If you are weighing a stay at a Nine Tree by Parnas property in central Seoul, the choice often comes down to two addresses: the original Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong 1 and its larger sibling, Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2. This article pulls together verified guest scores, location data, and the hotel’s recent acquisition history to help you decide which fits your trip. We have analysed reviews from Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and travel blogs to give you a data-grounded look at what the original Myeongdong property delivers.

Last checked: 2026-06-02

Brand: Nine Tree by Parnas · Number of properties in Myeongdong: 2 · Year acquired by CDL (Singapore): 2023 · Acquisition price: USD 107 million · Rooms at Myeongdong 1: 144 · Walking time to Myeongdong Cathedral (from Myeongdong 2): 7 minutes

Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong at a glance

1 Category & location

• 3-star hotel in central Seoul, Myeongdong district (The Wayfaring Soul)

2 Transport access

• One-minute walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 8 (Subway Line 4) (The Wayfaring Soul)
• Close to airport limousine bus stop (TripAdvisor)

3 Guest ratings

• Aggregated guest score: 8.4/10 on Booking.com (Booking.com)

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Nine Tree by Parnas
Number of properties in Myeongdong	2
Year acquired by CDL (Singapore)	2023
Acquisition price	USD 107 million
Rooms at Myeongdong 1	144
Walking time to Myeongdong Cathedral (from Myeongdong 2)	7 minutes
Distance to Myeongdong shopping district (from Myeongdong 1)	0.8 miles

Is Nine Tree Myeongdong a good value hotel?

Guest feedback on value is split between those who prioritise location over amenities and those who expect more for the price. On Booking.com, the property holds a solid 8.4/10 overall, and many recent reviews describe the rooms as clean and well‑sized for the mid‑range bracket. A video review on YouTube awarded the hotel a perfect 10/10 for value for money, while giving location 7/10, cleanliness 7/10 and service 9/10 (YouTube – hotel review).

Pricing varies by season and platform. One detailed blog stay noted a standard double room cost around US$80 per night including taxes, without breakfast. Meanwhile, Agoda frames the hotel as offering “exceptional value” with an average price of about US$152, which sits slightly above Seoul’s average hotel room price of US$134.

The trade-off: the hotel lacks a pool, fitness centre, and on‑site business facilities — amenities that some similarly priced hotels in Seoul include. If those extras matter to you, the value equation weakens. But for travellers whose priority is being steps from Myeongdong shopping and subway access, the nightly rate stacks up well.

Value for money rating from guest reviews

Three independent review sources converge on a similar message: location drives the value perception. On TripAdvisor, numerous guests call the hotel “good value for money” relative to its central location and room quality. Booking.com’s aggregated score of 8.4 supports that view. Two reviewers on TripAdvisor specifically noted that the room size was generous for a central Seoul property, which they felt justified the price. One reviewer wrote, “The room was clean, spacious for two people, and the location can’t be beaten.”

Comparison of amenities between Myeongdong 1 and 2

The two properties sit on opposite sides of the amenities spectrum. Myeongdong 1 keeps things simple: no gym, no pool, but free Wi‑Fi, a buffet breakfast (rated 6.4/10 on Booking.com), and the on‑site restaurant Bonappetit. Myeongdong 2 (the Premier brand) adds a fitness centre, business centre, and about 714 square feet of conference space, plus a buffet breakfast at La Matinee. It also has 408 rooms — nearly three times the 144 rooms at Myeongdong 1. Unsurprisingly, nightly rates at Myeongdong 2 tend to run higher; a standard double there often costs around US$100–120 based on Expedia listings, though exact pricing fluctuates.

If amenities like a gym or meeting rooms are non‑negotiable, Myeongdong 2 justifies the premium. For pure location at a lower price point, Myeongdong 1 is the better bet.

What is Nine Tree Myeongdong known for?

Guest reviews consistently highlight three attributes: the prime location, clean rooms, and friendly staff. On Booking.com, cleanliness scores typically run high, and multiple guests praise the staff’s helpfulness. The hotel’s position in the heart of the Myeongdong shopping district means you can walk to major attractions without needing the subway. A YouTube reviewer timed walks to Myeongdong Walking Street at about 4 minutes, Namdaemun Market at 9 minutes, N Seoul Tower cable car at 12 minutes, and Insadong at 17 minutes.

The official website describes Myeongdong as the “Mecca of tour, fashion and culture,” and Nine Tree’s location backs up that claim. The area is packed with Korean restaurants, cafés, and dessert shops, making it a strong base for food tourism as well.

What this means: If your itinerary revolves around central Seoul’s shopping and sightseeing, this hotel’s known strengths directly match your needs. Travelers who prefer quieter neighborhoods may find the area too busy.

Key features: cleanliness, staff friendliness

Reviewers on TripAdvisor frequently mention that rooms are “very clean” and that staff are “friendly and helpful.” A blog reviewer who booked a standard double noted that the bathroom was not tight and appreciated the Japanese‑style toilet. However, the same reviewer flagged that there is no swimming pool or fitness room, which may affect perceived value compared to full‑service hotels. The overall guest score of 8.4 on Booking.com reflects broad satisfaction with the basics.

Prime location near Myeongdong Cathedral and shopping

Myeongdong 1 sits 0.8 miles from the main shopping district, while Myeongdong 2 is a 7‑minute walk from Myeongdong Cathedral. Both properties offer easy access to Seoul’s central landmarks. According to Qantas source data, the walk to the cathedral from Myeongdong 2 is exactly 7 minutes. The shopping district is within a 15‑minute stroll from either property.

Should I stay in Gangnam or Myeongdong?

This is a common dilemma for first‑time Seoul visitors. Myeongdong is the city’s shopping and tourism epicentre: packed with street food stalls, international brands, and easy subway connections. Gangnam, on the other hand, is Seoul’s upscale business district — polished, modern, and known for high‑end shops, nightlife, and a quieter atmosphere.

Transport links exist for both. Myeongdong is served by Subway Line 4, which connects directly to Seoul Station for AREX airport trains. Gangnam is served by Line 2 and the Sinbundang Line, but the airport transfer is less direct. If your trip centres on shopping, street food, and tourist landmarks, Myeongdong wins on convenience. If you prefer a more upscale, quieter neighborhood with business amenities, Gangnam may suit you better.

The implication: Nine Tree’s Myeongdong properties are ideal for travellers who want to be in the thick of it. Gangnam is better suited for business travellers or those seeking a calmer base.

Is Nine Tree Myeongdong near shopping areas?

Yes — both properties are within walking distance of the main Myeongdong shopping district. From Myeongdong 1, the distance is approximately 0.8 miles, a comfortable 10‑ to 15‑minute walk. Myeongdong 2 is slightly closer to Myeongdong Cathedral and the southern end of the shopping strip. The Myeongdong night market, famous for street food and cosmetics stalls, is also within walking distance from either hotel.

The hotel’s TripAdvisor listing features multiple reviews praising the “excellent location” that puts shopping literally at your doorstep. One reviewer noted, “You can step out and immediately be in the middle of the action.”

Why this matters: For shopping‑focused travelers, the proximity alone can justify the room rate. You save time and taxi fares, and you can easily return to your room to drop off purchases.

Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong 1 – Key specifications

Feature	Details
Star rating	3‑star
Number of rooms	144
Room types	Double, twin, triple, single, family
Check‑in / Check‑out	15:00 / 12:00
Wi‑Fi	Free in‑room
On‑site dining	Bonappetit (buffet breakfast)
Gym / Pool	Not available
Nearest subway	Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 8

Pros and cons of Nine Tree Myeongdong 1

Location and getting to Nine Tree Myeongdong

The hotel is located at 36 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, within the Myeongdong shopping district. From Incheon International Airport, take the AREX express train to Seoul Station, then transfer to Subway Line 4 and ride two stops to Myeongdong Station. Exit 8 brings you within a one‑minute walk to the hotel. Airport limousine buses also stop near the property, a convenience frequently noted on TripAdvisor.

If you are arriving via Gimpo Airport, take the AREX to Seoul Station and transfer to Line 4. The total journey from Incheon is roughly 70–90 minutes depending on your train choice.

Alternative: Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2

If Myeongdong 1’s lack of amenities gives you pause, the Premier sibling offers a fuller package. With 408 rooms, a fitness centre, business centre, and 714 square feet of conference space, it caters to a more diverse traveller base. Its location near Myeongdong Cathedral means a 7‑minute walk to the cathedral and a slightly longer walk to the main shopping strip — still very central.

Guest reviews on Hotels.com emphasise the excellent location, easy subway access, comfortable beds, and strong Wi‑Fi. Standard double rooms are described as “very clean” and “relatively big for central Seoul.” However, nightly rates typically start higher than at Myeongdong 1. For travellers who prioritise amenities over the absolute lowest price, Myeongdong 2 is a sensible upgrade.

The catch: the Premier property lacks a pool too, so if that’s a deal‑breaker, you might need to look beyond the Nine Tree brand entirely.

Timeline: Nine Tree brand and Myeongdong 1

• ~2010s – Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong opens as part of the Nine Tree collection under Parnas Hotel Company.
• 2023 – CDL (Singapore) acquires the Nine Tree brand including both Myeongdong properties for USD 107 million.
• 2025 – The hotel continues to operate as a 3‑star property with consistent guest scores around 8.4/10 on Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nine Tree Myeongdong 2 a good value hotel?

Myeongdong 2 (Premier) offers more amenities — gym, business centre, larger rooms — but at a higher price point. Many guests on Hotels.com and TripAdvisor consider it good value for the location and comfort, especially for travellers who need business facilities or prefer a newer building.

How many rooms does Nine Tree Myeongdong 1 have?

Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong 1 has 144 rooms, covering double, twin, triple, single, and family configurations. (Booking.com)

What is the difference between Nine Tree Myeongdong 1 and 2?

Myeongdong 1 is a smaller 3‑star property (144 rooms) with basic amenities — no gym or pool. Myeongdong 2 is a Premier brand with 408 rooms, a fitness centre, business centre, and conference space. Myeongdong 2 generally costs more but offers a wider range of facilities.

Is Nine Tree a luxury hotel brand?

No. Nine Tree by Parnas is positioned as a mid‑range, business‑friendly hotel brand. The Myeongdong 1 property is a 3‑star hotel; the Premier Myeongdong 2 is a 4‑star equivalent. Neither competes in the luxury segment.

What is the best way to get to Nine Tree Myeongdong?

From Incheon Airport, take AREX to Seoul Station, transfer to Subway Line 4, and alight at Myeongdong Station (Exit 8). The hotel is a one‑minute walk from the exit. Airport limousine buses also serve the area. (The Wayfaring Soul)

Does Nine Tree Myeongdong offer free WiFi?

Yes, free WiFi is available in all rooms, as confirmed by multiple booking platforms including Booking.com and Agoda.

Is Nine Tree Myeongdong close to public transportation?

Yes. Myeongdong Station (Line 4) is less than a two‑minute walk from Myeongdong 1. Bus stops for city and airport routes are also nearby.

Sources cited

• TripAdvisor – Nine Tree Myeongdong II
• Expedia – Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2
• Hotels.com – Nine Tree Premier Myeongdong 2