If you don't speak Korean, you should have a map of Seoul with you when you travel to this country. Inscriptions in South Korea are not always duplicated, and you may not meet even international English speakers along the way.
To avoid getting lost, keep not only a guidebook handy but also a map of Seoul with hotels. Just in case, take your hotel's business card in Korean so any local cab driver can give you a ride to your hotel.
South Korea's capital is divided into 25 municipal districts (ku). In turn, Seoul's districts are divided into another 522 territorial units.
Tourists are most interested in the districts where the main cultural sights and shopping malls.
If you're not tight on funds and your main requirement for lodging is comfort and first-class service, the answer to the question of which Seoul neighborhood to stay in is, of course, Kangnam-gu. This is the "heart" of the city, its elite and most populous neighborhood.
Fans of active nightlife will appreciate Itaewon, famous for its many nightclubs and pubs. However, this district can be included in the list of dangerous areas of Seoul, due to the large influx of immigrants. In general, however, the capital is calm and safe.
If you're interested in expensive boutiques, visit Myeongdong (a district in central Seoul) or Apkujong. Markets with democratic prices are located in the Dongdaemun and Namdaemun districts (Korea's largest market).
When naming Seoul's best neighborhoods to live in, it's worth mentioning Yoido Island. This is the business center of the capital, which is often compared to Manhattan. Not only business leaders feel comfortable here, but also ordinary citizens relaxing with their families in the local park.
Other neighborhoods worth noting in your guide are Hongdae, famous for its nightlife, youthful Chamsil, ancient Samcheongdong and Insadong, which offers a rich selection of souvenirs.
