If you’re planning an epic trip to the capital of South Korea, I have you covered with the best hostels in Seoul.
This is our ultimate insider guide to the coolest hostels to stay in Seoul, Korea (I’ve personally stayed there for 6 months myself!). I’ve hand-picked the best hostels in Hongdae, my favorite Seoul party hostel, as well as other hostels in Myeongdong Seoul, Dongdaemun, Insadong, and Gangnam.
Our favorite hostels in Seoul are:
- Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul - best for Female Solo Travelers
- Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae - best for Solo Travelers
- Bunk Guest House - best for Groups and Social Butterflies
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul
2. Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae
3. Bunk Guest House
We condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Seoul, but you can check out the rest of the article for more recommendations.
We’ve worked hard to find the best hostel in the city with shared room options. This guide will walk you through your options.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
If you’re also planning on visiting other cities, we have a guide on the best hostels in Busan that you can check out!
- Introduction to the 3 Best Hostels in Seoul
- 3 top hostels
A quick introduction to the 3 Best Hostels in Seoul
Grab a big mug of coffee and prepare to get lost in a beautiful array of hostels.
Perhaps you are new to hostels? Take a moment to read more about them and what to expect. Scroll down to find all of the hostel locations on a map. You’ll also find our generous Airbnb Seoul discount further down.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Seoul are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Seoul.
- Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul – best for Female Solo Travelers
- Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae – best for Solo Travelers
- Bunk Guest House – best for Groups and Social Butterflies
These are our favorite hostels in Seoul. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul
2. Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae
3. Bunk Guest House
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae |
| 🙎♀️ Female Solo Traveler: | Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Time Travelers Party Hostel in Hongdae |
| 📍Best Location | Insadong Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | OYO Hostel Dongdaemun 1 |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | YaKorea Hostel Gangnam |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | The Cube Hotel |
| 👯For Groups: | Bunk Guest House |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Bunk Guest House |
1. Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul
Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul first grabs you with the trendy paintings and trick art. This is our top hostel for female solo travelers in Seoul.
Found all around the hostel and created by the owner himself! The hostel’s name tells you this is the place to wind down and relax.
This is relatively easy when you find all the books on offer in the common area.
WARNING: bookworms may never leave.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
This is the best guest house in Seoul!
Choose between 4 and 8-bed mixed dorms. Single, double, twin, and triple-bed rooms are also available.
The rooms are equipped with a shared bathroom.
Every Friday, the staff host a BBQ evening at a local restaurant. This is a great way to socialize with the other guests.
We love the cozy, bright common area layout and rooms.
There is also a lush garden in the back that adds to the overall chill atmosphere of this Seoul hostel.
Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse is certainly the best hostel in the Hongdae area. You can check it out on our Hongdae area map at the end of this guide
It’s just a short walk to the trendy Sinchon neighborhood and 5-minutes from the subway station.
Time Traveler Relax is the best hostel in Seoul for:
- Female Solo travelers
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
2. Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae
Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae is our top Hongdae Seoul hostel for solo travelers in Korea.
This Seoul hostel has the following facilities:
- A shared kitchen
- A common lounge
- A terrace
- FREE towels (small)
- FREE breakfast
- FREE coffee and tea
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
This hostel’s host and owners are a couple (Jina and Brian), and they will make you feel like you’re their long-lost missing family member who finally came back to Seoul for a visit.
The environment is extremely friendly, warm, comfortable, and familiar, and you will immediately feel at home.
A great feature we love is that they will add you to a WhatsApp group where you can interact with other guests in the hostel and plan hangouts together – or ask for help and recommendations.
The only negative thing we can say about this hostel is the fact that some of the dorms are small, so they can get cramped when travelers have big suitcases or when it’s winter and everyone is wearing huge jackets.
Location: Seoul hostel is centrally located in the Hongdae neighborhood. It’s a 10-minute walk from Hongdae’s main nightlife area and a 15-minute walk to Hongik University Subway Station. This is a great spot to explore the rest of Seoul as it is very well connected to various transportation options – Hapjeong Subway Station is also a 4-minute walk away.
A great choice for
- Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Bunk Guest House
Bunk Guest House is our best Seoul hostel pick for groups and social butterflies.
Here, you’ll find:
- A tour desk
- A shared lounge
- A garden
- A terrace
- A rooftop patio
- A shared kitchen
- Laundry facilities
- FREE breakfast
- A pub (on the first floor)
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
This is a super social hostel in Seoul with activities you can partake in weekly. They’re known for their ‘Bunk Tour (touring the DMZ and other places depending on the season) and their Thursday Bunk parties, including Korean BBQ, drinks, and music.
Although the atmosphere is very social, this isn’t a party hostel in Seoul since most of their events and noise end around 10:00 pm to respect travelers’ sleep and comfort.
If you’re traveling solo in Seoul, this is another good hostel option, as they provide many convenient add-ons: you can rent bikes and buy a sim card and EGG (pocket Wi-Fi) with them.
Location: Seoul hostel in a quieter street near all of Hongdae’s main activities. Hongik University station and the Airport Railway are 4 minutes from this hostel. Clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and many dancing and singing performing spots surround the area.
This is one of the best hostels in Seoul for
- Groups
- Social Butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What are the best hostels in Seoul for solo travellers?
As a solo traveler, you are probably looking for a safe, clean, and social atmosphere in hostels. And of course, you want to make friends and spend time with fellow travelers.
It should be easy to meet, and the hostel should have the proper setup for that special hostel vibe we all love.
As mentioned before, as a Solo Traveller, we highly recommend Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul.
You will definitely meet a bunch of solo travelers and experience fun times as they should be.
Bookworms! You are gonna like this place because it has what you need. It is like a small paradise.
This Seoul, Korea hostel is worth a try if you are a solo traveler looking to meet new friends in your journey.
Indeed, the best hostel in Seoul Korea has to offer.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
What about the Best PARTY Hostel in Seoul?
So, you’re looking to spice things up in Seoul with new friends and a party or two. Who can blame you?
We invite you to stay at the best party hostel in Seoul: Time Travelers Party Hostel in Hongdae.
Whether you’re traveling alone or in a group – the basement bar is a wonderful daily gathering place.
This is where you’ll find a generous stock of Soju and beer.
It’s just a 7-minute walk from the bustling area of Hongdae, known for its hip bars, yummy food, and numerous clubs.
Every Friday, the staff hosts a Korean BBQ night with unlimited Soju.
Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the cheapest hostels in Seoul?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Seoul.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Seoul
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
More Seoul hostels worth a mention
We hope that by now, you already have a hostel in mind and a pretty good idea of where to stay in Seoul. Hostels in Seoul South Korea are quite unique and very different from hotels.
We know that you will find the perfect and the best area to stay in Seoul. So, here are more hostels in Korea for your convenience that are in different areas of the city:
- OYO Hostel Dongdaemun 1
- Insa Hostel Insadong
- YaKorea Hostel Gangnam
- The Cube Hotel Meyongdong
- G Guest House Itaewon
OYO Hostel Dongdaemun 1
OYO Hostel Dongdaemun 1 is one of the best hostels in Seoul if you want to stay in the Dongdaemun area.
This Seoul hostel has the following facilities:
- A terrace
- A shared lounge
- A Rooftop cafe
- Laundry facilities
- A tour desk
This is a great pick if you’re traveling with family and friends or if you’re a couple because there is a wide selection of rooms, both private and dorm-style, that should fit most budgets.
Whether it be famous historical landmarks of Seoul or shopping havens such as Dongdaemun, we are within walking distance or have easy and quick access via the subway.
Location: Seoul hostel in Dongdaemun, a 10-minute walk from the Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces. Jongno-5-ga station is a 3-minute walk away from the hostel.
Nearby popular points of interest that are within a short walk distance include Cheonggyecheon Stream, Jongmyo Royal Shrine KwangJang Market, and DDP. Restaurants, karaoke clubs, and pubs surround the area.
Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | HostelZ
Insa Hostel Insadong
Insadong Hostel, as the name suggests, is a Seoul hostel located in Insadong, near Insadong culture street.
On-site, you’ll find:
- A shared living room
- A rooftop
- A common dining area
- A computer room
- Laundry and ironing services
- FREE breakfast
- FREE towels and toiletries
This is one of the best hostels in Seoul to stay in if you like history and culture, as it is well-connected to most of the city’s main historical sights and attractions. It’s also an excellent pick for backpackers in Seoul.
Location: Seoul hostel in the heart of Insadong, a minute away from the main Korean culture street, where you’ll find traditional Korean houses and the Bukchon Hanok Village. Art galleries, cafes, tea houses, Korean restaurants, and craft shops surround the area. Anguk subway station is a 2-minute walk away from the hostel, and a 15-minute walk will land you near the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces and the Myeongdong shopping area.
Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | HostelZ
YaKorea Hostel Gangnam
YaKorea Hostel Gangnam is our top pick for Seoul hostels in Gangnam.
Here, you’ll find:
- A shared kitchen
- A shared lounge
- A shared kitchen
- FREE towels and toiletries
This is a great affordable Seoul hostel pick in the middle of the Gangnam area. The overall atmosphere is very cozy, and you can easily meet people in the lounge area and be social here as well.
The hostel is cleaned on a daily basis, and the entrance has a shoe rack cabinet to avoid messiness.
Location: Seoul hostel in the center of Gangnam near various restaurants, cafes, art galleries, parks, and shops. Seolleung and Seonjeongneung subway stations are a short walk away, and various bus stops surround the hostel.
Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | HostelZ
The Cube Hotel
If you’re looking for Seoul hostels in Meyongdong, then The Cube Hotel should be your top pick! Don’t let their name fool you; this hostel has great dorms.
This Seoul hostel has the following properties:
- A garden
- A shared kitchen
- A tour desk
- A shared lounge
- A bar
- Capsule-style dorms
Private rooms come with balcony and mountain views, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the overall facilities and dorms are very clean.
The atmosphere is mostly quiet and laid-back.
Location: One of our best Seoul hostels in Meyongdong. It’s a 2-minute walk from Myeong-dong station exit no.2. Nearby points of interest include Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong Cathedral, and Seoul Station.
Compare prices and reviews at: Hostelworld
G Guest House Itaewon
G Guest House Itaewon is a good value for money. Itaewon is a crazy neighborhood, and this hostel provides a decent enough place to crash after too much barbecue and soju.
It’s clean and comfortable, and the people that work here are fantastic! Staffs are friendly and accommodating, but they do not have 24 hours reception. This hostel also provides halal options in Seoul and
Hostel Highlights:
- Non-smoking rooms
- WiFi available in all areas
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Laundry
- Very good breakfast
Location: G Guest House Itaewon is only a 1-minute walk from Itaewon Subway Station (Line 6) and a 15-minute drive from Seoul Station. The famous Islam mosque in Korea is a 3-minute walk away from the guesthouse. Gimpo Airport is a 35-minute drive, and Incheon Airport is a 1-hour drive away. Various international dining and local Korean dining options are available within a 1-minute walk away from the property.
Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Seoul best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Airbnb in Seoul
Another popular option for many travelers is staying at an Airbnb.
On this site, you can rent a local apartment, find a room, and stay at a local’s house. For some destinations in the world, Airbnb is an amazing way to book your accommodation.
Get a solid 30€ off your first Airbnb experience with our link here. Here’s our guide on how to use Airbnb.
Need an eSIM Card for Seoul?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Seoul put on a map + sights
As always, we’ve prepared a map to make your Seoul trip planning easier. This map will help you to get a better understanding of the South-Korean capital.
As for the city – it’s huge!
With that in mind, here are a few of our recommendations:
- Venture to the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea. Choose between a half-day and full-day tour.
- Go to see Korea’s longest-running show – the Nanta comedy show.
- Join the full-day top attractions of Seoul tour.
Any questions about hostels in Seoul? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
Flights to Seoul?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Seoul. We also have a guide on the best hostels in Busan that can come in handy.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- 3 Best Hostels in Beijing, China
- best hostels in Chengdu, China
- Best Hostels in Ubud, Bali
- 3 Best Hostels in Manila, Philippines
- Top 3 Hostels in Hong Kong
- Best hostels in Tokyo
- best hostels in Taipei
- best hostels in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
Also, watch out for our next guides about the best hostels in Gangnam, the best hostels in Jeju Island, and hostels in Seoul Myeongdong.
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Seoul guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
– – –
pin it for later
Update: Closed Hostels
96 BUN’Z Travelers Lodge (Closed permanently)
This chic-style hostel has an intimate vibe that we love. Welcome to 96 BUN’Z Travelers Lodge.
As we mentioned, finding dorm rooms in Seoul isn’t always easy.
So instead, this hostel offers double, twin, triple, and family rooms. That’s why we recommend 96 BUN’Z to friends, couples, and families.
A familiar hotel touch is present, with tea/coffee and hair dryers in all the rooms. And a TV!
Read: the ultimate hostel packing list.
That all-important air-conditioning is also included, phew!
There is also…
- A rooftop lounge with a ‘time-machine feel’
- A comfy lobby area for all to use
- An open kitchen is available 24 hours
- Private bathrooms for each room
Project.D is an attached modern pub serving up delicious grub, drinks, and music.
You’ll be pleased to know that the reception is 24 hours. That’s always somewhat settling, isn’t it? 96 BUN’Z Travelers Lodge is less than 500 yards from Dongdaemun market.
Other nearby points of interest include Shilla Duty-Free Shop, Bangsan Market, and Gwangjang Market.
96 BUN’Z Travelers Lodge is the best hostel in Seoul for:
- friends
- couples
- families
Hostel Vanilla 1 Dongdaemun (Closed permanently)
Sometimes the most basic accommodation offers the best stay. This is certainly the case for Hostel Vanilla 1 Dongdaemun.
This cozy and affordable hostel has everything you need tucked away in a small, convenient space.
Note: there are no dorm rooms at this hostel.
Instead, make use of a single, twin, basic double, or deluxe double room. Each comes with a private bathroom.
Expect luxuries such as air-con, a hair dryer, a personal safe, and free toiletries – fancy!
Also, treat your feet with complimentary slippers.
There is a communal kitchen in this hostel for the keen cooks in the house. This includes a coffee machine to get the morning started well.
Be sure to rise and shine in time for the FREE breakfast, too!
Vanilla is surrounded by restaurants and cafes to suit all taste buds. It’s located in the business area not far from N Seoul Tower. The nearest subway station is a 5-minute walk.
Hostel Vanilla 1 Dongdaemun is a top pick for:
- Solo travelers
- Friends
Hongdae Lazy Fox Hostel (Closed permanently)
The staff is really approachable and outgoing to people visiting Seoul for the first time. They will introduce you to the city and also point out great sightseeing locations. The atmosphere is also great. You can meet many people from around the world and share travel stories and experiences.
Hostel Highlights:
- Non-smoking rooms
- WiFi available in all areas
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Free Parking
- Good breakfast
Location: Hongdae Lazy Fox Hostel in Seoul is located a 5-minute walk from Hapjeong Subway Station. From the hostel, the bustling Hongdae Street is just a 10-minute walk east. The historic City Hall and Deoksugung Palace are a 20-minute subway ride away on Line 2, and the lively Itaewon area is a 20-minute subway ride away on Line 6.
Backpackers Inside (Closed permanently)
Backpackers Inside is a good place to stay. The staff is really helpful, nice and helps guests.
In the hostel, you can find a map where the staff marked good restaurants in the area. The breakfast is simple, toast, butter, and jam, but good.
The hostel gets cleaned every day. The area is not crowded, but since it is close to a university, there are a lot of cafes and restaurants.
Hostel Highlights:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Laundry
- Heating
- Luggage storage
- Air conditioning
- Good breakfast
Location: Backpackers Hostel Inside is a 10-minute walk from Hyehwa Subway Station. It is a 4-minute drive from Daehakno University Street, famous for its street performances. Shopping at Namdaemun and Myeongdong is a 10-minute drive away.
