StayAreasMyeongdong or Hongdae: where should you stay in Seoul?
- Hongdae is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $95 a night, against $120 in Myeongdong.
- Myeongdong is closer to 10 of the 12 big sights we timed; Hongdae wins on 1.
- Hongdae has more nightlife.
- Myeongdong has an easier time with kids.
- From Incheon International Airport, Hongdae is quicker: 50 min against 60 min.
MyeongdongShopping, street food & airport busesPick Myeongdong if
- First-time visitors
- Shoppers
- Families who want everything close
HongdaeLive music, clubs & student lifePick Hongdae if
- Nightlife lovers
- Young and budget travellers
- Music fans
Myeongdong vs Hongdae, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Myeongdong | Hongdae |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $65 | $45 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $120 | $95 (better) |
| Luxury double | $290 | $200 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To City Hall | 5 min (better) | 25 min |
| Myeongdong Cathedral | 9 min walk (better) | 24 min |
| Dongdaemun Design Plaza | 14 min (better) | 24 min |
| Gyeongbokgung | 15 min (better) | 23 min |
| Jogyesa | 17 min (better) | 24 min |
| Gwangjang Market | 17 min (better) | 26 min |
| Namdaemun Market | 18 min walk (better) | 22 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Incheon International Airport | 60 min | 50 min (better) |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Very good (better) | Limited |
| Nightlife | Good | Excellent (better) |
| Quiet at night | Limited | Limited |
| Food | Very good | Very good |
| Families | Very good (better) | Limited |
| Transport | Excellent | Excellent |
Hotels in Myeongdong and Hongdae
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Myeongdong or Hongdae: questions
Is Myeongdong or Hongdae better to stay in?
Hongdae is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $95 a night, against $120 in Myeongdong. Myeongdong is closer to 10 of the 12 big sights we timed; Hongdae wins on 1. Hongdae has more nightlife. Myeongdong has an easier time with kids. From Incheon International Airport, Hongdae is quicker: 50 min against 60 min. Myeongdong suits first-time visitors and shoppers; Hongdae suits nightlife lovers and young and budget travellers.
Which is cheaper, Myeongdong or Hongdae?
Typical doubles in Myeongdong: $65 budget, $120 mid-range, $290 luxury. In Hongdae: $45, $95 and $200. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Myeongdong or Hongdae?
Door to door: Myeongdong Cathedral is 9 min walk from Myeongdong and 24 min from Hongdae; Dongdaemun Design Plaza is 14 min from Myeongdong and 24 min from Hongdae; Gyeongbokgung is 15 min from Myeongdong and 23 min from Hongdae; Jogyesa is 17 min from Myeongdong and 24 min from Hongdae.
How far is Incheon International Airport from Myeongdong and Hongdae?
60 min to Myeongdong and 50 min to Hongdae, door to door by public transport.