Bukchon hanok heritage house via Airbnb
Seoul has been a growing travel destination for Australians over the last few years. With its curated blend of tradition and modernity, the city is becoming a household name for culture, fashion, technology and entertainment. Similarly, the perfect accommodation in Seoul also blends the contemporary with the traditional, with the best Airbnbs in Seoul offering historical Korean hanoks with modern amenities.
Enjoy the pulsating energy of the hot shopping districts like Gangnam, Hongdae and Myeongdong to experience the best in fashion, entertainment and nightlife, or wander by the ancient palace of Gyeongbokgung or the traditional Hanok villages that capture Seoul’s ancient charm. Seoul’s efficient public transportation system also makes it easy to explore the city. With its vibrant neighbourhoods and the finest restaurants, there’s plenty to do in South Korea’s capital, but where are the best places to stay in Seoul?
Where you stay in Seoul sets the vibe for your whole city experience. Whether you are seeking an authentic experience by staying in a traditional hanok, or want a little more privacy in a contemporary home space, below we have rounded up six of the best Airbnbs Seoul has to offer for your next trip to South Korea.
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Our top Airbnbs in Seoul
- Best for couples: Bukchon hanok retreat
- Best for groups: Bukchon hanok heritage house
- Best for families: Traditional Korean hanok
- Best shopping: Accommodation next to COEX
- Best for dining: Contemporary design house
The best Seoul Airbnbs to book in 2026
Best for group stays
Location: Jongno-gu
Sleeps: Seven
This Airbnb is the one to book for a group seeking an authentic Korean experience on their Seoul visit. Winner of the Seoul Best Stay Award, this private hanok gives guests the opportunity to explore a traditional Korean stay with a modern twist. With three-bedrooms and three-bath, you will be staying in the very centre of Seoul, close to many local attractions and are only a short six-minute walk from Anguk Station. There is also a sauna, jacuzzi, and healing room for meditaiton.
“My family loved staying at this beautiful traditional home. It easily accommodated five adults with space for one more. This stay was walkable to great cafes, close to public transportation and also a number of popular sights. Overall this was a great stay and worth the value,” said one five-star review.
Best for couples
Location: Jongno-gu
Sleeps: Two
This hanok retreat is the sister stay to the Bukchon heritage house. Perfect for couples, this classic homestead offers complete privacy in the heart of the city. This Airbnb has also been used as a filming location for various Korean broadcasts and entertainment programs. With your own meditation tea room, outdoor spa and luxury amenities, disconnect in your own urban refuge after visiting Gyeongbokgung palace, or explore the residential Bukchon Hanok village.
“This hanok stay was a honeymoon treat for my husband and myself and it was so far above and beyond our expectations!” notes one five-star review. “The location offered a quiet retreat from the hustle of Seoul, but the full vibrant life of the city was still just around the corner. Ten out of five stars, absolutely!”
Best for Hongdae’s nightlife and dining scene
Location: Mapo-gu
Sleeps: Four
This unique industrial space offers modern living in one of the most bustling cities. Two bed and two bath, this Airbnb has multiple floors offering spatial living for up to four guests. There are numerous dining and entertainment options near you, such as in the vibrant neighbourhood of Hongdae. Other sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and other historic sites are just a subway or taxi away, offering the opportunity to explore both the arts and entertainment scene as well as Seoul’s enigmatic history.
On the location, previous guests were thrilled by its comfort and convenience. “We love this spacious house tucked away in a quaint and cool area in Hongdae, and at the same time walkable to all the cool spots and amenities,” said one reviewer. Another reviewer said: “The location is relatively quiet, with lots of nice cafes and restaurants. The nearest bus stop is about 5 minutes on foot, and about 10 minutes to the subway. Absolutely no problem. We recommend the place and would love to come again.”
Best for visiting COEX Mall and shopping precincts
Location: Samseong-dong
Sleeps: Eight
For those with an aptitude for shopping, dining and well… shopping, this accommodation is in the perfect location – just minutes from COEX in the city’s most prominent luxury districts. Enjoy breathtaking views of Seoul from the comfort of your bed, and enjoy a movie night in the home theatre in the evenings. You’re also just a five-minute walk from Bongunsa Station, making it easy to get around the city from your stay.
One five-star review described the property as “very spacious and had amazing views of Gangnam! The location was great cause it was just a five-minute walk to a station or bus stop which made it really easy to get around Seoul. The bonus was having Coex two-minutes from the apartment which we ended up visiting a lot to shop and eat.”
Best for families and small groups
Location: Jongno-gu
Sleeps: Four
This beautifully remodelled hanok is a perfect combination of traditional design and modern amenities with exclusive use for up to four guests. Features include a private backyard and hot tub, and 50-inch HDTV for entertainment. Its convenient central location gives you access to the best local restaurants and cafés, and is only a five-minute walk to Anguk Station.
“I wish I could give this place 50 stars. This was such a beautiful space. Everything from the furniture to the decor was so thoughtfully designed and tastefully curated. This place felt like a vacation for our vacation. The host is very responsive and helpful,” said one guest who rated the property five-stars.
Best for visiting cultural landmarks
Location: Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu
Sleeps: Four
This two-storey private hanok stay is designed for couples or small groups, organically crafting a modern abode with traditional heritage architecture. Features include floor heating (ondol-style boiler), a spa-style bathtub, and a 100-inch beam projector with Netflix and YouTube access. Designed as a place to relax in the middle of the city, you’re right in the centre of one of the capital’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods, just steps from cafés and cultural landmarks.
Top-rated by guests from Australia, with 100% of guest rating this home five-stars in the past year, this Hanok has been described as well-equipped with all the modern luxuries. “The place was absolutely beautiful and we were so inspired by the interior design that married the beautiful traditional hanok with modern lines and features. It had everything we needed,” said one review.
Best for romance
Location: Jongno-gu
Sleeps: Two
If you’re up for little relaxation and rejuvenation on your trip to Seoul, this hanok in Jongno-gu has its own bamboo moss garden, hot tub and is in a stunning central location for a romantic getaway for two. This stay is also in close proximity to Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
“This was one of the most beautiful stays we’ve had in all of our Korea trips. The attention to detail, the perfectly curated peace, the host went above and beyond. The space itself was spotless and literally a dream home for those who love quiet, clean, and cozy homes. Everything inside and out of the home was such high quality and the neighbourhood itself was near so many great restaurants and cafes. We will most definitely be back!” said one guest who gave it five-stars.
The best area to stay in Seoul depends on the purpose of your trip. Whether you’re after some luxury shopping, or want to get immediately swept up in the culturally significant sites, there are many beautiful districts to stay, eat, shop and inspire.
If you are after a traditional home stay in one of South Korea’s hanoks, then we recommend staying close to Bukchon Hanok Village, one of the capitals most historical areas. This quiet and residential area will also find yourself within a reasonable distance to Gyeongbokgung Palace via public transport. Most hanoks on Airbnb have been updated with modern technology, but still offer a quiet and private sanctuary to come home to after a long day.
If you want some more vibrant evening activities, Myeongdong – often considered the Times Square of Seoul – is the perfect offering as it has everything from restaurants, tourist attractions and food stalls such as the Myeongdong Night Market. Myeongdong station is often where group tours depart from, offering a convenient central location to embark on your travels. Another central location is Insadong. With its art galleries, teahouses and lesser-known temples, its another great stay to learn about Korean tradition while still being central enough to visit every corner of the city.
For shopping, street food and nightlife, we recommend Hongdae for its youthful edge. Other popular neighbourhoods include Dongdaemun and Gangnam – with the latter being well known as one of the top luxury shopping districts.
To make the most out of your trip, find accommodation that is close to public transport or within a reasonable walking distance from the sites you wish to visit the most. Seoul has an efficient subway system that can make travel easy.
While Seoul has something exciting to offer all year round, the best month to visit is spring (April, May June), and autumn (September, October, November). Often, the summertime can be blistering hot and congested with tourists, while in winter the weather drops considerably and the city can be subjected to dry winds and snow. However, the winter conditions often means that travel can be cheaper, so keep your eye out on the best travel deals that time of year.
In spring, admire the cherry blossoms in Namsan Park or experience the Yeon Deung Hoe Lotus Lantern Festival that occurs in May. In Autumn, witness beautiful foliage, cooler weather, and enjoy the city’s festivities such as the Hanwha Seoul International Fireworks Festival, or travel north to Seoraksan National Park early Autumn to see the leaves change colour.
