L7 Hongdae: where to stay in Seoul for a trendy, central base. Looking for the perfect place to stay in Seoul? Read on for my recommendation for a stylish, well-located base.
Seoul is a destination that had been on my bucket list for years, and after reading Pachinko by Min Jin Lee I decided that I finally had to actually visit! Like any big city, the most important consideration in choosing accommodation is location. You can save yourself hours of stress and hassle (and also money!) by picking digs in the right spot.
After doing a bit of research, I figured Hongdae was the best area to base myself. It’s pretty central, has great metro connections, and a fun, lively vibe — ideal for grabbing dinner or a drink and being able to walk back without stressing about late-night transport.
A hotel that really stood out to me was L7 Hongdae by LOTTE. Located right in the heart of Hongdae—Seoul’s creative, youthful, and electric neighbourhood—this boutique hotel offers more than just a place to sleep. With chic design, panoramic rooftop views, and a location surrounded by street art, cafes, fashion, and live music, L7 Hongdae is the perfect base for travellers who want to experience the vibrant pulse of Seoul without compromising on comfort or style.
Location: Right in the Middle of It All
Located just steps away from Hongik University Station (Exit 1), you’re right in the middle of everything. This also makes L7 Hongdae incredibly easy to reach from the airport – there’s a direct airport railroad metro (blue line) from Incheon Airport to Hongik Univ. (Or, if you’re feeling fancy – just arrange a Welcome Pickups transfer in advance instead – perfect for late night arrivals).
To summarise, from here you can easily:
- Catch the AREX train direct from Incheon Airport
- Explore Hongdae’s street performances and markets
- Take short metro/subway rides to Myeongdong, Insadong, or Gangnam
And don’t fret – yes this hotel is in a busy area – but thanks to great soundproofing, you’ll sleep well too.
Need some advice on what to see in Seoul? Check out my How to Spend 3 Days in Seoul South Korea: Epic Itinerary.
Rooms: Sleek, Minimalist, and Comfy
L7 Hongdae’s rooms are a great example of Korean minimalism done right—clean lines and clever layouts. But pops of colour keep it fun. Think Scandinavian-meets-urban-loft. The beds are incredibly comfortable, and there are thoughtful design touches like full-length mirrors, plenty of charging points, and quality lighting.
Room types include:
- Standard Double/Twin
- Superior or Deluxe
- Family Twin (great for small groups)
- Suites with added space and panoramic views
Bathrooms are modern and well-equipped, often with walk-in rainfall showers, high-end toiletries, and high-tech toilets.
Highlights & Amenities
While the rooms are great, the real magic of L7 Hongdae lies in its shared spaces and lifestyle-focused amenities:
Rooftop Pool & Bar
The rooftop is a standout. With its seasonal pool, sun loungers, and panoramic views over the Seoul skyline, it’s a gorgeous spot to unwind with a cocktail after a day of exploring.
Trendy Lobby with Co-Working Vibes
The lobby doubles as a café-bar and relaxed workspace. It has the feel of a hip co-working space, complete with curated playlists and local artwork.
Self-Laundry, Luggage Storage, & Convenience
L7 caters to travellers with practical touches too: laundry facilities, secure luggage storage, and even a convenience store right downstairs.
Dining & Drinking
There’s an Italian bistro called “The Place” on-site. But I gave this a miss as L7 Hongdae is surrounded by an endless choice of food—Korean BBQ joints, fried chicken pubs, vegan cafés, bubble tea spots you name it—and I was more excited about trying real Korean food!
The hotel’s rooftop bar, Floating, offers drinks and light bites with a stunning view—ideal for sunset Instagram shots.
Who It’s Best For
L7 Hongdae is ideal for:
- Solo travellers & digital nomads who want stylish comfort and social spaces
- Couples looking for a romantic, urban getaway
- Friends or small groups who want to experience Seoul’s nightlife
- Creative souls drawn to street art, music, and subculture
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Perfect location near the metro/subway and restaurants/nightlife
- Stylish, clean, and modern design
- Rooftop pool and panoramic views
- Soundproofed rooms despite busy area
- Great for first-time visitors and long stays alike
Cons:
- Rooftop pool is seasonal (closed in colder months) and you need to pay extra to use it (a tad stingy if you ask me but hey – it’s the middle of a busy expensive city!)
- Some rooms may feel compact (standard in Seoul)
Final Thoughts: Is L7 Hongdae Worth It?
Absolutely. If you want a stylish, modern hotel in the most youthful and energetic part of Seoul, L7 Hongdae hits all the right notes. It’s well-priced for the location and quality, and it offers just the right mix of design, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re heading to Seoul for the first time or you’re a regular visitor looking to try a new neighbourhood, L7 Hongdae is a top pick.
👉 Book your stay at L7 Hongdae.
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