If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Seoul, Myeongdong will probably be one of the first areas you come across.
It’s one of the most popular areas for first-time visitors, mainly because of its central location, great transport connections and the huge number of restaurants and shops nearby.
At the same time, Myeongdong is extremely touristy. The street food can be more expensive than elsewhere in Seoul, and there are definitely more interesting neighbourhoods if you want to experience a more local side of the city.
So, is Myeongdong actually a good place to stay?
Personally, I think it is. I stayed there on my most recent trip to Seoul and would choose it again, especially if I only had a few days in the city.
I’ve visited Seoul several times over the years and have also stayed in Hongdae and Itaewon. For a short trip, though, I think Myeongdong is just really convenient.
In this post, I’ll go through what it’s actually like to stay in Myeongdong, the main pros and cons, where I stayed, and who I think the area is best suited for.
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Why I Like Staying in Myeongdong
The biggest reason is the location.
Seoul is huge, so you’re always going to spend some time travelling between different areas. But if you only have three or four days, I personally wouldn’t want to make those journeys any longer than necessary.
From Myeongdong, you can easily get to places like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, which are some of the best things to do in Seoul. The famous N Seoul Tower is also nearby.
And then there’s Myeongdong itself.
You have loads of restaurants, cafés, street-food stalls and shops right outside your accommodation. The area is particularly good for Korean skincare and cosmetics, and there are also plenty of beauty clinics around Myeongdong.
I find that really convenient after a full day of sightseeing. I can come back to Myeongdong, get something to eat, walk around the shops for a bit and then head back to my accommodation without needing to get on another metro or bus.
But Isn’t Myeongdong Too Touristy?
It is touristy. Very touristy.
If your priority is staying somewhere that feels particularly local, Myeongdong probably isn’t where I’d tell you to stay.
The area being very touristy also means you can find a lot of shops from popular Korean brands here and do not need to travel far, such as Blue Elephant, Matin Kim, or Double Lovers. And of course plenty of Olive Youngs!
I also wouldn’t say you need to eat all your meals here. Seoul has so many great places to eat, and Myeongdong’s street food isn’t necessarily the cheapest you’ll find.
But personally, I don’t really care that my accommodation is in a touristy area.
I’m going to spend most of the day exploring other parts of Seoul anyway. When choosing where to sleep, convenience matters more to me.
That’s also why I’d choose Myeongdong over some of the areas I actually find more interesting to visit.
Where I Stayed in Myeongdong
On my most recent Seoul trip, I stayed at Philstay Myeongdong Boutique Female, a female-only hostel right in Myeongdong.
The location was probably my favourite thing about it. I was travelling solo and had restaurants, shops, street food and public transport right around me.
It isn’t a particularly social hostel, so I wouldn’t choose it if meeting other travellers is your main priority.
But the beds have curtains and quite a lot of privacy, which I liked. If I travelled to Seoul alone again and wanted somewhere affordable and central, I’d stay here again.
CHECK PRICES FOR PHILSTAY MYEONGDONG BOUTIQUE FEMALE
If you’d rather stay in a hotel, there are also plenty of hotels around Myeongdong.
Myeongdong vs Hongdae
If you’re deciding between Myeongdong and Hongdae, I’d base it mainly on what you want to do in Seoul.
For a first trip focused on sightseeing, I’d choose Myeongdong.
If you’re younger and nightlife is a big part of your trip, I’d choose Hongdae.
Hongdae has a much stronger student atmosphere, with lots of bars, clubs, cafés, and cheaper shops. I used to stay there when I visited Seoul during my exchange semester in Busan, and I still like going back to the area.
But I don’t think I’d stay there now if I only had a few days in Seoul.
If you want to compare Hongdae, Myeongdong and the other options in more detail, have a look at my Best Areas to Stay in Seoul guide.
Who Should Stay in Myeongdong?
I would choose Myeongdong if:
- It’s your first time in Seoul.
- You only have a few days.
- Sightseeing is your main priority.
- You want lots of restaurants and shops nearby.
- You’re interested in Korean skincare or beauty treatments.
- You value convenience more than staying somewhere less touristy.
I probably wouldn’t choose it if nightlife is one of the main reasons you’re visiting Seoul. Hongdae would make more sense for that.
And if I were staying in Seoul for a few weeks rather than a few days, I’d also consider somewhere less touristy where I might get more for my money.
So, Should You Stay in Myeongdong?
For a first trip to Seoul, I think Myeongdong is one of the best places to stay.
It’s not my favourite neighbourhood in Seoul and it’s definitely not the most authentic. But I don’t think it needs to be.
For me, the point of staying in Myeongdong is that it’s easy.
You’re centrally located, public transport is nearby, you have loads of places to eat and shop around you, and you can spend your days exploring other parts of the city as well.
If I were visiting Seoul for three or four days, I’d stay in Myeongdong again.
And if you’ve already decided where you’re staying, my 4-Day Seoul Itinerary can help you plan the rest of your time in Seoul. Or if you want to plan your whole South Korea trip, check out how to spend one week in South Korea, or my 10-Day South Korea itinerary!
Let me know if you have any questions
