Is Yongsan a good place to stay in Seoul?

Yongsan is a practical base if you're catching trains around Korea or want a big, modern hotel between the old centre and the river. Yongsan station has Line 1, the Gyeongui-Jungang Line and KTX trains to the south-west, and Sinyongsan station on Line 4 is a short walk away. It suits families, travellers touring Korea by rail and anyone who wants a good-value room in a large hotel.

The area is built around the station, with the I'Park Mall on top of it and the Dragon City complex next door. The National Museum of Korea and its gardens are a short ride east, the War Memorial of Korea is near Samgakji, and Yongsan Family Park borders the museum. Behind Sinyongsan station, Yongridan-gil has turned old low-rise streets into one of the city's most popular areas for cafés and restaurants.

The downside is that Yongsan doesn't feel like a neighbourhood made for visitors. Around the station it's busy roads, offices and new towers, the palaces are a subway ride north, and in the evenings the choice of bars is small unless you head to Itaewon.

What makes Yongsan worth considering is convenience. The hotels in Dragon City are big and comfortable, the museums are close, Yongridan-gil is great for dinner, and you can step straight onto a fast train when it's time to see the rest of Korea. Rooms here often cost less than similar hotels in Myeongdong or Gangnam.