10 Best Hotels in Myeongdong by Reviews
To build off of my massive where to stay in Seoul guide, I thought I’d dive into the specific neighborhoods to stay in. This one is all about the best hotels in Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s most famous shopping districts!
Truthfully, I don’t pass through Myeongdong too often unless I’m going somewhere specific, like a trendy cafe. I’ve only stayed here once to experience Myeongdong MOM House, which is owned by my favorite Korean singer’s mom. It’s basically a shrine to him with his photo everywhere and his music playing in the cafe on the main level. Incredible if you’re a fan, very confusing if you’ve never heard of him!
Mostly everything you can find here, you can find everywhere else in Seoul and the countryside for better prices. However, my friend pointed out that of all the big districts in the city, it’s the most central, so she winds up going there with visitors even when she doesn’t mean to. So if you’re hoping to do some serious shopping and want to be fairly close to areas like Insadong and the palaces, Myeongdong might just be the perfect place!
Quick Seoul Guide
- Getting in: Don’t spend a ton of money on getting a taxi into Seoul. Just use the subway which is super nice and easy to use from all of the airports, train stations, and bus terminals. If you do need a private transfer, just book ahead.
- Stay in Touch: Korea has the best thing ever – eSIMs! No need to worry about losing your physical SIM card anymore. Just buy here and you’ll be emailed a QR code which will set you up!
- Where to Book Activities: I always like checking Klook or Trazy for the best deals on anything related to tours and day trips in Seoul.
- Getting Around: When it comes to Seoul, you’ll most likely do a combination of subway and walking (so much walking). Under each hotel, I marked the closest subway station and exit.
What’s in Myeongdong?
As far as shopping goes, there’s a lot. I mean, you don’t really need to go with a mission, just get off at one of the Myeongdong subway stops and start walking. The one specific place I can remember going to is to the Stylenanda Pink Hotel. You’re going to find a lot of normal franchises in Myeongdong, not necessarily the random, no-name brand shops you see in Hongdae or Gangnam Station.
There’s also a lot of street food options in Myeongdong, though it’s probably the most money you’ll pay for it vs. other neighborhoods. I did get that fun rose-shaped ice cream here when I was meeting a friend around Myeongdong Cathedral!
One of the nice sightseeing things to do is Cheonggyecheon, a man-made stream. It’s more along the northern edge of the neighborhood, closer to Gwanghwamun than the main shopping areas of Myeongdong.
For some more of what to do specifically, try these tours or activities:
- Nanta Show at Myeongdong Theatre
- All These Food Experiences
- Traditional Sauna Experience
- Hanbok Photoshoot
- Kimchi Making & Ddeokbbokki Class
10 Best-Rated Hotels in Myeongdong
If you decide to stay in Myeongdong, here are the ten best hotels I found. I put some super budget hostel at the bottom if you’re looking for something different!
Photos via Booking
1. Hotel28 Myeongdong $$
- Address: 13, Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-Gu
- Korean Name: 호텔28 명동
Located off Euljiro-1, Exit 5/6, Hotel28 has a super fun, cinema-themed interior. It’s definitely a big luxury pick and with good reason — one of its more detailed touches is that all rooms come with an air purifier. You can also enjoy the rooftop garden, onsite restaurant, and a gallery featuring emerging artists.
Check here for more details here
2. L’Escape Hotel $$
- Location: 67, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu
- Korean Name: 레스케이프 호텔
Of all the best hotels to stay in Myeongdong, L’Escape Hotel has to have the chicest interiors. Designed by Jacques Garcia, they were inspired by the Belle Époque. Rooms are cozy and filled with pieces you’d find in a French chateaux complete with plush velvet seating, Julia B. bedding, and embroidered details. The closest station is Hoehyeon, Exits 6/7.
3. Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower $$
- Location: 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu
- Korean Name: 롯데호텔 서울
Located right above Euljiro(1)ga Station, Lotte Hotel Seoul has two sections – the main tower and the executive tower. The executive tower was newly renovated in 2018 to be one of the most luxurious offerings in the city. There are nearly 300 rooms in this tower ranging from from Premier Standard to Royal Suite and each guests receives VIP treatment from a welcome tea at check-in.
4. Aloft Seoul Myeongdong $$
- Address: 56, Namdaemunro, Jung-gu
- Korean Name: 알로프트 서울 명동
Closest to Myeongdong Station, Exit 5, Aloft Seoul is another luxury pick. Pick between aloft, savvy, urban, and breezy rooms, and enjoy a morning buffet or continental breakfasts. Don’t miss the CO Bigelow toiletries either!
Check here for more details here
5. G2 Hotel Myeongdong $
- Address: 24, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu
- Korean Name: G2호텔
G2 Hotel is a minimally, cleanly designed hotel that offers up the perfect haven in the middle of Seoul. Rooms come with Templespa toiletries as well as a plethora of amenities you can also expect from a Korean hotel. As a bonus they have a gym and rooftop garden that’s open 24 hours. The closest station is Euljiro-3-ga, Exit 12.
6. Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong $
- Location: 36 Samil-daero 10-gil, Jung-gu
- Korean Name: 포 포인츠 바이 쉐라톤 조선 서울 명동
Newly opened in 2020, this is just one of the Four Points by Sheraton Josun locations in the city. Rooms feature a modern design and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a city view of Namsan Tower! Get to Four Points via Euljiro-3ga Station, Exit 12.
7. L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE $
- Address: 137, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu
- Korean Name: L7 명동
With the other two locations in Seoul, L7 Myeongdong is a trendy lifestyle hotel aimed at millennial travelers. I really love the bold, modern design of their rooms – especially with the pops of yellow. If you stay, don’t skip the rooftop bar with its views to Namsan Tower. Closest station is Myeongdong Station, Exit 8 or 9.
8. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong $$
- Address: 27, Myeong-dong 8-gil, Jung-gu
- Korean Name: 솔라리아 니시테츠 호텔 서울 명동
Just three blocks away from Myeongdong Station, Exit 6, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel takes-up the 7th – 22nd floors of the M-Plaza building. As the first overseas branch for the Nishitetsu Hotel group, rooms have a modern yet warm design. One thing I noticed, though I’d have to double check, is that every room seems to have a bathtub – a perk of being a Japanese-owned hotel!
9. Pacific Hotel $
- Address: 2, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu
- Korean Name: 퍼시픽호텔
Close to Myeongdong Station, Exits 2/3, the newly renovated Pacific Hotel is designed with hardwood furniture and wooden floors to create a serene space to come rest after a day of sightseeing. You can also access an indoor pool and spa area.
10. Metro Hotel Myeongdong $$
- Address: 14, Myeongdong 9ga-gil, Jung-gu
- Korean Name:
Right near Euljiro-1-ga, Exit 5/6, Metro Hotel has a bit of history in Seoul! It goes all the way back to 1960 and was the first government-registered tourist hotel. After a huge renovation in 2014, it looks brand new with spacious rooms and clean designs.
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Myeongdong
While Seoul is comparatively inexpensive to hotels in the USA, if you need an even more budget-friendly stay, there are tons of hostels and inexpensive hotels in Myeongdong as well. Here are some:
Have you ever stayed in Myeongdong? Anywhere you’d recommend?
For more Seoul travel, read these posts next:
- First time to Korea:
- Itineraries:
- Seoul Posts:
- Other Neighborhood Hotel Guides: