7 Best Hostels in Seoul, Korea for Solo & Budget Travelers
Looking for an affordable place to stay in Seoul? Take your pick from our list of the best stays and hostels in Seoul, Korea!
On our previous trips to Korea in winter and spring, we stayed in Airbnbs and hotels near MRT stations to save on our overall travel costs. But if you’re a solo traveler, you can even save more if you stay in one of the cheap hostels in Seoul.
To help you out, we compiled this list of budget-friendly Seoul hostels, guest houses, and inns. They are highly rated and strategically located near subways and top attractions.
Note: The Seoul hostel rates here are correct as of publication date. Do check the respective listings as prices may change according to season and travel dates.
Best Seoul hostels and stays in Myeongdong
Myeondong is a famous shopping district and one of the best places to stay in Seoul, especially for first-timers, as everything is within your reach – from Korean street food to skincare products.
1. Philstay Myeongdong Station
Philstay Myeongdong Station is one of the top-rated affordable places to stay in Myeongdong. It has different types of accommodations, from dorms to family rooms. There is also a breakfast corner where you can get your fill of bread, cup noodles, biscuits, and cereals.
This stay is adored for its friendly staff and unbeatable location, right in the heart of the shopping district, where everything is literally within your reach.
*Read more Philstay Myeongdong Station reviews on Tripadvisor.
Address: 7 Myeongdong, 8ga-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Distance from Myeongdong Station: 90m (2-min walk)
Rates: From ₩39,110 (US$28) / night (1 pax in 4-Bed Dorm)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Trip.com
2. STEP INN Myeongdong 1
You’d certainly want to step in at STEP INN Myeongdong 1 with its practical features including a free breakfast.
Though some guests commented on the small rooms, others praised it for its strategic location, friendly staff, and value-for-money.
*Read more STEP INN Myeongdong 1 reviews on Tripadvisor.
Address: 55 Myeongdong-gil, Myeong-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Distance from Myeongdong Station: 350m (5-min walk)
Rates: From ₩15,958 (US$12) / night (1 pax in 6-Bed Dorm)
Book: Agoda; Hostelworld; Booking.com; Trip.com
3. ZaZa Backpackers Hostel
ZaZa Backpackers Hostel is a practical choice for travelers who want to save more while exploring Myeongdong. It offers free breakfast as well as laundry facilities for guests.
This Seoul hostel is consistently complimented for its great location, spotless rooms, and exceptional service, making it a value-for-money stay in the heart of Myeongdong.
*Read more ZaZa Backpackers Hostel reviews on Tripadvisor.
Address: 18-6 Namsan-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Distance from Myeongdong Station: 250m (5-min walk)
Rates: From ₩77,273 (US$56) / night (Double Room good for 2 adults & 1 kid under 1 yr old)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Trip.com
Best stays and hostels in Hongdae, Seoul
Hongdae is a trendy, youthful neighborhood in Seoul where you can find many local shops, cafes, and restaurants frequented mostly by university students. We bought some of our Korean souvenirs here since they’re relatively cheap.
4. ZZZIP GUEST HOUSE in Hongdae
ZZZIP GUEST HOUSE in Hongdae is one of the most respected and well-loved guest houses in Hongdae with its homey atmosphere and incredibly friendly hosts who make sure you feel welcomed.
It’s a great place if you want to interact with fellow travelers and get local insights on the must-try and must-see places here.
*Read more ZZZIP GUEST HOUSE reviews on Tripadvisor.
Address: 366-37 Hapdžong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Distance from Hapjeong Station: 240m (5-min walk)
Rates: From ₩41,364 (US$30) / night (1 pax in 6-Bed Dorm)
Book: Agoda; Hostelworld; Booking.com; Trip.com
5. Hostel CLEO Seoul Hongdae
Hostel CLEO Seoul Hongdae is one of the highly rated hostels in Seoul with its prime location close to public transportation and the local food scene in Hongdae.
Many love the great value for money that this Hongdae hostel offers with its free breakfast snacks like toast and cereal. Plus, you can get tea, coffee, and water anytime.
*Read more Hostel CLEO Seoul Hongdae reviews on Tripadvisor.
Address: 113-1 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Distance from Hongik University Station: 590m (6-min walk)
Rates: From ₩63,948 (US$46) / night (Twin Room good for 2 pax)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Trip.com
Best stays and hostels in Itaewon, Seoul
Stay in Itaewon if you want to experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife scene.
6. H HOSTEL Itaewon
If you stay at H HOSTEL Itaewon, you’ll feel like you are in a classic K-drama scene with its cool rooftop terrace overlooking the charming neighborhood.
It is raved for its relaxing atmosphere and sumptuous breakfast spread fresh from the bakery. You’ll surely love it here like most of its previous guests.
Address: 103-2 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Distance from Itaewon Station: 280m (5-min walk)
Rates: From ₩37,752 (US$27) / night (1 pax in 4-Bed Dorm)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Trip.com
7. G Guesthouse Itaewon
If you’re a huge fan of Itaewon Class (2020), you should definitely stay at G Guesthouse Itaewon as it is a filming location where the characters of Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi first met.
Beyond the its popularity, this guesthouse is truly admired for its outstanding customer service and unmatched location, a stone’s throw away from Itaewon Station.
Do note that you may need to take the stairs as the building is on high ground. So, those with heavy luggage or mobility issues may need to consider this.
*Read more G Guesthouse Itaewon reviews on Tripadvisor.
Address: 14-38 Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Distance from Itaewon Station: 130m (1-min walk)
Rates: From ₩27,028 (US$19) / night (1 pax in 10-Bed Dorm)
Book: Agoda; Hostelworld; Booking.com; Trip.com
So, which of these Seoul hostels and guest houses will be your base in the capital city of Korea?
Plan your solo trip to Seoul! 🇰🇷Essentials:
Accommodation:
Guides & Tours: |