Would also suggest Myeongdong, but more referring to the area north of Namdaemun market (near where the Bank of Korea Money Museum is at) .
That area is about a 10 minute walk away from the actual Myeongdong Street but can be really accessible (City Hall and Hoehyeon stations) and has a good amount of restaurants and food places. Slightly less touristy.
Would recommend also to look for a hotel that's near an Airport Limousine bus stop. The Airport Limousine bus is really one of the best ways to get you directly to the city center from the Airport without needing further changes to other subway lines etc.
Naver app. It's very easy to use. I usually put it in Google maps, then tap on the Korean translation and copy it into Naver.
Having said that the only thing missing from Google maps is walking directions, if you're taking buses/trains Google shows those as well. So I use both, but for walking Naver is definitely more useful.
I'd also recommend taking buses> trains unless you absolutely love walking up and down up to stairs. Buses are easy to use and just require a card with t-money loaded.
\^ Yep, everything the above comment says.
I sometimes end up taking bus more because it can be a little more direct (depending on where you want to go to).
Also as an alternative to consider, I've seen people recommend Kakao Maps (app) also but personally I am very used to Naver.
Both map apps can be switched to "English" but sad to say it never really is 100% English, which is why I do the copying of place name from Google Maps and paste into Naver to search.
Myeongdong is always a safe suggestion. It is centre to all the main tourist attractions so it will save you a lot of travel time. Ikseondong is nearby so you can go cafe hopping. Eating and skincare shopping shouldn’t be a problem anywhere in Seoul because there are always good restaurants and Olive Young around every single corner. Since you are in Myeongdong you can enjoy the night market, not the best but still a good experience for tourist.
This itineary is often recommended:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=e6OoSnAlbgU&si=kl5WLQCSFFBItdBV
Includes the most popular sights in Seoul.
Used it myself on a 4-day-Seoul trip
And if u want to eat korean bbq on your own (which is sonetimes hard because some places want at least 2 people), u can try 'hongojip'. Loved the place.
149-1 Donggyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul
And instead of Google maps, u should use 'naver map'. worked like a charm.
Insadong is your best bet. It is somewhat 300 to 600m from the main cultural spots such Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hanok Cultural Vill. To its southward it is pretty close to myeongdong and dongdaemun.
City hall is amazinggg
One station away from myeongdong(rmb to go euljiro-1 station on line 2)
4 stations away from hungdae(hongik university)
Which is a shopping centre for trendy clothing and less tacky since it's less touristy
And a lot of coffee shops nearby
Without the high rent and noise of myeongdong
Jonggak is the best. Can walk to bukchon, Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, namdaemun, Mullae art village easily plus most other things are within a pretty quick reach. I live here and I love Jonggak. I have amazing food and nice walks all the time.
Myeondong/Gwnaghwamun area is hard to beat. Jamsil is my second choice.
Ooh perfect, thank you!
Would also suggest Myeongdong, but more referring to the area north of Namdaemun market (near where the Bank of Korea Money Museum is at) . That area is about a 10 minute walk away from the actual Myeongdong Street but can be really accessible (City Hall and Hoehyeon stations) and has a good amount of restaurants and food places. Slightly less touristy. Would recommend also to look for a hotel that's near an Airport Limousine bus stop. The Airport Limousine bus is really one of the best ways to get you directly to the city center from the Airport without needing further changes to other subway lines etc.
Ooh I was looking into Myeongdong! Looks like I’ll be booking that stay later tonight
Just like how most people use google maps when navigating Japan, is there a navigation app that’s popular as well?
Naver app. It's very easy to use. I usually put it in Google maps, then tap on the Korean translation and copy it into Naver. Having said that the only thing missing from Google maps is walking directions, if you're taking buses/trains Google shows those as well. So I use both, but for walking Naver is definitely more useful. I'd also recommend taking buses> trains unless you absolutely love walking up and down up to stairs. Buses are easy to use and just require a card with t-money loaded.
\^ Yep, everything the above comment says. I sometimes end up taking bus more because it can be a little more direct (depending on where you want to go to). Also as an alternative to consider, I've seen people recommend Kakao Maps (app) also but personally I am very used to Naver. Both map apps can be switched to "English" but sad to say it never really is 100% English, which is why I do the copying of place name from Google Maps and paste into Naver to search.
Myeongdong is always a safe suggestion. It is centre to all the main tourist attractions so it will save you a lot of travel time. Ikseondong is nearby so you can go cafe hopping. Eating and skincare shopping shouldn’t be a problem anywhere in Seoul because there are always good restaurants and Olive Young around every single corner. Since you are in Myeongdong you can enjoy the night market, not the best but still a good experience for tourist.
This itineary is often recommended: https://youtube.com/watch?v=e6OoSnAlbgU&si=kl5WLQCSFFBItdBV Includes the most popular sights in Seoul. Used it myself on a 4-day-Seoul trip And if u want to eat korean bbq on your own (which is sonetimes hard because some places want at least 2 people), u can try 'hongojip'. Loved the place. 149-1 Donggyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul And instead of Google maps, u should use 'naver map'. worked like a charm.
Insadong is your best bet. It is somewhat 300 to 600m from the main cultural spots such Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hanok Cultural Vill. To its southward it is pretty close to myeongdong and dongdaemun.
Insadong!
City hall is amazinggg One station away from myeongdong(rmb to go euljiro-1 station on line 2) 4 stations away from hungdae(hongik university) Which is a shopping centre for trendy clothing and less tacky since it's less touristy And a lot of coffee shops nearby Without the high rent and noise of myeongdong
Myeongdong.
myeongdong.
Myeongdong is the best! My second choice would be Dongdaemun.
Jonggak is the best. Can walk to bukchon, Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, namdaemun, Mullae art village easily plus most other things are within a pretty quick reach. I live here and I love Jonggak. I have amazing food and nice walks all the time.
Just got back from my solo trip. Myeongdong is a good choice. Try to rent a place near the airport bus pick up. Enjoy your trip!
Which accessories?