We are planning our first trip to Seoul for next March, and are getting a feeling that everything is really spread out? Which area would be the most centrally located to be in the city, we will be going to Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung and doing the DMZ tour, and possibly hike in the mountains in the city. We will have about 3 full days.

Thanks

Yes, Seoul is HUGE!!!

Since your interests include Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, you might want to consider the district of the city that is called Jongno-Gu on booking.com

I stayed in that area recently and found it very convenient for my purposes. I was within walking distance (by which I mean up to a kilometer or so, and often MUCH closer) of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Jongmyo, Jogyesa, Insadong, and Bukchon. I was also close enough to Cheonggyecheon Stream to walk there. AND I was within easy walking distance of three different subway lines (1, 3, and 5). AND the airport bus stops right at the Changdeokgung gate. Couldn't have been better for my purposes!

I'm sure convenience varies depending on where, exactly, you are within this area, though, so do be sure to check that out!

We've been very happy with the Koreana Hotel, and have found good, if sporadic, rates (under $100) on hotels.com
http://www.hotels.com/ho122144/korea...l-south-korea/

Very centrally located, you'd be neighbors with the American Embassy and many of the sites listed above by kja. Good luck with your trip planning.

Proximity to Jongno-3 is key. The intersection of two important subway lines. You can go to so many places without transfering, which can be very tiring and time consuming with many staircases and turning down long corridors.

I have also chosen Jongno-3 for my first visit.