Thanks to the recent popularity of K-culture, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea has been rapidly increasing. Many are eager to experience Korea’s vibrant energy firsthand.
However, when preparing for their trip, many find themselves concerned about the higher cost of living in Seoul, especially accommodations. Accommodation prices can rise even more during peak seasons like spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, or winter, when the first snow falls, making it an unavoidable burden.
So, while I can’t offer a comprehensive list, I’ll share some tips for finding reasonable accommodations in Seoul in this article. Let’s get started.
Of course, if you have a generous budget, staying comfortably in a three- or four-star hotel in major tourist areas like Hongdae(Korea’s unique youthful atmosphere),
Myeongdong(Traditional Korean culture and iconic tourist attractions, and enjoy the nightlife),
or Gangnam(Gangnam Style) would be ideal.
However, there are ways to enjoy Seoul to the fullest even on a reasonable budget.
Today, I’ll share some cost-effective tips for accommodations in Seoul that my foreign friend personally experienced and found satisfying. By utilizing these tips, you’ll be able to smartly save money and enjoy more delicious food and shopping.
Target the area around Subway Line 2, the heart of your Seoul trip.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the subway is essential for traveling in Seoul because it’s cheap and saves time. Refer to this post to purchase and use the transportation card that’s right for you.
You can visit almost all famous tourist destinations, including Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seongsu, Gangnam, COEX, and Lotte World, without transferring if you use Line 2.
Furthermore, Line 2 is a circular line, so you won’t get lost in the crowded Seoul subway system. In the worst case, you’ll just have to stay put and the subway will return to where you started. There are so many Seoul station names that sound quite similar to foreigners. By the time you get used to them, it’ll probably be time to return to your home country.
(sindang, sadang, dangsan…) I remember having a hard time explaining subway station names to my wife, a foreigner.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to try a local restaurant, rather than a tourist destination, this is especially recommended. Ordering at restaurants can be done without much trouble if you use a translation program.
Recommended Hotels on Line 2
| Hotel Name | Station/Location | Price per Night (KRW / USD) | Rating | Features & Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBC Hotel Dongdaemun | Sinseol-dong Station (Line 2, 1) | ~60,000 KRW (~46 USD) | 8.8 | Quiet, clean, 5-min walk to Dongdaemun and Sinseol-dong |
| Philstay Ewha Boutique (Female Only) | Ewha Womans Univ. Station (Line 2) | ~45,000 KRW (~35 USD) | 7.5 | Near Sinchon/Ewha Univ., clean, good value |
| WS Hotel Sinchon | Sinchon Station (Line 2) | ~48,000 KRW (~37 USD) | 8.0 | 2 min walk from station, reasonable price, traveler recommended |
| K-Guesthouse Dongdaemun 1 | Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Lines 2,4,5) | ~30,000 KRW (~23 USD) | 8.3 | Good access to subway and markets, suitable for short stays |
| G Mini Hotel Dongdaemun | Sinseol-dong Station (Line 2) | ~50,000 KRW (~38 USD) | 9.1 | 1 min walk, very clean and reasonable |
| Able Guesthouse Dongdaemun | Dongdaemun History & Culture Park | ~32,000 KRW (~25 USD) | 8.8 | Ultra-budget, close to Dongdaemun Market, practical |
| Holiday Inn Express Seoul Sindorim | Sindorim Station (Lines 2,1) | ~70,000 KRW (~54 USD) | 8.4 | Complex facilities, preferred by foreigners, convenient transit |
| WD Hotel | Sillim Station (Line 2) | ~40,000 KRW (~31 USD) | 8.8 | 2 min walk, friendly staff, many nearby cafes and restaurants |
| ZIP Hotel | Seoul National Univ. Station (Line 2) | ~35,000 KRW (~27 USD) | 8.5 | Near Seoul National Univ., convenient transport, friendly staff |
| The Leap Seoul Sadang | Sadang Station (Line 2) | ~45,000 KRW (~35 USD) | 8.4 | Clean and comfortable, 25 min subway to Gangnam |
| The Core Albergue | Dongjak Station (Line 2) | ~28,000 KRW (~22 USD) | 7.8 | Basic facilities, budget price |
| Fairfield by Marriott Seoul | Guro Digital Complex Station (Line 2) | ~75,000 KRW (~58 USD) | 8.0 | Representative hotel in Guro, clean, reliable |
| Hotel Aventree Yeouido | Yeongdeungpo-gu Office Station (Line 5), Yeouido area | ~68,000 KRW (~52 USD) | 8.3 | Riverside luxury hotel, convenient transport and shopping |
| Yeongdeungpo VIP Hotel | Near Yeongdeungpo Station | ~35,000 KRW (~27 USD) | 7.9 | Practical hotel, convenient for transport and dining |
| Shilla Stay Guro | Guro Digital Complex Station (Line 2) | ~68,000~136,000 KRW (~52~105 USD) | 8.2 | 3-star brand hotel with business facilities and good value |
| Lotte City Hotel Guro | Guro Digital Complex Station (Line 2) | ~59,000~150,000 KRW (~45~115 USD) | 8.7 | Premium 3-star hotel with fitness, restaurant, and great access |
Choose a hostel, budget hotel, or Airbnb in Hongdae.
Many hostels have undergone recent renovations and are now clean and well-equipped, having changed ownership since the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many affordable and clean hostels around Jongno 3-ga and 5-ga, especially those that offer a glimpse into Seoul’s history and culture. These areas are also close to Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village, making them ideal for walking tours.
Airbnb: Airbnb is a great option for groups of three or four or more. You’ll enjoy more space than a hotel, and you can also save money by cooking your own meals. The Hongdae area, known for its trendy accommodations, offers a wide selection of Airbnbs.
jongno 3ga~5ga(Street)
| Hotel Name | Location | Price per Night (KRW / USD) | Rating | Features & Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbee Hotel Insadong | 5 min walk from Jonggak Station | ~40,000~50,000 KRW (~31~38 USD) | 8.8~9.3 | Central Insadong, quiet, clean, family/small groups friendly |
| The Garden Hotel | Near Jongmyo Shrine | ~40,000~50,000 KRW (~31~38 USD) | 7.4~7.6 | Near Hanok village, clean, great value |
| Hotel The May Jongno | Jongno 3-ga area | ~30,000~50,000 KRW (~23~38 USD) | 7.5 | Clean, affordable, good central access |
| Mini Hotel Jongno | Near Jongno 3-ga Station | ~35,000~50,000 KRW (~27~38 USD) | 8.1 | Modern, walking distance to key attractions |
| Hotel Nafore | Between Jongno 3-ga & Euljiro 3-ga | ~50,000~70,000 KRW (~38~54 USD) | 7.8 | Quiet, clean, close to Insadong |
| Coups Hotel (Kuz Hotel) | Near Changdeokgung Palace | ~45,000~55,000 KRW (~35~42 USD) | 7.5+ | Clean, friendly service, excellent location |
| Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun (Dongdaemun N Hotel) | Dongdaemun area | ~30,000~80,000 KRW (~23~62 USD) | 7.5+ | Good value 3-star midrange near Dongmyo Station |
| Simple Stay Jongno | Near Jongmyo Shrine | ~40,000~50,000 KRW (~31~38 USD) | 8.1 | Affordable, clean, near major sights |
| Hotel Boutique 9 | Sinseol-dong Station area, Dongdaemun-gu | ~50,000~70,000 KRW (~38~54 USD) | 7.8-8.1 | 3-star boutique, modern, spa & wellness center, good location |
| Name | Location | Price per Night (KRW / USD) | Rating | Features & Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel Tommy | Near Jongno 3-ga Station | ~35,000 KRW (~27 USD) | 9.1 | Great location, quiet, friendly staff, excellent value |
| Bibimbap Guesthouse | Insadong (near Jongno 3-ga) | ~20,000~30,000 KRW (~15~23 USD) | 8.0 | Traditional vibe, friendly hosts, very affordable |
| Airhostel @ Dongdaemun | Near Jongno 5-ga / Dongdaemun | ~25,000~35,000 KRW (~19~26 USD) | 8.4 | Rooftop terrace, spacious rooms, close to market & subway |
| Insadong Hostel | Insadong Alley near Jongno 3-ga | ~20,000~35,000 KRW (~15~27 USD) | 8.2 | Cozy, tourist-friendly, eco-friendly atmosphere |
| Boutique Hotel Jongno | Near Jongno 3-ga Station | ~35,000~50,000 KRW (~27~38 USD) | 8.0 | Small boutique style, excellent transport links |
| Hostel Korea | Near Jongno & Dongdaemun | ~20,000~30,000 KRW (~15~23 USD) | 7.0+ | Very affordable, basic facilities, mixed reviews |
Gosiwon(고시원)
This is a relatively difficult situation for foreigners.
Gosiwon were originally designed as very small spaces where people preparing for major Korean exams, such as the bar exam (for judges and prosecutors) and the civil service exam (for high-ranking civil servants), could study and simply stay and eat.
Therefore, bathrooms and showers are typically shared. However, their meaning has expanded, and they are now used as very small accommodations for young people on a tight budget, without a deposit. While the facilities are often somewhat substandard, recent investments in these places have led to the creation of relatively better environments.
Gosiwon, once a dreary space, has recently become much more luxurious.
They’re designed to make efficient use of their limited space.
Gosiwon are recommended for those looking to stay in Korea for a month or more on a budget.
Gosiwon Features :
– Bed, desk, and closet are standard.
– Shared or private bathroom.
– Wi-Fi, electricity, and water included.
– Shared laundry room.
– Cost: KRW 280,000-700,000 per month (approximately $200-$500)
How to Book a Gosiwon
– Korean Site: Direct booking through Goshipages.com
– English Site: Short-term bookings available through Agoda.com and Booking.com
– StayKorea.org: English language support service for foreigners
Another smart accommodation booking tip!
When booking accommodation, comparing prices across various online platforms is essential. Carefully compare prices on international platforms like Agoda and Hotels.com with domestic platforms like Yanolja and Yeogi Eottae. Taking advantage of discount coupons and affiliated card discounts offered by each platform can lead to even lower prices.
One of the most important factors in ensuring a satisfying trip to Seoul is comfortable accommodation. Use the tips we’ve shared today to find the perfect accommodation that suits your budget and travel style!
