attached woodland garden. Tours of the Huwon run 4 times daily and cost KRW 3,000 extra. The combined palace ticket for KRW 10,000 covers all five palaces and is valid for a month.
Changgyeonggung and Gyeonghuigung are smaller and less visited. Deoksugung in Jung-gu is worth the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11am and 2pm daily except Mondays (free). The stone walls and adjacent Deoksugung-gil cafe street make a pleasant afternoon loop from Myeongdong.
Hongdae and the Western Districts
Hongdae (Hongik University area) is Seoul's youth culture center: indie music venues, street artists, vintage fashion shops, and a club district that runs until dawn on weekends. Staying here via the Airport Railroad means a direct 43-minute connection to Incheon, which is useful for late arrivals or early departures.
The surrounding neighborhoods are excellent for eating. Sinchon has student-priced Korean food. Mapo-gu near the Gyeongui Line Forest Park has good cafes. The Han River Yeouinaru park is 10 minutes by subway and worth an evening walk along the waterfront. The area is significantly less expensive to stay in than Gwanghwamun or Gangnam.
Day Trips Worth Taking from Seoul
The DMZ Tour runs from Seoul and takes 4 to 6 hours. Most tours include the Third Infiltration Tunnel and the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom. Book through reputable operators (Panmunjom Travel Center or Korea DMZ Tours) for about $50 to $80 per person. Advance reservation required, passport mandatory.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is 1 hour from Seoul by subway (Line 1 to Suwon, exit 7) and costs KRW 1,000 entry. The fortress wall circuit is a 5-kilometer walk with good views over the city. The traditional market below has excellent street food. Nami Island (Namiseom) is 2 hours from Seoul Station by Chuncheon-bound train plus a short ferry (KRW 16,000 entry), worth it for autumn foliage in October.
Seoul's best neighborhoods
Seoul spreads across a wide basin bisected by the Han River. The northern districts include the palace quarter around Gwanghwamun, the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, and the commercial hub of Jung-gu. South of the river, Gangnam concentrates luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and the fashion district. Between them, Hongdae and Itaewon offer younger energy and the best nightlife.
Gwanghwamun and Jongno-gu 2 vetted hotels Palaces, history, and Seoul's most iconic square
Palaces, history, and Seoul's most iconic square
This is the historic and political heart of Seoul. Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Blue House (presidential residence), Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong are all within a 20-minute walk of Gwanghwamun Square. The Four Seasons Hotel and The Shilla Seoul are the landmark hotels here.
The atmosphere is more formal than Hongdae or Itaewon. Evening dining is excellent around Samcheong-dong. The metro connects easily to all other neighborhoods via Lines 3 and 5.
Myeongdong and Jung-gu 1 vetted hotel Transit hub with the best budget options and street food
Transit hub with the best budget options and street food
Myeongdong is Seoul's most commercially dense area: K-beauty shops, street food stalls, and international brands on every block. The 24 Guesthouse Namsan and similar budget properties here offer the best value for location in Seoul.
Two major subway interchanges make this the easiest area to navigate from. Namsan Mountain and the surrounding parks are accessible on foot. The area is busy but efficient.
Gangnam and Seocho-gu 1 vetted hotel Luxury, fashion, and Seoul's cosmopolitan south side
Luxury, fashion, and Seoul's cosmopolitan south side
South of the Han River, Gangnam is where wealthy Seoul lives and shops. The Park Hyatt Gangnam, Conrad Seoul, and Grand InterContinental are the anchor hotels. COEX Mall underground and Apgujeong Rodeo Street define the commercial character.
Less culturally interesting for sightseeing but the best Seoul neighborhood for serious shopping and Korean skincare brand flagship stores. The Seolleung Royal Tombs are a surprising green escape in the middle of the district.
Hongdae and Mapo-gu 1 vetted hotel Seoul's youth culture hub with airport rail direct access
Seoul's youth culture hub with airport rail direct access
Hongdae attracts students, creatives, and younger travelers. The club district runs until 5am on weekends. The Airport Railroad at Hongik University Station connects directly to Incheon in 43 minutes for KRW 9,500.
Food is cheaper than the tourist areas. Independent cafes, live music venues, and street artists give the area genuine character. Better suited to younger travelers comfortable with noise.
Itaewon and Yongsan-gu 1 vetted hotel International dining and Seoul's most diverse neighborhood
International dining and Seoul's most diverse neighborhood
Itaewon sits below Namsan Mountain and has historically attracted Seoul's international community: embassies, foreign restaurants, and vintage shops. The Hamilton Hotel is the area's iconic address. The neighborhood recovered from the 2022 crowd crush incident and is active again.
Best for international food options: Ethiopian, American diner, Mexican, and Indian restaurants are all within 5 minutes walk. The surrounding Haebangchon area has a more local character and good rooftop bars.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Seoul.
History and Palaces
Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and the Bukchon Hanok Village are all within a 20-minute walk in Jongno-gu. The palace circuit takes 2 days at a comfortable pace. Insadong has traditional craft shops and tea houses at street level.
Food Culture
Gwangjang Market for traditional Korean market food from KRW 3,000 per dish. Myeongdong street food from 4pm daily. BBQ in Jung-gu from KRW 12,000 per portion. The variety of street and market food in Seoul is unmatched in Northeast Asia.
Budget
The 24 Guesthouse Namsan in Myeongdong at KRW 45,000 to 95,000 is the best budget option we found. Subway rides cost KRW 1,400. Street meals cost KRW 3,000 to 8,000. Seoul is genuinely affordable at the budget level.
Romantic
Samcheong-dong cafe street near Bukchon for afternoon coffee. N Seoul Tower at sunset from Namsan. The Gyeongui Line Forest Park in Hongdae is a tree-lined linear park good for evening walks. Hangang River parks on summer evenings.
Family
Lotte World Adventure indoor theme park in Songpa-gu (KRW 62,000 adults, KRW 44,000 children). The Children's Grand Park in Gwangjin-gu is free entry. Everland near Suwon (90 minutes by bus) is Korea's largest theme park. The National Children's Museum in the National Museum complex is free.
Nightlife
Hongdae has the most concentrated club scene in Korea, with venues like Club FF and Cakeshop open until dawn on weekends. Itaewon's Homo Hill area runs LGBTQ-friendly bars. Gangnam's Club Octagon is the most famous large venue. Entry costs KRW 15,000 to 30,000 depending on night.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Seoul
When to visit Seoul and what to pay.
Spring (Mar-May)
Cherry blossom peaks in late March to mid-April at Yeouido Hangang Park and along the Gyeongbokgung Palace walls. Book hotels 2 months ahead for the first 2 weeks of April. Late April and May after peak blossom has quieter crowds, warmer temperatures, and lower rates. May is often the most pleasant month in Seoul.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
October brings maple foliage to Bukchon, Namsan, and the palace gardens. Clear blue skies are typical and temperatures are comfortable for walking. The Golden Week holiday in early October (Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving) creates domestic travel surges that fill Seoul hotels. Check Korean holiday dates before booking.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold but dry. The palace gardens look stark but dramatic in snow. Indoor attractions like Dongdaemun Design Plaza (open 24 hours) and the National Museum of Korea are warm and excellent. Hotel rates are the lowest of the year except over Christmas. Layer up: Seoul winters average -5 to -10 degrees Celsius on cold nights.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
The monsoon (Jangma) runs from late June through late July with daily heavy rain. August is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35 degrees. The Hangang river parks are very popular on evenings when rain stops. Indoor food hall culture thrives in summer. Rates are moderate but the experience is affected by weather variability.
Booking Tips for Seoul
Insider tips for booking hotels in Seoul.
Get a T-Money card the moment you land
Buy a T-Money card at the Incheon Airport transit desk or any GS25 convenience store. Deposit KRW 5,000, add credit in any amount. The card works on metro, city buses, and some taxis. It costs KRW 500 less per trip than a single-use ticket. Buy at the airport before your first metro journey and reload at any convenience store.
Avoid Myeongdong restaurants in favor of the surrounding streets
The main Myeongdong street has Korean BBQ for KRW 25,000 to 35,000 per portion targeted at tourists. Walk one block east or west to the side streets in Jung-gu and pay KRW 12,000 to 16,000 for the same cut. Street food stalls on Myeongdong-gil itself are good value. It is the sit-down restaurants on the main strip that are overpriced.
Book Changdeokgung Huwon tours in advance
The Secret Garden (Huwon) behind Changdeokgung Palace has limited entry tours 4 times daily in English. Tickets sell out 2 to 3 weeks ahead in spring and autumn. Reserve online via the Cultural Heritage Administration website (tickets.cha.go.kr) and add KRW 3,000 to your palace ticket. The woodland garden in autumn is genuinely one of the most beautiful places in Seoul.
Walk across the Gyeongui Line Forest Park at dusk
The Gyeongui Line Forest Park is a 6-kilometer linear park on a former railway line between Hongdae and the Gyeongui Line tracks. It is best walked from west (Hongdae) to east toward Sinchon around 6pm when cafes and small shops along the path open for the evening. Free, accessible from Hongik University or Sinchon subway stations.
Download Naver Maps, not Google Maps
Google Maps has incomplete Korean transit data and frequently fails to show accurate bus routes and walking times in Seoul. Naver Maps (in Korean) or Kakao Maps (has English option) are significantly more accurate for Seoul navigation. Kakao Maps has English navigation and covers both walking directions and public transit with live arrival times.
Book DMZ tours at least 3 days ahead with passport information ready
The Joint Security Area at Panmunjom requires advance booking and passport registration. Tours depart from central Seoul (usually Gwanghwamun or War Memorial of Korea) at 8am and return by 1pm. The Panmunjom Travel Center and USO Tours are reliable operators charging $50 to $80 per person. The DMZ Imjingak tour (shorter, no JSA) costs around $30.
Hotels in Seoul — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Seoul.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Seoul?
Gwanghwamun for first-timers who want the full Seoul experience: palaces, traditional markets, and Insadong within walking distance. The Four Seasons Hotel is on the square itself. Myeongdong for budget travelers who want maximum transit access (2 subway lines) with shopping and street food immediately outside. Gangnam for luxury seekers who prioritize the upscale side of Seoul near COEX Mall and the fashion district. Avoid staying in Itaewon unless nightlife is your primary goal.
How does the Seoul subway work and which areas are best connected?
The Seoul Metro has 9 main lines plus several suburban lines, totaling over 400 stations. A single ride costs KRW 1,400 to 1,700 (about $1.10 to $1.30). Buy a T-Money card at any convenience store for KRW 5,000 deposit and add credit. Myeongdong connects to Line 4. Gwanghwamun connects to Line 5. Hongdae connects to Lines 2 and 6 plus the Airport Railroad. Gangnam connects to Lines 2, 7, and 9. The subway runs until midnight to 1am.
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
Spring (late March to early May) is peak season for cherry blossoms, particularly along the Yeouido Hangang Park waterfront and around the palaces. Autumn (October to early November) is the second peak with maple foliage and clear skies. Summer (June to August) brings humidity and monsoon rain from late June through July. Winter is cold but manageable with excellent indoor food and shopping. Avoid Golden Week holidays in late April to early May when Korean domestic tourists fill everywhere.
How do I get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) connects Incheon to Seoul Station in 43 minutes for KRW 9,500 (about $7). The regular AREX train stops at several stations including Hongdae and costs KRW 4,150 to 4,950 depending on destination. Takes 56 to 66 minutes. Taxis cost KRW 60,000 to 80,000 to central Seoul and take 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Shuttle buses run to major hotels for KRW 10,000 to 17,000.
What should I eat in Seoul and where?
Gwangjang Market on Jongno-gu Line 1 has the best traditional Korean street food: bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes at KRW 3,000 to 5,000), mayak gimbap (tiny rice rolls), and raw meat bibimbap served at stalls from 9am. Myeongdong's outdoor market has good tteokbokki and fishcake skewers from KRW 2,000. For samgyeopsal (pork belly BBQ), Mapo-gu near Hongdae has local options from KRW 12,000 to 18,000 per portion without the tourist premium.
How much does accommodation cost in Seoul?
Budget guesthouses in Myeongdong or Hongdae run KRW 50,000 to 100,000 per night ($38 to $76). Mid-range hotels in central Seoul cost KRW 120,000 to 250,000 ($90 to $190). Luxury hotels like the Four Seasons at Gwanghwamun or the Park Hyatt in Gangnam start at KRW 420,000 ($320) and go up. The 24 Guesthouse Namsan in Myeongdong at KRW 45,000 to 95,000 is the best-value budget option we found.
Is Seoul safe for solo travelers?
Very safe. Seoul consistently ranks among the safest major cities in Asia. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Solo female travelers report Seoul as one of the most comfortable cities in the region. The late-night metro is busy and well-monitored. Hongdae's club area gets rowdy but not dangerous. The main risk is petty theft in crowded tourist markets. Use standard precautions with bags and phones.
What is the best way to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Arrive before 9am (opening time) on weekdays to beat tour groups. Admission is KRW 3,000 for adults. The Changing of the Royal Guard happens at 10am and 2pm daily except Tuesdays, taking about 20 minutes at the main Gwanghwamun Gate. The palace is largest when explored without a guide, but the National Folk Museum inside the grounds (free entry) has excellent English signage. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the full complex. The Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 is directly outside.
What is Bukchon Hanok Village and is it worth visiting?
Bukchon is a hillside neighborhood of 900 traditional Korean hanok houses between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. It is genuinely beautiful but also a real residential area. Visit on weekdays before 10am and after 3pm to avoid the worst of the tourist crowds. The best viewpoint is at the junction of Gahoe-ro 11-gil, a 10-minute walk from Anguk Station Line 3. Skip it on weekends: it is genuinely unpleasant with the crowd volume.
What is the Gangnam area like for tourists?
Gangnam south of the Han River is Seoul's wealthy commercial district with designer stores along Apgujeong Rodeo Street, the COEX Mall and Aquarium underground complex, and good Korean BBQ restaurants on Nonhyeon-dong streets. It is less culturally interesting than the northern palace district but more polished. The Park Hyatt Seoul here is one of the best hotels in the city. Use COEX as a rainy day option with its aquarium (KRW 29,000), indoor shopping mall, and Starfield Library.
How many days do I need in Seoul?
Four days minimum to cover the main areas without rushing. Day 1: Gwanghwamun, Bukchon, Insadong. Day 2: Myeongdong, Namsan, Itaewon. Day 3: Hongdae, Gyeonghuigung Palace, COEX. Day 4: Gangnam, Han River park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza. A week allows day trips to the DMZ (2.5 hours from Seoul by tour bus), Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (1 hour by subway), or Nami Island (2 hours via Gapyeong Station).
What should I skip in Seoul?
Skip the N Seoul Tower cable car and the tower itself. The tower sits on top of Namsan Mountain and costs KRW 10,000 to 16,000 for a mediocre view that is better seen from rooftop bars in Itaewon for the price of one drink. Skip Lotte World as a theme park unless you have children. Skip the Coex Aquarium unless it is raining. The Han River parks are free and pleasant but Yeouido is worth it mainly during cherry blossom season.