If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Seoul for a reasonable price, Myeongdong is the place for you. There are dozens of hotels in Myeongdong that offer a comfortable night’s sleep at prices that won’t break the bank. Myeongdong is a melting pot of Korean and foreign culture and one of the best places for travellers to Seoul looking for an all-round Korean experience.
When I visit Seoul, I almost always stay in Myeongdong due to its convenience – there are lots of connections to the rest of Seoul. It’s also one of Seoul’s special tourists districts that allows rooftop bars, offering up beautiful views of the N Seoul Tower. There’s bustling street markets, delicious street food, shopping, and some of Seoul’s top sights & attractions.
Staying in Myeongdong is a great option for first-time travellers to Korea. This area caters to tourists and offers money-exchanges with the best rates, souvenirs shops, local goods at bargain prices, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Discover the best hotels in Myeongdong to book your stay in whatever your budget.
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Top 10 Budget Hotels In Myeongdong
Here are ten of the best places to stay in Myeongdong that will offer you a comfortable night’s rest without breaking the bank. I’m very picky when it comes to hotels and spend a long time checking reviews, looking at the options and prices, and finding the best bargains available.
I’ve personally stayed in most of these hotels and feel comfortable recommending them to people looking for good quality budget hotels in Myeongdong. Now I want to share them with you. If you’re looking to travel as a couple, family, or by yourself, these budget hotels in Myeongdong will all be perfect for you.
1: L7 Myeongdong By Lotte ★★★★
My favourite of these hotels in Myeongdong, I’ve stayed in the L7 Myeongdong several times and can definitely recommend it. It’s got a fun modern design with lots of yellowy decorations and modern furnishings. The location of the hotel is definitely one of the main selling points – it’s right outside Myeongdong Station and gives easy access to the best shops and street food in Seoul.
My favourite feature of this hotel has to be the rooftop area, where you’ll find a bar and a foot spa, both of which offering views of central Seoul and the N Seoul Tower. It’s especially nice in summer to sit outside and soak your feet while gazing up at the famous tower with a cold beer or soda. Look down and you’ll see the busy shoppers and commuters rushing around below you.
Amenities:
Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless Internet access, 24-hour front desk, and concierge services.
Dining:
Enjoy a satisfying meal at an exclusive restaurant serving guests of L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge.
Address:
서울 중구 퇴계로 137
Top features:
Location / Staff / Comfort
Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.
Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.
How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.
Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).
Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.
Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.
Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.
How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options.
Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.
Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.
How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.
2: ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun ★★★★
Although this hotel is technically in Namdaemun, this area is a couple of minutes away from Myeongdong and gives you access to all of the areas attractions. The ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun is tucked away in a quieter part of central Seoul, so if you’re looking for a modern budget hotel in the area that’s not as busy outside, this is a great option. I really enjoyed my stay here at this hotel
This hotel is perfect for visiting Deoksugung Palace and travelling to Hongdae from City Hall Station. There are also some nice cafes and bars in the area that are a bit quieter than in central Myeongdong, although it’s only a few minutes from the markets and shops of central Myeongdong. There are a few old restaurants outside the hotel, be sure to check them out for authentic Korean dishes.
Amenities:
There’s an indoor pool and a fitness centre, as well as complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, a banquet hall, 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff.
Dining:
For lunch or dinner, stop by R.ENA, a restaurant that specialises in Italian cuisine. You can also grab snacks at the coffee shop/café.
Address:
서울 중구 세종대로11길 36
Top features:
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3: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong ★★★
The Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong has some great rates for comfortable rooms and is located right in the heart of Myeongdong – perfect for those looking to be in the centre of the action with street food and night markets outside your window. That’s not to say this is a noisy hotel. You’ll get a good night’s sleep thanks in this sleek, modern hotel with comfortable rooms.
Whether you’re looking for a budget room to crash in after a hard day’s exploration of Myeongdong and other parts of Seoul, or a family-friendly room with sofas to lounge in, this large hotel has plenty of room options to suit your taste. Speaking of taste, there’s a nice restaurant in the hotel, as well as a cool bar with floor-to-ceiling windows with views over Seoul at night.
Amenities:
Wi-Fi access, flat screen TVs, tea / coffee makers.
Dining:
Breakfast buffet is available. Restaurant and bar available.
Address:
서울 중구 명동8길 27 엠 플라자
Top features:
Location / Staff / Comfort
4: Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong ★★★
Located in the heart of Myeongdong, just a few steps from Myeongdong Station, the Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong is a clean, comfortable and very affordable hotel that’s perfect for a wide range of travellers looking to explore Myeongdong. This is a perfect option for couples looking for a budget-friendly place to stay in Myeongdong for a weekend or longer.
Like other budget hotels in Myeongdong, this place offers great transportation links and is just two stops from Seoul Station. It’s also very convenient for the Incheon Airport limousine bus. Outside the hotel you’ll find a wide selection of gift stores, including shops selling the famous Honey Butter Almond Friends nuts. Perfect for stocking your suitcases with nice treats to take home.
Amenities:
Complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, TV in common area, a 24-hour front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge.
Dining:
Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the hotel’s coffee shop/café.
Address:
서울 중구 명동10길 51
Top features:
Location / Staff / Cleanliness
5: LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong ★★★★
Lotte Hotels have a strong reputation for comfort and modern conveniences and you can’t go wrong booking one of their hotels. As with the other Lotte hotel on this list, there’s a lovely rooftop area where you can eat and take in the sights of Seoul. This iconic hotel, with the blue bowing man outside, is one of the most popular hotels in Myeongdong and enjoyed by travellers from around the world.
Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong is very close to Euljiro 3 Ga station in the northern part of Myeongdong, away from the busy shopping areas and much closer to Insadong and overlooks the Cheonggyecheon Stream. You’ll find this area more peaceful and closer to the business areas, which is perfect if you want to get away from the crowds and wander along the stream at night.
Amenities:
Includes a health club, rooftop terrace, complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
Dining:
Grab a bite to eat at C’cafe, one of the hotel’s many dining establishments, which include 2 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. Buffet breakfasts are available daily.
Address:
서울 중구 삼일대로 362
Top features:
Location / Cleanliness / Comfort
6: Hotel Midcity Myeongdong ★★★
Budget-conscious travellers might want to consider Hotel Midcity Myeongdong, which offers cozy double rooms for very reasonable prices. This is probably the best of these budget hotels in Myeongdong in terms of value for money. It’s located close to Cheonggyecheon Stream and City Hall and is a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, making it perfect for sightseeing.
Although this is a budget-friendly Myeongdong Hotel, you can still expect to have a comfortable night’s stay and enjoy your stay in Seoul’s most popular district. The hotel has been highly rated for its cosy beds and you’re sure to have a good night’s rest here.
Amenities:
Includes a fitness centre, rooftop terrace and a garden. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage.
Dining:
Individually-wrapped food options are available through room service.
Address:
서울 중구 다동길 30
Top features:
Location / Value for Money / Comfort
7: Philstay Myeongdong Station ★★
Another great budget hotel option for those looking for a low-cost stay in Myeongdong in a convenient location. This hotel isn’t the most luxurious, but is very reasonably priced, has friendly management, and comes with a free (basic) breakfast. I really enjoyed my stay here in Seoul recently and the owner of the hotel was really chatty, telling me about his world travels.
Philstay Myeongdong Station is popular with couples and families alike and there are a wide range of rooms for both types of travellers. There’s a communal kitchen area where you can make yourself breakfast and chat with other hotel guests. The hotel is really close to Myeongdong Food Street and Myeongdong Cathedral, perfect for late night snacks or early morning church visits.
Amenities:
Includes complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff.
Dining:
Not available within the hotel but plenty of options outside the hotel
Address:
서울 중구 명동8가길 7 프리엠상가 4층
Top features:
Location / Staff / Value for Money
8: Myeongdong Rooftop Hostel ★
Myeongdong Rooftop Hostel is a fun hostel with a great selling point for people who want to see Seoul’s sights – a cool rooftop bar. As you can see from the picture below, the draw of this hotel is definitely the view from the rooftop garden. The area surrounding Myeongdong offers some incredible sights, with mountains to the north and the iconic N Seoul Tower to the south.
This hostel is cheaper than most of the other tall hotels in the area, with double rooms at prices that will please any budget travellers and couples. That gives you more money to spend on snacks and drinks to enjoy whilst taking in the night view. I recommend getting some ramyeon and Korean beer and enjoying them on the rooftop.
Amenities:
Includes designated smoking areas, luggage storage, laundry facilities, and microwaves in a common area.
Dining:
Not available within the hotel but plenty of traditional restaurants and halal restaurants in the streets outside.
Address:
서울 중구 퇴계로20길 47
Top features:
Value for Money / Location / Cleanliness
9: Metro Hotel Myeongdong ★★★
Located in the northern part of Myeongdong, away from the markets and night stalls but close to Euljiro 1-ga subway station, the Metro Hotel is an ideal budget hotel for those looking to stay away from the crowds.However, that doesn’t mean that it’s in an inconvenient location. It’s closer to popular sights, such as the royal palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Jogyesa Temple.
It’s also a few minutes away from the Jonggak Avenue of Youth – a popular place for eating and drinking at night that’s less touristy than the central Myeongdong. If you want to experience more authentic Korean night life and dining options, definitely check out this area.
Amenities:
Includes a fitness centre, terrace, complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and express check-out.
Dining:
Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the hotel’s 2 coffee shops/cafés. Buffet breakfasts are available daily.
Address:
서울 중구 명동9가길 14 메트로호텔
Top features:
Location / Comfort / Cleanliness
10: Crown Park Hotel Seoul ★★★★
The Crown Park Hotel is a large hotel situated close to the Lotte Department Store, Seoul City Hall, and Deoksugung Palace. This hotel strikes a good balance between being a budget friendly hotel and offering a premium service and is perfect for shopping lovers. You’ll find large, comfortable beds to rest on after shopping in this classic looking hotel that has lots of beautiful wood panelling.
Close to the airport limousine bus stop, markets, and department stores, this is a great budget hotel in Myeongdong for those looking to spend less on accommodation and more on shopping. You can even buy extra suitcases nearby for some of the lowest prices in town.
Amenities:
Includes a fitness centre, wireless Internet access, concierge services, and complimentary newspapers.
Dining:
Enjoy a meal at The Park Dining or snacks in the hotel’s coffee shop/café.
Address:
서울 중구 남대문로7길 19
Top features:
Location / Staff / Comfort
A Note About Booking Hotels In Myeongdong
I’ve used Agoda and Klook for prices. Other good hotel booking sites for Seoul and Korea include Hotels.com, and Booking.com. If you want to find the best prices, it’s worth taking a bit of time to check each of these sites and compare their prices.
I haven’t included the price of each hotel in this article as prices can vary a lot depending on the day of the week you’re booking, as well as the time of year. October in Korea is peak travel to see autumn leaves and March / April are peak travel months to see cherry blossoms.
Traveller’s Guide To Myeongdong
There are not only lots of budget hotels in Myeongdong, there are also lots of cheap eats, discounted goods, and cheap (or even free) attractions to explore. If you’re not sure what there is to do in Myeongdong, here’s a quick guide to what to see, do, and eat in the area.
What To See In Myeongdong
Although not technically in Myeongdong, you can’t help but notice the colourful N Seoul Tower looking over the area from nearby Namsan Mountain.
Myeongdong is the best place to be if you want to visit this romantic lookout point that offers incredible views of Seoul in all directions.
To get to the N Seoul Tower, take the Namsan Cable Car or walk (it’s not really that far). You can get there by heading up the path behind Myeongdong Station.
You’ll also see Zaemiro Street in the same area, a special area dedicated to Korea’s comic and cartoon industry. Watch as you walk through the area and try to notice famous Korean characters, including Pororo the Penguin and Red & Yellow Larva.
Visit Myeongdong Street Food Street and sample all the delicious snacks on offer. In the middle of this street, you’ll also see the Myeongdong Theatre. East of the street food street is the Myeongdong Cathedral, a gothic cathedral designed by French missionaries to Korea in the 19th Century.
Myeongdong is primarily known for shopping, staying, and eating, however, there are many sights nearby. Here are some of the attractions close to Myeongdong:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Jogyesa Temple
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Namdaemun Market
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Deoksugung Palace
- Namsangol Hanok Village
There’s a lot more than this to see, of course. These are just some of the highlights of central Seoul.
What To Do In Myeongdong
Myeongdong is known for one thing above all else – shopping.
There are a wide range of shops selling all kinds of goods, from luxury brands in department stores (and fakes in the street markets), to discounted Korean cosmetics, K-pop goods, clothing, souvenirs, and everything else.
Explore Myeongdong’s street markets or the busy Namdaemun Market (right next to Myeongdong) at all hours of the day, with shops open late into the night.
If you don’t want to shop, there’s also the Seoul Global Culture Centre to visit, where you can learn about Korean culture and try on Korean hanbok for free.
What To Eat In Myeongdong
The other attraction in Myeongdong is food.
There are a lot of chimaek (chicken and beer) and samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) restaurants to check out that have given millions of tourists their first unforgettable taste of Korean dining.
Koreans love to spend the evenings chatting and enjoying coffee and cake together, which is why you’ll find so many cafes in Myeongdong (and everywhere in Korea).
Check out the Korean desserts on offer, especially if you’re visiting in summer when you can enjoy one of Korea’s best treats – bingsu (shaved ice dessert).
Of course, the best options are outside. That’s where you’ll find Myeongdong’s iconic street food. There’s a whole street dedicated to food stalls in the heart of Myeongdong.
Try a variety of authentic Korean snacks, such as tteok-bokki, hotteok, and gyeran-ppang, as well as more modern treats such as tornado potato and cheesy lobster tails. If you want more inspiration for what to eat, check out my guide to the best traditional Korean dishes that you won’t want to miss.
Not sure where to eat? Why not book a meal at Myeongdong-jeong and try an authentic Korean meal with a range of mouthwatering main dishes and dozens of banchan (Korean side dishes).
Other Neighbourhoods To Stay In Seoul
Not sure if Myeongdong is right for you? If you’re looking for a fun neighbourhood packed with exciting things to do, live performances, and amazing restaurants, be sure to visit Hongdae.
If you’ve visited Korea before, or want to check out Korea’s designer clothes stores & upmarket restaurants, then Gangnam would probably suit you more (guide coming soon).
Learn more: If you want to know more about Seoul’s best districts and figure out where the best place to stay for your trip to Korea, then check out my detailed guide about where to stay in Seoul. It’s packed with useful info about each neighbourhood, hotel recommendations for different budgets, and tips about booking accommodation in Seoul.
Learn More About Seoul
If you want to find out more about what to do, see, and explore in Seoul, then check out some of my other articles about Korea’s capital. Find out the 25 best free activities in Seoul, how the Discover Seoul Pass can save you a whole load of money on premium attractions in the city, and Seoul’s indoor activities where you can escape the weather.
If this is your first time in Seoul or Korea, I’d recommend getting a T-Money Card to help with transportation and paying for items in shops. It’s an essential accessory that works across Korea. Also check out my articles about where to stay in Seoul and my review of the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square.
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