Where to stay in South Korea - Myeongdong in Seoul

This

time on my way to Korea, I was sitting next to a guy on the airplane. The guy was looking at hotels on his phone. He looked at me and asked if I was going home or visiting Korea for fun. I told him, it's both. He then asked me another question, "Where should I stay in Seoul?"

 

He acknowledged that it was the last minute thing. Him and his girlfriend are on their way to Thailand for a wedding and had a layover in Korea. They decided to extend the layover to look around Korea for three days before heading to Thailand. 

 

I answered his question by telling him how much my friends loved staying in Myeongdong. I even figured out which exact hotel I stayed at by looking at my Kakao Map app and he decided to stay at the same hotel.

I took this picture early afternoon before the place got crowded and it was super cold day.

But normally, the place is PACKED. 

 

 

There were a few reasons why I suggested Myeongdong to him. 

1. Easy access from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong

2. Tourist area with a bunch of things around 

     -department stores

     -street food

     -touristy things near by

3. Concierge at the hotel spoke English pretty well 

 

 

 

In September 2023, my friends and I stayed at Hotel Myeongdong Skypark Central location. When my friends asked me if we could stay in Myeongdong, I did not like the idea - which I can talk about it later. 

However, it was a good location in the end because it was close to Line 2 (light green) and Line 4 (sky blue) of the subway. In addition, there were bus stops in front of the hotel. The concierges spoke English so my friends were able to ask questions directly to them instead of relying on me (they felt bad for relying on me for everything). 

 

The room was small. I told the guy on the airplane that, but he did not mind too much. I thought that was the smallest hotel room I have ever seen in my life until I went to Japan with my friends right after Korea trip. 

 

 

To get to Myeongdong from the airport. 

• Some hotels have a shuttle bus
• Express subway from the airport to Seoul Station (55 minutes)
• Airport Line subway 
• Taxi

I took the express subway from the airport to the Seoul Station with my friends. It cost twice as much as just regular Airport Line and only 10minutes ish faster. I wouldn't recommend it. 

 

I would recommend buying T Money at the airport with your credit card. This is one time pass though. So when you have the opportunity to purchase T Money, I would buy one and add money in the card. 

 

 

This is the part of the subway in Korea

 

 

 

This is showing the route from the Airport (there are Terminal 1 and 2) to Seoul station to Myeongdong station. 

Not so difficult if you follow the Line (colors). From the airport to Seoul station should take you about an hour. From Seoul station to Myengdong is only about 4 mins. Not too shabby!!!