Types of Affordable Accommodations in Seoul
The ideal time to visit Seoul largely depends on the season. The peak travel months are April and September when the weather is at its most pleasant—spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage.
For the best deals on accommodations (and flights!), consider booking your trip between Monday and Thursday. Prices tend to surge over the weekend due to higher demand, so planning your travel during the weekdays can help you save significantly. Additionally, booking in advance and keeping an eye out for airline promotions can further reduce costs.
Seoul offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly goshiwon, a lively hostel, a comfortable guesthouse, a stylish boutique hotel, a modern capsule hotel, or a traditional hanok stay, there's something for everyone.
To help you find the perfect place to stay, we’ve put together a list of different accommodation types in Seoul, along with some great suggestions. Whether you prefer a social atmosphere, a private retreat, or a cultural experience, this guide will help you make the best choice for your trip!
Guesthouses: A Cozy and Social Stay
A guesthouse is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable yet comfortable stay with a homely atmosphere. These accommodations often provide shared common areas, making it easy to meet other travelers.
Why Stay in a Guesthouse?
🏡 Home-like atmosphere – Many guesthouses feel cozy and welcoming.
🤝 Social interaction – Perfect for meeting fellow travelers, especially solo backpackers.
🍽️ Free breakfast – Some offer complimentary breakfast, helping you save on meals.
📍 Great locations – Found in popular areas like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Insadong.
Things to Consider
Shared spaces – Kitchens and bathrooms are often communal.
Noise levels – Since guesthouses are social, they may not be ideal for light sleepers.
Room types – You can choose from dormitory beds or private rooms.
Best for
✔️ Solo travelers and backpackers
✔️ Travelers who enjoy a social atmosphere
✔️ Budget-conscious visitors who want more comfort than a hostel
Suggestions
Zzzip Guesthouse (Hongdae) – A highly-rated, cozy guesthouse with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers and backpackers.
Bunk Guesthouse (Hongdae) – Offers dormitory and private rooms, plus free breakfast and a great social vibe.
Seoul Cube (various locations) – A capsule-style hostel with modern amenities and a convenient location.
Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse (Hongdae) – A laid-back, artsy hostel near nightlife and shopping streets.
Hostel Haru (Jongno) – Located near Insadong, this modern hostel offers clean dorms and private rooms.
G Guesthouse Itaewon (Itaewon) – A social hostel with a rooftop terrace, perfect for meeting other travelers.
Capsule Hotels: Compact, High-Tech, and Affordable
A capsule hotel is a modern, space-efficient accommodation where guests stay in small, pod-like rooms. These are a great middle-ground between hostels and hotels, offering privacy at a low cost.
Why Stay in a Capsule Hotel?
🔹 Affordable yet private – Unlike hostels, capsules provide individual sleeping spaces.
🔹 Modern amenities – Many offer smart technology, USB charging ports, and lockers.
🔹 Great for short stays – Ideal for travelers who need a clean and comfortable place to sleep.
🔹 Convenient locations – Found near major subway stations and business districts.
Things to Consider
Small space – Pods are designed for sleeping only, with limited storage.
Shared bathrooms – Facilities are often communal.
Not ideal for long stays – Best suited for short trips or transit stays.
Best for
✔️ Solo travelers who prefer privacy over a dorm
✔️ Tech-savvy travelers looking for a modern stay
✔️ Short-term visitors needing a quick, convenient rest spot
Suggestions
Seoul Cube (various locations) – A sleek, comfortable capsule stay in Itaewon.
D.A.L Premium Capsule Hotel (Jongno) - A premium Capsule Hotel for an affordable price
Hanok Stays: Experience Traditional Korean Living
For a unique and cultural experience, staying in a hanok (한옥) is a must. These traditional Korean houses, with their wooden frames, tiled roofs, and floor-heating system (ondol), offer a step back in time while still providing modern comforts.
Why Stay in a Hanok?
🏯 Cultural immersion – Experience Korean history and tradition firsthand.
🔥 Ondol heating – Sleep on traditional heated floors, great for winter.
📍 Scenic locations – Often found in historic areas like Bukchon Hanok Village and Jeonju Hanok Village.
🌿 Peaceful ambiance – Many hanoks have serene courtyards and gardens.
Things to Consider
Tatami-style sleeping – Beds are usually thin futons on the floor.
Fewer modern amenities – Some hanoks maintain their traditional setup.
Higher cost – Hanok stays can be slightly more expensive than budget hotels.
Best for
✔️ Cultural travelers who want a traditional experience
✔️ Couples or families looking for a unique stay
✔️ Visitors who enjoy historical sites and quiet surroundings
Suggestions
Doo Guesthouse (Bukchon) – A beautiful, budget-friendly hanok with a cozy vibe.
Budget Hotels: Affordable Comfort with More Privacy
For travelers who want affordability without sacrificing comfort, budget hotels are a great option. These hotels offer private rooms at reasonable prices, making them ideal for couples, families, and business travelers.
Why Stay in a Budget Hotel?
🛏️ Private and quiet – Unlike hostels and guesthouses, you get your own room.
📍 Good locations – Many budget hotels are near subway stations and attractions.
🏨 More amenities – Includes private bathrooms, TV, and daily housekeeping.
💰 Affordable luxury – Some boutique hotels offer stylish rooms at great prices.
Things to Consider
Smaller rooms – Budget hotels may have compact spaces.
Fewer extra services – Don’t expect high-end facilities like pools or gyms.
Price variation – Weekend and peak season prices can rise.
Best for:
✔️ Couples or families looking for affordable comfort
✔️ Business travelers needing convenience
✔️ Visitors who prefer a private space over dorms
Suggestions:
Step Inn Myeongdong – A modern and affordable hotel in a prime shopping area.
Hotel Dada Insadong – A stylish budget-friendly stay near cultural sites.
Hotel The Designers Hongdae – A trendy boutique hotel with themed rooms.
Grid Inn Hotel (Jongno) – A sleek and simple budget hotel with a great location.
Goshiwons: The Most Affordable and Minimalist Stay
If you're traveling on a tight budget or looking for a long-term stay, goshiwons (고시원) are one of the cheapest accommodation options in Seoul. Originally designed for students preparing for exams, these small, no-frills rooms have become a popular choice for budget travelers and digital nomads.
What is a Goshiwon?
A goshiwon is a compact, private room that typically includes:
✅ A single bed
✅ A small desk and chair
✅ A closet or storage space
✅ Basic amenities like Wi-Fi and heating
✅ Some may include a private bathroom, but many have shared bathrooms and kitchens
Why Stay in a Goshiwon?
💰 Extremely Budget-Friendly – Prices start as low as ₩200,000–₩500,000 per month (~$150–$400), making it one of the cheapest long-term stay options.
🏡 No Deposit Required – Unlike apartments, most goshiwons don’t require a deposit, making them ideal for short-term stays.
🍽️ Free Food in Some Places – Many goshiwons provide free rice, kimchi, and instant noodles, helping you save on meals.
🛏️ Private Space – Unlike hostels, you get your own room, making it a great option for solo travelers who want privacy.
📍 Great Locations – Many goshiwons are located in central areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, and Sinchon, close to universities and subway stations.
Things to Consider
🏠 Very Small Rooms – Most rooms are compact, with limited space for luggage.
🚿 Shared Facilities – Bathrooms and kitchens are often communal.
🔇 Thin Walls – Soundproofing is minimal, so noise can be an issue.
❌ Basic Amenities – Some goshiwons are older and may not have modern facilities.
Best for
✔️ Solo travelers on a budget
✔️ Digital nomads needing a private space
✔️ Long-term visitors staying a month or more