We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Prices checked on October 25, 2026 for 1 night on Friday, November 20, 2026 (2 adults, USD, before taxes). Rates change daily.
If palaces, hanok alleys and traditional tea houses are why you are going to Seoul, stay in Jongno. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village are all in this historic downtown area, so you can walk to the main sights early before the crowds arrive.
Highly rated hotels here are fewer than in Myeongdong, so this list is short on purpose: 4 stays rated 9.0+ by guests, each within about 700 m of a subway station, starting at $136 a night.
Short on time? Choose GLOCALOCA gwanghwamun for the most reviewed hotel near the palaces, or Half rest hostel Jongno Insa for the lowest price (20% off on the day we checked).
See all Jongno & Gwanghwamun hotels on Agoda →
Jongno & Gwanghwamun hotels rated 9+ at a glance
| Hotel | Guest rating | Reviews | From / night | Breakfast | Nearest station |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLOCALOCA gwanghwamun | 9/10 | 3,552 | $216 | Included | Gwanghwamun Station, about 350 m |
| Stay Ohana | 9.1/10 | 278 | $186 | — | Jongno 3-ga Station, about 680 m |
| 4rest Stay Jongno | 9/10 | 116 | $197 | Included | Jongno 3-ga Station, about 280 m |
| Half rest hostel Jongno Insa | 9/10 | 293 | $136 (-20%) | — | Jongno 3-ga Station, about 390 m |
Distances are straight-line estimates to the nearest station entrance area.
The 4 best Jongno & Gwanghwamun hotels, reviewed by the numbers
1. GLOCALOCA gwanghwamun — Best overall
9/10 from 3,552 guest reviews · 4-star · about 350 m from Gwanghwamun Station
✓ Breakfast included (rate checked) ✓ Free Wi-Fi
Over 3,500 reviews averaging 9.0, about 350 m from Gwanghwamun Station. A strong base for Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area.
From $216 / night
Check today’s price on Agoda →
2. Stay Ohana — Highest rated
9.1/10 from 278 guest reviews · 2-star · about 680 m from Jongno 3-ga Station
✓ Free Wi-Fi
The top guest score in this guide (9.1). A small stay suited to couples and solo travelers exploring Insadong and Jongno on foot.
From $186 / night
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3. 4rest Stay Jongno — Closest to the subway
9/10 from 116 guest reviews · 2-star · about 280 m from Jongno 3-ga Station
✓ Breakfast included (rate checked) ✓ Free Wi-Fi
About 280 m from Jongno 3-ga Station, which is served by three subway lines. Breakfast was included in the rate we checked.
From $197 / night
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4. Half rest hostel Jongno Insa — Best budget
9/10 from 293 guest reviews · 2-star · about 390 m from Jongno 3-ga Station
✓ Free Wi-Fi
The lowest price in this guide and 20% off when we checked. A simple, central option near Insadong for budget travelers.
From $136 / night 20% off on Oct 25
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Not sure yet? Compare more options
These are the top-rated picks, but Agoda lists many more Jongno & Gwanghwamun stays at every budget. Filter by your dates to see live availability.
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Jongno & Gwanghwamun tips before you book
- Visit palaces early: staying nearby lets you reach Gyeongbokgung soon after opening, before tour groups arrive.
- Jongno 3-ga Station is served by three subway lines, which makes it a practical base for getting around the city.
- Hanok stays are popular in this area — if you want one, book early, as rooms are limited.
FAQ
Is Jongno a good area to stay in Seoul?
Yes, if you are interested in history and culture. Palaces, Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village are nearby, and the area is quieter at night than Myeongdong or Hongdae.
Jongno or Myeongdong?
Choose Jongno for palaces and traditional Seoul; choose Myeongdong for shopping and street food. The two areas are close to each other.
How much is a 9+ rated hotel in Jongno?
On the date we checked, 9+ rated stays in this guide started at $136 per night before taxes.
Still deciding between neighborhoods? Search all Seoul hotels on Agoda with your exact dates.
More Seoul neighborhood guides
- Myeongdong hotels rated 9+ — for shopping and street food
- Hongdae & Mapo hotels rated 9+ — for nightlife and a direct airport train
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