2 Euljiro 1(il)-ga station
The classic first-trip base: dense with hotels, walkable to palaces, and well served by airport buses.
First-time visitorsShoppingAirport bus access
Hotels in Myeongdong & Euljiro
2 Where to stay
Where to stay in Seoul on Line 2
Staying a short walk from a Line 2 station puts most of Seoul within half an hour. These are the areas we'd pick, and who each one suits.
Quick comparison
| Area | Best for | To Hongdae | To Myeongdong | To Gangnam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong & Euljiro | First-time visitors, Shopping | 12 min | – | 40 min |
| Hongdae | Budget, Nightlife | – | 12 min | 34 min |
| City Hall & Deoksugung | First-time visitors, Palaces and history | 10 min | 2 min | 42 min |
| Dongdaemun | Value, Shopping | 18 min | 6 min | 34 min |
| Seongsu | Cafés and design, Shopping | 30 min | 18 min | 22 min |
| Jamsil | Families, Theme parks | 40 min | 28 min | 12 min |
| Gangnam | Nightlife, Shopping | 34 min | 40 min | – |
| Hapjeong & Mangwon | Cafés, Couples | 2 min | 14 min | 32 min |
| Sinchon | Budget, Students | 2 min | 10 min | 36 min |
Times are approximate rides on Line 2 only.
The areas
2 Hongik Univ. station · also AREX (airport), Gyeongui-Jungang
The best all-round base for younger and budget travellers: lively, good value, and a direct airport train.
BudgetNightlifeAirport train
Hotels in Hongdae
2 City Hall station · also Line 1
A calm, central base for palaces and walking. Less nightlife than Hongdae or Gangnam.
First-time visitorsPalaces and historyQuiet evenings
Hotels in City Hall & Deoksugung
2 Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station · also Line 4, Line 5
Good value with lots of mid-range hotels and three subway lines. A little less polished than Myeongdong.
ValueShoppingTransfers
Hotels in Dongdaemun
2 Seongsu station
A stylish, younger base with a growing number of boutique hotels. Further from the palaces.
Cafés and designShoppingRepeat visitors
Hotels in Seongsu
2 Jamsil station · also Line 8
Great for families and theme-park trips, with luxury towers and good transport. Far from the historic centre.
FamiliesTheme parksLuxury hotels
Hotels in Jamsil
2 Gangnam station · also Sinbundang
Modern, lively and well connected, with plenty of business hotels. A 30-minute ride from the palaces.
NightlifeShoppingBusiness trips
Hotels in Gangnam
2 Hapjeong station · also Line 6
Hongdae's convenience with less noise. Two lines and walkable to the river.
CafésCouplesQuieter Hongdae
Hotels in Hapjeong & Mangwon
2 Sinchon station · also Gyeongui-Jungang
Cheaper and calmer than Hongdae, one stop away. Good for longer stays and language students.
BudgetStudentsLonger stays
Hotels in Sinchon
Our short answer
- First trip, want sights: Myeongdong (Euljiro 1-ga) or City Hall.
- Budget, nightlife, airport train: Hongdae (Hongik Univ.).
- Families and theme parks: Jamsil.
- Cafés and design, repeat visit: Seongsu.
- Modern and lively, business trip: Gangnam.