Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea

Haven't book the accommodation yet? or Still not sure where to stay at? Here are lists of Hostels and Hotels in Seoul you can choose from

ASIA

1/29/20265 min read

Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Budget-Friendly Hostels & Affordable Hotels

The first time I visited Seoul, I spent way too much time comparing hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. I was convinced that staying on a budget meant I'd have to sacrifice comfort, cleanliness, or a good location. Thankfully, I couldn't have been more wrong.

What surprised me most was how many affordable places were tucked away in some of Seoul's best neighborhoods. One morning I was wandering through the traditional streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, and by the evening I was exploring the lively cafés and street performers in Hongdae—all without spending a fortune on accommodation.

Over the years, I've realized that the best budget stays aren't always the cheapest ones. They're the places with comfortable beds after a long day of walking, friendly staff who are happy to help, and subway stations just a few minutes away. Sometimes it's a social hostel where you end up chatting with travelers from around the world, and other times it's a quiet hotel that simply feels like home after a busy day of sightseeing.

The good news is that Seoul makes budget travel surprisingly easy. Thanks to its excellent public transportation, you don't need to stay in an expensive luxury hotel to enjoy the city's biggest attractions. Choosing the right neighborhood can save you both time and money, leaving more of your travel budget for things that really matter—like Korean barbecue, street food, shopping, or, if you're anything like me, visiting as many cafés as possible.

To help you decide where to stay, I've rounded up 10 budget-friendly hostels that are perfect for solo travelers and backpackers, along with 10 affordable hotels that offer excellent value for couples, families, and anyone looking for comfort without overspending.


🛌 Top 10 Budget-Friendly Hostels in Seoul

If you're traveling solo or simply want to stretch your budget, hostels are one of the best ways to experience Seoul. Besides saving money, they're also a great place to meet other travelers, swap itinerary ideas, and even find someone to explore the city with. Many hostels in Seoul are surprisingly modern, clean, and located just a short walk from subway stations, making it easy to get around without spending much.

1. H Hostel Itaewon
📍 Location: Yongsan-gu (near Noksapyeong & Itaewon Station)
💰 Price: ~$25–$30/night
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10
🛎️ Highlights: Cozy hostel with rooftop terrace, free breakfast, and social vibe
👉 Book H Hostel Itaewon Now

2. G Guesthouse Itaewon
📍 Location: Yongsan-gu (Itaewon Station area)
💰 Price: ~$20–$25/night
⭐ Rating: 8.7/10
🛎️ Highlights: Friendly staff, shared kitchen, secure lockers, great nightlife access
👉 Book G Guesthouse Itaewon Now

3. Zzzip Guesthouse Hongdae
📍 Location: Mapo-gu (near Hapjeong Station)
💰 Price: ~$20–$28/night
⭐ Rating: 9.7/10
🛎️ Highlights: Spotlessly clean, free breakfast, welcoming hosts
👉 Book Zzzip Guesthouse Hongdae Now

4. Sunnyhill Hostel Hongdae
📍 Location: Mapo-gu (Hongdae area)
💰 Price: ~$15–$25/night
⭐ Rating: 8.0/10
🛎️ Highlights: Shared kitchen, clean rooms, easy access to nightlife
👉 Book Sunnyhill Hostel Hongdae Now

5. Hostel CLEO Seoul Hongdae
📍 Mapo-gu (Hongdae, near exit 3)
💰 ~$18–25/night
⭐ 8.4/10
🛎️ Great location, free breakfast, clean rooms, friendly staff
👉 Book Hostel CLEO Seoul Hongdae Now

6. Seoul Cube Itaewon
📍 Location: Yongsan-gu (Itaewon)
💰 Price: ~$18–$28/night
⭐ Rating: 8.0/10
🛎️ Highlights: Cozy beds, clean rooms, close to nightlife
👉 Book Seoul Cube Itaewon Now

7. Mangrove Dongdaemun
📍 Location: Jung-gu (near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station)
💰 Price: ~$30/night
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10
🛎️ Stylish co-living style, rooftop lounge, cinema room
👉 Book Mangrove Dongdaemun Now

8. Seven Hostel
📍 Location: Seocho-gu, Gangnam (near Express Bus Terminal Station)
💰 Price: ~$25/night
⭐ Rating: 7.9/10
🛎️ Cozy and secure, lounge area, kitchen access
👉 Book Seven Hostel Now

9. Take 1 Guesthouse Hongdae
📍 Location: Mapo-gu (near Hongik Univ Station, Line 2)
💰 Price: ~$15–25/night
⭐ Rating: 8.2/10
🛎️ Highlights: Simple, well-maintained hostel with free Wi‑Fi, air‑conditioning
👉 Book Take 1 Guesthouse Hongdae Now

10. Bunk Backpackers Hongdae
📍 Location: Mapo-gu (near Hongik University Station, Line 2)
💰 Price: ~$18–25/night
⭐ Rating: 9.4/10
🛎️ Highlights: Free breakfast, rooftop terrace, shared kitchen & lounge
👉 Book Bunk Backpackers Hongdae Now

🏨 Top 10 Cozy Yet Affordable Hotels in Seoul

If you prefer a little more privacy, Seoul also has plenty of affordable hotels that offer excellent value. Many include modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and convenient locations close to popular attractions and public transportation. They may not have five-star price tags, but they provide everything you need for a comfortable stay after a full day of exploring the city.

1. Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro
📍 Location: Jung-gu (near Euljiro 3-ga Station)
💰 Price: –$80/night
⭐ Rating: 8.4/10
🛎️ Highlights: Modern hotel with buffet breakfast and great location
👉 Book Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro Now

2. Glue Hotel
📍 Location: Jongno-gu (Anguk Station area)
💰 Price: ~$100/night
⭐ Rating: 8.4/10
🛎️ Highlights: Stylish hotel with cozy lounge and kitchenette options
👉 Book Glue Hotel Now

3. Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station
📍 Location: Seodaemun-gu (near Seoul Station)
💰 Price: ~$120/night
⭐ Rating: 8.1/10
🛎️ Highlights: Clean, modern hotel with transit convenience
👉 Book Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station Now

4. Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong
📍 Location: Jung-gu (Myeongdong area)
💰 Price: ~$130/night
⭐ Rating: 8.8/10
🛎️ Highlights: Rooftop bar, fitness room, excellent location
👉 Book Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2 Now

5. Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae
📍 Location: Mapo-gu (Hongdae)
💰 Price: ~$160/night
⭐ Rating: 8.8/10
🛎️ Highlights: Free breakfast, sleek design, metro convenience
👉 Book Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae

6. Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Namsan
📍 Location: Jung-gu (near Seoul Station)
💰 Price: ~$160/night
⭐️ Rating: 8.3/10
🛎️ Modern rooms, fitness center, excellent transit access
👉 Book Four Points by Sheraton Seoul Now

7. Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
📍 Location: Mapo-gu (Hongdae area)
💰 Price: ~$180/night
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10
🛎️ Highlights: Full amenities, eco-certified, close to nightlife
👉 Book Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae Now

8. Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan
📍 Location: Yongsan-gu (Dragon City)
💰 Price: ~$75/night
⭐ Rating: 8.2/10
🛎️ Highlights: Spacious rooms with river views, close to shopping and transport
👉 Book Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan Now

9. Hotel Icon
📍 Location: Jongno-gu (Bukchon/Anguk area)
💰 Price: ~$80/night
⭐ Rating: 9.0/10
🛎️ Highlights: Modern and sleek near palaces and historic sites
👉 Book Hotel Icon Now

10. Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun
📍 Location: Jongno-gu (Dongdaemun area)
💰 Price: ~$60/night
⭐ Rating: 8.0/10
🛎️ Highlights: Buffet breakfast, comfy rooms, near market
👉 Book Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun Now

Finding the Perfect Place to Stay in Seoul

One thing I've learned after traveling is that where you stay can shape your entire trip. The good news is that in Seoul, you don't need a luxury budget to enjoy a comfortable, convenient, and memorable stay. Whether you choose a lively hostel in Hongdae, a cozy hotel near Myeongdong, or somewhere close to Seoul Station, you'll never be far from great food, exciting neighborhoods, and easy public transportation.

When choosing your accommodation, think about the kind of trip you want to have. If you enjoy meeting other travelers and don't mind shared spaces, a hostel can be a fun and budget-friendly option. If you'd rather come back to your own private room after a long day of sightseeing, one of Seoul's affordable hotels offers excellent comfort without breaking the bank.

At the end of the day, the best place to stay isn't necessarily the most expensive—it's the one that fits your travel style and helps you make the most of your time in the city. After all, you'll probably spend most of your days exploring royal palaces, sampling delicious street food, shopping in lively neighborhoods, or discovering hidden cafés around every corner.

I hope this guide makes planning your Seoul adventure a little easier. No matter which accommodation you choose, you're in for an unforgettable trip to one of Asia's most exciting cities. Happy travels, and enjoy every moment of your time in Seoul!