If you’re a gay traveler planning a trip to Seoul, South Korea, you may be wondering where to stay. Two popular neighborhoods that come to mind are Itaewon and Myeongdong. But which one is better for LGBTQ+ travelers? In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each neighborhood to help you make the best decision for your hotel in Seoul.
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Option 1. Itaewon
Itaewon is known as the “foreigner’s district” of Seoul, with a high concentration of expats and tourists. It’s also known as the most LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood in Seoul, with a thriving gay scene. Here are some of the pros and cons of staying in Itaewon:
Pros
- LGBTQ+ Nightlife: Itaewon has a bustling gay nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs catering to LGBTQ+ locals and visitors.
- Diversity: Itaewon is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Seoul, with a mix of cultures and nationalities. This makes for a lively and interesting atmosphere.
- English-Friendly: Many of the businesses in Itaewon cater to English-speaking customers, so you’ll have an easier time navigating the neighborhood if you don’t speak Korean.
- International Cuisine: Itaewon has a wide variety of international restaurants and cafes, catering to many different tastes.
Cons
- Noise: Due to the high concentration of bars and clubs, Itaewon can be quite noisy at night. If you’re a light sleeper, this may be a problem.
- Safety Concerns: While Itaewon is generally safe, there have been reports of crime in the area, particularly at night. It’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. After the tragedy incident in 2022, most of local people stay away from Itaewon since it has left as a trauma to most of Korean younger generation.
- Lack of Korea dining options: Of course there are some Korean restaurants at Itaewon, but there is not many restaurants with long history. Plus, the range of Korean food your can find in Itaewon is somewhat limited.
- Lack of international brand hotel: If you have a royalty membership with international hotel brand, Itaewon only can offer ‘Mondrian Seoul’ by Accor for an option. Grand Hyatt Seoul is not far from Itaewon, but it is not easy to climb up to the hotel on foot.
Hotels in Itaewon
- Hamilton Hotel
- IP Boutique Hotel
- Mondrian Seoul (Accor)
- Not within walking distance
- Grand Hyatt Seoul (Hyatt)
- The Shilla Seoul (LHW)
- The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel (Accor)
- Seoul Dragon City – Novotel, Novotel Suites, Grand Mercure, ibis Styles (Accor)
Option 2. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a popular shopping district in Seoul, known for its high-end boutiques and street food stalls. While it may not have the same reputation for LGBTQ+ friendliness as Itaewon, it’s still a popular destination for gay travelers. Here are some of the pros and cons of staying in Myeongdong:
Pros
- Shopping: Myeongdong is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide variety of high-end boutiques, department stores, and street vendors selling everything from clothing to cosmetics.
- Central Location: Myeongdong is located in the heart of Seoul, making it easy to get to other popular neighborhoods and attractions.
- Korean Culture: Myeongdong is a great place to experience Korean culture, with traditional markets and street food stalls offering a taste of local life.
Cons
- Lack of LGBTQ+ Scene: While Myeongdong is a popular destination for gay travelers, it doesn’t have the same LGBTQ+ nightlife scene as Itaewon. (Jongno is not too far, and walkable distance though)
- Lack of Nightlife Scene: Shops and restaurants at Myeongdong usually close around 10pm, so it would be difficult to grab some drink at Myeongdong. You need to head to Jongno or Itaewon for long lasting nightlife. If you plan to hang out all night away, Myeongdong is not an ideal place to stay.
- Language Barrier: Many of local businesses in Myeongdong cater primarily to Korean-speaking customers, so you may have a harder time communicating if you don’t speak Korean. However, more and more restaurants have English, Chinese and Japanese menu nowadays.
- Tourist Crowds: Unlike Itaewon, Myeongdong can be quite crowded with tourists, which may make it difficult to fully enjoy the area.
Hotels in Myeongdong
- THE PLAZA Seoul, Autograph Collection (Marriott)
- The Westin Josun Seoul (Marriott)
- Aloft Seoul Myeongdong (Marriott)
- Courtyard Seoul Namdaemun (Marriott)
- Moxy Seoul, Myeongdong (Marriott)
- Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong (Marriott)
- Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong (Marriott)
- Hotel 28 Myeongdong (Hyatt)
- ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong (Accor)
- ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong (Accor)
- ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong (Accor)
- and many more local hotels in Myeongdong area!
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the decision of where to stay depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a lively LGBTQ+ nightlife scene and a diverse atmosphere, Itaewon may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re more interested in shopping and experiencing Korean culture, and it is your first visit to Seoul, Myeongdong may be the way.