Seoul is fast becoming one of the world’s most coveted international destinations. A bustling, lively metropolis full of stylish hostels, distinct cultural offerings, and one-of-a-kind attractions –Seoul is a city that cannot be missed.
When it comes to a place to lay your head, the city is spoiled for choice for accommodations that are also some of the world’s top-rated and best-designed. Beyond a cheap place to sleep, Seoul offers expertly-curated spaces that are crafted to inspire your travels and make your experience all the more worthwhile.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most budget-friendly, affordable, yet unique and top-rated hostels Seoul has to offer. Enjoy!
1. Comet GuestHouse Itaewon
Comet Guesthouse Itaewon is a simple, tasteful hostel in Seoul with an eye for style and a minimalist décor that takes the saying ‘no stress, no mess’ as a motto to live by. Popular with Itaewon’s in-crowd of nighttime revelers and solo travelers, the hostel/guesthouse serves as a sanctuary that is quiet, comfortable and relaxing. Common areas are simple, stylish and uncomplicated, while guest rooms feature carefully-designed furnishings throughout.
The Guesthouse also features dedicated Hanok-style rooms that lend a meditative aspect to the otherwise modern international design. This is the perfect way to get in a little heritage, without having to commit fully to the pace of a traditional Hanok Village. Comet Guesthouse is located just a short 3kms away from the National Museum of Korea, 3.3kms from the Seven Luck Casino Millennium Seoul Hilton, as well as being right next door to the endless cafés, galleries, restaurants, and Itaewon district’s famous nightlife clubs and bars.
2. Gateway Korea Guesthouse
While not exactly a hostel per se, Gateway Korea Guesthouse feels more like your best friend’s place; replete with that comfy couch for friends to crash at during weekends. The décor is essentially homey and perhaps non-existent; instead a more natural lived-in vibe infuses the common areas and spaces with a relaxing atmosphere that is otherwise hard to achieve.
Gateway Korea Guesthouse is chalk-full of board games, video games, and even decorative stuffed animal pillows (that carefully seem to add to the lived-in scheme and style). You know, all the stuff that you’d commonly find at your best friend’s digs.
Gateway Korea Guesthouse is most popular among young Koreans from across the country, as well as locals visiting for a night or two who are familiar with and enjoy the place and location. Guestrooms are simple, clean and comfy. The hostel is also the perfect sanctuary for solo travelers.
This is the homiest and most chill hostel Seoul has on offer. Did we also mention it is currently the top-rated hostel in Seoul? For Gateway Korea Guesthouse, friendly good vibes go a long way!
3. Seoul Grand Hostel EWHA Univ
Cosmopolitan, friendly and stylish, Seoul Grand hostel is located in a quiet yet lively neighborhood. Fashionable and with an international flare, Seoul Grand Hostel EWGA Univ welcomes guests with bright and spacious interiors, and comfortable common areas. A smart eye for décor and a functionalist focus that is both convenient and comfy make for the perfect digs to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy your vacation.
Currently, Seoul Grand Hostel is among the top-rated hostels in a city spoiled for excellent accommodations. Better yet, the complimentary breakfast stands apart as one of the best-served breakfast buffets in town; featuring salads, eggs, cereals, juices and fruits, toast and jam, coffee and tea, pancakes and even waffles.
Seoul Grand Hostel is also particularly popular among solo international travelers with a slightly higher female accommodation average due to its proximity to the EWHA Women’s University just a short distance away. Seoul Grand Hostel EWHA Univ is also conveniently close to the bustling heart of Itaewon, located next to dozens of hip cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a metro station for easy access to public transportation.
4. Hostel Haru
Centrally located with views of Cheonggyecheon Riverwalk, Hostel Haru is the perfect place for first-time travelers to get their bearings and experience Seoul’s most iconic sights. It’s also primely located as well, just a stone’s throw away from Dongdaemun and Changdeaokgung Palace.
Thoughtful monochrome color schemes lend an air of contemplation that make for an oasis of calm. Located on the 10th, 11th, and 12th floors, the hostel also features incredible, one-of-a-kind city views at night.
For some travelers, the need for cutting-edge, open-ended design that is also comfortable is almost a quest on its own. Essentially, the quest is for a decorative scheme that allows the stresses of traveling to melt away. It is with these travelers in mind that Hostel Haru is envisioned. A perfect place for individuals with an eye for modern and minimalist design that is sophisticated yet uncomplicated, Hostel Haru is the place that keeps guests coming back time and time again.
5. Brownie Guesthouse
Located just a 3-minute walk from Hongik University Subway Station, Brownie Guesthouse is an eclectic mix of comfortable, relaxed guest quarters and a laid-back bohemian vibe. Brownie Guesthouse features an inviting full-service kitchen that is ready for use as well.
The hostel features colorful modern design that is well-suited for functional use; perfect for making yourself feel right at home. Brownie Guesthouse also serves as an interactive space, perfect to meet like-minded international travelers, and is replete with helpful staff and positive vibes.
Sleeping quarters and guest bunks all feature a privacy curtain and light. In addition to various cultural offerings, including Namdaemun Market which is located just 5kms away excellent bars and dining options are located within walking distance. Brownie Guesthouse is very popular among female student travelers as well as locals—definitely an accommodation worth checking out during your stay in Seoul!
6. Hostel Vanilla 2 Dongdaemun
Hostel Vanilla 2 Dongdaemun is a cottage-style villa that welcomes guests to an oasis of comfy and calm. Upon arrival, an open garden separates Hostel Vanilla 2 Dongdaemun from the hustle and bustle of the city’s never-ending hum. The hostel’s friendly spaces cater more to woman’s sensibility, although the style and attention to décor can be appreciated by all.
While it may feel like more like a cottage in the countryside, Hostel Vanilla 2 Dongdaemun is centrally located in Jongno. Just a 5-minute walk from Dongmyo Subway Station and a short metro ride away from the city’s top sites, including Dongdaemun (as the name indicates) and Changdeokgung Palace.
Hostel Vanilla 2 Dongdaemun is popular among solo travelers, female sightseers that like to travel in pairs, as well as couples. For the guys, this is also the perfect hostel/guesthouse to surprise that special lady with, we guarantee it.
7. J-Honor Guesthouse
J-Honor Guesthouse is perfectly located just a stone’s-throw away from the famous Myeondong popular shopping district. Get some serious retail therapy in, and enjoy the sights, attractions, and innumerable restaurants and bars contained within the vibrant heart of the Myeondong district. Don’t miss out—this is the perfect staging area for a shopping excursion through Seoul’s quintessential shopping destination.
J-Honor Guesthouse also features comfy interiors with simple and satisfying décor, as well as friendly and welcoming staff who are more than willing to make recommendations and cater to any questions or concerns you may have. The guesthouse/hostel also features a complimentary breakfast that doesn’t skimp on delicious food and great coffee.
While you’re sifting through the endless experience that is the capital of South Korea, budget-friendly, comfortable and stylish accommodations are a must in order to make the trip all the more affordable, and in order to save a little extra for the incredible shopping opportunities. When looking for the perfect digs during your next vacation in Seoul, you don’t have to look too far!
And for more travel tips about Seoul, feel free to also check out these blog posts: Best things to do in Seoul & Best Hotels in Seoul.
Thank you for this list!